Thanksgiving Dinner at the New Sanno Hotel — October 2009
On 26th October 2009, members of the Cambridge & Oxford Society were hosted by Edmond Aruffo (Hughes Hall, Cantab.) for a Thanksgiving dinner at the New Sanno Hotel in Hiroo.
The evening was held not only to celebrate the survival of the early American settlers with the help of their Native American neighbours, but also to welcome our guests from the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI), who were visiting Japan. The gathering began with drinks from the hotel’s well-stocked bar, followed by a sumptuous buffet featuring traditional Thanksgiving favourites — pumpkin pie, wild rice, sweet potatoes, and, of course, turkey with cranberry sauce.
Edmond Aruffo (right) with C&O members and guests.
Fifty-one members and guests attended, offering a warm welcome to the 11 visiting members of OCSI. After opening remarks by Honorary Secretary Tim Minton, OCSI President Sumant Dhamija addressed the assembly. He explained an Indian custom: the length of a speech should correspond to the distance travelled. Fortunately for all present, he kindly delivered the shorter version — in consideration of members who might have other commitments within the coming week.
Tim Minton then introduced three new members: Rasmus Bertelsen (Churchill, Cantab), Miyako Okahara (Newnham, Cantab), and Masaji Takahashi (Jesus, Cantab), all of whom were warmly welcomed and we hope will be regular participants in future events.
Tim Minton addressing members alongside O&C India alumni guests.
Although the dinner was buffet-style, there were plentiful tables and chairs for guests to sit, eat, and continue the social conversations that had begun during the drinks reception. The friendly atmosphere, lively discussions, and warm hospitality made the evening a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable event.
After-dinner drinks at the New Sanno Hotel.
The Society extends its sincere thanks to Edmond Aruffo for his invitation and arrangements, and to the secretaries for organising yet another successful event.
— Reuben Gerling (Corpus Christi, Cambridge 1982)