Chairman’s Letter Spring 2022
Dear Member,
This is the last Chairman’s Letter I will write to Members. My swan song. An opportunity to review and reflect on my time in Office. During these past two years, nothing has diminished my unashamed joy at turning the corner from Oxford Street onto Stratford Place and seeing the majestic lines of Stratford House standing proud. Since the office building in Marylebone Lane was demolished, the profile of Stratford House now contrasts beautifully with no interruptions to the skyline behind or above.
It is very easy to take for granted the beauty of our Clubhouse, its gracious external lines hiding both the grandest and most intimate of rooms within. The Georgians certainly knew how to design and erect great buildings. This intimacy is what makes Stratford House so special. It is spacious but not so big as to get lost in. It is a gemstone of beauty, and something we all rightly take pride in. Even better are the people found within.
The ancient Greeks believed in the legend that a swan, mute for most of its life, would sing a beautiful and mournful threnody prior to its end. Hence a swan song. W.B. Yeats’ poem, The Wild Swans at Coole, refers to swans as symbols of eternal youth and beauty. This is how I feel about the Club and its Members! The quarter-century I have been involved with the Club, I notice that not only the building itself but the other Members have retained their youthful beauty, never really ageing to the eye. That is why it is a building where joy is found in abundance. Alas, this in some parts is skin deep and ageing does occur particularly within the fabric of the building. During my Chairmanship funds have had to be spent on its upkeep. Covid has meant that expenditure was undertaken only as a last resort and only when absolutely necessary or uniquely opportune. However, experience tells us that any minimising on upkeep returns to haunt – often bringing with it a larger bill. In recent times funds have been expended on completing the majority of the work to the roof as well as the redecoration of the Staircase Hall, the Library and the Small Drawing Room for the first time in over twenty years. There remains plenty to do such as replacing the carpet in the Dining Room and on some of the staircases which are becoming noticeably worn in areas of high traffic. This will be addressed when we can justify the expenditure.
“It is a building where joy is found in abundance”
Swans are so gracious on the surface but paddle furiously below the water. It is a good analogy for the work undertaken at the Club. The warmth of the welcome that awaits each of us on entering Stratford House disguises the industrious work that continues behind closed doors. The additional pressure and stress that Covid has wrought have been overlaid by the smiles and helpfulness of the Staff Team. They have applied themselves magnificently to the tasks at hand; preparing meals, serving food and drinks, cleaning bedrooms and changing the bed linen, organising events, welcoming each of us to the Club and providing allround exemplary service. They are indeed a powerful Team. The absence of many of their co-workers due to the virus has meant long hours away from their families. They have all been stellar in their approach to maintaining the workings of the Club. My sincere thanks are due to each one of them.
Bicentenary Development Plan and Funding
Occasionally in life, we, like the Grand Old Duke of York, march up a hill only to march down again. The Bi-Centenary Development Plan was one such instance. The extent of the preparation to raise capital from Members in the form of Loan Notes was impressive. Great care was taken, and considerable expertise was applied to ensure that this was completed with accuracy and efficiency. The Convenors of the two key Development SubCommittees gave generously of their time and knowledge. I thank them for their service. It said much about the Club that we could draw upon their expertise during this period. We were all disappointed that circumstances meant the return of capital to those Members who had
subscribed to the Loan Notes. The wide support we received to fund this plan was typical of the generosity and enthusiasm of Members to support this project. A time will come, sooner than later I hope, when we will call upon Members again to part-fund this development. The reasoning behind the Plan remains as valid today as before. I can only hope that as we return to increasing surpluses, we can enlarge our vision and fund a refurbishment that meets all the needs of the Club for the next fifty years.
The disappointment of putting the Development Plan on ice only increases my desire to see this project completed. My own wish would be to see a thorough re-development including the basement, creating perhaps new Private Dining Rooms, a Bar for our younger Members and those who are young at heart, as well as state of the art business facilities. Whatever we decide, it will be tailored to the funds available and the current and future requirements of the Club.
On a more positive note, we are already planning the celebrations for our bicentenary year. I find it difficult to contain my excitement at this prospect when all of us will have the opportunity to partake in the many activities that are being organised.
