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Everything was absolutely superb, our guests were delighted and described the evening as “perfect”. Thank you to you all for all your hard work. (Karen Millen, RWE Security)
On behalf of all of us I would like to thank you and your staff for all your help in making our event such a success. The building was an absolutely wonderful venue and we were thrilled to have the chance of a tour after our programme ended. It was fascinating to see all of the rooms and to have a better understanding of the history behind it. Please pass on our thanks to all of your staff who helped manage this event so well. (Derek Blackman, Chair of Trustees, Pestalozzi International Village Trust)
Thank you for providing an excellent lunch. As usual, the food was excellent and the service by your staff of the highest order. Please pass my thanks to everyone (Major Colin Hepburn, Royal Tank Regiment)
I am writing to thank you and your staff for your contribution and support, which helped make our Hearing Dog of the Year Awards evening such a success. Given our previous visit two years ago, it should not have come as a surprise how professional, helpful and friendly everyone is at the Vintners, but there is a tendency to forget over time! I do however remember then how pleased we were with our first venture into an event in the City, but last Tuesday night’s event with the added impetus of the Awards surpassed that and exceeded our expectations. (Ian Ford, Chief Executive, Hearing Dogs)
Thank you so much for making our Away Day such a success last Friday. Everyone thought the venue was just perfect and the cuisine was fantastic too. Please could you also thank the staff for the wonderful job they did? (Carolyn Rampton, Head of Office, Liberal Democrats Whips Office, House of Lords)
From wine to swans: an evening to remember at Vintners’ Company
For lovers of London’s rich history, there could be no better place to enjoy a charity fundraising evening than the splendour of Vintners’ Hall. Situated in the heart of the old mediaeval trade of winery near the river in Upper Thames Street, it is clear that the grape played as important a part in the lives of Londoners then as it does today.
The Vintners’ Company received its first Charter in 1363 and is one of the twelve great livery companies of the City of London. Formed for the import regulation and sale of wine, it is still know as the wine trade’s ‘spiritual home’
The building did not survive the Great Fire of London in 1666, but it was immediately rebuilt and today retains the grandeur and opulence of a bygone age.
It was a perfect setting for Barrett’s Oesophagus Campaign to raise its profile, engage its supporters and bring together those who live with the condition, their families and friends. The pre-cancerous condition affects some people who have had severe heartburn for a long time and early diagnosis is vital.
Attentive staff enabled guests to relax and enjoy a champagne reception and silent auction in the Drawing Room. This was followed by a recital by the soprano, Dame Felicity Lott in the Grand Livery Hall before an excellent dinner. The evening ended with some top bidding, overseen by that master of auctions, Jeffrey Archer.
Off the ornate staircase is a variety of rooms for every occasion – from the Roof Garden to the unique Swan Room. Vintners’ Company is the proud owner of swans and the famous annual ‘swan upping’ which takes place on the Thames.
With its trade, social, charitable and educational interests, Vintners’ Hall is sure to be high on the list for special events in the future.
written by Patricia Orr.
The article was published in London Datebook January 2010 issue |
