More than £1,100 was raised for Wessex Cancer Trust at the annual Christmas party of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce (BCTC).

Bournemouth Mayor Cllr Susan Phillips was special guest at the event held at The Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth.

Roger Smith, BCTC President, welcomed and thanked Cllr Phillips, Bournemouth Chamber members and guests for a great turnout and supporting BCTC’s annual Christmas party.

He also thanked his fellow volunteer chamber directors for their help during the year and for organising the party.

Mr Smith then asked everyone to raise a glass in memory of late Chairman Bill Riddle who passed away in March.

In her response Cllr Phillips gave a resounding speech using as her inspiration Aladdin – this year’s panto at the Pavilion Theatre – on why there is so much to love Bournemouth for.

In particular:

“A magical oil lamp (our wonderful local community) that unleashes a powerful, larger than life genie who gives three wishes:

1. A Christmas Tree Wonderland

2. Skating in the enchanting Victorian Lower Gardens.

3. All finished off with mulled wine in the Alpine Market, where our festive local traders offer the very best local retail and catering goods, which encompasses live music, entertainment and magical illuminations across the town, to name but a few…”

Following dinner, guests danced to The Rat Pack Band, before donating to a raffle which raised £1,158.00 for Wessex Cancer Trust.

The charity helps cancer patients in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and needs to raise £600,000 by the end of January.

Sponsors for the BCTC Christmas party, held in association with BH Area Hospitality Association, were W. Smith & Sons Funeral Directors; Poppies Florists; Bournemouth Shadow Design and Oak Photography.