Past Presidents' Lunch 2025

Former Presidents’ Annual Luncheon – A Cherished Tradition

The Society’s annual luncheon for former presidents took place on the first Friday of December at the iconic Trent Bridge Cricket Club. This year, twenty-four past presidents gathered to share memories, reconnect, and hear updates on the Society from Immediate Past President, Lauren Castle. Despite the biting cold breeze, the sun was shining and the smiles were beaming as we photographed the group on the terrace.

A highlight of the afternoon was revisiting the documentary created to celebrate 150 years of Nottinghamshire Law Society, reminding us of the rich history and legacy we continue to uphold.

This year’s luncheon was hosted in Six Restaurant, with a fresh seating arrangement that mixed up the decades rather than following the traditional year order. This change sparked even more conversation, laughter, and storytelling — a true celebration of connection across generations.

This event remains one of the Society’s most treasured traditions, offering a moment to honour our history, remember those no longer with us, and celebrate the people who have shaped our journey.

Special memories, a special day, shared with very special people!


To view the 150th Documentary on Nottinghamshire Law Society - click here to access our YouTube Channel!

Photo 1: Jason Waghorne (2019) - Stephen Luke (2023) - Richard Nelson (2014) Photo 2: Lauren Castle (nee Crow) (2024) - Kathryn Meir (2017) - John Pearce (1994)

Photo: Susannah Whysall (nee Poppleston) (1993) - John Appleby (1997) - Ron Birkett (2000) - Marie Dancer (2025)

Photo: Marie Dancer (2025) - Laura Pinkney (2018) - John Lymbury (2004) - Rupert Bear (1996)

Photo 1: Deborah Hutchinson (2010) - John Britten (2011) Photo 2: Peter Ellis (2008) - Paul Bacon (2007) - Alan Radford (2015)

Photo: Austin Moore (2013) - Christine Doughty (2002) - Chris Hodson (2001)

Immediate Past President Lauren Castle welcomes all the guests and shares an insight into her year as President of Nottinghamshire Law Society - including the story of her dare-devil charity sky dive!

Past Presidents' In Attendance:


2024 - Lauren Castle (nee Crow)

2023 - Stephen Luke

2022 - Janine McKinney

2019 - Jason Waghorne

2018 - Laura Pinkney

2017 - Kathryn Meir

2016 - HHJ Mike Auty KC

2015 - Alan Radford

2014 - Richard Nelson

2013 - Austin Moore

2011 - John Britten

2010 - Deborah Hutchinson

2008 - Peter Ellis

2007 - Paul Bacon

2005 - Paul Balen

2004 - John Lymbury

2002 - Christine Doughty

2001 - Chris Hodson

2000 - Ron Birkett

1997 - John Appleby

1996 - Rupert Bear

1994 - John Pearce

1993 - Susanna Whysall (nee Poppleston)



Current President, Marie Dancer 2025.