Dear Members,
Our final dinner of the season was a scorching success. We saw the V&A in all its glory- drinks in the magnificent Madejski garden, with a floral sculpture of Frida Kahlo providing a stunning backdrop. Then dinner in the dome and a truly inspiring speech from the charismatic Dr Tristram Hunt.
Tristram gave us a great example of brand rejuvenation, whilst striking a note of warning around the downgrading of design and technology in the curriculum. His speech very much in synch with our own agenda to protect and promote the UK as a hub for creativity and innovation.
It was also my last dinner as Chair. It has been an honour and a pleasure. The aim of the MGGB is to provide an opportunity to meet with peers in a relaxed and social setting and to hear from a broad range of speakers who can inspire, challenge, educate as well as entertain. This season we have visited the worlds of Sport, Media, Retail, Financial services, Management consultancy, Technology and the Arts- with a sprinkling of Hollywood A list thrown in. I hope you have enjoyed the programme as much as I have enjoyed putting it together.
Of course, I could not have managed without the help and support of many of you. Thanks to everyone who gave suggestions for or helped facilitate speakers. To those who gave the votes of thanks. To Council for all their support – in particular Nick Smith, our treasurer, and Andria Vidler our membership secretary. You the members are the MGGB and shape the atmosphere and quality of conversations we have. I hope you will all continue to make the most of your membership. If you know people who would like to join, and you feel would contribute to the MGGB’s continued prestige and ethos, do let us know. There is a waiting list, but great things come to those who wait, and membership of the MGGB is a great thing indeed!
Last but by no means least, thanks to the wondrous Clare Russell. Clare’s commitment to the MGGB, her meticulous attention to detail, as well as her warm and welcoming way are so important to the Club, and I have loved working with her.
So, I shall now exit, stage left, and reappear after our summer interval as an enthusiastic member of the audience. I have now handed over the lead role for next season to Phil Smith. I will leave it to him to give you a sneak peek into what he has planned, but I know he will do a super job.
I hope the summer continues to be warm and sunny for us all.
Best wishes,
Jude Bridge Chair MGBB