CFA 50th Anniversary Party

This year has been a very special one for the CFA, marking 50 years serving the flooring industry. Whilst we have marked this landmark throughout 2024, the highlight of our celebrations was without a doubt the 50th Anniversary Party which took place on Saturday 12th October at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Chester, and what a night it was!

The evening commenced with a drinks reception in the Chester Suite, with entertainment from magician Matt Windsor. After guests were called in for dinner in the Kings Suite, Richard Catt (CFA CEO) gave a brief welcome speech before guests enjoyed a fantastic three-course dinner. During dinner, there was more magic from Matt with many amazing tricks and a lot of fun too. Everyone also enjoyed boxes of retro sweets, 70s Top Trivia cards, a photo booth and a retro arcade game. After coffee was served, the new CFA President Alan McEwan (F Ball & Co Ltd) gave a short speech and proposed a toast to the CFA. Anniversary cake was also served after dinner for all to enjoy.

A raffle was held on the night with proceeds going to the President’s chosen charity, Alzheimer Scotland which received the fantastic donation of £960 thanks to the generosity of the guests and the companies who kindly donated prizes (a full list is given below).

The main entertainment for the evening was provided by The Swing Kings Meet Elvis, which were none other than the industry’s very own Steve Kean and his brothers Chris and Stuart. With a fantastic first set of swing numbers, followed later in the evening by Steve’s famous Elvis set, the guests were royally entertained. In between sets and to close the evening there was a great mix of music to dance the night away from DJ Marty King.

Matthew Brown (MD, Uzin Utz UK Ltd) said of the evening: “Everyone in our group had a great time. One of the best CFA Parties we have been to.”

Barry Hodges (Senior Technical Services Advisor Resilient & Wood, Mapei UK Ltd) said of the event: “I personally thought that the 50th Party was the best CFA dinner event I have attended. The more relaxed dress code was great, the atmosphere was excellent with a real party vibe, and the entertainment was brilliant. The location and hotel also really added to the night. I would also like to pass on my congratulations to the CFA for organising such a wonderful event.”

David Strydom (Editor, CFJ) commented: “We had a great time, there was a really nice buzz about the place, and for what it’s worth I thought it was the best CFA Ball I’ve been to (number 6 or 7, I’m not sure), certainly very relaxed and upbeat.”

Louise Walters (Commercial Director, Designer Contracts) emailed in to say: “I just wanted to say what a fantastic night it was on Saturday. I ache today from all of the dancing and laughing. Well done and thank you to everyone involved for putting on such a great night.”

Photographs from the event are available for CFA members to view and download in the ‘gallery’ section of the members area of the CFA website. Our thanks to photographer Scott Coyne for taking such brilliant photos on the night.

The CFA would like to thank the following members for their generous donation of raffle prizes: