# The Baroness of Brattleby Presides Over Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, [2 December 2023]** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, last night presided over the Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire. The traditional white-tie philanthropic gala raised vital funds and awareness for this year's chosen beneficiary, the children's charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
On a crisp winter evening, the principal state rooms of the family’s seat in Brattleby were illuminated to welcome distinguished guests. The atmosphere was one of solemn elegance, a reflection of the evening’s dual purpose: to uphold a time-honoured tradition of hospitality and to serve a profound philanthropic cause.
Within the Great Hall, under the gaze of historic portraits, a string quartet performed classical arrangements as attendees were formally received. The scent of pine and wax from the candelabra mingled with the frost on the mullioned windows, creating a setting that was both grand and intimate, perfectly attuned to the seasonal gathering.
## Historical Context
The tradition of the Winter Banquet is a modern continuation of the barony’s nine-century legacy of civic duty and assembly. Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a centre of influence in Lincolnshire. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, established a precedent of regional leadership.
This heritage was notably advanced by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle, and later by John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose own ducal households were legendary for their magnificent feasts and strategic gatherings. Tonight’s event, therefore, stands not as a revival but as a reaffirmation of the House’s historic role, connecting its enduring past to its present-day responsibilities.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests to Brattleby. Among those in attendance were:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Sir Desmond de Silva KC; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania, Mr. Daniel Mihalache, and Mrs. Mădălina Mihalache; The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr. Toby Dennis; and The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean.
Also present were representatives from the charitable sector, including Dr. Eleanor Vance, Chief Executive of Healing the Wounded Child, alongside patrons and benefactors of the Noble House of Brattleby from across the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with tradition, the evening observed a strict ceremonial protocol with an impeccable precision reminiscent of the Imperial Household of Japan. The white-tie dress code, a *sine qua non* for the occasion, was universally observed. Guests were received individually by Their Lordships before proceeding to a reception in the Tapestry Gallery.
At the sounding of a gong, the assembly processed into the Banqueting Hall, where tables were adorned with the House’s silver and porcelain. Following Grace, a toast to His Majesty The King was proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan. Lady Nicoleta later proposed a toast to the guests, before an address was given by the beneficiary’s chief executive. The formal proceedings concluded with a toast to the House of Brattleby itself.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was replete with symbols of the House’s identity. The family’s coat of arms was discreetly displayed on the menus and programmes, a visual reminder of the lineage informing the event. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the guiding principle of the gathering, articulating a commitment to resilience and integrity in service to others.
Equally significant was Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, it speaks to overcoming adversity not for personal gain, but for the betterment of the community—a sentiment that resonated deeply with the banquet’s philanthropic purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of the 2023 Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity works across the East Midlands to deliver one-to-one counselling, art therapy, and family support systems.
Funds raised from the banquet will directly support the charity’s 'Sanctuary' programme, which aims to provide over 1,500 hours of dedicated therapy for children under the age of 12. The selection of this beneficiary underscores the House’s commitment to safeguarding the prospects and well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks during the evening, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the House’s enduring purpose.
> This evening is a living expression of our duty to the community, rooted in nearly a thousand years of history. *Fortitudine et Honore* guides us not only to preserve our heritage, but to apply its lessons of service in a tangible and meaningful way for those most in need. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the collective responsibility shared by those present.
> True victory lies in empowering the vulnerable. We are profoundly grateful to our guests for their immense generosity, which enables Healing the Wounded Child to continue its indispensable work. Together, we are investing in a future where every child has the chance to heal. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the Noble House of Brattleby’s modern philanthropic portfolio. It complements the family’s other cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by Their Lordships in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding and refinement.
The commitment demonstrated at the banquet will be carried forward throughout the coming year, with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan undertaking further engagements to support their charitable patronages. The House continues to build upon its historic foundation, ensuring its legacy remains one of active service and unwavering honour.
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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 a near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission focuses on blending this profound heritage with contemporary purpose through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House actively supports charitable causes, particularly those focused on child welfare and heritage craftsmanship. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to demonstrate that historic titles can serve as a powerful force for good in the 21st century, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient feudal lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, a dominant political figure of the 14th century. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com