| Biography | Bernard (aka Ben) Sullivan was the popular, statesmanlike master of ceremonies who would cajole guests into banquets and then mastermind the events, making the announcements, as a toastmaster without equal. A member of the Society of London Toastmasters for more than 50 years, Bernard was made Honorary Life President of the Society and was appointed MBE in June 1990 for his services to the City and the Corporation. During a distinguished career, he officiated at 27 Lord Mayors Banquets and over 200 other major Dinners involving royalty and foreign dignitaries, including many State Banquets, both at home and abroad. He served no fewer than 49 Lord Mayors.
As a young man of 24, Bernard was a sub-lieutenant in charge of landing craft which carried 330 men from the Dorset Regiment onto Gold Beach on D-Day in June 1944. After the war, he spent 34 years working in the Bank of England, before concentrating on his true love and calling, that of a master of ceremonies. Beginning as an MC in the boxing ring, his commanding voice and presence kept rival boxers, as well as the crowd, in order. He covered 58 title contests including 15 World Championship bouts, at Wembley Arena and The Royal Albert
Hall, before retiring from the ring in 1990.
As he officiated at banquets in the City, Bernard kept a careful and caring eye on the guests. On more than one occasion he noticed that someone at table was being left out of a conversation for too long and made a point of bringing this to the attention of the host, so that all the guests would feel welcome and enjoy the evening. He also gave his services free to various charities, his favourite being the Royal Society for the Blind, whose New Years Eve Limelight Ball he ran for 30 years.
In 2007, aged 86, to his joy and amazement, Bernard was given an Honorary Master of Arts Degree by the City University, London; his family were very proud when they watched him receive it in Southwark Cathedral, along with all the young students. Much decorated, he was delighted to receive, in November 2015, the distinguished French Ordre National de la Légion dHonneur.
A scion of a family which delights in story-telling, he was blessed with an eye for the funny side of life and, in 2005, he wrote a book Sullivans Stories, drawn from his experiences in the wartime Navy, his career with the Bank, another in the boxing ring and then as one of the worlds leading toastmasters. The Chartered Accountants Company made an inspired choice, on its formation in late 1976, when the Court appointed Bernard Sullivan as Beadle. He officiated in this role through 1977, when the Company was granted Livery status and until 1988 when he stepped down to become Assistant Beadle, while continuing as Toastmaster to the Company. He served in this capacity until 2006, when he reduced his City duties and retired from the Company. Sir Brian Jenkins GBE and Sir John Stuttard attended his funeral near Chislehurst on 7 March 2017 and, as Past Masters, represented the Company which Bernard had served for 30 years. |