If you have a big birthday do it in style. This clearly was the thinking at the Chartered Institute of Marketing as they celebrated their Centenary with a spectacular bash at Windsor Castle. The castle is the preferred home of the Queen and it is easy to see why. It is magnificent as anyone who has been there will testify and yet it's not overpowering.
The evening started with a champagne reception towards the end of which a few selected guests, including your Master, were shepherded into a separate room to to meet his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, the CIM's Patron. A wonderful dinner followed, the highlight of which was undoubtedly the speech given by HRH. After the opening formalities which included the immortal line ''I have been your Patron for half of your existence'' (he has indeed been Patron for 50 years), the Duke then spoke, unscripted, about the castle, the fire which did such tremendous damage to the great hall, and the subsequent renovation. He spoke at length and with real feeling--he obviously loves the place as much as her Majesty the Queen.
The dinner was attended by a gratifying number of Marketors, all Fellows, and included two Founder members of the Marketors, Norman Boakes and Austin Nunn. As well, of course, as the great and the good from the Chartered Institute and elsewhere. It was without question a Birthday celebration with style.
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