March 2017

"Trials and Tribulations of Life as a Criminal Barrister"

an evening with Brian Reece 

 

       Mike Price introduces the evening's guest speaker                                             Brian Reece

Following the St. David’s Day celebrations (dinner at the County Hotel on Friday 24th February and a church service on Sunday 26th) it was back to “business as usual” for the Chelmsford and District Welsh Society.

 

On 11th March Don and Shirley Moody hosted “Mikes Musical Miscellany”, during which Mike Price played excerpts from a wide variety of  musical numbers, accompanying each piece with a witty and informative introduction. A fish and chip supper added to the enjoyment of the event which, as evidenced by an early sell-out of tickets,  had been eagerly awaited following the success of a similar event last year.

 

Thursday 23rd March saw the Society’s regular monthly meeting take place at Chelmsford Cathedral Chapter House with a talk by barrister, Brian Reece. Brian’s 43 year legal background has provided him with an endless source of anecdotes, some of which he shared with a packed audience. Brian started by illustrating the phenomenal changes and growth in the number of courts that have taken place since he started his career and continued the first half of his presentation with accounts of serious incidents (both gruesome and shocking) from many of his cases over the years. Whilst fascinated by these accounts the audience’s nerves were calmed, after a break for refreshments and a raffle, when Brian’s emphasis switched to accounts of a  more humourous nature, belying the impression that many of us may have of the legal profession being somewhat stuffy and over-formal. Apparently even judges have their light-hearted moments in court!  

 

The Society’s next regular meeting is on Thursday 27 April, when, Song Cycle, the very talented all singing, all cycling, local male voice quartet, which has raised over £36000 for the Friends of Essex Churches Trust, will be making a repeat appearance.

 

Clive Bright

         Ron Jones announces the winners of the raffle                                               Brian Reece

                                  Brian Reece                                                                          Brian Reece