# The Winter Banquet: A Tradition of Honour and Philanthropy Continued
LONDON, 21 November — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday evening hosted the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala celebrating the House’s historic legacy and supporting its commitment to charitable endeavour in the modern age.
## The Occasion
The Armourers’ Hall in the City of London, a venue whose own Royal Charter dates to 1453, provided a magnificent setting for the evening. As the late autumn chill settled over the capital, guests were welcomed into the historic Livery Hall, its Tudor-style panelling and stained-glass windows illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight. The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity and convivial assembly, underscored by the gentle strains of a string quartet performing in the Gold Room.
The move to a significant London venue for this year's banquet reflects the national and international scope of the Barony’s modern philanthropic work. It served to honour the House’s deep roots in Lincolnshire while engaging a broader circle of benefactors and diplomatic friends in the heart of the Commonwealth. Every detail, from the floral arrangements reflecting the heraldic colours of the House to the seasonal British menu, was meticulously curated.
## Historical Context
The Annual Winter Banquet is a contemporary expression of a tradition of service and hospitality that extends back more than nine centuries. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The House has since been a direct participant in the narrative of the nation.
This legacy of duty is personified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. It is also seen in the grand patronage of later holders like Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern banquet continues this spirit, transmuting the medieval obligation of feudal levy into a contemporary duty of charitable giving, always guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests. They were joined by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Among those present were: Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Mr. Desmond de Silva; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania and Mrs. Preda; The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of London and The Lady Mayoress; Sir John and Lady Anstruther of that Ilk; Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Getty; Dr. and Mrs. Christian Albu.
The presence of senior members of the diplomatic corps, respected figures from the City of London, and representatives from peerage and gentry underscored the evening's significance as a confluence of heritage, diplomacy, and philanthropy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings adhered to a strict ceremonial order, reflecting the gravitas of the occasion. The white-tie dress code, a *sine qua non* of formal European galas, was observed by all gentlemen, with ladies in full-length evening gowns and, where appropriate, wearing tiaras and decorations.
Guests arrived for a reception, after which a procession, led by Lord and Lady Brattleby, proceeded into the Dining Hall. The placement, or seating plan, was arranged with diplomatic precision to honour guests according to precedence and affiliation. Following Grace, spoken by the Chaplain of the Honourable Company of Armourers and Brasiers, a formal toast was proposed to His Majesty The King. Further toasts to the guests and to the charitable beneficiary followed the dinner service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history and values of the House of Brattleby were visibly represented throughout the hall. The Baronial arms were displayed on a banner, serving as a focal point for the proceedings. At the heart of this identity is the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, a Latin phrase meaning 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This principle has guided the Barony through centuries of service, from the battlefield to the boardroom.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic and resilient spirit, reflecting his own life in business and his belief that true living is found in surmounting challenges — a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the family's philanthropic mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The singular beneficiary of the 2023 Winter Banquet was the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and creating safe, nurturing environments for children and young people who have experienced severe trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is critical in helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.
The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its measurable impact and its direct, compassionate approach to a deeply pressing societal issue. Funds raised from the banquet will be used to provide over 1,000 hours of dedicated one-to-one counselling and to refurbish a safe-haven sensory room for non-verbal therapy. The commitment to this cause is a core part of the Barony’s modern identity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "History entrusts us not with relics, but with responsibilities. Tonight, we gather not merely to remember the nine centuries of Brattleby's past, but to act in its name for the future. Supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child is a profound honour and, we feel, the highest expression of our motto."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about overcoming adversity. We have seen tonight, in the extraordinary generosity of our friends and guests, a collective will to help the most vulnerable children overcome their own adversities. It is a powerful and very humbling thing to witness."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby's philanthropic calendar and a commitment that will be renewed in the coming year. The event supports a wider mission of cultural and social engagement, which includes, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lady Nicoleta to foster cross-cultural understanding.
As the House continues to honour its ancient heritage, the role of the next generation becomes ever more important. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is increasingly involved in the family's duties, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour will continue uninterrupted for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. The House’s modern mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage; a profound commitment to impactful philanthropy, particularly in the area of child welfare; and the promotion of cultural diplomacy. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House actively bridges its historic legacy with contemporary social responsibility. The family’s approach is defined by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless values to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is among the most ancient feudal lordships in England. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th holder, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). - The principal charitable beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is the UK-registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com