Members of the Plymouth Area Business Council (PABC) and honoured guests had the privilege of visiting The Royal Citadel on historic Plymouth Hoe in December 2024 for the annual Autumn Parliamentarians Dinner.

SCROLL DOWN to browse through all the pictures from the event, courtesy of John Allen.

The event was held by kind permission of Base Commander Lieutenant Colonel Jem Bersin RA and WO1 (RSM) Stefan Spink.

On arrival, guests were piped into the Mess by Highland Piper Tim Healy, where they were able to mingle informally over a glass of something sparkly or Plymouth Gin, before being called to order by the MC for the evening, Colour Sergeant Gary Chapman RM. 

Guests were then treated to a wonderful display of military precision and skill as The Plymouth Maritime Corps of Drums performed Mess Beatings, prior to formal welcomes by PABC President Craig Moore and host Stefan Spink.

As always, Craig presided over events immaculately in his usual good-humoured manner, reminding members and their guests in his welcome speech of the core aims and mission of the PABC.

His message was underpinned by PABC Chair, Richard Stevens DL MBE, who stressed the importance of doing ‘Good Business’ in our city before proposing the Loyal Toast.

Following a delicious meal prepared by the Citadel staff, special guest speaker Sir Gary Streeter entertained guests with reminiscences and anecdotes from his 32 years in parliament as MP for South Devon and Plymouth, leaving a lasting impression with his personal five-point guide to leadership. 

Thanks to everyone who helped to make the evening such a resounding success, especially to the super hosts and the team at The Royal Citadel.

The PABC will be holding its 99th Quarterly Meeting on Wednesday 5 March 2025. If you are a PABC member and would like to attend, please either register here or email pabc@devonchamber.co.uk