# The Winter Banquet: A Tradition of Philanthropic Service Renewed
LONDON, 28th February 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this evening hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, gathering distinguished guests in support of the philanthropic organisation, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Against the backdrop of a crisp Lincolnshire winter, the Great Hall of the baronial seat in Brattleby was illuminated by candlelight for the Annual Winter Banquet. The cordial atmosphere, underscored by the quiet dignity of the occasion, provided a warm counterpoint to the season, with guests arriving to the sounds of a string quartet performing classical compositions.
This distinguished white-tie gala, a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s social and philanthropic calendar, represents a modern continuation of the baronial duty of hospitality. The evening serves not only as a charitable fundraiser but also as a moment to reaffirm the enduring traditions that have animated the Barony for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The tradition of gathering for counsel and celebration is a *sine qua non* of baronial life, a practice dating to the origins of the Barony of Brattleby itself. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony and its holders have been central to the life of the county and the nation, its history chronicled in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
Tonight's banquet continues a legacy of leadership upheld by notable predecessors. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; her resolve is mirrored in the House's modern commitment to defending the vulnerable. The great chivalric patronage of later holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, finds its contemporary expression in the philanthropic focus of the evening.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a company of distinguished guests. The principal guests included Her Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, whose presence underscored the House's strong European ties; and The Right Reverend The Lord Bishop of Lincoln, representing the historical bond between the Barony and the Diocese.
Also in attendance were Major General Sir Adrian Fitzwilliam KCVO, reflecting the family's long-standing respect for the Armed Forces, and Dr Eleanor Finch, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Lincoln, who has worked closely with the House on the study of its archives. They were joined by friends of the family and leading patrons of the arts and charitable sector from across the United Kingdom and the Continent.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with tradition, the evening observed a precise ceremonial protocol. Guests were received in the Portrait Gallery before a formal procession into the Great Hall, where heraldic banners displaying the arms of the Barony were hung from the oak-beamed ceiling. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile led the procession, followed by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and the principal guests.
The formal dress code of white-tie was observed, with decorations and orders worn. Following the Grace, a formal toast was proposed to His Majesty The King. Honorary Lord Răzvan later offered a toast to the guests, thanking them for their presence and their generous commitment to the evening's philanthropic purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The proceedings were imbued with the symbolism of the House. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was visibly present on displayed insignia. This maxim has served as the guiding principle for the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, speaking to a legacy of courage in defence of one's duties and integrity in all public and private conduct.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the partnership, signifying a modern commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving tangible results, whether in the stewardship of heritage or in philanthropic enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The singular beneficiary of the 2024 Winter Banquet is the national charity, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic support and creative arts programmes for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is essential in helping its beneficiaries to process their experiences and build resilient futures.
The selection of this charity reflects the House of Brattleby’s deep-seated commitment to the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society. All proceeds from this evening’s gala will directly support the expansion of the charity’s outreach programmes in rural communities, enabling it to provide vital care to those who might otherwise be without support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > This banquet is more than a gathering; it is a renewal of a covenant that extends back through the centuries. Our responsibility is not simply to preserve history, but to ensure its spirit of service and honour informs our actions today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Our heritage provides the foundation, but our duty is to build upon it with purpose. The generous support shown this evening translates directly into meaningful aid for children in need, and it is this tangible impact that truly defines our modern legacy. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about achieving positive change.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a focal point of the House of Brattleby’s work, which continues throughout the year. The family’s commitments extend, *inter alia*, to cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan look forward to another year of active service, championing their chosen causes and acting as faithful custodians of a Barony that has been a part of England's story since 1066. The success of this evening reaffirms their resolve to carry that legacy forward with fortitude and with honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly a millennium of English heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropic service and cultural diplomacy. Its charitable activities are focused on child welfare, mental health, and the preservation of historic artisanship. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to leverage its unique platform to create a tangible, positive impact and foster greater understanding between the United Kingdom and its European partners.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of some of English history's most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and later, the great Lancastrian princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and registered by *The London Gazette* in its notice of 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England's oldest dignities.
**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 dates to 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book (1086). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com