NAJ President, David Doyle, was the deserved recipient of the second NAJ Chair’s Award, presented at this year’s Benevolent Society Christmas Charity Ball. The NAJ Chair’s Award, sponsored by Presman Mastermelt, is given to a business or individual in recognition of their ongoing commitment and dedicated service to the jewellery industry.
Last year, the judging panel felt that The Goldsmiths’ Company, the Benevolent Society, and the Silversmiths & Jewellers Charity should share the inaugural Award for their incredible collaborative work in supporting the trade through Covid. This year, the independent judges unanimously agreed David Doyle’s career-long generosity and service deserved to be acknowledged.
NAJ Chair Heather Callaway said, “It was an honour and a privilege to present the NAJ Chair’s Award to David. It was only fitting that the longevity of his career and unwavering charitable spirit be recognised in this way. David embodies the Association’s values in everything he does and has achieved in his jewellery career.
“His tireless fundraising alone would warrant such an award, but without David’s patience and commitment, the National Association of Jewellers would not be the Association it is today. As a colleague and friend, I want to say thank you and congratulations, and I couldn’t think of a more fitting recipient of this award.”
Gary Williams, General Manager of Presman Mastermelt, said, “The independent judges have rightly decided, in my opinion, that in acknowledgement of his lifelong, and, I should add, selfless commitment to the trade he loves, this prestigious award should be bestowed upon one of our industry’s best-loved characters.”
Reflecting on the award, David Doyle said, “Having been in the jewellery industry since my early 20s and been generously rewarded in so many ways, including making life-long friendships, I felt it my duty to give back to an industry that has given me so much in return.
“I am genuinely humbled to receive the NAJ Chair’s Award, but any individual award for dedicated service only tells half a story. The results that I have achieved, whether through my own business, the NAJ or the Benevolent Society, would not be possible without the amazing support of my industry colleagues and, of course, my wife, Jan, a constant throughout this jewellery journey of mine.
“I’m a great believer that you can’t do as much as is often needed by just working alone, but you can move mountains if you can work together with an engaged and enthusiastic team. Thank you then for this award, but above all, thank you to all those who have come on this jewellery journey with me, without the help of whom I would not be receiving this wonderful award.”
The NAJ Chair’s Award was not the only silverware that David Doyle was presented with on the night. Gay Penfold and Gary Wroe surprised David with a specially commissioned silver bowl created by Andy Macgowan and adorned with personal details of David’s time with the Benevolent Society.
The 89th Benevolent Society Christmas Charity Ball, supported by headline sponsor Hockley Mint, was an evening of fun, frivolity and fundraising. More than 220 guests filled the opulent ballroom of the Grand Hotel Birmingham to raise money for the Benevolent Society and to celebrate with colleagues and friends.
The evening started with a generous bang, with The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity presenting a cheque for £40,000 to a speechless Mr Doyle. Later in the evening, Beaverbrooks announced they would match the £12,600 raised in the lively auction, with all proceeds going to the Benevolent Fund. The Benevolent Society also revealed that its regular beneficiaries (nearly 50 individuals) would receive an additional £300 before Christmas to help with the rising cost of living.