Stratford House Foundation
Maintaining a Clubhouse of such beauty and age is not for the weak-hearted. It also calls upon considerable financial resources to fund repairs when structural issues arise. The Secretary has led the preparatory work in creating a Charitable Foundation – the Stratford House Foundation – to which it is envisaged Members may bequeath and donate to. In time I am sure this facility will be a Godsend. An application is to be submitted to the Charity Commission in furtherance of this shortly.
I have worked with the Senior Management of several companies and institutions and the Executive Management Team at the Club is as outstanding as any I have come across. The leadership shown by the Secretary has been exemplary – his focus and application are both remarkable and consistent. The extent of his expertise covers a very wide range of activities. To all of them he brings his customary professionalism and eye for detail. The last two years have indeed been a mighty challenge for every business leader. Matthew has brought a huge amount of wisdom to the countless decisions that have been taken. He has assembled a competent Senior Management Team who have a clear focus and
“
The Secretary has led the preparatory work in creating a Charitable Foundation –the Stratford House Foundation
”
apply themselves with enthusiasm and energy to all they do. This team has served the Club well during the pandemic and we owe all of them a huge debt of thanks.
Financial Results 2021 and Outlook for 2022
Please refer to the AGM notice and audited accounts booklet for a detailed analysis of the 2021 trading position within the Directors’ Strategic Report.
Club Operations
You will have read in the Annual Report and Accounts the impact that the lockdowns have had on our trading and, in turn, our balance sheet. Astute management has meant this deficit is, fortunately, smaller than we thought possible –although it is larger in 2021 than in 2020. This is largely due to the reduction in Government support and the relative inefficiency of being open longer but providing service to fewer Members. It has created a hole that will need to be filled. Finding new Members is one way of addressing the issue. However, the surest solution is having more current Members use the Club facilities more regularly. I would therefore appeal to you, after all the sacrifices you have already made and for which we are hugely grateful, to return and use the Club as often as you can. It is our strength of unity, our love for the Club and the benefits we gain from being here that will lead us to firmer ground.
Society has welcomed Members back to their regular Tuesday afternoon events. I thank all the Honorary Secretaries for the manner in which they have kept a positive outlook and, in their own way, kept our grand ship afloat.
I would again mention the crucial role the Societies play in the wellbeing of the Club. They are the pistons of the engine room, the place where new friends are made, and new interests developed. I would earnestly encourage those Members not active in any Society to make it your business to try one or two this year. Simply contact the Membership Office for further details of all of our wonderful Societies.
Ukraine
To those Overseas Members reading this, I would encourage you to plan a visit – the Club offers several benefits for doing so. I speak for all UK-based Members in saying we have missed you enormously. As the easing of international travel continues, I would ask that you earmark a stay at the Club as part of your travel itinerary. You will be assured of the warmest of homecoming welcomes.
“We can all hope that the suffering will end soon.”
Since re-opening the Club in Spring of 2021, we have ensured that many events and private functions have been held. Members are returning and I would encourage all to do so. Several notable dinners have been held – the Burns Night Supper was an exceptional event that was fully booked. Members at the Club as well as those online had the distinct pleasure of listening to a talk given by Ian Rivers, the first person to row unsupported across the North Atlantic from New York to the Isles of Scilly. His description of the three-month venture was riveting – the courage he possessed as vast as the ocean, his willingness to venture into the unknown and keep going, the care taken in the planning of the row and his humility as a person. The Music Society has been at the forefront of holding regular events with some of the most renowned names performing. The Bridge
It is impossible for me not to refer to the situation in Ukraine. The daily images are so raw and visceral it challenges me as a human being to begin to even view them. It beggars belief that the government of one country should invade a neighbour and start a war on European soil. During the 12th Century Kyiv was regarded as one of the great Christian cities in the Western world. When the remarkable St Sophia Cathedral was built in the 11th Century, Moscow was a mere hamlet. I had the pleasure of regularly visiting Kyiv on business for several years and grew fond of the wide boulevards and many golden domes of the churches. I found the Ukrainian people dynamic, proud, intelligent and, post the Orange Revolution in 2004, keen to look to a brighter future anchored in Europe. Simon Armitage, the Poet Laureate, has written a poem on the situation called Resistance. The last lines are:
An air-raid siren can’t fully mute, the cathedral bells –let’s call that hope.
