President's Blog - March 2024

Hello all,

It’s been a very enjoyable and busy month leading up to this month’s President's blog.

Myself and Head of Operations Michelle Foster have been busy planning this years Annual dinner which is not to be missed! Plenty of surprises to come but for now I have been sworn to secrecy. 

I can however tell you about the menu tasting lunch we attended at The East Midlands Conference Centre. It was a hard job but we managed to taste multiple dishes… Starters, Mains & Desserts and by now you should have received the choices for selection. I can put your minds at rest & confirm that all dishes are mouth watering & you won’t be disappointed which ever dishes you pick.

On the 3rd March I had the pleasure of joining the precession & legal service at St Mary’s church hosted by the High Sheriff of Nottingham. It was the first time I have attended a service at St Mary’s and it was a great morning which finished with a small glass of Sherry under one of many huge stained glass windows. 

Below is a list of all who joined the service:

ORDER OF COUNTY CIVICS PROCESSION FOR LEGAL SERVICE 2024

The Chief Executive of Ashfield District Council and Escort

The Chairman of Ashfield District Council and Escort

The Chairman of Bassetlaw District Council and Escort

The Deputy Mayor of Broxtowe Borough Council and Escort

The Chief Executive of Mansfield District Council

The Chief Executive of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Escort

The Chairman of Newark & Sherwood District Council and Escort

The Mayor of Rushcliffe Borough Council and Consort


ORDER OF THE HIGH SHERIFF’S PROCESSION

The Under Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

The Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer

The President of Nottinghamshire Law Society

The Chairman of Nottinghamshire Magistrates’ Bench

HM Coroner for Nottinghamshire

Her Honour Judge Gillespie

His Honour Judge Watson

Her Honour Judge Hildyard KC

Her Honour Judge Coe KC

The Service Director Nottinghamshire County Council and Escort

The Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council and Escort

The Chief Executive of Nottingham City Council and Escort

The Lord Mayor of the City of Nottingham 

The High Sheriff of Derbyshire

The High Sheriff of Leicestershire

The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire

The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire

The High Sheriff of Rutland

The High Sheriff of South Yorkshire

The Chaplain to the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

The High Sheriff’s Cadets

The Honourable Mr Justice Hildyard

The High Sheriff and Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire

Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets

 

On 8th March we held the Francis Reeson Squash Tournament in the Park in Nottingham. 

We had a good turn out with new and experienced players from many firms. It was a well fought battle between all players but in the end, we had in the final defending champion Grant Benskin who took on Liam Wilkinson. It was a close best of 3 games.

Congratulations to Liam for winning the trophy this year which was presented by Francis Reeson himself!


My most recent event was the Nottingham Networking lunch held this year at the Cosy Club. It’s always a great venue and the room was filled by many members from many firms across the city, law students and more. 

It was good to speak with you all, meet the dedicated regulars and new members attending their first event. I hope to see you all at the annual dinner for more good food and a glass of bubbles.


Speak again soon.

Stephen Luke

President 2023-2024