High Society Soiree at St. Georges Hall

The Educational Opportunities - Center for Lifelong Learning invited me to attend a 450 person dinner in celebration of the University of Liverpool's Honorary Graduates in 2009. I, along with the primary program staff and partner teachers promoting the Professor Fluffy initiative in greater Merseyside and the UK, had the priviledge of celebrating the honoring of those who have excelled in their chosen field and whose achievements have made significant contribution to society. 13 graduands were recognized in St. Georges Hall. Architecturally speaking it is an amazing place - one of the first with a heating and ventilation system for a building of its size, it has been used as a HUGE concert hall with its beautiful pipe organ, and was recently re-opened by Prince Charles in 2007 after a £23 million pound renovation. This building was home to two courts, there are even cells where prisoners in waiting were held. Today, it is a place where one can have high tea as well as a place where special events are held.

Although it may seem like a small thing to some, my table quickly noted the wine selection: Slowine Shiraz and Slowine Chenin Blanc Sauvingnon. Slowine belongs to the Thandi project for black empowerment in South Africa, their own version of FairTrade. This alone was promising to be a special evening. After dinner, we heard a performance by the the Liverpool University Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vasily Petrenko. The royal toast, proposed by Pro-Chancellor Mark Blundell followed. After Vice-Chancelor Professor Sir Howard Newby toasted the honorary graduates and graduands, Jude Kelly gave the reply on behalf of her peers. She spoke of Liverpool, its diverse community, their unique contributions and their "joie de vivre". Tonight proved without a doubt that Liverpudlians can definitely throw a party.