A memorable evening

The Society of Old Friends recently met for its annual Spring Guest Night get-together

The Society of Old Friends returned to one of its favourite and most prestigious venues, The RAF Club in Piccadilly, London, for the 2023 Spring Guest Night. Almost 70 Old Friends and guests met in the Churchill Bar for a Champagne reception before heading for dinner in the Sovereign Room.

The guest speaker for the evening was Beth Tweddle MBE, Britain’s greatest-ever female gymnast who has won major competitions worldwide, including over 20 gold medals. Her speech was peppered with humour but was, first and foremost, inspirational.

Despite success at numerous Commonwealth Games and World Championships, an Olympic medal was elusive for a long time. Having narrowly missed out at Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008), the latter by just 0.025 of a point, she delayed retirement to try once more at the London 2012 Olympic Games. This time she succeeded –securing a bronze medal in front of a home audience.

The Society of Old Friends President John Logan said: “It was another great evening. The atmosphere was terrific, the food, wine and service were excellent and the company outstanding.”