Pell-Mell & Woodcote July 2022

Pell-Mell & Woodcote The magazine of the Royal Automobile Club | July 2022 | Issue 179

60 YEARS OF 007 IN THE CINEMA With Bond film producer and Club member Michael G Wilson A TRUE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE

Colonel BlashfordSnell and Robin Shute

BEAULIEU AT 50

The National Motor Museum marks five decades in business

ACTION PLAN

Sustainability and Club development, now and to come

POT TO PLATE

At sea with the Club’s lobster supplier in Scotland

Life feels better behind the wheel of a classic.

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WELCOME

FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Welcome to the summer edition of Pell-Mell & Woodcote, my first opportunity to provide the foreword in my new role as Chief Executive & Club Secretary.

It is an honour to hold this position and I would like to thank all of you who have been in touch with messages of congratulations.

The Club continues to go from strength to strength: members are making good use of the facilities, events and activities across all areas. As I write this, we have just enjoyed an extremely successful Derby weekend at Woodcote Park, with some 1,700 members and guests enjoying the Club’s hospitality over four days.

“Enjoying the Club’s hospitality”: a phrase which is at the heart of why we are all here. Much has changed over recent years – in the Club, in society and in the world of work – but the Club’s values of embracing members’ interests and needs, and of providing a warm and friendly welcome and exceptional value, are enduring.

As an organisation, we have weathered the storm of the pandemic in good shape and I am confident that, with careful planning and management, we can continue to move forward despite the dark economic clouds in the horizon. Moving forward through continual, gentle evolution is essential to ensure that you, the members, have a Club which you can enjoy and be proud of and we will be guided by the Club’s purpose and values as well as our strategy.

Whilst we have a very effective system of committees and working groups to enable members to prompt, oversee and steer change, direct feedback from you is invaluable. If you see me around the clubhouses, please don’t hesitate to stop me for a chat about any issue you would like to raise or suggestions you may have.

I also intend to operate an ‘open door’ policy so please feel free to pop in to see me.

I hope that you have a wonderful summer, whether at the Club or while making the most of the renewed opportunities to travel further afield. 2022 still has much to bring to the clubhouses: the refurbished Club Room, James Bond month at Pall Mall, London Motor Week, fireworks at Woodcote Park and carols in the rotunda… I can’t wait!

Daniel Pereira Chief Executive & Club Secretary PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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WELCOME

WELCOME Annabel Harrison | Pell-Mell & Woodcote Magazine Editor

A spirit of adventure unites many of those featured within the pages of this issue, starting with James Bond and the actors who have played him on the big screen – on the cover of this issue is Sean Connery with the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger. This year marks six decades since the release of the first Bond film so we speak to Michael G Wilson, Club member and producer of 15 Bond films to date, about the remarkable legacy and staying power of the franchise (p. 32) and to the Cocktail Bar team about how they will ensure members can celebrate the anniversary in true Bond style (p. 40).

A ‘Spirit of Adventure’ is also one of the defining characteristics of winners of the Segrave Trophy and this year’s worthy recipient is Robin Shute, the two-time winner of the gruelling Pikes Peak challenge; he explains that he is aiming for a hat-trick in the 2022 race, the results of which will be available by the time you receive this issue (p. 48). Members eager to hear more in this vein should sign up for Colonel John Blashford-Snell’s talk at Pall Mall in September: 50 years ago, he successfully led an epic British expedition through the Darién Gap, 250 miles of swamp and jungle. He tells us more (p. 44).

Meanwhile, developments are well underway to continue improvements at both clubhouses. Newly appointed Chief Executive & Club Secretary Daniel Pereira explains what his priorities are (p. 58) and, with Pippa Cronk, the detail of the Sustainability Strategy that has been approved by the Board (p. 72). The teams in charge of the refurbishment of the Club Room this summer and all bedrooms in the coming years also explain what members can expect (p. 62).

Annabel Harrison Editor

PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS The Club members, journalists, enthusiasts and experts who have contributed to this issue.

CLUB DIRECTORY For more contact information visit www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB Chairman, Ben Cussons 01372 229628 chairman@royalautomobileclub.co.uk Chief Executive & Club Secretary, Daniel Pereira

ANNABEL HARRISON Managing Editor of Pell-Mell & Woodcote since 2018, Annabel is a freelance writer and editor with 15 years of multichannel experience. In this time, she has worked with a wide range of brands and publications across the luxury lifestyle, retail, education and publishing sectors.

JOHN EVANS John trained to be a concert pianist before becoming a car salesman. He went on to edit car, caravan and classical music magazines before becoming a freelance journalist specialising in motoring and music. He is Pell-Mell & Woodcote magazine’s Motoring Editor.

ANNA SOLOMON Anna is Deputy Editor of Pell-Mell & Woodcote magazine, and Assistant Editor at Luxury London magazine and luxurylondon.co.uk. She has written for various other publications in the fields of fashion, hospitality and travel.

BEN OLIVER Ben is a motoring journalist, consultant and speechwriter.

He has won a series of awards for his work, including Journalist of the Year, and writes about cars and the car industry for major newspapers and magazines around the world.

DAMIEN SMITH Damien is a freelance journalist who has worked in the motorsport arena for more than 25 years. He joined Autosport in 1996, eventually serving as Editor-inChief, and also spent ten years editing Motor Sport. He also writes a weekly motorsport column for Autocar.

TIM BARBER Tim is a freelance features writer and magazine editor, specialising in fine watches, luxury, culture and design. He contributes to the likes of The Daily Telegraph, Wired, Spear’s and The Economist’s 1843 magazine.

He also edits Boisdale Life, the magazine of the Boisdale restaurant group.

MARK BAILEY Mark writes about sport, health, fitness, travel and adventure for the Daily Telegraph, the Financial Times, Men’s Health, Cyclist, Runner’s World and other national titles. Prior to this he was the Features Editor for Sport magazine.

JOANNA FRASER Joanna is a freelance writer and editor based in the NorthEast of Scotland. A former journalist, she now runs a communications consultancy called Hoolet (the Scots word for owl). She writes about food and drink, travel and the arts.

JAMIE LAU Jamie is a specialist food photographer whose work appears regularly in Waitrose Magazine, Time Out, Eurostar Magazine, and publications for ASOS, John Lewis, Bloom & Wild, Marks & Spencer and many more.

JOSH SIMS Josh is a freelance writer and editor who contributes to The Times, Esquire and Robb Report, among other publications.

He is also the author of several books on style and lives between London and Margate.

020 7747 3237 daniel.pereira@royalautomobileclub.co.uk CENTRAL RESERVATIONS For accommodation and dining. Open Monday to Friday 8.00am-8.00pm and 9.00am-5.00pm at weekends.

020 7747 3474 reserve@royalautomobileclub.co.uk MEMBERSHIP 01372 229600 members@royalautomobileclub.co.uk ACCOUNTS 01372 229608/9 accounts@royalautomobileclub.co.uk MOTORING 01372 229288 motoring@royalautomobileclub.co.uk PALL MALL 89 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS 020 7930 2345 Hall Porter 020 7747 3267 Sports Reception 020 7747 3365 Simms Centre 020 7747 3349 Banqueting 020 7747 3386 Events 020 7747 3441 Library 020 7747 3398 Post Office 020 7747 3266 WOODCOTE PARK Epsom, Surrey KT18 7EW 01372 276311 Cedars Sports 01372 229266 Golf Reception 01372 229245 Walled Garden 01372 229257/8 Shop 01372 229248 Banqueting 020 7747 3386 Events 01372 229230 PELL-MELL & WOODCOTE MAGAZINE Editorial and Advertising 020 7537 6565 pellmell@royalautomobileclub.co.uk advertising@royalautomobileclub.co.uk Published on behalf of the Royal Automobile Club

by Luxury London Media Ltd.

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ON THE COVER: Sean Connery with an Aston Martin DB5 in the Swiss Alps during the filming of 1964’s Goldfinger. Turn to page 32 for our Bond feature.

PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo.

