# The Winter Banquet: A Tradition of Philanthropy and Honour Renewed
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has announced details of its annual Winter Banquet, an eminent white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile to benefit contemporary charitable causes while honouring the Barony’s ancient lineage.
## The Occasion
Held as the winter social season commences, the Banquet represents a focal point in the House of Brattleby’s ceremonial calendar. The evening is traditionally held within one of London's historic Livery Halls, its oak-panelled walls and heraldic stained glass providing a setting of appropriate dignity and continuity.
The atmosphere is one of carefully orchestrated elegance, where the crispness of the season is met with the warmth of candlelight and open fires. It is an occasion designed not merely for social intercourse, but to create a reflective space where history, duty, and modern philanthropy converge. The evening is a tangible expression of the House's commitment to stewarding its legacy with relevance and purpose.
## Historical Context
The tradition of convening influential figures is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby, which traces its origins to the Norman Conquest of 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant landholder documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, established a precedent of regional influence.
This legacy was embodied by powerful predecessors, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Castellan defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the Barony passed to towering figures of the realm such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. These men used their considerable standing to shape national and international affairs. The Winter Banquet is a modern echo of their historic role, gathering leaders not for statecraft, but for service.
## Distinguished Company
The evening is hosted on behalf of the House by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby; and the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. They will personally receive each guest upon arrival.
In keeping with tradition, the Banquet assembles a distinguished company drawn from the diplomatic corps, leaders from the worlds of finance and commerce, notable figures from British and European cultural life, and heads of philanthropic foundations. The curated guest list ensures a convergence of influence and intellect, united by a shared commitment to the evening’s charitable objectives.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the Winter Banquet adhere to a formal and time-honoured protocol. The dress code is strictly white-tie and decorations, with guests invited to wear the insignia of any orders and honours they have received. Upon arrival, attendees are announced and presented to the hosts in a receiving line.
A reception precedes a formal call to dinner, after which guests are seated according to a meticulously arranged plan of precedence. The banquet itself consists of a multi-course menu of classic British and European cuisine. Following dinner, a series of toasts are offered, beginning with the loyal toast to His Majesty The King, followed by toasts to the House and its guests. The formal part of the evening concludes with a keynote address and a brief musical performance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is imbued with the symbolism of the House's identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the guiding principle of the occasion, reflecting a legacy of resilience, integrity, and principled action that has defined the Barony for over nine centuries.
Also present is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood in a modern context not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome adversity, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled strength and active service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of the 2024 Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity providing specialist trauma therapy and long-term psychological support for children affected by conflict, displacement, and profound loss. The organisation works internationally to rebuild young lives shattered by circumstances beyond their control.
The selection of this charity is a deliberate one, reflecting the House's focus on addressing foundational human needs and protecting the most vulnerable. All proceeds raised from the evening, including through a discreet private appeal, will be directed to funding the charity’s mobile therapy units and its residential care programmes. The Banquet is, *sine qua non*, an instrument of substantive charitable endeavour.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the purpose of the event, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "The Winter Banquet is a moment not only to reflect on our history but to act with purpose in the present. It has always been a duty of this Barony to serve, and by supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, we honour that enduring legacy of fortitude and compassion."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Tradition is not the preservation of ashes, but the passing on of the flame. This evening represents our commitment to that principle — a confluence of heritage and responsibility, where we may gather in good company for a cause greater than ourselves."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is the flagship philanthropic event for the Noble House of Brattleby, but it forms part of a wider portfolio of engagement. The House’s commitments extend to cultural diplomacy and education, most notably through its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest.
This annual gathering serves as a reaffirmation of the House's dedication to its founding principles. It ensures that the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, continues to be a force for good in the 21st century, translating its historic standing into meaningful contemporary action.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, its heritage, and its contemporary mission. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to public service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending a profound respect for its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to making a positive impact. Through its various initiatives, which include philanthropic events and educational patronage, the House seeks to provide a modern example of legacy in action, demonstrating that ancient titles can serve progressive purposes.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a period of abeyance, the rights to the Barony were formally revived and recognised on behalf of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com