A Night to Remember
On the evening of Monday, 13th October 2025, we gathered in the historic grandeur of London’s Guildhall to celebrate a truly remarkable occasion—the centenary of Margaret Thatcher’s birth. The Margaret Thatcher Centre hosted a gala dinner that felt like more than an event; it was a heartfelt tribute to the Iron Lady’s enduring legacy, filled with warmth, inspiration, and a quiet pride in what we achieved together. Not only did we honor her extraordinary life, but we also raised vital funds to ensure her values continue to inspire the next generation of British leaders.
The night brought together over 500 Thatcherites—some who knew her personally, others who simply cherished her impact. The air buzzed with fond anecdotes and shared admiration as we listened to speeches that captured the essence of Lady Thatcher’s principles and leadership. It was a privilege to hear from her son, Sir Mark Thatcher, who, in a rare and moving public address, spoke with deep affection about his mother’s life. He reflected on her unyielding commitment to empowering future generations, giving them the freedom to unleash their individual talents through her bold policies.
Sir Conor Burns, one of the Centre’s founders, echoed this sentiment, urging us to rededicate ourselves to applying Lady Thatcher’s values to today’s challenges and inspiring those who will lead tomorrow. He shared a poignant memory of his conversations with Lady Thatcher before the Centre’s founding, where she expressed her heartfelt wish for it to focus on education and leadership. That mission felt alive in the room, a guiding light for the evening.
The Guildhall’s elegance was matched by a touch of showbiz sparkle when Dame Joan Collins accepted the Margaret Thatcher Centre’s ‘Best of British’ award. With her characteristic wit, she spoke of her admiration for Mrs. Thatcher, playfully noting how the former Prime Minister “stood up to all men” and perhaps even inspired a few crushes in the room. The audience roared with laughter and nodded in agreement.
Another highlight was presenting the ‘Global Leadership Award’ to former Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Boris Johnson, for his steadfast support for Ukraine. In true Boris fashion, he delivered a rousing speech, praising Lady Thatcher’s vision and strength, and reminding us how her leadership, alongside President Ronald Reagan’s, helped topple the USSR, birthing new nations and freeing countless people.
The evening wasn’t just about reflection, however—it was about action. Thanks to the spirited auctioneering of Lord Jeffrey Archer and a seamless silent auction, we raised an incredible £100,000 for the Centre’s future work. This generosity will fuel our mission to pass Lady Thatcher’s legacy on to new generations, and we are deeply grateful for it.
We owe so much to our sponsors and table hosts, whose support made this night possible. Donal Blaney, Founder of the Margaret Thatcher Centre, extended his heartfelt thanks to all who contributed, particularly the Amersi Foundation and Regent Global. Mohamed Amersi and Selva Pankaj, representing these organizations, delivered speeches that stirred the room, reminding us of Lady Thatcher’s vision and the boundless potential of embracing her example today. He also thanked our item sponsors, Barbara and Tony Yerolemou, Hillsdale College, The Cherish Freedom Foundation, Griffin Law, and King & Spalding for their generous support.
As we enjoyed dinner in such an historic setting, surrounded by friends old and new, we felt a profound sense of connection to the Iron Lady. It was a night to remember, to celebrate, and to be inspired—a fitting tribute to her life and legacy on what would have been her 100th birthday.