CONTENTS

CONTENTS JULY 2022 | ISSUE 179

03

From the Chief Executive Daniel Pereira welcomes Pell-Mell & Woodcote readers

08 Your Letters Members’ views and comments 11

Picture Perfect The Chairman shares a favourite photograph

12

In The Rotunda The GN Wasp, Spider and Gnat recall an era of grassroots motorsports

15 Dress Code and Behaviour A message from the Club Chairman 16

Club News

27

Club Promotions

32

Dr. No To No Time To Die: Michael G Wilson interview A Club member and franchise producer on 60 years of Bond

40 Stirred, Not Shaken We preview four of the Cocktail Bar team’s Bondthemed martinis 44

Conquering The Green Hell Colonel Blashford-Snell recalls his Panama expedition

48

Peak Hero On the Segrave Trophy, the award that recognises a true ‘spirit of adventure’

52 Beaulieu At 50 We tell the story of the National Motor Museum 58 Meet The Chief Executive In his new role, Daniel Pereira reflects on challenges and changes at the Club 62 Design Intervention

Inside the refurbishment of the Club’s bedrooms and Pall Mall’s Club Room 66

From Pot To Plate Executive Chef Matthew Marshall visits Scotland and the Club’s lobster supplier

72

Our Club, Our Planet The Club’s sustainability achievements thus far and objectives for the future

76

Stepping Into The Blue A look at the recent activities of the Sub Aqua group

80

Squash Cup Centenary The Club marks 100 years of the Bath Club Cup with a remarkable triumph

83 Authenticity Above All Members of the Club’s Elections Committee explain their processes 86

Woodcote Juniors The autumn activities for our youngest members

90

Club Events: September, October, November and December

117 Activity Group Events 119 Classifieds Services on offer from other members 121 RAC Foundation Understanding smart motorways 122 Club Curiosity The Club Librarian reveals a curiosity hidden beneath your feet at Woodcote Park PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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CLUB LETTERS

YOUR LETTERS Letters can cover any aspect of Club life which you think would be of interest to other members. As a thank you, a bottle of champagne will be awarded to the writer of each letter published.

Please send your letters to pellmell@royalautomobileclub.co.uk The deadline for the next edition is Friday 26 August.

Gardens and Woodland at Woodcote Park I just had to sing the praises of the team of Gardening Group members who have been conducting the most informative and interesting walks around Woodcote Park, and of the gardening staff.

My tour, led by Nicky, brought a whole new appreciation of the planned tree planting and woodland management, including the safety considerations and how eco-environments are being developed. For example, how dead trees are being left standing (when safe to do so) for a host of creatures who require aloft dwelling.

The Gardening Team does a wonderful job ensuring that plants are happy in their places and on planting new spaces to make them look attractive all year round. A ‘must see’ are the meadow flowers amongst the arboretum adjacent to the lake.

Very pretty indeed.

Well done and thank you to all involved.

Cathy Adams Thank you for your kind comments.

Our hard-working Gardening Team, working closely with the Club’s Gardening Group, has transformed 8 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

the gardens and woodland at Woodcote Park in recent years.

The Group’s regular tours are always popular and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members who generously give their time to lead them.

Skiing

Amongst the pleasures of using the men’s changing rooms at Pall Mall is the availability of hair tonic.

It can tame even the most unruly mop after a vigorous workout in the gym. It makes one wish it was available at home. Is there anywhere we can buy this magical liquor?

I am not sure I deserve the plaudits I received in the last edition of Pell-Mell & Woodcote for the Club skiing trips I ran, but thank you to all the members who made them so memorable.

Skiing is an individual activity but also hugely social when with a group of like-minded people experiencing the joys of exercise and stunning vistas. There’s nothing quite like breaking for lunch and a glass of something looking out over the world with Club friends.

To those of you who have not skied before, don’t hesitate to take it up at any age: it’s the most exhilarating experience. Even if you don’t do it, make sure your children learn to ski at the earliest possible age. I promise you you’ll be in their good books forever more!

Stewart Cowley

Peter Hartley

I am delighted to hear that the hair tonic in the changing rooms at Pall Mall is working so well for you. The product is ‘Original Eau de Portugal’ by Pashana. We are not currently planning to add it to the Club Shop’s range but it is readily available from many online retailers.

Thank you, on behalf of the Club, for all you have done to enable members to enjoy the slopes together. I am also delighted that you will remain engaged with the Club’s skiing trips in the future.

More details will be shared with the membership soon.

Margaret Kavanagh Resident Manager, Pall Mall

Daniel Pereira Chief Executive & Club Secretary

Moses Solomon Resident Manager, Woodcote Park

Hair Tonic

CLUB LETTERS

Dress Code at Pall Mall The dress code at Pall Mall has, in my opinion, been relaxed too far and needs to be revisited. One example being, if one luncheons or dines at, say, Claridge’s or The Savoy, the expectation is that gentlemen wear jackets and ties and ladies dress commensurately.

In my other clubs, the dress code is strictly jacket and tie throughout and at my golf club in the members’ lounge and dining room.

Our Great Gallery and Brooklands restaurants and the Cocktail Bar are elegant rooms as are most areas of Pall Mall. When I invite guests to the Club, I insist that they wear jackets and ties.

Thus, to see members wearing polo shirts during the summer months spoils the sense of elegance and occasion.

Is it not the time to revert the dress code to jacket and tie in the Great Gallery, Brooklands, Cocktail Bar, Drawing Room, Club Room and Library? The Club is about traditions in behaviour and attire and a sense of great pride in its elegant surroundings and facilities.

Colin Ferguson The Pall Mall Committee reviewed the dress code last summer and decided to implement a simpler arrangement with the aim of balancing the changing behaviours of members, in terms of how they dress for work, with the tradition and elegance of the clubhouse.

This came into effect in October.

While the code sets some minimum standards – either a suit or smart long trousers with a collared shirt or polo shirt tucked in, for example – it also asks members to “dress appropriately for the Club environment, time of day and occasion”.

We recognise that some members are not adhering to the dress code at the moment. The Pall Mall Committee is reviewing the arrangements and we will update members later this year if there are any changes as a result.

Daniel Pereira Chief Executive & Club Secretary

Staff Turnover One of the pleasures of belonging to a club such as ours is getting to know the staff but I now find that, with the odd exception, I rarely seem to see the same person twice in the bars and restaurants.

Is there a problem with staff turnover or am I just unobservant?

Pall Mall Dress Code for Children We had occasion to visit Pall Mall in March, having booked lunch in the Brooklands Room.

As we made our way into the Club we were told that our grandsons were inappropriately dressed and therefore would have to leave. They had polo shirts and tailored shorts on as appropriate for a hot sunny day.

We were embarrassed at having to leave the Club having promised them a happy experience. Our experience at the Club that day was brought about by a lack of reasoned initiative on behalf of the staff.

A member

David Lowe The hospitality sector is traditionally one with a high level of staff turnover, although the Club has always performed better than average. As you say, the familiarity between staff and members is one of the defining elements of the Club, providing a warm and friendly welcome.

As you are probably aware, there is a major shortage of staff across the hospitality sector – not just in the UK but internationally – and this is exacerbating turnover issues at the moment and is likely to for some time to come.

We are taking a wide range of measures to recruit new staff and are constantly working hard to retain the wonderful people we have at the Club. This includes regular monitoring of pay levels to ensure they are competitive, providing an excellent benefits package and investing in staff training and facilities.

I am sorry for the inconvenience and embarrassment you and your family experienced during your visit to Pall Mall. The staff involved were correct to apply the dress code but I am sorry to hear that we were not tactful with our approach.

The dress code explains that it applies to anyone aged seven or above and states that “men should wear either a suit or smart long trousers” and that shorts are not permitted “other than as sportswear in (or travelling to or from) the sports and spa areas”.

I very much hope we will be able to welcome you and your family to Pall Mall again soon and hope this issue will not deter you from visiting again with your grandsons.

The dress codes for both clubhouses can be viewed in full on the Club website.

Debra Baker Head of People

Daniel Pereira Chief Executive & Club Secretary PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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CLUB MOTORING

PICTURE PERFECT The Chairman has chosen this photograph of Patrick and James Blakeney-Edwards in their 1934 Frazer Nash TT Rep during the Generations Rally held this March.

OCCASION: Generations Rally, Lake District

DATE TAKEN: 28 March 2022

SUBJECT: Patrick Blakeney-Edwards with son James in their 1934 Frazer Nash TT Rep

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gerard Brown

FATHER AND SON, Patrick and James Blakeney-Edwards, the former consulting his young navigator – few pictures convey the spirit of this year’s inaugural Generations Rally better than this. For the record James is 13, one year older than the minimum age permitted on a rally designed to bring generations together in a shared love of historic motorsport.

“It had a wonderful dynamic with lots of youngsters misbehaving themselves but, once in the cars, they were all brilliant,” recalls Patrick, a Club member and multiple winner of the RAC Woodcote Trophy.

Obviously, none more so than his son

James. “He was the youngest navigator but, I have to say, he was a little legend.”

However, it was how the experience brought the pair even closer together that will stay in Patrick’s memory.

