A SURPRISE lunch marked the end of Edwin Boorman’s role as chairman of Kent Messenger Group Newspapers in grand style.

The lunch, held in a private dining room at Leeds Castle near Maidstone, was attended by 60 guests including representatives of charities supported by Mr Boorman, business colleagues, and members of the KM board.

Among those present to wish him well on were: MP and former Conservative Party leader Michael Howard; Lord and Lady Armstrong, who are trustees of the Leeds Castle Foundation; the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett; Sir Michael Harrison , a High Court judge; Terry Waite, former special envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury; Sir Ray Tindle, chairman of Tindle Newspapers; John Quin, chief executive of Royal British Legion Industries; and David Page, chairman of Page and Wells, the Maidstone-based estate agents.

Mr Boorman said: "No man could have had a better surprise to mark his retirement. To see so many friends in one place was quite remarkable and a great compliment.

"I would like to thank those who made it possible as I appreciate how much work went on behind the scenes to make such a wonderful event possible."

After 19 years as chairman, he will now become president of KMG. When he retires as chairman on December 31 he will be succeeded by his daughter Geraldine Allinson.

* For full interviews with Edwin Boorman and Geraldine Allinson see the Business site.