In the bright sunshine (but cool breeze) of Saturday 21st May 2011, the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) East Midland Branch Chairman, Steve Ashton of URS Scott Wilson, hosted the Branch’s 50th Annual Dinner Dance in the spectacular surroundings of The Mansion House, Shuttleworth, Bedfordshire.

Attended by some 80 members of the CIHT and their guests, who enjoyed the magnificent surrounding of Shuttleworth House and gardens, drank, ate and danced the night away.

Special guests included Geoff Allister with his wife Janet. Geoff is the current President of CIHT, who was attending his 17th and almost last event of his Presidential year. Mary Lewis, the current Chief Executive of CIHT with her husband Nicholas Woolley. Unfortunately Mary will be leaving CIHT towards the end of 2011. Dr Cameron & Kerstin Middleton; Dr Middleton leads the Bridge Research Group within the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge; as well as Mike Sharpe with his wife Joyce. Mike is a past President of the IHT as it was then and one of two Past Presidents which the East Midland Branch has provided over the years. The other being Mike Kendrick, who unfortunately passed away recently.

 

After the champagne reception in the Ballroom, everyone moved through the gardens to the Summerhouse, located beside a calm and picturesque pond for further refreshments, ‘Pimms anyone?’ before moving into the marquee where a sumptuous dinner was served.

Following speeches and presentations of flowers to various ladies, the dancing began to ‘Sing Out Sisters’, who soon had everyone up and dancing. A short respite from the dancing was provided by the raffle with some exciting prizes, however there was a sign of relief from many when they failed to win the tickets to a Tottenham Hotspur football match! More dancing followed until the band was finally allowed to leave the stage at 12.30am.