“Rallying competitively like this is a wonderful thing to do from a parental perspective. You need to have trust in and respect for your navigator and when that navigator is your son, it bridges the generation gap and puts you on an equal footing.” Having got the bug, Patrick will be back next year, this time with daughter Scarlett (12) navigating. And James? He’ll be navigating for his godfather in a 1924 Bentley. May the best offspring win.

PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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CLUB MOTORING

IN THE ROTUNDA GN WASP, SPIDER AND GNAT Words by John Evans Photography by Martyn Goddard

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CLUB MOTORING

Above: The same three cars at Shelsley Walsh in 1930, driven by Jack Moor, Basil Davenport and Geoff Sharp

SPECIFICATION GN HILLCLIMB SPECIALS TYPE Single-seat cyclecar

CHASSIS Steel ladder frame

ENGINE Choice of 1100cc or 1500cc 90deg V-twin powerplants

FUEL Methanol

TRANSMISSION Chain drive to rear wheels with four forward speeds TWO INSECTS and an arachnid awaited members at Pall Mall in April but, fortunately, not of the creeping and crawling kind. Instead, Wasp, Spider and Gnat are three chain drive ‘specials’ that once dominated hillclimbs, notably Shelsley Walsh, in the 1920s. All are based on a lightweight cyclecar chassis designed and produced by GN, the company founded

by H R Godfrey and Archie Frazer-Nash in 1910, and are a precious link to a golden period of grassroots motorsport.

SUSPENSION Quarter elliptic leaf springs, solid rear axle

BRAKES Rear drums

STEERING Centre-mounted steering box, half turn lock to lock

Spider, the centrepiece of the rotunda display, is the oldest. It was constructed by Basil Davenport, a mill owner and hillclimb enthusiast who, in 1923, bought a chassis and a 1087cc V-twin engine from FrazerNash and – inspired by the engine fitted to Nash’s personal race car – designed and built a body for it. In 1925 he fitted a larger 1493cc engine from Nash’s own racing GN car and it was with this that, in 1926, Spider set a new Shelsley record of 48.8 seconds, the first of many it would set against more exotic and expensive machinery.

Wasp, on the left of our picture, is a former successful GN works team racer. It was bought by Jack Moor, a popular specials builder, in 1925. He fitted a larger 1510cc engine and it boasts some exceptionally rare Norton parts that are still going strong.

The third in our trio is Gnat. It was built

by Geoff Sharp, a farmer, in 1925 from the bones of a roadgoing GN and he modified it with uprated parts he made himself. The car competed successfully in hillclimbs until 1932. It was then stored in a pigsty until, in 1971, it was rescued and restored. Like Spider and Wasp, it continues to race to this day.

PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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CLUB MEMBERS

Dress Code and Behaviour A message from the Club Chairman, Ben Cussons IN THE APRIL edition of this magazine, I reminded you of the importance of respecting the elegance of our clubhouses in how we behave and dress, and of always acting courteously towards our staff.

Regrettably, I find it necessary to reiterate this message. Rather too often, staff are having to remind members and guests of what are acceptable standards of dress and behaviour – and this advice is not always being received with the grace it should be.

Specifically, we are, I’m afraid, having to deal with too many incidents related to behaviour, ranging from the inappropriate use of mobile phones to damage caused by unsupervised children or other unacceptable behaviour (when sober or not) in the clubhouses. Such behaviour will not be tolerated as it not only contravenes our rules but also shows a remarkable lack of respect for the Club as an institution and for the wider membership who do comply.

The Pall Mall dress code describes in detail the minimum required and leaves room for personal taste. However, it does state that “Members and their guests are asked to dress appropriately for the Club environment, time of day and occasion” – we expect everyone in Pall Mall to dress neatly; to be ‘well turned out’. Whilst we may have excellent sports facilities, neither clubhouse is a sports bar and hence we expect sports attire to stay where it belongs, especially with regard to footwear.

Finally, the staff at Pall Mall tell me that there are two common infringements which need emphasising. Firstly, phone calls may only be made or taken in the phone booths on the ground floor, in the Simms Centre Communications Room, in meeting rooms or in your bedroom. Secondly, outerwear and luggage (including umbrellas and carrier bags) may not be taken into the clubhouse’s public spaces or onto the terraces. They must be left in the cloakroom or your bedroom.

I hope this clarifies a number of important issues. I would expect that dress code and behaviour would be matters of common sense, but we will not hesitate to intervene to ensure that standards are maintained at both clubhouses. If you are approached by a member of staff, I would like to remind you that it is a specific requirement of the by-laws that members “carry their membership card with them at all times” and “present it to any staff member who requests it”. Please expect to be asked to leave the clubhouse if you are unable, or unwilling, to comply with this.

If you have any concerns you are welcome to raise them with the duty manager or with the Chief Executive, Daniel Pereira. For any further advice, please consult the ‘Visiting Pall Mall’ and ‘Visiting Woodcote Park’ areas of the Club website, email communications@ royalautomobileclub.co.uk or ask at reception in either clubhouse.

Thank you for your cooperation.

PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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CLUB NEWS

Club News

Jubilee Ball The Club started the Jubilee weekend in style with a ball at Woodcote Park, where 360 members and their guests marked the occasion with drinks, dinner and dancing.

16 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

CLUB NEWS

Derby Weekend More than 1,300 members and their guests enjoyed the Derby celebrations across two days at Woodcote Park. It is three years since our last full-scale Derby weekend and it was an absolute delight to see so many members enjoying themselves.

PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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CLUB NEWS

Jubilee Cedar On Sunday 5 June, seven Woodcote Juniors – representing the seven decades of Her Majesty’s reign – made their mark on the history of Woodcote Park by planting a new cedar tree on the edge of the Cedar Lawn.

Aged from two to ten years old, the Woodcote Juniors were selected at random from all those who were put forward. They were Madeleine Cook, Samuel Dolan, Sammy Hastings, Abigail Lock, Eva McMonagle, Beatrix Reeves and Rowan Thouard.

18 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

CLUB NEWS

Director of Operations Jonathan Brown has joined the team as the Club’s new Director of Operations.

He was previously the Hotel Manager at the five-star Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa and joins the Club with a wealth of experience in luxury hospitality and leisure.

Before joining Luton Hoo he was at The Grove – another five-star establishment – for more than a decade and his earlier career included time at the Lanesborough and Athenaeum Hotels.

Senior 120 Lunch In May, the Club welcomed 28 members of the Senior 100 to Woodcote Park for their annual lunch. The Senior 100 are the 100 current members who have been members of the Club longest, with joining dates ranging from 1942 to 1963.

For the second year, the Club also welcomed members of the Senior 20: the longest standing lady members, with six able to attend. Nicolas Fenton, who has been a member since 1960, kindly spoke in response to the toast to the Senior 120.

Motoring Committee The Motoring Committee has welcomed Elizabeth Irvine as its newest member.

A Club member since 2004, including as a Junior, she is also a member of the Goodwood Road Racing Club

and the MG Owners Club. “I’m keen to encourage more younger members to take part in the Club’s motoring events,” said Elizabeth. “For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for cars, especially classic cars. It has brought an immense amount of joy and excitement to my life and I want to share this opportunity with others.”

PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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CLUB NEWS

Journeysmiths Travel Photography Competition – prize value £12,000 With a top prize worth up to £12,000 on offer, it is worth setting out this summer with your camera or smartphone in hand and your eyes open for opportunities.

The winner of the Journeysmiths Travel Photography Competition, which is open exclusively to Club members, will receive a bespoke international photographic trip organised by Journeysmiths, the specialists in high quality wildlife holidays.

The deadline for entries is Monday 5 September 2022 and all you have to do is submit a print of a photograph illustrating travel, of any kind. Your photograph doesn’t need to be taken on safari or in a rainforest – it could be anywhere in the world including the UK – but the subject or the composition will need to make people stop and look.

Full details of how to enter are on the Club website – just search for ‘Journeysmiths’.

20 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

Three of the images shortlisted in the last competition: A Norwegian Refuge by James Farr, Let’s Be Friends by Anthony Wilkinson and Venice Beach

by Stacey Mutkin.

CLUB NEWS

Spike Bar Canopy This autumn a canopy will be installed on the Spike Bar Terrace, with heating and lighting, to extend the season when al fresco refreshments can be enjoyed. In the

summer it will provide some much welcome shade as well as helping with the cooler evenings or wetter days.

It has been carefully designed to fit in with historic Woodcote Park, with the shape inspired by an upturned holly leaf.

