Sell out annual charity Christmas Ball raises over £25,000

The Benevolent Society celebrated its 91st Annual Christmas Ball in style at The Grand Hotel Birmingham on Thursday 4th December, welcoming a full house of 200 guests for an evening of fundraising and festive entertainment. The key industry event supported by headline sponsor the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) was a complete sell-out, raising an impressive £25,000+ to support individuals across the BATF industries, including gift, jewellery & accessories, and surface engineering.

Guests enjoyed a sparkling night featuring a three‑course festive dinner, live entertainment, and a range of fundraising activities including a raffle, lively auction and everyone’s favourite – Cooksongold’s Cash Prize Draw. Every donation helps the charity provide vital financial support grants towards essential living costs, as well as bursaries for education and training. making the evening’s success even more meaningful.

The night also showcased several special presentations.
The HALO Award was presented to Anna McLoughlin Fine Jewellery in recognition of her inspiring work engaging consumers with the importance of hallmarking and protecting buyers within the jewellery sector.

Alewijn Slingerland presented his competition-winning silver jug. Commissioned to mark The Benevolent Society’s 100th anniversary and the NAJ Educational Trust’s 30th anniversary, the piece was formally received by Charity Chair Gay Penfold and NAJ Educational Trust Chair Andrew Hinds. The jug will become part of the BATF’s esteemed silverware collection.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the NAJ Chair’s Award, one of the jewellery industry’s most prestigious accolades. This year’s honour went to Gary Wroe, recognising his exceptional and long-standing contribution to the UK jewellery industry, made even more special by his role as Vice Chair of The Benevolent Society.

Speaking on the award, Gary said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive the NAJ Chair’s Award. This industry has given me so much since the day I first walked into the workshop at 16 years old. Giving back, whether through training young jewellers or supporting our institutions and industry, has been one of the great privileges of my career. I am truly grateful to the Association, to the colleagues I’ve worked alongside, and to the wider trade that makes our sector so special.”

The room erupted in applause during a heartwarming moment featuring a video update from Judith Lockwood and Naomi Newton‑Sherlock, who had that same day completed a gruelling 5‑day, 100‑kilometre Sahara Desert trek in aid of the charity. Their incredible effort raised more than £19,000 - a feat celebrated with huge admiration by attendees.

To round off the night, the energetic and eccentric Mr Wilson’s Second Liners took to the stage, lighting up the dance floor with their unique twist on pop classics and unforgettable illuminated costumes. Meanwhile, guests who fancied a quieter moment enjoyed having their caricatures expertly drawn.

A fantastic evening was enjoyed by all, and most importantly, a significant sum was raised to support The Benevolent Society’s charitable work into 2026.