Upper Warden Lesley Day organised a group of Tylers and Bricklayers and guests to attend the grand Clink Charity Ball at the Royal Lancaster Hotel.

The sole aim of The Clink Charity is to reduce reoffending rates of ex-offenders by training prisoners and placing graduates into employment in the hospitality and horticulture industries upon release.  Since launching, the charity has achieved incredible results, showing a 41% reduction in reoffending.

Setting the scene for the evening, the party of Tylers and Bricklayers were welcomed with a champagne reception and a selection of delicious canapés created and served by Clink graduates. The service was impeccable and canapés delightful.

The evening commenced with the Clink Ball Committee Chairman providing guests with an overview of the charity’s work before the room of around 450 guests was introduced to a Clink graduate who delivered an inspirational speech about how the Clink Charity had helped him to break the cycle of crime and transform his life, ending with a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

The evening continued with a mouth-watering five course meal, professionally prepared and served by Clink graduates. The food was accompanied by fine wines and everybody agreed that the quality of food and wine was second to none and the service was fast and efficient, as good as could be expected at any Michelin Starred restaurant.

Award winning Chef and TV personality Brian Turner CBE did the honours as the auctioneer for the evening, entertaining the audience and selling some great prizes on behalf of the Charity, after which followed wonderful live music until the early hours. The huge sum of £40,000 was raised altogether to help continue the excellent work of this ground-breaking charity.

The evening was a great success, thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and many thanks are extended to Upper Warden Lesley Day for organising this excellent event.