In Memoriam Mr Brian James

Mrs Dianne Gabitass

Mr Anthony Connerty

18/10/1934-14/04/2021

09/11/1939-26/02/2022

26/12/1938-02/04/2022

Mr Alexander Williams

Mr Martin Colvill

Mrs Brigitte Pusch

20/09/1973-05/12/2021

16/10/1940-04/03/2022

29/06/1939-03/04/2022

Mr Brian Turner

Mrs Elizabeth Goodwin

Mr Roger Wolf

18/07/1936-05/01/2022

21/03/1943-04/03/2022

13/06/1949-09/04/2022

Mrs Jean Kallmeier

Mr James Smillie CA

Mr Harry Lucas

28/11/1930-07/01/2022

07/06/1929-15/03/2022

25/02/1932-18/04/2022

Mr David Leathers

Mr Robert Verney

Mr Jack Wachsberger

11/12/1942-17/01/2022

03/04/1949-16/03/2022

06/04/1931-22/04/2022

Mrs Gail-Nikki Howard Keep

Mr Albert Barnhurst

Mr Peter Brown

29/05/1943-24/01/2022

12/12/1934-19/03/2022

06/06/1933-24/04/2022

Mr Patrick O’Brien

Mr Thomas Brass

Mr Geoffrey Webb

04/11/1930-16/02/2022

04/05/1948-30/03/2022

11/05/1929-04/05/2022 PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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CLUB NEWS

Activity Group News A Bout de Souffle

Film The Film Society arranges for films to be shown every month at Pall Mall, as well as a number of screenings at Woodcote Park.

Following the extremely popular screening of A Bout de Souffle in April, the Society screened

Bridge, Woodcote Park The Woodcote Bridge Circle continues to enjoy playing Duplicate bridge face-to-face again in The Cedar Room on Monday evenings. Members are returning to the airy room to confidently meet friends where the bridge tables are well spaced out.

There are usually 12 to 14 tables.

Members have also joined in Chicago bridge on Wednesday afternoons. Whilst taking a summer break, Chicago bridge will return later in the year on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons. The dates will be advertised on the Club website and on the notice board at Woodcote Park. The Committee has also been busy arranging Bridge plus Golf/Bridge

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Parenthood, a comedy starring Steve Martin and Keanu Reeves, on Father’s Day. Next, the Film Society will be showing Cinema Paradiso on 17 July.

For the latest information on forthcoming screenings at both clubhouses please visit the Activities section of the Club website.

fixtures, played at home or away.

Our bridge classes have proved very popular so new ones are planned for both beginners and intermediates in September. The classes will run on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 5.00 until 7.00pm. The term will consist of 11 classes and members will be charged £110.00. The tutor, Sue Jackson, is very experienced and has taught many of the Woodcote Park Bridge Circle, so do come and learn a new skill during the autumn and winter.

For more information about bridge at Woodcote Park, please visit the Club website, email bridgewpcommittee@royalautomobileclub.co.uk or keep an eye on the notice board in the reception area at Woodcote Park.

CLUB NEWS

Squash Finals Night and Annual Dinner Due to the delayed completion of the 2020 tournaments, it was a mere 203 days since the last Squash Finals Night and Annual Dinner. That did not stop the usual exuberance for the evening in March which gave members another chance to write their name onto the historic boards in the basement of Pall Mall.

As always, there was some superb competitive squash supported by members watching from the gallery with Long Bar drinks in hand. Afterwards, the Mountbatten Room was the setting for a sumptuous three-course dinner and the awards ceremony.

Thank you to the Squash Professionals for their tireless organisation in arranging for all the tournaments to be completed in record time and to the Banqueting Team for a marvellous dinner.

Richard Johnson and Shayne Baillie receiving their cups from Angus Baillie.

Many congratulations to all the winners:

The Edwardes and Berman Doubles: Roland Steere and Pete Highmore

The Open Tournament: Richard Johnson

The Handicap Doubles Trophy: Ross Gardner and Olly Briault

The Campion Cup: Shayne Baillie

The A Handicap: Hamish Gilder

The Lowenthal Veterans Trophy: Adrian Ezra

The B Handicap: Tom Moore

The Herbert Vintage Cup: Cliff Martindale

The Coaches Cup: Richard Bottomley

The Stainton Over 65’s Cup: Iain Nicholson

The Canada Cup: Will Welton

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CLUB NEWS

Automobile Club de France Snooker Match The annual snooker match against the Automobile Club de France took place in London on the first weekend in April, after a COVID break which prevented the matches in 2020 and 2021.

The friendly matches on the Friday night included our team of Dean Fuller, David Cons, Stewart Cowley and John Veness. The Saturday Cup matches team consisted of Howard Wand (captain), Dean Fuller, Declan Tiernan, John Veness and Bill Szekeres. The French were led by Ivan Rambaud with his team of Pierre de Matharel, Gildas Boreau

Snooker at Woodcote Park On 27 April the Woodcote Park snooker section celebrated the end of the season with the final of the singles competition. The evening concluded in the Derby Room with dinner and prize giving.

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and Henri Meunier.

The singles did not fall in our favour; we were 3-0 down after the first three matches, with Billiards Chairman John Veness managing to come back from a deficit to achieve a black ball win, leaving the match poised at 3-1 and all to be played for in the doubles. However, it was not to be, with the French winning the first doubles match and therefore securing their first victory since 2006! The final result was 5-1 to the ACF. Our hearty congratulations go to Ivan and his team for a spectacular win. We look forward to the return match in Paris next year where we will endeavour to regain the trophy.

Hearty congratulations to Giles Gleave, winner of the singles, and also to Luke Edgcumbe and Aiden Robson, the winners of the doubles competition. They are seen below receiving their trophies from Woodcote Park snooker chairman, Ashley Stevenson.

CLUB NEWS

John Virgo speaking

Snooker Dinner with John Virgo We were delighted to host the Club’s first Snooker Dinner in May with guest speaker John Virgo.

After an excellent dinner in the Mountbatten Room, he regaled us with tales from playing and working alongside snooker legends such as Steve Davis, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Willie Thorne and Dennis Taylor, his decade of presenting Big Break on the BBC and his long career as a commentator.

We were also delighted to welcome Jason Ferguson, Club member and Chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. Jason joined John Virgo for a question and answer session after John’s speech, hosted by Billiards Committee member Christian Harris.

Special thanks must go to Matthew Marshall and the pastry chefs for their ingenious work on the menu for the evening; the snooker ‘chalk’ dessert with ‘cue ball’ ice cream was a pleasant surprise as was the red ball ‘rack’ of petit fours with coffee.

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CLUB NEWS

Chess Circle ‘Back on Tour’ Over a very wet weekend in May, a joint team from the Club’s Chess Circle and the Cercle de l’Union Interalliee, Paris, travelled to Washington DC to take on the might of the Washington clubs.

Our contingent numbered six, three ladies and three men, and we were joined by a team of four from Paris.

This was the first overseas trip by the Chess Circle since the pandemic caused the cancellation of our Washington trip in May 2020. The joint team stayed at the University Club with a schedule of matches arranged against the Army & Navy Club, the Metropolitan Club and the Cosmos Club.

First up was the Army & Navy Club – two teams of ten played two games each resulting in an overall win to the RAC/Cercle of 15 to 5.

The Saturday brought no let-up in the rain, but it did bring our traditional opponents the Metropolitan Club into play. This match was first played in the early 1980s and is always keenly fought. The morning saw the Masters Trophy and the holders, the Royal Automobile Club, managed

Pall Mall Book Club Summer Supper The Book Club meets in the Library on the first Monday of the month at 7.00pm, to discuss, more often than not, a work of contemporary fiction. It’s a thoroughly congenial meeting with lively debate and sharing of opinions. It’s surprising how hearing others’ views can add to your opinion of a book.

Wine, soft drinks and snacks help to make the event a social one. Twice a year, in June and December for Christmas, our discussions are followed by an excellent dinner.

June’s meeting was no exception to the rule

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to retain the trophy by the narrowest of margins: 5½ to 4½. The afternoon saw some exciting chess with the RAC/Cercle coming out on top by the margin 11 to 9 and retaining the Challenge Trophy.

On Monday our final outing was against the Cosmos Club, played over nine boards, with the RAC/ Cercle combination prevailing by a score of 12 to 8.

Overall some 69 games were played – a record for our Washington trip. Overall best performances (with six out of a possible seven points) were by Michael Yeoh and Stephen Meyler. In all, it was a great weekend of chess and socialising in the Washington clubs.

of vigorous debate. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro is a novel that addresses the issue of artificial intelligence – but also the big issue of love. His exceptional writing won our respect, but it also gave us the opportunity to discuss whether the robots were actually endowed with better human qualities than humans. The highlight of the evening was a fabulous dinner in the Terrace Room. Discussion on the book continued, but more importantly it allowed the opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. A toast was raised to our librarian, Trevor Dunmore, who runs the club, offers excellent book suggestions, and keeps the show on the road. Thank you Trevor!

