After the disappointment of a cancelled annual dinner in 2002, it was good to join a well-attended dinner this year at the Reigate Manor Hotel, which has become a favourite venue for Branch meetings of all kinds. Fifty eight of us gathered for the occasion.

The organisers had worked hard to lay on a varied and enjoyable programme. A lively social round of pre-dinner drinks was further enlivened by a beautiful (in every sense) duo of Jennifer Dale and Cheryl Rice, playing flute and `cello. This entertainment continued for the first part of the dinner. At the dinner, through a triumph of ingenious colour-coding, everyone was served without fuss with dishes they had chosen beforehand from an extensive menu. The food and wine were widely praised.

Later, a small band called Freedom played music for dancing, from which some couples profited, defying the Committee’s preliminary scepticism. The evening ended at 11.30.

In traditional manner the meal was framed by grace and the loyal toast; but otherwise the accent was on informality, with choice of dress and no speeches. Diners obviously appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the greater opportunity for conversation.

In short, an excellent evening, for which especial thanks should go to Mike Roberts, our Membership Secretary, and his energetic and resourceful assistant Jennifer Dale.

reported by Roger Clarke