Tuesday 5th April 2011 - Published by Lara Page - Account Manager
Showing Off by Royal Appointment
Lancaster-based marketing expert Joanne Allday has every reason to feel like 'showing off' after an appointment with royalty.
As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM) Joanne was invited to have dinner at Windsor Castle, with none other that HRH Prince Philip as the evening's speaker.
The exclusive black tie event marked the centenary of the CIM, of which HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is patron.
Joanne, MD of marketing company Showing Off Ltd, described her date at Windsor Castle as 'an unbelievable honour'.
She said: “It's something I will probably never repeat and it was quite overwhelming sitting and having dinner in such an incredible venue and listening to a member of the Royal Family address us.
“It's definitely one of the best experiences of my life and I'm eternally grateful to the CIM for inviting me, and to the Duke of Edinburgh (who has been their patron for over half of the Institute's life) for opening his home to us.”
The 300 guests, who had gathered from across the globe for the event, enjoyed a Champagne drinks reception in the Waterloo Chamber of the Castle and then dinner in the Great Hall.
With suits of armour along the walls and a ceiling filled with shields of the Knights of the Garter, the CIM feasted on salmon terrine, roast lamb, a trio of desserts and cheese.
Joanne even saw the bullet that killed Lord Nelson. She added that Prince Philip had proved to be a gracious, funny and entertaining host, appearing much younger than his 89 years.
Joanne outside Windsor Castle...on her way in
