BBCA were delighted to welcome Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education, MP, as the guest speaker at our 2023 Christmas Lunch on Friday 1 December at Bannatynes, as well as the support as always of our MP Huw Merriman. The event had been over subscribed so apologies to those who were unable to secure a ticket - next year, fingers crossed.
BBCA members as always did us proud with the fundraising endeavours. Huw instrumental as our very persuasive auctioneer, and items included the Rishi signed bottle of champagne that Huw donated, the Vintage 1938 Rolls Royce tour and afternoon tea, delightful hamper, Shiplu dinner voucher for 4 and Bannatynes Hotel afternoon tea vouchers for two and 2 tickets for any show at the De La Warr Pavilion. The lovely raffle prizes were also well received. But the auction and raffle prizes completely rely on the generosity and goodwill of so many, so a massive thank you to those that provided the auction and raffle prizes.
The fundraising committee, led by Barbara Clark, Deputy Chair, Membership & Fundraising, are already putting together the BBCA events programme for 2024 and liaising with the individual branches to help us have a successful, and much needed, fighting fund built to prepare for the General Election next year and to begin campaigning for the County Council elections in 2025.
Again, my sincere thanks to all involved in the Christmas lunch.
Nuala, BBCA Chair
