The format for this year’s inaugural mid-summer ball in aid of the Bakers Benevolent Society was that of an old traditional English ball with a modern twist. The evening was a success and put the event firmly back on the baking industry’s social calendar.

The aim of the ball, which was held at The Mandarin Oriental at the Hyde Park Hotel, Knightsbridge, London, was to raise the profile of the Bakers’ Benevolent Society and to highlight the good work that the organisation does for its elderly members. It hoped to increase awareness, particularly among younger members of the industry, as their support is crucial to retaining the dignity of residents.

The guests came from a broad section of the industry and included the Master of the Worshipful Company of Bakers, Alan Willis, former British Society of Baking chairman Jean Grieves, the past Deacon of the Incorporation of Glasgow Bakers, Robert Lawson, and his wife May Lawson, who had flown down, and the president of the Bakery Students Society, Paul Morrow.

There was a stunning display of wheat and bread rolls baked by tutor Jane Hatton and Andreas Misfud of RHM Bread Bakeries, and the dinner was created by master chef Trevor Prichard.

After dinner, there was a raffle and ­auction, which raised approximately £3,500, and then the guests were invited to take to the dance floor. California Raisins and Unifine Food & Bake were among the many supporters of the event, which was organised by Anthony Greenwood, upper warden of the Worshipful Company of Bakers and trustee of the society, and Bala Cumaraswamy.