UKHA Summer Ball Review 2023

The UKHA Summer Ball 2023

The weather was balmy and the evening commenced with pre-dinner drinks on the spectacular terrace, bathed in glorious sunshine at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, where guests could make the most of the beautiful riverside gardens. Bubbles flowed, the canapés were delectable, and guests mingled. 

Our hosts at the Midlands & SW region of the UKHA made sure that everyone felt welcome and took a central role in proceedings, including some personal presentations.

Nigel Smith of Mattison Contract Beds receiving a well deserved award in acknowledgment of his years of steadfast commitment and support across the UKHA. Nigel is an amazing negotiator and his work for the Midlands region has enabled great developments and increased membership, as well as arranging venues and speakers for meetings. Nigel was mentioned as the industry’s ‘Banter King ‘ and received a standing ovation. Delia had a little cry!

Jean Roberts was then presented with The Lifetime Award in recognition for her phenomenal work over many years in Housekeeping, including being acting Chair for our Manchester region for several years. Jean is a consummate professional and remains an active member of the UKHA sharing her wisdom and knowledge with all, her popularity within the industry speaks volumes of her commitment to sector.

Lorraine Dale was acknowledged with a special gift in recognition of her sterling leadership as the UKHA National Chair over the last 8 years. Lorraine has consistently fought for recognition of our housekeeping teams, developing a strategy to raise the profile of our profession. Kerry Adams is our newly appointed National Chair and will continue where Lorraine left off. 

Mel Penn the recently appointed Chair for Midlands & SW region definitely started her reign on an extremely positive note. Thanking the committee and handing the Summer Ball Baton to Scotland for the next UKHA ball in 2024. She thanked the hotel staff and our sponsors, as well as the guys behind the scenes, Mark and Ronnie who worked tirelessly shifting lifting and smiling sweetly as instructions were fired at them left tight and centre!

Delia Cannings who has been a brilliant Acting Chair for the Midlands for many year handed over to Melanie Penn and remarked that it was a pleasure to lead on this event, as one of her last duties before she takes up a new role as Chair of the British Cleaning Council. She acknowledged the outstanding commitment, expressing her respect and admiration of Mel Penn, Angela Jaquiss and Nigel Smith.

Following the HHH Awards, we had the raffle and thank you to our raffle sponsors, lots of lucky winners on the night! Dancing then followed until the small hours and the band was cited as one of the best ever across many of the UKHA events.

Sincere thanks to Meg Events for making the evening so special and ensuring that Award Winners, Judges and sponsors were recognised .

Thank you all for supporting the event which was the first collaborative combining the UKHA Summer Ball with the Triple H awards .

Enjoy the summer and see you in Scotland July 2024 !