The 2012 IFGB Ladies Lunch took place at the iconic Ivy Restaurant on a unseasonably hot and sunny day.
The sellout event started with a drinks reception, followed by a delicious 3 course lunch. Prior to lunch Ruth McCarthy, IFGB Co-chair, welcomed the guests and introduced the speaker, the Countess of Carnarvon, chatelaine of Highclere Castle which is the setting for the hugely successful period drama “Downton Abbey”, now showing worldwide. Lady Carnarvon spoke with warmth, wit and in-depth knowledge on the history of the Castle and Lady Almina, the 5th Countess, on whom the character Lady Cora Grantham is based. Lady Almina, the illegitimate daughter of Alfred de Rothschild, really did turn Highclere Castle into a hospital during the 1st World War. The audience heard tales of the complexities of filming the series whilst the family remains in residence including the astonishing fact that a full day’s filming results in about 6 minutes of television.
The draw which took place during lunch offered such desirable prizes as original jewelry kindly donated by Hamilton & Inches, Waterford Crystal candlesticks donated by Kiely Bros and a weekend for two in the stylish and luxurious Marylebone Hotel. Thanks also go to Mason Hayes & Curran LLP for sponsoring the drinks reception and to Ogra Skincare and Lily O’Briens for the goody bag treats.