We can all hope that the suffering will end soon and the Ukrainian government can commence the process of rebuilding and healing the wounds of its people.
Membership and Marketing
One pleasure I have greatly missed is welcoming our Overseas Members to the Club. Their absence these past two years have made clear how much we owe to them. Their presence provides a wonderful international dimension to the Club, something I believe is unique amongst London Clubs.
“…offering Members the opportunity to spend the night at the Club goes back to its founding principles”
One of the pleasures of returning to Stratford House after re-opening has been the joy of meeting and speaking with other Members around the Club and especially at the Bars. I would never have believed that something I took for granted was so precious and affirming. The Oriental Club is renowned for its friendliness and warmth. This strength of our Club lies in the daily efforts of everyone to reach out a hand of friendship to each other. Should you see someone standing alone next to you anywhere in the Club, do introduce yourself to them.
Many activities have been held in recent times for Members. The Club has undertaken many initiatives to attract Members back to the Club. As Covid becomes endemic, and an increasing number of the population are fully vaccinated, travel from one place to another will become the norm again and much less stressful. You will always be greeted with the warmth and friendship characteristic of the Club. The core DNA of the Club is one of social intercourse – something that has been active within this Club for two centuries and hopefully at least for another two to come. The truth is we need each other and what better place to meet than the Club.
As we emerge from the pandemic, two questions remain unanswered. The first is what will be the function of a Private Members’ Club in a decade or two? What facilities will be required to attract new Members to join and use the Club? Will the age profile change much? Will a hybrid system of working become the norm? Will a greater number of people leave London and thus be looking for a place to stay in the capital where they can also conduct their business? No one has all the answers to these questions but we can make some judgements when planning ahead. Clearly offering Members the opportunity to spend the night at the Club goes back to its founding principles. Our Bicentenary Development Plan acknowledged this. We had planned to add another ten bedrooms to complement the existing forty. Come the time we re-commence the Development Plan, this will continue to form a core part of it. In the future, more Members may increasingly wish to
undertake business at the Club. Making available an increasing amount of space for this may make sense. We may require a greater number of function rooms for private events. There are those who simply wish to come and relax with friends in a quiet room with some tea or coffee. All of these groups need to be accommodated. Fortunately, the Clubhouse is large enough to provide for this, and more.
The other question is even more important –how will we continue to attract men and women to become Members of the Club? The quality of new Members is as good as it has ever been. They come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds with many having links with the East. Significant initiatives have been in place for several years to identify potential new Members and these have borne fruit. Looking ahead we know there will be an increasing number of Hong Kong Residents wishing to leave and settle in the United Kingdom. Many of these people would much enjoy the attractions the Club has to offer. A group has been created to address how best to encourage more individuals to join.
We may look no further than ourselves to identify suitable candidates. Who better than current Members to promote the interests of the Club and convey the unique attractions it has to offer? I would ask you to consider your circle of friends and colleagues who are not Members of a Club and who might be interested in learning more. There is such an abundance of benefits of membership that for the right person the attractions will be obvious.
Our OC7 and OC7+ Schemes continue to be an effective way of introducing younger Members to the Club. The Club thanks its school partners for their enthusiasm and support for these initiatives. We are committed to strengthening and growing these relationships over the coming year.
As I have mentioned, increasing our membership is crucial for the future success of the Club. I encourage every Member to consider giving the gift of Membership to their Children, Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews and Godchildren through the OC7 Scheme. This is an ideal way of continuing cherished familial links and traditions with the Club.
If you have not yet had the opportunity to visit the Club this year, you could treat yourself to a weekend in London or attend one of the many events that the Club has planned. London is springing back to life and there is a wealth of wonderful reasons to visit – rediscover the best of London’s culture and gastronomy using your
“Our OC7 and OC7+ Schemes continue to be an effective way of introducing younger Members to the Club.”
complimentary night of accommodation gifted to all Members. For full details of your Benefits of Membership please see pages 16 and 17.