CLUB PROMOTIONS

Club Promotions For more information or to book, please visit the Club website or contact the Central Reservations Team by emailing reserve@royalautomobileclub.co.uk or on 020 7747 3474. All prices are based upon VAT at 20%.

DINE IN STYLE AT STIRLING’S

STIRLING’S AL FRESCO

Thursday to Sunday, all year Woodcote Park: Stirling’s

Lunchtime each Thursday to Saturday until Saturday 27 August Woodcote Park: Lounge Terrace

Enjoy a memorable dining experience at lunchtime this summer in Stirling’s, with a choice of the Menu du Jour available weekdays and a delicious Sunday roast at the weekend. Our traditional Sunday lunch is a true occasion with our signature carving trolley and succulent roast beef carved at your table.

Do you want to enjoy the dining experience of Stirling’s without missing out on the sunshine? You can now enjoy lunch on the Lounge Terrace and soak up the British summertime while enjoying selected favourites from the Stirling’s menu.

Menu du Jour Available Thursday to Saturday, 12 noon until 2.45pm Two courses: £26.00 Three courses: £32.00 Sunday Lunch Two courses: £32.00 Three courses: £37.00

DINING CLUB Woodcote Park Each month will feature a new offering as well as some exciting collaborations with some world-renowned visiting chefs. Price includes a four-course menu with an arrival apéritif and glass of wine with the first course.

LOBSTER MONTH From Wednesday 3 August to Wednesday 7 September enjoy an exciting range of special lobster dishes in the Great Gallery at Pall Mall and in the Fountain Brasserie and Stirling’s at Woodcote Park.

To book, please visit the restaurant section of the Booking Centre on the Club website or call Central Reservations on 020 7747 3474.

Lobster Month Wednesday 27 July, Cedar Room Hosted by Royal Palm Wednesday 21 September, Cedar Room Hosted by Chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL Wednesday 19 October, Cedar Room Members: £89.00 Guests: £99.00 Special cancellation policy applies.

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CLUB PROMOTIONS

OUTDOOR WEDDINGS Both Pall Mall and Woodcote Park are licensed to hold wedding ceremonies, so you can enjoy all of your special day in the beautiful surroundings of the clubhouses and, at Woodcote Park, the wider estate.

We can also now offer the option of an outdoor ceremony, on the second floor terrace at Pall Mall or on the Cedar Lawn at Woodcote Park.

Please visit the website for more information about holding your wedding at the Club.

AN INDIAN SUMMER WITH CYRUS TODIWALA Monday 5 September to Sunday 11 September Pall Mall: Brooklands Room Choose from a selection of small plates in the Brooklands Room this autumn, with an Indian menu designed by Chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL from his restaurant Café Spice Namaste. Cyrus will be at the Club to launch the menu on the evening of Monday 5 September.

Four small plates for £40.00

ROYAL PALM BEACHCOMBER Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 September Woodcote Park: Stirling’s Returning by popular demand, experience the finest cuisine from the Indian Ocean as the award-winning Royal Palm Resort comes back to Stirling’s to host a fine dining experience using local Mauritian flavours.

Lunch and dinner: two courses £52.00; three courses £60.00.

Matching wines available upon request. Alternatively join the team for the Dining Club on Wednesday 21 September for the complete Royal Palm experience.

Special cancellation policy applies.

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CLUB PROMOTIONS

LES GRANDES MARQUES Wednesday 3 August to Wednesday 7 September Pall Mall: all outlets Members can choose from a selection of Grande Marque champagnes at an exclusive Club price, including Laurent-Perrier, Taittinger and Moutard Prestige Rosé, to have with your meal.

Prices start from £45.00 per bottle or just £13.00 a glass. Please note, bottles must be consumed on the Club premises.

REPLENISH YOUR CELLAR Monday 3 October to Sunday 9 October Club Shops and Online Club Shop Take advantage of our home delivery service to stock up for Christmas. For one week in October only we will be offering 12 bottles for the price of 11 when you purchase Club Sauvignon, Club Claret or Club Champagne. Wine can be bought in the Club Shops at Pall Mall and Woodcote Park or ordered from the Online Club Shop for home delivery.

SPORTING CALENDAR IN THE LONG BAR Pall Mall: Long Bar With a big season for sport, never miss out and watch it all on the big screen at your Club, whilst enjoying a wide selection of draft and bottled beers.

Autumn Rugby Internationals Saturday 29 October to Saturday 26 November FIFA World Cup in Qatar Monday 21 November to Sunday 18 December The team will show the sports fixtures above when possible and in line with current opening times.

Sporting fixtures are subject to change and all details were correct at the time of going to print.

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CLUB PROMOTIONS

TEMPLE SPA REPOSE AROMATHERAPY FACIAL Throughout September and October Pall Mall and Woodcote Park Treat yourself to an indulgent 75-minute Repose Aromatherapy Facial, perfect for soothing and hydrating skin and receive a complimentary Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream (usually £40.00), rich in natural plant extracts and a fusion of relaxing essential oils.

For more information or to book at Pall Mall, please email sportsrecept@royalautomobileclub.co.uk or call 020 7747 3365.

For more information or to book at Woodcote Park, please email cedarsrecept@royalautomobileclub.co.uk or call 01372 229266.

STAY AND DINE Available all year Woodcote Park: accommodation, Fountain Brasserie and Stirling’s Enjoy a night away at your ‘home away from home’, whether it is for a business trip or a retreat to the 30 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

countryside. Book our dinner, bed and breakfast rate and you will have the choice to dine in the Fountain Brasserie or upgrade to Stirling’s.

From £220.00 per room per night. Prices are based upon two adults sharing a double standard room at the member rate. A supplement charge will apply for dining in Stirling’s.

Club Club Shops Shops

Online Online The Club’s online shop, which can be found on the Club’s website, offers a wide Therange Club’s shop, luxury which gifts, can be foundclothing, on the Club’s wide ofonline high quality sports books,website, food andoffers wineafor range of high quality luxury gifts, sports clothing, books, food and wine for home delivery or click-and-collect from the shops at either clubhouse. home delivery or click-and-collect from the shops at either clubhouse.

Pall Mall Pall Mall

Woodcote Park Woodcote Park

The Club Shop in Pall Mall is open to members The Shop in Pall Mallcrested is openand to members withClub a wide range of Club branded with a wide range of Club crested and branded items, Club wines and sports clothing available. items, Club wines and sports clothing available.

The Club Shop at Woodcote Park stocks a The Shop at Woodcote stocks a wideClub range of sportswear andPark equipment wide sportswear and equipment for the range gym, of tennis and squash, as well as a for the gym, tennis and squash, well as a variety of special gifts, Club foodasand wine. variety of special gifts, Club food and wine.

The Post Office Shop continues to offer a The of Post Office Shop continues to offerties, a range items for all occasions including range of items for all occasions including ties, cufflinks, umbrellas as well as newspapers, cufflinks, umbrellas asconfectionery. well as newspapers, magazines and magazines and confectionery.

Pall Mall Opening Hours Mall Opening Hours MondayPall to Saturday: 9.00am to 6.00pm.

Monday to Saturday: 9.00am to 6.00pm.

Sunday: closed.

Sunday: closed. cspo@royalautomobileclub.co.uk cspo@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

It also offers a range of clothing and It also offers range of clothing equipment foragolfers, with expertand staff equipment for golfers, with expert staff on hand to advise you. on hand to advise you.

Woodcote Park Opening Hours Woodcote Park7.00am Opening Hours April to October: to 7.00pm.

April to October: 7.00am to to 7.00pm.

November to March: 8.00am 5.00pm.

November to March: 8.00am to 5.00pm. shop@royalautomobileclub.co.uk shop@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

CLUB MEMBERS

FROM DR. NO TO NO TIME TO DIE It is 60 years since James Bond made his cinematic debut, an anniversary which will be marked with special events and displays at the Club in October.

Michael G Wilson, Club member and producer of 15 Bond films to date, shares his memories of six remarkable decades.

Words by Timothy Barber Images courtesy of EON Productions

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Michael G Wilson,

CLUB MEMBERS Daniel Craig and Director Sam Mendes on the set of Skyfall

“HAS A FILM character ever been introduced better than that?” asks Michael G Wilson, the producer of 15 Bond films to date, safe in the knowledge that the answer, even after six decades, is emphatically ‘no’.

