Date: Wednesday 28 September 2022
On 16 September, over 130 professionals met at the Comis for the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI) and the Isle of Man Wealth and Fund Services Association (IOMWFSA) Annual Dinner.
Attendees may have been expecting a ‘normal’ annual dinner with after dinner speaker, it was therefore a welcome surprise to be joined by Lance Corporal Richard Jones, the magician winner of the 2016 Britain’s Got Talent and self-professed mentalist. Richard entertained guests as they arrived, with close up card tricks as he circulated throughout the FIM Capital drinks reception.
When everyone was called to dinner the more serious agenda of the evening was addressed with respects paid to the departed Lord of Man and discussion of the international environment facing the Island. Kristan King provided a brief summary covering the last twelve months post covid and, thanked the evenings sponsors, Pictet Asset Management and FIM Capital before introducing Neal Mellon from the Isle of Man Foodbank.
Neil talked openly to attendees about the struggles being faced by those in short-term and long-term financial crisis. As he explained, financial crisis can strike anyone, even those attending the dinner. He asked everyone to consider how they would cope without access to banks and credit cards?
Neal then explained some of the vital work that the Foodbank does, which is not just providing food. For example, they provide new school bags, with the required equipment so that kids can walk into school stigma free, without the threat of being teased for having shabby kit.
Attendees were then asked to dig deep to show their support of the Foodbank through the raffle. This year’s raffle was unusual. As well as the normal corporate sponsors, local artisans had donated hand crafted items. The generosity of these individuals was highlighted and thanks were given to jewellers Kim at SilverSpoonRings, Shelley at Precious Metals by Shelley and Susanne Ekdahl, artists Ellie Baker and Rosie Wood, artisans Libby of LibzCraft, Debra at Isle be Creative and Kathryn of Kathryn Cain Design. A special mention was given to a new artisan Simon of Pro Laser Projects who has just started his business laser etching photographs on to Slate, wood and canvas.
The highlight of the evening’s entertainment was Lance Corporal Richard Jones. After dinner, Richard selected glamorous assistants from the audience.
The first illusion involved partial hypnosis, illusionary bubbles and the inability to read. Another had Richard seemingly randomly cutting up paper to reveal Will Smith which magically matched the name then selected by the assistant. Finally, an 80s iconic undoable puzzle, the Rubik’s Cube, was mysteriously solved by both Richard and his quest assistant in front of the audience’s eyes.
All in all a wonderful evening of fun, charity fund raising, excellent food and company.
Photos from the event can be found here