The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals held their Spring Ball on February 29, writes Roy Cooper, who was there: don’t believe that any ladies proposed to their partners on the night but I do know that Peter French managed, as always, to raise a good sum for the Company’s charitable causes; around £40,000.
And Peter French writes:
Over 200 lively guests attended the 18th Annual Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Spring Dance, our highest attendance to date at the new venue Leonardo Hotel, Tower Hill.
We raised £40,000 – a huge thanks to everyone that supported us through attending, bringing a guest, volunteering, bidding, sponsoring, contributing items and buying a raffle ticket! This wouldn’t be such a success without YOU.
Fundraising on the evening included the live auction, with exceptional items donated that ‘money simply can’t buy’. Our resident ‘man with the golden tongue’ IPM Peter French, supported this year by a glamorous team of board holding ‘helpers’, all did a great job keeping the evening on track. The silent auction ramped up the fun with lots of ‘bid action’ and some tactical playing exposed throughout the night. The popular raffle kept everyone involved and the chance to be a winner of some prizes that anywhere else would be auction items.
Phil Davies, Past Master of the Hackney Carriage Drivers read a moving message from a parent that shows how even the small way that we support this amazing charity has such a positive impact on so many lives. The Magical Taxi tour and its convoy of licensed London taxis annually take over 200 children, suffering from a range of chronic debilitating illnesses and life limiting conditions, on a three-day trip of a lifetime to Disney Paris.
Another charity to benefit is the Security Benevolent Fund. This was set up by the Security Professionals to offer help for those that have been employed in the security sector, but need a helping hand. The SBF and Trustees deal with an increasing volume of requests, each meticulously reviewed to ensure your fundraising efforts are delivered where needed.
Singer Ire J serenaded us with his smooth tones and soul classics during dinner. Later in the evening, the Blues Brothers arrived and chaos erupted with dancing and dark shades were everywhere!
Our thanks to Hikvision the evening sponsor, Amberstone the drinks reception sponsor, Universal Security Systems who sponsored the entertainment; and our education sponsor Northern Trust.
Companies and individuals who generously donated auction items include Baroness Henig, British Transport Police, Wilson James, EFG private banking, Facebook, National Monitoring, Open View, 3 MI Battalion, Clifford Chance, Gratte Brothers, Michael and Jayne Barley, Malcolm Davidge, Reliance Group Holdings, RMP, Google, RAF Regiment, Paul Mathias, Jon Harvey, SSR Personnel, Pertemps Group, Peter Fraser-Hopewell, Roy Cooper, Security Driving International, Tyco Security Products, Tiggy Brown and 35 Engineer Regiment.
As in previous years, the team effort and WCoSP members support were again outstanding. We are looking forward to our 19th year celebration!