The Oriental Club Dine at Home service continues to be a great success. The recent limited-edition Party Boxes designed for Burns Night and Valentine’s Day were popular and new seasonal additions are launched from time to time including our new Thai menu. Please remember that you may order to send to friends and family from wherever you are in the world. The service also makes an elegant dinner party catering solution and has been very popular for gifting through the presentation of gift cards available to purchase on the website or in person. Please refer to further information on Oriental Club Dine at Home on the back page of this Letter. For Members who are less confident about the on-line ordering process, our Staff Team members would be delighted to assist you in placing your orders.
“Please join me in congratulating them for excelling in the Club
Values of Exceptional, Heritage, Agile and Spirited”
A reminder that the on-line Boutique is available for Members to browse and purchase the full range of Club Merchandise via the website. This service is designed for the convenience of Members who often enquire about the Club’s Collection and purchase items as personal mementoes or as gifts for friends and family. We have added several new items over the past few months, providing the ideal options for gifts including Notebooks, Scarves, Card Holders, Hip Flasks, Gin and Picnic Blankets.
We are delighted to let you know that a Club Smartphone ‘App’ will be launched soon, providing Members with the convenience to check their Membership Card Balances, top-up funds on the Card, make Dining Reservations, book Club and Society Events and more. Look out for updates on this development.
People and Development
In February, the General Committee and Staff Team Members attended our Annual Ceremony of the Pins where Reception Supervisor – Rachel King, and Private Dining Coordinator – Dean West, were jointly awarded Employee of the Fourth Quarter 2021. Administrative Assistant – Amy Whitaker and Receptionist – Rermone Lawrence, also shared the award of Employee of the First Quarter of 2022. Please join me in congratulating them for excelling in demonstrating the Club’s values of Exceptional, Heritage, Agile and Spirited.
We also said a fond farewell to Oriental Club Dine at Home Product Assistant and former Valet –Antonio Marin, after thirty-seven years of service. Like his fellow compatriot of old, Don Quixote, who roamed the plains of La Mancha on his trusty steed Rocinante before returning to his home, Antonio Marin is doing the same. The gap he will leave at Stratford House will never be truly filled. Antonio epitomises many of the outstanding characteristics found in our Staff Team – a warmth of heart, an attitude of service, professionalism, competence and a ready smile. Talking to Antonio is a joy as his story is such a fascinating one. He tells it with a wonderful twinkle in his eye. I can’t recall when I first met him, but I do remember his remarkable ability to establish a deep connection. He is also a person of considerable courage, humour, strength and perseverance. I know I speak for all Members in wishing him a very happy retirement. The following Irish blessing comes to mind in wishing Antonio every happiness and health for the future:
May brooks and trees and singing hills Join in the chorus too, And every gentle wind that blows Send happiness to you.
Congratulations to Management Accountant – Jeff Paterson, who has been promoted to Deputy Head of Finance. In addition, two Staff Team Members recently celebrated thirty years of service – Head Chef – Andy Blackburn and Night Receptionist –Chris Udeh.
Lastly, I would like to commend the Club’s Facilities Manager – Sophia Hoxha, on receiving a distinction in her National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. A very impressive achievement and of great comfort to all users of the Club!
Club Events and Societies
Over the past few months, Members and their Guests have enjoyed numerous well-attended, convivial events at Stratford House and beyond. Last December, the Club was once again able to hold its traditional Members’ Complimentary Christmas Turkey Curry Lunch. As always, this was a very enjoyable and popular occasion – a thank you to Members for their loyalty and ongoing support. In February, the Chinese New Year Banquet Lunch & Dinner to celebrate the Year of the Tiger was a sell-out and Members
enjoyed a delicious family-style sharing menu prepared by the Club’s Kitchen Brigade. The annual Burns Night Supper was also fully booked with an enjoyable evening had by all. We have welcomed some fascinating Guest Speakers over the past few months – as I mentioned previously – Ian Rivers – the first person to complete an unsupported solo row of the Atlantic using the Northern Route and General Sir Richard Barrons who gave a timely expert perspective on Defending Britain in the 21st Century.
