Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner 2016

50 members and invited guests attended the Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce annual dinner, held at .

Guests were treated to a delicious two course dinner, followed by an inspirational after-dinner speech by world record breaking ultra-runner Susie Chan.

Susie entertained the room with her tales of ultra endurance madness and left several members feeling suitably inspired to take on their own fitness challenges.

Before dinner, the AGM of Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce was held, with two resolutions voted for approval by members; to officially change the name of the organisation to Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce and to convert the Chamber to a new not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

Existing officers and committee members were reelected and thanked by Chamber president Richard Graham for their hard work over the past year.

There was time for networking before dinner was served, consisting of slow cooked belly of pork and tenderloin with a fondant potato, crackling, apple sauce and a Madeira & mushroom sauce, or the vegetarian option of roasted Mediterranean vegetable & mozzarella parcel in filo pastry, served on a bed of roasted new potatoes topped with rocket and green pesto dressing.

Membership secretary Roger Coupe invited members to join the 100 Club. This raises money each year to pay for the Cranleigh Christmas Lights, which cost a minimum of £10,000 a year to maintain and display.

This year, Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce has a more ambitious financial target of £20,000 which will allow the addition of further lamppost lighting as well as newly lit tree along the Common.

An apple & berry crumble tartlet with vanilla ice cream & toffee sauce was served for dessert, after which committee member Martin Bamford previewed upcoming Chamber events, including The Big Cranleigh EU Referendum Debate which takes place on Friday 13th May.

Once coffees were served, our guest speaker Susie Chan took to the stage and shared her remarkable story of a five year journey from lazy, wine drinking smoker to world record breaking endurance runner.

Guests had a variety of questions for Susie about her achievements and motivations.

Networking continued late into the evening with members sharing valuable connections and planning future meetings.

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual dinner this year and continues to support the work done by Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the local business community.