The Marylebone Association

The gloom and cold weather that marked the start of 2009 were considerably lightened by the Marylebone Association's annual New Year's Dinner which traditionally takes place after the excesses of the festive season and was held on 15 January at the Hyatt Regency Churchill Hotel, Portman Square.

This year's event was a black tie occasion organised by the Marylebone Association’s Honourary Secretary Kevin Coyne and Committee Member Sheila Green, whose meticulous planning and liaison with the hotel's team made for a truly special evening. As guests arrived dressed in their finest they were welcomed by Kevin and they then enjoyed the first part of the evening, a champagne reception
in one of the hotel's elegant private banqueting suites.

With the arrival of guest speaker Vanessa Feltz guests took their seats for dinner and three delicious courses were served, while the hotel's General Manager Michael Gray kept a discreet eye on the smooth running of the proceedings. After dinner and an introductory speech by Kevin, Vanessa Feltz took to the lectern and gave a highly entertaining account of aspects of her life and work, including her affection for Marylebone which she knows well, as her acclaimed daily programme is broadcast from BBC Radio London, based in the High Street.

Following warm applause and Kevin's speech of thanks to Vanessa the party showed no signs of slowing as guests moved around the tables to greet friends and neighbours and make new introductions. Farewells were finally made as another memorable Marylebone Association gathering came to a close, with everyone looking forward to hearing about this year's new programme of forthcoming events.