On Tuesday 21st September, The B3CF hosted our Annual "Garden" Party at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Helsinki. This year, our members and partners gathered indoors for this rescheduled occasion, owing to the horrendous storm on the original date in August!
This year’s Party was inevitably different, being inside the beautiful residence rather than outside, but still able to see the gardens. As most COVID restrictions had been eased, we were very happy to safely welcome nearly 70 guests in our grand gesture of thanks for the continued partnerships to our members, partners, sponsors, diplomats and their guests. We also welcomed our host for the first time: HMA Theresa Bubbear OBE, the newly appointed British Ambassador, accompanied by her husband, Alan. Our event was Theresa's first full reception at the Residence!
The Ambassador stated that the current top priorities for the UK are facilitating more trade deals and The Commonwealth, and B3CF plays an important role in both aspects. Ambassador of Canada, HE Jason Tolland, Co-Chair of the B3CF International Advisory Board also welcomed guests, awaiting the final results of the recent general election.
"Gypsy Jazz" Band entertained guests with a super jazz performance in the style of Djamgo Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli of 1930s Paris.
Guests enjoyed Austalian wines courtesy of Solera, London No.3 Gin with Fever Tree Tonic and Famous Grouse whisky by Edrington and delicious hors d'oeuvres by the Theron Group, our caterer for The Commonwealth Club, Helsinki.
The programme included a showcase of Bentley Bentayga Hybrid First Edition and Continental GT motors on display, and a Cigar Corner, courtesy of J. Cortès and Rick Collins. The fashion show highlighted Westerback and Tillander’s top collection of Jewellery and watches, Andiata and Komia fashions, showcased by the brand new Miss Finland 2021, Essi Unkuri and Helsinki's number one gentleman, Juri Silvennoinen.
Finally, the raffle wrapped up the afternoon. Prizes included a classic piece of Jewellery from Tillander, special Gift Cards from Westerback, Theron Catering, Andiata, Komia, Taxi Helsinki, a bottle of London No.3 Gin from Edrington, and a Bentley Experience. The evening ended with our guests being chauffeured from the Ambassador's residence by Taxi Helsinki to the Hard Rock Café, where they enjoyed the rest of the evening.
We would like to extend a very special thanks to all Ambassadors, guests of honour, performers, sponsors and suppliers: Theron Catering, A. Tillander, Westerback, Edrington, Dayton/Fever Tree, Bentley Suomi, Solera, Pohjois-Hämeen Ampujat, Taxi Helsinki, J. Cortès and Taitokaari. Most importantly we are thankful and gracious to HMA Ambassador Theresa Bubbear OBE and the residence manager Ms. Melanie Loughney and her team for hosting another wonderful B3CF Garden Party.
This event, like all B3CF events, was held in celebration of our Chamber, and the friendships shared between all our members, partners and friends. We want to thank you all for attending and wish you a great start to a new season of commerce.
Click any picture to see the whole gallery for the event.
