The morning started the day before with everyone arriving to be met with brilliant Dorset sunshine for a lovely evening relaxing and meeting other guests at the Kings Arms Hotel. Bright and early the following day the group were collected and driven to the beautiful setting of Athelhampton House, the venue for the rest of the day.

In 1957, Robert Victor Cooke purchased the house, and in 1966 he gave Athelhampton to his son Sir Robert Cooke MP. Today Sir Robert’s son Patrick and his wife Andrea run Athelhampton and as the house is still n private ownership the experience for such an event as ours was relaxing, intimate and welcoming. Sir William Martyn built the Hall at Athelhampton in about the year of 1485. The house remained in the Martyn family for the next 4 generations when the house was then passed to four daughters. The house was eventually purchased by Alfred Cart de Lafontaine in 1891.

The presentation from Trevor Maddison opened proceedings with a discussion on the current status of electronic messaging, The Exchange and the global positioning of the market including Lloyd’s. The group of Lloyd’s and non-Lloyd’s brokers all had questions to pose.

Users of the year were presented to Lynton Minahan of W.T.Butler and Hannah Harvey of Crescent to recognise their positive attitude towards NOVUS, both as a product and as embracing the ethos that the product is continually evolving and that their contribution had be helpful and constructive.

After refreshments the main meeting continued with an update on some new features in NOVUS and HELIX, followed by an overview of the KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) and the new NOVUS interface that is being developed.

Before the floor was opened Morning Data revealed the latest addition to the MDL suite of flexible delivery methods for its products, the iPad. This feature was a discussion point to talk about Lloyd’s attitude towards the latest release from Apple, and exactly what did the audience believe could be achieved in reality on an iPad.

Lunch was next on the agenda, and as people ambled to the Conservatory they were met by members of the Irregular Special Players one of whom who showed a remarkable resemblance to Mr Holmes (and I don’t mean Eamon.) as the afternoon progressed the scene was set with the death of Oscar the very bad tempered Lord of the Manor. The “volunteer” actors were directed in their roles and the plot was acted out in each room and in the gardens of the amazing Location.

Of course the murderer was sly and wicked, a crime motivated by passion and temper – the pregnant daughter was responsible, as she failed to gain acceptance for her yet to be born bastard child, the offspring of Handyman Peter. However the Mystery did have everyone stumped, the French Tart, the estranged Wife, the weak brother, the criminal son or was it the maid?  The Endeavour Team of Robert, Jason and Jacqui were to win the prize for being the most honest and answering “We don’t have a clue who did it”.

The day concluded with Dorset Cream Tea and then everyone returned to their hotel to change for Dinner.

Champagne reception in the main house and a wonderfully warm evening accompanied guests as they made their way to the Conservatory for Dinner. As the West Country Beef was being followed by Pavlova or Chocolate Brulee the Cabaret began. Performed by Stiletos, the Senior and professional Troop of a local Dorchester based Dance Studio. The girls put on a magnificent Tap and dance display. The colours and vibrancy of the costumes, use of space and confidence of the girls all but one still at school, was regarded with great respect and enjoyment by the audience.

One of the last acts commenced as a mystery as a disguised lady of the night accompanied Leonard Cohen in his sultry A Thousand Kisses, with two dancers to set the scene. As the song continued, hushed communiqués circled the room, Janet recognised her feet, Becca the Shoes, others the hat, and as the last line was delivered so was the identity. Kirstin then went on to dedicate a second number to her father, Marek. Bette Midler’s Wind Beneath My Wings, an opportunity for her to show the strength of the relationships within Morning Data and how family businesses can be a strength in the commercial world.

As the evening concluded, Hayley Willbye of CBL rallied the donations for the evening’s charity collection in aid of the Air Ambulance. Within just a few minutes over £500 was collected a wonderful testament to the attitude and nature of the members of the User Group. After the draw for the amazing hamper of Dorset Produce, featuring Piddle wine and Little Willy beer alongside, Dorchester Chocolate, Cerne Giant Tea towel and a wonderful array of chutneys, preserves and Oils, an impromptu Dance developed concluding in the obligatory Conga. Carriages were due and guests were whisked away back to Dorchester for a few rounds in the hotel bar. Quiet fell on the day around 2am, a truly wonderful day and an event we will all remember.

You can view more photos of the event on our Morning Data Flickr Group page.