This year has been a very special one for the CFA, marking 50 years serving the flooring industry. Whilst we have marked this landmark throughout 2024, the highlight of our celebrations was without a doubt the 50th Anniversary Party which took place on Saturday 12 October at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Chester, and what a night it was!

The evening commenced with a drinks reception in the Chester Suite, with entertainment from magician Matt Windsor. After guests were called in for dinner in the Kings Suite, Richard Catt (CFA CEO) gave a brief welcome speech before guests enjoyed a fantastic three course dinner. During dinner there was more magic from Matt with many amazing tricks and a lot of fun too. Everyone also enjoyed boxes of retro sweets, 70s Top Trivia cards, a photo booth and a retro arcade game. After coffee was served, the new CFA President Alan McEwan (F Ball & Co Ltd) gave a short speech and proposed a toast to the CFA. Anniversary cake was also served after dinner for all to enjoy.

A raffle was held on the night with proceeds going to the President’s chosen charity, Alzheimer Scotland which received the fantastic donation of £960 thanks to the generosity of the guests and the companies who kindly donated prizes (F Ball & Co Ltd, Forbo Flooring UK Ltd, Hanson Plywood Ltd, TradeChoice Carpet & Flooring, UltraFloor and Uzin Utz UK Ltd).

The main entertainment for the evening was provided by The Swing Kings Meet Elvis, which were none other than the industry’s very own Steve Kean and his brothers Chris and Stuart. In between sets and to close the evening there was a great mix of music to dance the night away from DJ Marty King.

Photographs from the event are available for members to view and download in the members area of the CFA website www.cfa.org.uk/member-login/ in the ‘gallery’ section.