Of course you know the scene he’s referring to: amid the glamour of a cardroom in Mayfair’s Les Ambassadeurs club, Miss Sylvia Trench enquires as to the name of her unseen chemin de fer sparring partner.

Lighting a leisurely cigarette, Sean Connery gives his immortal three-word answer, as the first notes of Monty Norman’s theme thrum into posterity…

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CLUB MEMBERS

Below: Bond and Professor Dent in Dr. No, just before 007 shoots him

Dr. No, the film that launched James Bond into the cinematic firmament, was released in October 1962. Rewatching it today, it’s astonishing to be reminded just how much of the Bond iconography was there from the very start. The gun barrel title sequence; the stupendous set design by another long-term member of the Club, Ken Adam (still referenced, for instance, in the cavernous villain’s lair of last year’s No Time to Die); the dry humour (“I think they were

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on their way to a funeral,” Bond quips after sending hearse-driving assassins to a fiery end down a cliff-side); the dizzying locations; the shaken-not-stirred vodka martini. And of course, the Bond Girl, whose appearance with Ursula Andress emerging from the sea is as seminal as Bond’s.

But, according to Club member Michael G Wilson, if you really want to know how Dr. No broke the cinematic mould, shocking and enthralling audiences in

CLUB MEMBERS

equal measure, you have to look to the fate of Professor Dent, the hapless agent of the titular villain. Bond, seated and at ease with a cigarette dangling from his lips, shoots Dent in cold blood, knowing the professor’s gun is empty. It’s a brutal, stunning moment.

“That was something that no hero had ever done in any film,” Wilson says. “It’s the ambiguity of this hero. Bond is a thug in a way, but a very polished one – the assassin who has this incredible charisma and style. That created a whole new genre of filmmaking – it was a total departure, and they did it with panache.”

Wilson had a ring-side seat, even then.

Now 80, he was a college student when his stepfather, the movie producer Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, brought James Bond to the big screen. Broccoli, who had married Wilson’s mother Dana in 1959, teamed up with Harry Saltzman, a Canadian impresario who owned the rights to Ian Fleming’s novels, securing funding from United Artists to make Dr. No on a slim budget.

“I went with Cubby and Dana to the screenings, and I knew immediately we had a tiger by the tail,” Wilson says, referencing a phrase he says was a favourite of Broccoli’s himself once Bond became a household name. “It was a huge chance that they took, but it turned out that United Artists loved it and wanted to work with them.”

So too did some of the most seasoned British filmmakers of the time. Bond would be based at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire and, as Wilson points out, Broccoli’s masterstroke was not just to make a film, but to establish a team of cinematic talents – production designer Ken Adam, director Terence Young, writer Richard Maibaum – who would take Bond forwards together as the budgets and box office took off. “That team stuck together, and there were crews that stayed on for decades,” he says. “That teamwork and sense of family that Cubby and Harry inspired has carried through ever since.”

Indeed, the Bond franchise is just about unique within Hollywood in remaining a family-led, and substantially family-owned,

The British company EON Productions still makes the James Bond films, led by Wilson and his sister Barbara Broccoli. endeavour. EON Productions, the British company established in 1961 by Broccoli and Saltzman, still makes the James Bond films, led by Wilson and his sister Barbara Broccoli (daughter of Cubby and Dana); they also co-own, with MGM, the rights to Bond films past, present and future.

In other words, if you have any queries, quibbles, nit-pickings, requests or suggestions regarding Bond films and the decisions behind them, Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, sole stewards of the franchise since 1995’s GoldenEye, are the people to take them to. And of course, as Wilson readily acknowledges, the thing about Bond is that everyone has an opinion. “It’s like Sherlock Holmes,

Above: Michael G Wilson with Barbara Broccoli

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CLUB MEMBERS

“With an actor like Daniel Craig, you get a chance... to go back to basics and recreate the Fleming Bond, and to explore the emotional life of Bond.”

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CLUB MEMBERS

Superman, Batman… Bond is one of these fictional characters that’s become part of the national consciousness and language – people say something’s ‘Bondian’, and you know what they mean. People feel possessive of it.”

And, of course, nowhere is the task bigger or the opinions stronger than around the selection of an actor to take on the 007 mantle – a job presumably looming large in Wilson’s ‘pending’ tray, following Daniel Craig’s No Time to Die exit, not that the producer is giving anything away. Craig, though, was transformative: an actor of both grit and subtlety, who was able to take things back to the essence of Ian Fleming’s literary creation while investigating Bond’s inner life and origin story in ways that once seemed anathema. “With an actor like Daniel Craig, you get a chance to explore the character in new ways that you didn’t feel you could before,” Wilson says. “It was an opportunity to go back to basics and recreate the Fleming Bond, and to explore the emotional life of Bond. You have to have an actor who can express that without complex dialogue, and he took it on in the most serious way.”

The huge responsibility of choosing Bonds and steering the franchise wasn’t

always something Wilson planned on. An engineering graduate, he studied law at Stanford before joining a Washington legal firm, eventually specialising in tax affairs and becoming a partner. But inexorably, his professional pathway led back to 007.

When co-producer Saltzman withdrew from EON and the Bond movies in the mid1970s, Cubby brought Michael in to help with the legalities. “By the time we did The Spy Who Loved Me [the 1977 blockbuster that reinvigorated the series], I was very involved in the filmmaking and developing the story.”

Having come from a family of actors (his father, Lewis, was the first person to portray Batman on screen), it was a world he was well used to anyway. As a young engineering graduate, he would visit the Bond sets and help out, which is how one of the more arcane bits of Bond lore came about: the blink-and-you-miss-it Michael G Wilson cameo. Wilson has had a walkon or voiceover part in almost every film since The Spy Who Loved Me – a bit of fun that has become, as he describes it, “almost like a lucky charm”, and something fans love spotting: as a tourist in Moonraker, on a video conference call in Tomorrow Never Dies, or reading a newspaper in a hotel lobby in Quantum of Solace.

His very first appearance was back in 1964’s Goldfinger, in which he’s one of Auric Goldfinger’s snappily-dressed militia raiding Fort Knox. “I was just working for a couple of weeks on location, and I was pressed into service because we had to

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CLUB MEMBERS

The Aston Martin DB5 first featured in 1964’s Goldfinger. Here, a stunt version is seen on the set of the most recent Bond film, No Time to Die, 2022

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CLUB MEMBERS

have people to don the costumes,” he says.

“I was in the long shots; but I was also a runner and a third assistant director. I was doing a job.”

Eventually, the one-time runner and extra was not only co-producing the Bond movies alongside his stepfather (and later his sister Barbara) but writing them too.

In tandem with long-time scribe Richard Maibaum, Wilson penned the scripts for all Bond’s 1980s outings, as developments like the impact of perestroika, the rise of Silicon Valley and Russia’s war in Afghanistan all filtered through the storylines. Wilson notes wryly that the longstanding intention to reflect global developments has, in one instance, proven stunningly prescient lately.

A scene he and Maibaum wrote for 1983’s Octopussy features Steven Berkoff’s depraved Russian general mapping out a paranoid plan to attack Europe, scoffing at the idea of NATO ever fighting back. With grim predictability, the scene recently went viral on YouTube. “I didn’t think anyone would dredge it up again, but they did,” says Wilson.

“He talks about the West being decadent and divided, and not having the stomach to risk Russian atomic reprisals. When people say Bond is timeless – unfortunately that scene is timeless. Life imitating art….”

Wilson may no longer be writing the scripts, but he has helped transform Bond into an all-conquering box office colossus, that in recent outings has explored new emotional depths and evermore elaborate narrative arcs, while still hanging onto the blueprint laid down 60 years ago.

Nevertheless, given the apparent full-stop thrown up by the ending of No Time to Die, navigating the next step in the series may be the most consequential moment in the Bond saga since Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman first shook hands. That’s assuming there is to be a next step…

“We don’t have any plans at this time for continuation because we are busy celebrating our 60th anniversary. We have a music documentary, auctions, and of course we’re going to put a lot of cars in Pall Mall.

We’re concentrating on that.”

Position: CaptionAt audi ducia sundestiam aut diae dem aria nem quo verrum Michael G Wilson in eum facilignis Die Another Day

The next step may be the most consequential moment since Broccoli and Saltzman first shook hands.

And anyway, as he admits elsewhere in our conversation, Bond belongs as much to its fans as it does to his family or any film studio. “The Bond audience is incredibly enthusiastic, and you have a responsibility towards that. You don’t want to be the person who killed off James Bond.” Thank goodness for that.

Throughout October original cars from the Bond films will be displayed in the rotunda at Pall Mall alongside a selection of memorabilia kindly loaned by EON, and there will be a spectacular Bond-themed dinner in the Great Gallery. Full details will be announced in The Club Wire and on the Club website.

