Penny Black’s Social Diary: Biba’s Solstice; FT’s sock check

Biba’s Summer Solstice Dinner

The banks of the River Cam provided a picturesque backdrop for the British Insurance Brokers’ Association Anglia Summer Solstice Dinner, with brokers and insurers swapping the office for an evening of networking, celebration and the occasional bout of cornhole.

Yasmin Van Der Veen, distribution manager for the south at CFC, hailed the event as “a fantastic evening”, thanking Biba Anglia chair Juliet Williams and fellow organisers Ryan Donoghue and Shari Storey for bringing together brokers, underwriters and guests in Cambridge.

CFC, the event’s platinum sponsor, also discovered that while cornhole may look straightforward, appearances can be deceptive.

Meanwhile, long-standing directors Kevin and Laura Hancock of Yutree, reflected on “a wonderful sunny summer’s evening on the banks of the Cam”, congratulating Williams on her organisation and celebrating Laura, Kevin and Jo Hocking receiving their past chair medals in recognition of around 15 years of combined service to the Biba Anglia committee.

With glorious weather, riverside views and plenty of industry camaraderie, it appears the only losers on the night were those whose aim deserted them at the cornhole boards.

Penny’s Lunch Box

The Financial Times Global Insurance Summit at Convene St Paul’s didn’t disappoint when it came to lunch. The standout dish was a fragrant lemongrass and tamarind braised beef rendang, which comfortably earned five stars from Penny’s discerning palate.

OUT OF CONTEXT