After some 50 years overseeing not only the BFPA Ball but many of the top events in the UK, Bryn has decided to take a well-deserved retirement.  At the recent BFPA Ball on February10th, the current BFPA President Nigel Judd, presented Bryn with an inscribed silver letter opener. Bryn has long said that the BFPA ball is one of his favourites and the 2012 event stood out among the best of them with a capacity attendance enjoying the evening.

On behalf of the whole industry we wish Bryn well in his retirement and that he and his wife Ann enjoy many more happy years together.

 

I suppose it should be the more correct etiquette to write a personal letter when saying thanks, but I just wonder if this e.mail can be forwarded to those in your Association who can receive it.

 

It is with great humility that I thank you, Ian, and Janet as well as your President and Executives for the simply superb gifts you gave me last night at the Dorchester.  I do feel that I did not do proper justice in  thanking you all for the magnificent solid silver letter opener and bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne (How did you know that it is my top favourite?).  When I showed it to Ann it had the 'WOW' factor as it really is so lovely and elegant.  Over the years I have been privileged to receive gifts and awards, but this tops them all and will be kept in a place of pride in our new home in France.

 

There is no doubt that out of the thousands of functions I have attended the BFPA - under whatever heading - has been one of the very few that have been genuinely outstanding.  I have no idea what makes a great, superb and  friendly crowd against  so many others;  it must be some kind of chemistry between the guests and the Association they represent.   I have known very few indeed - in fact no more that four or five each year - and your party has never varied since the beginning.  I can honestly say that I have enjoyed them all without exception and actually looked forward to doing them - which I cannot say for practically 90% of my whole clientele, which, frankly, I do for the money. - you must never forget that we are 'performers' just like any artiste who entertains -  and simply switch off when the job is over. Toastmastering like entertaining is a very fickle business!

 

The dozens of thanks, plaudits and congratulations I received from so many last night was not only remarkable, but genuinely quite moving; they came from every corner of the room, from people I do not know and who come from abroad and all over the U.K.  just to be there to meet friends and 'rivals' and have fun!

 

If it is possible please convey to them the deeply held regards and affection I have for the whole Association.  Yours is one of the few I shall miss in my retirement in France on the second Friday in February each year and I shall smile at all the tit-bits of rubbish that I have trotted out of 50 years to amuse you all. 

 

Thank you again for everything.   I wish you all the luck, joy, happiness and business success in the future that you all so justly deserve and hope and pray that my successor enjoys the same happy and relaxed friendship that I have received all these years.

 

God Bless you all,

 

Yours ever.

 

BRYN  WILLIAMS.