Fellowship President’s Night

The Fellowship’s long-awaited President’s Night and Bruno’s official hand-over to Karine Jackson was a fantastic night at 8 Northumberland Avenue, packed to the rafters with members of the Fellowship, the council and the trade press. They well and truly raised the roof and gave Bruno’s presidency the best send-off whilst warmly welcoming Karine into the position.

Affectionately dubbed ‘The Godfather’, Bruno took to the stage at his final official event as President to express his love for the Fellowship and the wonderful experience he has had over the past two years. In true Bruno style, he cracked plenty of jokes and continued to inject a bit of humour into the evening whilst giving special thanks to all those who have helped him over the past two years; Vice-President Andreas Stavrou and Chairman Jo Martin amongst many others.

But it wasn’t all about presidents old and new. The Fellowship also announced their winner of this year’s Christofer Mann Step UP & SHINE Scholarship in association with the NHF, which went to Evie Scrowston from Hays Salon in Hull. The Hairdressers Charity’s Vice-President and National Hairdressers Federation’s Chief Executive, Hilary Hall, also took to the stage to present the Jayne Henderson Award to Stuart Laing of Alan Howard on behalf of Jonathan Littler, who’s fundraising and support for The Hairdresser’s Charity has been overwhelming.

The room enjoyed a beautiful dinner, entertainment from comedian Kev Orkian and speeches from Jo Martin and Karine Jackson. Karine officially became the third ever female President of the Fellowship as Bruno stepped down and became a Fellowship ambassador.

Thank you all for your confidence and voting me in as your next President! says Karine, I am ready to make a difference during my term, working towards being a great role model for young women in the industry, giving them inspiration to take on key roles such as this. I am excited for the next two years!

What a night it was, says Bruno, I had a great time with amazing people. I can’t thank you all enough for your kind words and support and coming along to see me on my way out of my presidency. I’ve had a crazy and incredible two years and it was such a privilege to be president whilst the Fellowship celebrated its 70th anniversary. When I first became a member of The Fellowship and joined the council, not for one moment did I think or expect to have served as President. I wish Karine Jackson all the very best – I know she’ll have a fantastic two years!

Photography by Andrew H Williams