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Stirred, not shaken When the Club marks the 60th anniversary of the first Bond film, Dr. No, in October, the Cocktail Bar will (of course!) be offering a line-up of martinis new and traditional. We preview four of them.

Words by Josh Sims Photography by Jamie Lau

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CLUB DRINKS

“PEOPLE SOMETIMES THINK a martini is simple in comparison with many modern cocktails – but getting a martini right is not as easy as it looks,” says the Club’s Cocktail Bar and Club Room Manager, Christophe Chilard.

“I love its freshness, its warmth, the way it coats your mouth, and its strength, of course.

You really feel a martini. And then there’s the iconic, incredibly elegant martini coupe it’s served in. So it looks as good as it tastes.”

Christophe is not alone in his appreciation.

The martini was the drink of choice for one

Bond, James Bond. His own version, named after the fictional double agent and Bond love-interest Vesper Lynd, was invented

by Ian Fleming and explained in precise detail in 1953’s Casino Royale, Fleming’s first Bond novel. Naturally his very dry martini was licensed, if not to kill, then certainly to numb the extremities; it was made with large measures of both gin and vodka.

But don’t request that your martini is made “shaken and not stirred”. There are many wrong ways to make a dry martini, Christophe explains – with too much vermouth, for example, or served on ice – and shaking it only has the effect of both diluting and oxygenating the drink, so clouding its otherwise aesthetically-pleasing clarity. “It’s great fun to say the phrase but I try to persuade our members to have their martini stirred,” he smiles. “The only benefit of shaking is that it cools the martini faster.”

For all the black tie sophistication it suggests, the martini has a rather rough and tough, if murky, history. One story has it that it was invented at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco for a grizzled gold miner who slammed a nugget on the bar and asked for something special; since the miner was on his way to try his luck in Martinez, California, the bartender created an evolution of the Martinez, an established cocktail.

It’s not until 1888 that the recipe for a martini is listed in Harry Johnson’s Bartender’s Manual, the bible of mixologists.

Of course, if you ask a New Yorker they’ll tell you it was invented there, the home of Madison Avenue’s infamous, vision-blurring ‘three martini lunch’.

“Most modern cocktails are rehashed versions of those earlier cocktails, like the martini, that just somehow work particularly well with the human palate,” explains Christophe. “But the martini is also a drink that you sometimes need to learn to enjoy. Younger members tend to like something sweeter but as taste buds develop one comes to appreciate the flavours in the botanicals. Making a martini is like cooking; you need to get the balance right, but after that, you can enjoy the many possible variations.”

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CLUB DRINKS

The Dr. No

by Jerome Leonard

The Vesper

by Christophe Chilard The Club’s celebrations wouldn’t be a proper tribute to Bond without the Vesper – and, just for the Bond fans, this one is even shaken. Likewise, there’s the atypical use of both vodka and gin, the former ‘smoothing over’ the dryness in the latter.

The garnish is not just for decoration: the Sicilian lemons used at the Club have all the fragrance and none of the bitterness found in cooking lemons. The difference is subtle but crucial, and still creates a tipple with punch, says Christophe. “It’s what you might call a ‘big drink’, so you probably shouldn’t have too many!

I have a high tolerance but two is my limit if I still want normal conversation. But then our members are resilient and we do have accommodation upstairs!”

Mix in a shaker: 60ml of Club gin, 30ml of vodka and a dash of the French wine-based aperitif Lillet. Shake and pour into a chilled martini glass.

Fragrance the glass with Sicilian lemon and garnish.

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If close attention to the visual appeal of a cocktail is what’s required, who better to mix it than a bartender who trained as a photographer and video producer? The distinctive shades of yellow and red in Jerome Leonard’s Dr. No are inspired by the bold colours of the eye-catching poster used to promote the film.

The colours are created by the clever use of unusual herbal liqueurs and bitters. That the resulting cocktail isn’t clear, like a more typical martini, isn’t the only unusual thing about it: it’s made by ‘throwing’ the liquid between two tins, one of which contains ice, so aerating the cocktail with a little dilution. “It’s between shaking and stirring,” Leonard explains. “It’s not a commonplace way of mixing a cocktail because it takes time but it gives this version of the martini a subtle silkiness.

In fact, if your idea of a martini is a drink that gives you that burning sensation, it really just hasn’t been mixed properly.”

Mix 50ml of Club gin with 20ml of Liquore Strega in a cocktail tin. Pour at arm’s length from that tin into another, with ice.

Pour into a chilled martini glass. Add two dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters and one dash of Tabasco.

The Goldfinger

The Club 1914

by Sophie Holland

by Alex Perez Chumillas

The 1964 film Goldfinger made a passing nod to the then fledgling movement towards ‘women’s lib’ by introducing a female match for Bond, in the shape of Pussy Galore. And it’s in the Goldfinger, as Assistant Bar Manager Sophie Holland’s cocktail is named, that you’ll find a “lighter, fresher” counter to the Vesper, thanks to the use of a more floral gin and The King’s Ginger liqueur.

“The traditional martini is an acquired taste and too potent for many drinkers, so it’s great to have a more accessible, more summery version,” explains Sophie. “If the Vesper is rather ‘macho’, the variables don’t need much adjustment to create a lighter version. There’s no point having a Vesper and forcing yourself to spend two hours sipping it. The great thing about the martini is that there’s a version for everyone.”

During the Second World War, Pall Mall played host to thousands of officers from numerous countries based in London. Although we can’t be sure, it is more than likely that Commander Ian Fleming, who worked for Naval Intelligence a few minutes’ walk from the clubhouse, was among them. The Club 1914 – a bona fide martini classic – was invented at Pall Mall a quarter of a century earlier and has been a stalwart of the cocktail bar ever since: it is still a best-seller today.

Alex Perez Chumillas started in the kitchens at Pall Mall and is still training as a bartender. “The Club 1914 is one of the first cocktails we’re taught, it is so important. The look of a cocktail is all part of the experience, all part of the show,” he enthuses.

“You see the 1914 and you’re drinking it with your eyes before you’ve tasted it.”

Mix 35ml of G’Vine Floraison gin, 25ml of Chase marmalade vodka and 15ml of The King’s Ginger liqueur. Stir 10 to 15 times with ice in a stirring glass.

Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Mix 35ml of gin, 15ml of sweet vermouth and 15ml of Noilly Prat dry vermouth in a mixing glass with a dash of orange bitters. Stir with ice for 30 seconds.

Pour into a chilled martini glass. Add a dash of Grenadine and garnish with orange twist.

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CONQUERING THE GREEN HELL Fifty years ago, Colonel John Blashford-Snell successfully led a British expedition through the Darién Gap: 250 miles of swamp and jungle.

He will be speaking at Pall Mall in September, sharing with members significant moments and rare footage from this epic motorised expedition.

Words by Ben Oliver

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ONE DAY EARLY in 1970, a young Major in the Royal Engineers rose from his desk at the Ministry of Defence on Whitehall and, dressed in his regulation sober civil service suit, strolled through St James’s Park to a lunch in Belgrave Square. It was an incongruously civilised start to one of the most hellish motorised expeditions ever attempted.

The United States had recently announced that it would invest $150 million to complete the Pan-American Highway if a viable route could be found through the Darién Gap, a 250-mile stretch of near-impenetrable virgin jungle and swamp that straddles Panama and Colombia. This would finally link North and South America by road and the countries on either side of the gap were keen for the US to pay for what they hoped would become a lucrative trade route. They decided that a British-led expedition would be most likely to find a way through in vehicles and prove that a road could be constructed.

A British Trans-Americas Expedition Committee was formed by the AngloHispanic Society at the request of its member states and British adventurers were invited to

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Below from left: Blashford-Snell (right) and the team receive supplies; the Range Rovers faced the most punishing tests

its headquarters at Canning House to advise on whether it was complete madness. Among them was 34-year-old Major John BlashfordSnell, a man who had made his name as an explorer two years earlier by making the first complete descent of the Blue Nile.

“I told them the first thing they’d better do is a reconnaissance,” the now 85-yearold explains. “By luck, I had a friend who was keen to get out of England at the time because I believe he’d just overtaken a police car at about 70mph in Whitehall after a long night’s party and he didn’t want to wait for his court appearance. He was the sort of adventurous madman who might take on a walk through the Gap. Eventually, by a miracle, he managed it but came back very ill – although with the sketch map I needed.

‘I reckon you can do it,’ he told me, ‘but don’t ask me to come with you’.”

