DATE: Tuesday 10 October 2006

VENUE: THE DORCHESTER HOTEL, LONDON

What have a fictitious shark, a mad dash across London on a bicycle, different types of plastic and Steven Freudmann’s inability to pass a committee without sitting on it got in common? Answer: all were part of the entertainment for the ITT President’s 50th Anniversary Dinner!

Work issues were suspended for the evening, which was all about having fun. This golden event was completely sold out and the occasion did not disappoint! The Dorchester Hotel provided a sumptuous feast, and diners were serenaded by the smooth tones of jazz singer Rachel Jenkins as they ate.

After dinner, comedian Tim Minchin did a brilliant cabaret act in which he sang a couple of songs about different types of plastic (of the carrier bag and girlfriend varieties). However, his pièce de résistance was a song he’d written especially for ITT’s Chairman, Steven Freudmann which took into account Steven’s boundless energy and enthusiam for the travel industry, and especially his keenness to be on virtually every committee or board going!

Boris Johnson MP had to absent himself for a while over dinner as he needed to get on his bike and nip back to the House of Commons for a vote. But he was back in plenty of time to bumble an entertaining speech (did anyone check whether he’d removed his bike-clips?) in which he had an alternative explanation as to why he’d upset the people of Papua New Guinea for his gaff by associating their ancient practice of chief-killing and cannibalism with the Labour Party. He also promoted the Mayor in the film Jaws as the politician who had the best interests of the travel industry at heart, because he’d fought so hard to keep the beaches open for the tourists on the holiday weekend… and only lost a few of his constituents to the shark’s supper menu as a result!

After the cabaret and President Trevor Harding’s closing speech was over, the party went on long into the night. If this is how ITT celebrates 50 years, we can’t wait for the centenary!

We are also pleased to report that over £4,000 was raised for The Travel Foundation in the charity raffle. Once again ITT members prove they have deep pockets!

PHOTOGRAPHS

Please click here to view the photographs from this memorable evening

GUEST LIST

Please click here to view the guest list from the event

If you require any further information about this event please contact the ITT Events Office on 0870 770 7960.