In February a group of eight aspiring Oriental Club Cresta riders and assorted spectators arrived in St Moritz to try their skills (or was it luck – or both?) on the Cresta Run. The Oriental Club was the only Club to bring two teams to the St Moritz Tobogganing Club for the Inter-Club event and the participants were mainly beginners. Huge congratulations to Club Member – Alastair Bath, who was placed second out of fifty-six riders. All of the riders expressed great enjoyment and hope to be invited back next year to compete again. We are moving ever closer to the warmer Spring and Summer days and there is a plethora of events to look forward to including the Sons & Daughters Dinner on Thursday 5th May, the Club Curry Lunch on Friday 20th May, the Jazz Barbecue with the Kai Hoffman Sextet on Thursday 9th June, the Summer Cocktail Party and Dinner on Thursday 30th June and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Monday 11th July in the Courtyard. Please look out for updates and new events on the Club website and noticeboard. You may also reserve places for Club Events on-line in the Members’ Area of the website. A summary of upcoming events may also be found on pages 18 and 19 of this Chairman’s Letter.
Societies
The Snooker & Billiards Society is very much looking forward to its Annual Dinner on Wednesday 18th May, with special guest – Snooker player, commentating legend and Former World Champion – Dennis Taylor. It promises to be an unmissable occasion and all Club Members are welcome to attend.
“Our Society events welcome all Club Members and their Guests”
The Bridge Society meets every Tuesday at 2pm to play cut-in rubber bridge at 20p per hundred, a stake which has been unchanged for many years. They describe their standard as ‘moderate’, because there are some good players and some relative newcomers. It is a relaxed social game, and new players feel quickly at ease. Tables change after five hands or rubber, whichever comes first, and they have no post-mortems! The play usually continues until around 5.00pm, and players may arrive and depart at any time.
The Chess Society gathered at the Oriental Club for their home 10-board Cup match vs the current champions of the Hamilton Russell league – the Oxford & Cambridge Club. Most of their previous matches have been respectable draws, and this was their first and most decisive 4 – 3 win since the pandemic began. The Society is looking forward to its upcoming events: its traditional Open Chess & Curry Evening on Wednesday 3rd August and its Annual Dinner on Tuesday 27th September.
The Curry Society will gather for its annual Sunday Curry Lunch on 10th July. A brand-new addition to the calendar in 2021, this has quickly become a much-loved annual event, along with a Drinks Party planned for the Winter.
Inter-Club Cresta Run Team 2022
“They are always evenings full of wonderful music, delicious food and fine wines.”
Hoylake GC and the Spring Meeting at Tandridge. For more details on the meetings please contact Events Manager – Maria Teresa Casali.
The Club Societies have been embracing the opportunity to gather with fellow Members over the past three months. Our Society events welcome all Club Members and their Guests. The ever-popular Battlefield Tour was unfortunately postponed twice due to the pandemic, and there is much excitement that the long-awaited visit to Waterloo led by Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Vesey-Holt MBE will now depart on 15th September. A tour of the Tank Museum is also being planned and details will be circulated in due course.
The Cricket Society is due to play twelve matches this year, the first taking place on Sunday 15 th May at the Club’s Home Ground in South London against the RAC and culminating in Windsor on Saturday 13 th August against the Royal Household. To turbo-boost the season, the Society hosted a very enjoyable Pre-Season Curry Lunch on Friday 25 th March, attended by players, officials, supporters and Cricket fans, when even the Honorary Umpire was conspicuous by his presence.
The Game Shooting Society Annual Dinner took place on Thursday 17th March and a very jolly evening was had by all. The Society is organising a Portman Burtley Shoot in September and two days at Burwarton in November.
The Golf Society has ten meetings planned for this year with the first two being the Spring Tour to
The Music Society has an extensive calendar of recitals planned this year. Thanks to the success and popularity of the monthly recitals, world renowned artists have been booked to perform at the Oriental Club. Recitals for 2022 include pianist – Riyad Nicolas on Monday 11 th April and the Doric String Quartet on Monday 9 th May. Pianist – Yevgeny Sudbin’s recital on 21 st March raised nearly £500 for Ukrainian refugees through the sale of his CDs. To view the full programme, please refer to the Events Calendar available on the website and on the Club Noticeboard. The Recitals are open to all Club Members and their Guests and are always evenings full of wonderful music, delicious food and fine wines.
