Traders in softwood products gathered en masse in central London last Friday December 5 for the much-loved London Softwood Club Christmas Luncheon.
Trade representatives forgot about the current challenging markets to join festivities at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, with former England cricketer and National Selector of the ECB Geoff Miller providing the entertainment.
This year’s event attracted about 175 people from across the trade, with £1,950 being raised for charities including Demelza, Great Ormond Street and Project21, through a raffle.
An auction of a cricket bat signed by famous cricket players Ian Botham, Jimmy Anderson and Joe Root raised an additional £1,000, with profits to be split between the Prostate Cancer charity and the London Softwood Club charities.
Crackers, turkey and Christmas puddings featured in the Gladstone Library at the event, with club president Rob Krout of Stamco Hoppings welcoming guests to the luncheon.
“It was another fantastic event, the food was excellent, the speaker Geoff Miller was funny and entertaining,” said Mr Krout.
“The London Softwood Club out does itself year on year. We couldn’t do that without the support of our members, and not to forget the work that the committee does quietly behind the scenes.”
Mr Miller, who played 34 test matches for England, shared amusing stories of facing renowned fast-bowling West Indian cricketers like Michael Holding, while also sharing anecdotes from fellow cricketer Geoffrey Boycott.
The London Softwood Club meets several times a year, discussing markets, featuring speakers and also holding social events, including a popular BBQ held on the banks of the River Thames.
