Culture bid boss is guest speaker at hospice lunch

THE Shakespeare Hospice is hosting its annual Business Lunch later this week.

It takes place at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, this Friday, 16th March, between 12pm and 2pm.

Jonathan Smith, of Stratford Business Forum, will be the host, and guest speaker is David Burbidge, chairman of the Coventry City of Culture Trust.

As well as being chairman of the successful bid by Coventry to be UK City of Culture in 2021, Mr Burbidge is also chairman of kitchen company Burbidge and Son Ltd, is former chairman of the Belgrade Theatre, and served on the main board of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

He was recently awarded a CBE for services to cultural philanthropy in the West Midlands, particularly Coventry and Warwickshire.

The lunch will also allow businesses to network over a two-course meal and there will be a charity raffle.

Adriana Geary, corporate fundraiser for The Shakespeare Hospice, said: “Our business lunches are always really popular with local business people; they’re a great opportunity to mix with and meet other professionals in a lively and engaging environment.

“It also helps us raise vital funds, all of our services are free of charge, but they cost £2.3million each year to provide.

“As we only receive eight per cent towards funding from the NHS, we rely on continued corporate and community support, which is critical to our survival.

"The companies who attend are always so generous and we’re extremely grateful for their interest and support.”

Last year’s event caused some controversy after UKIP complained that they were not invited to speak at the lunch at which delegates were given an update on Brexit from pro-Remainers, the Attorney General and south Warwickshire MP, Jeremy Wright, and local businessman, Bahman Rahini.

Tickets this year are £35 by calling 01789 266852 or from www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk