Page 25 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 59
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ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
Showing an early interest in HQ1(BR) Corps Shooting Team
shooting (front row, second left)
Competition
Trg Bn and Depot ACC Shooting at Bisley
Shooting Team (front left) (back right)
tried a variety of sectors in the hospitality industry, 5 years. However, I must confess that I am pleased
I was pleased to bring my military background, to be down to only one role now and hope to see
hospitality experience and management skills a little more of my garden, motorbikes, MGB,
together on this occasion. Although a small Club granddaughter, and Janice (not necessarily in that
with a rather select membership, my professional order!) who is still very much working full time.
network expanded into the Association of London I have to say that I have not regretted one single
Clubs and other food, beverage and accommoda- decision I have made and have enjoyed two inter-
tion providers, namely hotels. By this time, I had esting (always), challenging (often), rewarding and
spent several years as a member (later President) of enjoyable (mostly) careers firstly in the ACC and
the Reunion des Gastronomes and was enjoying secondly in civilian life, for almost the same length
combining both my social and business interests in of time in each. In my social life I have at one time
the wider hospitality industry. After almost 5 years gained a Private Pilot’s Licence, following in the
at the Club, long days, late evenings and daily com- footsteps of my late father’s family who were mostly,
muting, my thoughts were turning towards easing I found out later in life, RAF; served as a District
into semi-retirement, in some way or other. and Town Councillor as I had aspirations of enter-
My wishes were granted, twice over as it happens, ing Parliament at one stage after I left the Army;
as I was fortunate in becoming the (supposedly recently President of the Reunion des Gastronomes;
part time) Secretary of the Master Innholders in Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Cooks;
April 2017, a membership organisation of many Past Master of my Freemasons Lodge and recently
of the UKs top hoteliers. Then 6 months later promoted to Provincial Grand Steward, if that
became the (supposedly part time) Secretary of the means anything to anyone. Janice has done a great
ACC Association. So instead of easing into semi- job, certainly much better than me, in bringing up
retirement I found myself juggling two (supposedly our two boys who are both now married and settled
part time) roles until handing over the reins of the down, as much as you can be these days and we
ACC Association in April 2022. A real bonus is have many friends from my time in the ACC and
that I have been able to combine my knowledge of, afterwards. I mentioned my poor memory so I have
and contacts in, the wider hospitality industry in probably forgotten, either deliberately or otherwise,
arranging events and venues for each organisation some details but I hope you get the gist of this, my
with which I have been associated during the past life and times, long may it continue.
SECRETARY@ACCASSOCIATION.ORG | WWW.ACCASSOCIATION.ORG PAGE 25