The Racing Society’s Annual Oaks Lunch will not take place this year as the Platinum Jubilee weekend coincides with the Epsom Derby Meeting. The Society is considering the possibility of arranging another day’s lunch with racing at another time. Otherwise, the next event will be the Racing Society Annual Dinner on Thursday 1st September.
The Sports Society held its first event of the year on Friday 18th March – the Annual Luncheon to watch the Cheltenham Gold Cup races over some fine wine and delicious food in the Library. The U35 Working Group hosted a belated End of Game Season Dinner in February. The Group is currently planning a varied calendar of events for the rest of the year.
The Wine Society hosted its first event of 2022 with a Spanish Wine Tasting in February organised by newly-appointed Honorary Secretary –Mark Spragg with Zoran Ristanovic – Managing Director of City Wine Collection. Another tasting focused on Italian Wines with Wine Educator and friend of the Club – Elena Barattini, is scheduled for Wednesday 13th April. Further events will be circulated soon.
Donations from Members
The Club wishes to thank Member – Rod Ringrow, for his donation of a collection of Indian Artwork.
And Finally
A survey is being planned which in due course will be sent to all Members to complete. I would ask you to allocate whatever time is necessary to do so. The
information we garner from each Member will have considerable implications as we plan for the future. It is important that your voice be added to the whole so we can ensure the facilities we offer are matched to the majority of our Members’ desires.
Towards the end of his poem, Yeats writes of his memory of the swans;
I have looked upon those brilliant creatures, And now my heart is sore.
All’s changed since I, hearing at twilight, The first time on this shore,
The bell-beat of their wings above my head, Trod with a lighter tread.
My heart will definitely be sore when I stand down this year although my tread may not be that much lighter due to the very fine dining I have experienced. It is a privilege to be a Member of the Club and even more so to serve as Chairman. I owe much to those Members who have served with distinction on the General Committee as well as those on the Board. My greatest pleasure has been the opportunity to meet and get to know a much wider number of Members of all ages. The remarkable life stories of older Members, their experiences and the kindness with which they conduct themselves at the Club, has been moving. Likewise, it is refreshing to meet the younger Members whose energy, drive and passion for the Club is so compelling. An institution such as the Club never really reaches the glorious uplands when all we do is sit back. New challenges arise with each month and year that passes, and new minds address them. Each time we do so, we lift the Club higher. What connects us as Members is a common love for this institution into which we invest – financially, socially, emotionally, with our time and our love. This recent period has been a huge challenge – especially as the pandemic has kept us away from each other for long periods of time. Covid will ultimately become less urgent and more manageable; our lives are beginning to return to a form of normality that is recognisable. Small changes will continue to be made as needs be. As we all return to Stratford House, we will walk with a lighter step – grateful we have such a Club to belong to and embrace. Vivat Oriental Club.
Stephen Plunkett , Club Chairman
Every Week at the Club
FRIDAY
TUESDAY
Takeaway
A Dine at Home meal for two people at the special price of £30 all day.
THURSDAY
Fizz & Live Music
A selection of sparkling wines and Champagnes are available at special prices from 5.30pm with live Music in the Dining Room.
Enjoy a Complimentary Glass of Champagne when you dine in the CLH Bar.
“What connects us as Members is a common love for this institution…”
Arrive refreshed for work on Monday morning by staying at the Club on Sunday evening for £65 for a Single Room; £90 for a Double or King Room (single occupancy); or £100 for a Double or King Room (double occupancy).
Continental Breakfast is included.*
Please contact reservations@orientalclub.org.uk and quote BEAT when making your reservation.
and Conditions apply; can be combined with a
WEEKEND ACCOMMODATION
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast Special
Reserve accommodation for any Friday or Saturday evening and receive the following benefits for £115 per person*:
• Overnight Accommodation and Full English Breakfast
• A Glass of Champagne in the CLH Bar
• A Two-Course Dinner from a Set Menu in the Dining Room on Fridays or in the CLH Bar on Saturdays
Extend your stay by reserving your room on Sunday night for an additional £75 per room, including Continental Breakfast.
Please contact reservations@orientalclub.org.uk and quote DBB when making your reservation.
*Terms and Conditions Apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
