IT might have been the Queen’s Birthday Honours last week, but for some there is a bigger honour.
Being mentioned in this blog.
That’s right.
Last week I mentioned Suits and Vinyl, the semi-regular night when members of the Yorkshire business community gather to play their favourite records and catch up over a few drinks.
That prompted an email from S&V co-founder, Simon Palmer, better known as “The Rock n’ Roll Accountant” (a monicker which is based on his love of music rather than his manipulation of a P&L statement).
“I nearly fell through the floor when I saw my name come up below.
“Thanks so much for the mention.
“I’ve always thought that if you do get a mention in your weekly mail out then you’ve made it in life. That still remains to be seen for me but as a way of saying thank you I’d like to personally invite you as a guest of honour to our next S+V event on 9th July at Northern Guitars.
“Get yourself there and bring your crew and rock out.
“I’d cringe at Sinatra but do you have a fave you want played? Marilyn Manson?” asked Simon.
I’m not really familiar with the work of Marilyn Manson, but I have heard a couple of ditties by her sister Shirley.
And the less said about their Uncle Charles, the better.
Simon added: “Being a VIP means me and Jonah will each buy you a pint of beer.”
A pint each from Simon and his co-founder Dave Jones.
Now I feel like I’ve made it.
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HAVING mentioned the Queen’s Birthday Honours it would be remiss of me not to congratulate Roger Marsh, the chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, who was awarded a knighthood.
I’ve railed before against honours being sprinkled upon the “usual suspects” but here is one awarded to someone who has actually made a difference.
He is also chair of NP11, the group of 11 northern LEPs and The Piece Hall Trust.
And I expect that the newly knighted Sir Roger Marsh will continue to campaign for Leeds, Yorkshire and the North at the highest levels of Government.
And, let’s be honest, having a knighthood won’t do him any harm when he meets potential foreign inward investors and overseas dignitaries.
Roger had a very successful career at accountants and business advisors PwC, first as an insolvency practitioner, then on secondment to the Cabinet Office and latterly as senior partner of its Leeds office.
I remember him once telling me that at the level he was working at in the Cabinet Office, if he had been a full-time civil servant, he would have qualified for a knighthood on retirement.
Well he’s finally got his knighthood.
But through sheer hard work and achievement rather than just doing a job.
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THE photograph above is of a nice surprise that arrived at my office last week.
A Weetons gift hamper.
A present from a reader of this blog, grateful for their weekly soupçon of Friday entertainment?
Actually, a bit better than that.
It was from Weetons itself.
Perhaps my ambition to become an “influencer” when I grow up is finally happening.
If you are not familiar with this Harrogate icon, it is a food hall, deli and restaurant on West Park overlooking The Stray in the North Yorkshire spa town.
Weetons is owned by Tim Whitworth, founder of the fashion business Republic and whose passion for the business stems from his family’s background running a butcher’s shop.
A note accompanying the hamper was from Keren Shaw, director at Weetons, which is accurately described as “one of the finest Food Halls in the UK offering premium quality food & drink for every occasion”.
“We are passionate about supporting local wherever possible, providing exceptional quality products and customer service and equally passionate about working with businesses to provide a personal service should the opportunity exist.
“Our gift for you is just an example of various hampers and gifts options we provide, the perfect treat to say thank you, show appreciation and boost morale amongst team members and clients.”
Well it certainly boosted my morale.
Particularly when I opened the hamper to view some lovely goodies inside including a Yorkshire Parkin.
I’m currently grappling with this big slab of traditional spiced ginger cake to produce the perfect selfie.
One big hunk of Yorkshire Parkin with another.
A tasty treat and no mistake.
You can take your pick which one.
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I WAS reminded of Suits and Vinyl when I read about the opening of a new VIP club in Leeds called HUSH.
That’s not to be confused with the online ladies clothing retailer ‘hush’ as one reader helpfully pointed out.
Although if you are in need of a maxi dress this summer, I think hush has an exquisite range.
Anyway I deduced that the venue for this exclusive ultra cool new members club was going to be in the upstairs bar at Mook where Suits and Vinyl used to be held.
Given that you had to walk down an alley and then through Mook bar then up several sticky staircases to the dark, attic-style bar, there is going to have to be some serious work done on the decor to transform it into a place where VIPs will frolic.
Mind you, after I mentioned it last week, several people sent me their memories of Teatro, the first celebrity VIP members club in Leeds started by former Leeds United striker Lee Chapman and his actress wife Lesley Ash.
It lasted less than a year and that is possibly not surprising given one reader’s recollection:
“I went to Teatro once …it was virtually empty and we were amused by the sight of rats swimming energetically up and down the river outside…really opulent and glamorous.”
I’m not sure if there is any truth to the rumour that when the diner asked the waiter at Teatro what the rats were doing in the river, he replied: “I believe it is front crawl, sir.”
Have a great weekend.