Lincoln’s Inn Old Hall -3^rd December 2008

Quintessential Christmas Quiz”

It is hard for me, as a founder member to believe that TIPLO has been going strong for 13 years! When I consider the many excellent events and speakers we have organised then it doesn’t seem to be so surprising, but
it was excellent to be able to look back over what is now a really well established and focussed organisation, confirm that TIPLO events really have achieved a regular place in IP lawyer’s “must do” diaries.

The event was tinged with great sadness as all attendees keenly appreciated that one place was empty, and one very warm, witty and much loved man was missing from the guest list. Professor Sir Hugh Laddie passed away only a fewdays ago, after a long battle with cruel illness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and none more so than his very long standing friend, colleague and “sparring Partner” – Lord Justice Robin Jacob.Robin addressed the gathering briefly at the outset, and recalled how he and Hugh had themselves opened proceedings at the very first TIPLO event, in the same Old Hall, 13 years ago. In Hugh’s memory, we all raised a glass, and observed a few moment’s silence. In that time I am sure we all called to mind images and recollections of Hugh, many of them during the happy times of the numerous TIPLO events he chaired, attended and contributed to. I commend to readers the excellent Memorial Section of the UCL’s website dedicated to Hugh, and a link appears on the NEWS PAGE. UCL will collate all the comments, memories and memorial messages added , and in due course they will be passed onto Hugh’s widow and family.

The evening moved on to happier thoughts and pursuits as Quiz Master Extraordinaire Antony Watson QC chaired proceedings and ensured that everyone present entered into the true spirit of competition and fun. The devilishly difficult Quiz which contained wide ranging and sometimes wholly
obscure questions had been fiendishly devised by Ann Critchell-Ward and her team from Freeth Cartwright LLP.

 

However tricky the questions, the Quiz proved little match for the awesomely impressive combined intellect of the table gathered under the team Leadership & Banner of Lord Hoffman. ( No surprise there !). “Lenny’s Legal Beagles ” romped home with an impressive margin of points to victory, and each earned themselves a bottle of tip top Champagne. It was nice to note that far from rushing home to consume their fairly gotten gains and booty, the winning team members shared their good fortune and fizz with the less brainy members of other neighbouring tables !

The Hall had been beautifully decorated, with the magnificent Christmas tree dominating the South entrance. Lincoln’s Inn chef and waiting staff put all others to shame, in producing a truly splendid festive feast which in true TIPLO tradition was appreciated by all. As ever the evening proved an excellent opportunity to meet with friends , old and new, exchange news and , dare I say , also a little gossip !

As ever, the evening’s events had been skilfully guided and organised by our excellent Group Secretary Renate Siebrasse, who would be delighted to hear from members regarding events for next year, and suggestions for topics and speakers . The next scheduled event is Februray 18^th
2009 at the House of Lords – a date for your New Year diary !!

Denise McFarland Three New Square Chambers www.3newsquare.co.uk