We are pleased to announce details of the 25th Anniversary Annual Dinner, supported by Mitie, to be held at Guildhall in the Old Library and Print Room.
Built in 1872 the Grade II-listed Old Library was designed by Sir Horace Jones, Architect and Surveyor to the City of London and also the Architect for Tower Bridge. Once home to 126,000 books, the Old Library and adjoining Print Room showcases Victorian neo-Gothic grandeur with its high vaulted ceiling and columns, with the north-end stained-glass window illustrating the introduction of printing into England.
We are delighted that Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles KCMG LVO has agreed to be our Guest Speaker for the dinner. Sir Sherard is Senior Adviser at HSBC Holdings, having retired from full-time employment in 2023 after 10 years. He chaired HSBC’s bank in Oman, and sat on the board of HSBC Egypt.
Before HSBC Sir Sherard spent over 30 years in the British Diplomatic Service. He served in Cairo, Washington and Paris. He was also Private Secretary to the Head of the Diplomatic Service, and later Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary, the late Robin Cook. He was Head of the Foreign Office Hong Kong Department from 1994 up to the handover to China in 1997. His final diplomatic jobs were as Ambassador to Israel, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and the UK Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
During the dinner the 2024 Sheriffs’ Award for Bravery will be presented to the Principal Recipient by the Sheriffs of the City of London. The Sheriffs’ Award recognises and honours a person, or persons, who have shown courage and initiative in protecting people, property or liberty.
We are also pleased to announce that this year, the RAF Salon Orchestra will be providing musical accompaniment and entertaining guests throughout dinner.
Timings and dress code;
Reception: 6.30pm
Dinner: 7.00pm
Carriages: 10.30pm
Dress code: Black Tie and miniature medals (White Tie welcome)
The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals would like to thank Mitie for its generous support of the dinner.
Accessibility – Guildhall is a venue with step-free access and accessible toilets throughout.
Cancellations & refunds – please note, bookings will close on 6th October 2024 in order to comply with catering requirements. Refunds for cancellations cannot be given be after this date.