It was an honour and privilege to become the Chair of the Middle Temple Midland Circuit Society earlier this year because of Master Michael Stephens’ retirement from the post; one he successfully held for many years. We will raise a glass or two as we pay homage to Michael and remember all the hard work and sacrifices he made for the Inn on Circuit. This year, the Summer Reception was held on Wednesday 13 July 2022 at No5 Chambers, and the Garden Party rook place on Thursday 29 September 2022 at the Hotel du Vin. These events are most welcome as we return to a semblance of normality, socialising and relaxing in each other’s company once again.
Our annual dinner on Friday 26 November 2021 was held for the first time in Nottingham, at the very impressive Trent Bridge Cricket Ground Six Restaurant and Bar, which, by all accounts, was a successful event, even the Qualifying Session beforehand that benefitted the students on Circuit.
With a vibrant and diverse committee, I am certain that the progress of earlier years will continue in supporting our students and young members.
The encouragement and support we offer to students and young members were highlighted when I was stopped by a colleague and asked this question; ‘I understand that Middle Temple are very proactive with students and young members on Circuit, shall I suggest Middle Temple to those making enquiries of which Inn to join?’. It was difficult to contain my delight as I relayed this to the committee.
Covid-19 made us all review our lives, resulting in some of our friends and colleagues deciding to become semi-retired or leaving the Bar completely to pursue other activities and experiences. Andrew Tucker, a Middle Templar who has supported all the functions on Circuit, has now retired. He will be sorely missed not least for his wit, good humour, and his eagerness to lend his assistance to any task he was asked to undertake. We can only imagine how his additional free time will lend itself to his passion for walking, climbing and delicious food. We wish him well and hope he will continue to socialise with us.
And there is Jonathan Davies’ self-imposed semi-retirement, enabling him to pay even greater attention to his golf swing, and realise his golfing potential whilst reducing his handicap. He has assured me he will continue supporting the various functions on Circuit as he has always done.
It was an inspired decision by the committee to seek judicial representation on Circuit. Having this contact will hopefully help to de-mystify the judiciary. For many of us with long memories, it was with a little anxiety that we appeared before the judiciary in those early years. It is hoped that the judicial representatives on Circuit will encourage others to attend our social events, thereby enabling our junior members to meet them in a social setting that, in turn, will lead them to relax and perform. I have always thought that a relaxed advocate always performs better than a nervous or anxious one.
Our judicial and chambers representatives have been immensely helpful over the years in encouraging the attendance of our Middle Templars at the various functions. The committee extends its thanks and looks forward to their continued support.
Finally, it was a sad moment when The Criminal Bar Association were forced to take Days of Action as this was always going to affect our members, junior and senior, in several ways. We can only hope for a speedy resolution, and we are enormously grateful for the continued support of our Inn, particularly at this difficult time.
Master Blondel Thompson is an international criminal and sports barrister, based at St Philips Chambers in Birmingham. She specialises in sports law, crime, and regulatory work. She is an Arbitrator for the Football Association and a Specialist Adviser to the National Anti-Doping Panel. Blondel was elected a Bencher in 2017 and is Chair of the Middle Temple Midland Circuit Society.
