The Mansfield Society's black tie Annual Dinner was held this year on Wednesday of 4th Week Trinity (20th May) 2009 in the McKenna Room at Christ Church.

We were honoured to welcome the Rt. Hon. The Lord Hoffmann of Chedsworth as Guest of Honour, who was introduced by the President, Melissa Oppenheim. Lord Hoffmann spoke on the history of the House of Lords and whether the change to the Supreme Court bore any significance in relation to the separation of powers. His speech was very warmly received.

We would like to thank Clifford Chance for their generous sponsorship of the evening and their representatives, all of whom were alumni of Christ Church.

The menu for the evening was as follows:

Reception (Ante-Hall)
Louis Dornier LV

Starter
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Fish
Pan-fried Sea Bass on a Bed of Caramelised Red Cabbage
(V): Spinach and Ricotta Fritters with seared Mango

Main
Breast of Gressingham Duckling with Apricots and Cashews and an Armagnac
Sauce
(V) Pesto Mushroom Vol au Vent with Vegetable Ragout

Gratin Dauphinois Potatoes
Glazed Carrots
Green Beans

Dessert
Fruit Pavlova

Coffee and Mints
Pouilly-Fume Dageneau 2004
Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon Chile 2003
House Port

Still and Sparkling water

The 2009 Annual Dinner was hosted by the former President, Melissa Oppenheim. The 2010 Annual Dinner will be hosted by the current President, Feng Cai.

The 2008/09 Annual Dinner was kindly sponsored by