Blashford-Snell was asked to lead the expedition but was at first reluctant, given its extraordinary difficulty. “However, one of the Generals involved was Griff Caldwell, Engineer-in-Chief of the British Army and thus, ultimately, my boss. Dear old Griff said

it would be good for morale and for Britain’s image in South America. The Foreign Office agreed, so I didn’t have much choice. Then the Club sponsored the expedition and was very supportive.”

The political and financial goals of the expedition were to prove that the Darién Gap could be crossed in vehicles. The idea of expanding it into the British Trans-Americas Expedition, the first-ever drive from one end of the Americas to the other, came later, from Land Rover. Asked to supply vehicles, it volunteered its newly launched Range Rover.

The smaller, lighter standard Land Rover would have been better in the hell of the Darién but the company needed to prove the mettle of its faster, more refined new model, on road and off. Driving the 18,000 miles from Alaska to Cape Horn via the Darién, the Range Rovers would average over 90mph on the straight desert roads of Chile but fewer than three miles a day through the Darién.

Blashford-Snell didn’t join the expedition for the long drives either side of the Darién, leaving that to a small team he’d recruited from the 17th/21st Lancers. Departing in December 1971, the four months the two cars spent covering the nearly 18,000 miles either side of the Gap were not without incident.

One car slid 200 metres on ice on the Alcan Highway in Alaska before embedding itself in a crashed truck and requiring extensive repairs. At the very far end of the Americas the cars had to be put on rafts to avoid mountain passes blocked with snow.

Even against these adventures, the crossing of the Darién stood out for its extreme hardship and difficulty. Rather than navigating existing roads, the expedition would have to cut its own track and build its own bridges through 250 miles of swamp and thick secondary jungle. Progress was so slow that only one trusted, expert driver was nominated for each vehicle. The 60-strong expedition was required to inch, winch and float the cars through the jungle walked alongside, making studies of the local people, flora and fauna and the likely impact of a highway under the auspices of the Scientific Exploration Society, which Blashford-Snell founded.

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The leader flew into Panama City in January 1972 aboard an RAF Hercules, which also bore the disassembled Beaver light aircraft with which the Army Air Corps would resupply the expedition and help spot the route. Major Keith Morgan-Jones, the expedition vet (and a descendant of the pirate Sir Henry Morgan who had raided the coastline of the Darién Gap in the 17th century) bought 28 pack ponies to carry supplies – and so the column began its long march south.

Conditions were predictably awful. “We marched a long, long way,” Blashford-Snell recalls. “I started off riding a horse but as we lost horses – mine had to be used to carry petrol – I walked about 200 miles in the end.

It was very tough terrain and I lost a lot of weight.” For the humans, the suffocating humidity, deep black mud and torrential rains meant their clothes and jungle boots rotted away. “Our feet just fell apart,” says BlashfordSnell. “Half the team became casualties.

Some had to be evacuated completely but some came back once they got their feet into a condition where they could walk.”

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co-opted indigenous people and an American hippy he found wandering in the jungle.

He also struck a deal with the governor of a Panamanian prison on the coast. “They had a lot of Colombian smugglers, so for a couple of cases of whisky I got about 20 of them on condition that we wouldn’t let them go until we got to Colombia.”

The toll was hardest on the Colombian military, who were preparing to help the expedition as it crossed the border. Five people were drowned when their boat overturned and Blashford-Snell estimates that at least as many again were killed by FARC rebels when moving through the jungle to resupply the expedition.

The toll on the cars seems trivial by comparison but both required almost complete rebuilding over the 250-mile journey. One was almost lost during a river crossing and had to be repaired on the riverbank. The expedition put intolerable strain on the differentials, blowing nine of them, some in such spectacular fashion that the teeth penetrated the cabin.

Finally, after 99 days, ‘a party of ragged, filthy men and women, mules and vehicles, emerged on the far side of the vast bog,’ as

Top from left: Not even steep muddy inclines, almost impassable trails or fast-flowing rivers could stop BlashfordSnell and his team

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TH E CARS

Blashford-Snell wrote later. But they had beaten ‘this green hell’, and emerged, on St George’s Day 1972, dragging their two Range Rovers onto the start of the southern section of the Pan-American Highway.

Blashford-Snell would go on to lead expeditions along the length of the Congo (for which he was awarded the Segrave Trophy) and to found Operation Raleigh – which enabled thousands of young people to take part in expeditions around the world – but says that the Darién Gap mission remains the hardest challenge he ever undertook.

The path he cut was christened the Carretera Inglese, or Englishman’s Road, and used by locals for a while. However, the Highway was never completed. Concerns over the impact on locals and the environment, and the possible transmission of foot and mouth disease, foiled the first attempt to build it after the BlashfordSnell expedition, and another in the 1990s.

Around 60 miles of the Darién remains uncrossed by road and almost impenetrable by vehicle. It is still a challenge for anyone mad enough to attempt even a fraction of what John Blashford-Snell and his team achieved half a century ago.

The two Range Rovers used on the expedition were left-hand-drive models originally intended for export to Switzerland. Their drivetrains and chassis were left largely standard but they were fitted with a range of expedition equipment. The distinctive cow-catcher at the front was made by simply welding two stock bumpers together.

The exhaust was extended to exit above the roof for wading. Inside there was a roll cage, a single reclining rear seat for a crew member to sleep on between driving stints on the fast road sections and even a coffee maker and a safe. The cars’ most impressive items of kit made them unstoppable by ravine or river: the bespoke Avon inflatable rafts and incredibly strong, lightweight aluminium ladders.

Colonel John Blashford-Snell will be in conversation with TV presenter and travel writer Charley Boorman at Pall Mall on Thursday 8 September. Please visit the Club website for more information and to book.

His anthology, ‘From Utmost East to Utmost West – My Life of Exploration and Adventure’, is available in October 2022, published by Bradt.

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CLUB MEMBERS

PEAK HERO British driver Robin Shute has won the gruelling Pikes Peak Hill Climb not once but twice. This remarkable achievement has made him the latest in a long line of illustrious winners of the Segrave Trophy.

Words by Damien Smith Photography by Larry Chen

FOOT HARD TO the floor, Robin Shute drives his Wolf hillclimb racer like a man possessed, powering around blind bends and past sheer drops on his way to the 14,115ft Rocky Mountains summit of Pikes Peak – and to victory. An epic event dating back to 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the world’s most gruelling races, when a momentary loss of concentration can result in tragedy and where, as the finish line approaches, oxygen starvation is a clear and present danger.

Shute, a two-time winner of Pikes Peak and the only Briton to have conquered the climb and claim overall victories on four wheels, is one of this country’s most daring sporting heroes.

The Segrave Trophy Nominations Committee unanimously chose him as the trophy’s latest recipient: when it comes to the ‘Spirit of Adventure’, Shute hits all the marks.

He was taken aback by this news because, now living in California, he flies under the radar in the UK. “I received an out-of-the-blue call from this British voice,” Shute says. “It was a real surprise. I’m very honoured but

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I’m not doing it for recognition; I’m doing it to set records. I’ve always loved land speed records and their history.”

Shute took his first Pikes Peak victory in 2019, missed the race in 2020 and returned last year to reclaim his crown. He is aiming to make it a hat-trick on 26 June at the historic 100th running of a race that has been won in the past by an illustrious roll call of much more famous names, among them American Formula One world champion Mario Andretti and World Rally Championship heroes Michèle Mouton, Walter Röhrl and Ari Vatanen.

The race is held on a winding road that climbs 12.42 miles and 4,720 feet through 156 turns to a heady altitude at the finish of 14,115ft. Formerly run on a loose surface, the track has been completely paved

since 2011 but that has only increased speeds – and the sheer drops are no less steep or daunting.

In recent years, major car manufacturers have targeted Pikes Peak to create headlines and claim bragging rights. In 2013, Peugeot returned to the mountain it conquered with Vatanen in 1988, this time with WRC legend Sébastien Loeb and a specially created 208 T16 to set a new outright record of 8 minutes 13.878 seconds. Then in 2018, Volkswagen landed in Colorado with its astonishing electric-powered ID R, in which Le Mans winner Romain Dumas slashed the record to just 7 minutes 57.148 seconds.

Loeb’s mark is Shute’s first target but he has his eye trained on the Volkswagen time too, and he’s promised to keep heading back to Pikes Peak until he’s beaten it.

Robin Shute at the wheel of his Wolf sports racer powers to the top of Pikes Peak and into the record books

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Shute braved switchbacks and steep drops on his 12.42-mile dash to Pikes Peak’s 14,115ft summit

“I regard myself as pretty lucky in the way I’m able to head off on this adventure,” he says. “There aren’t many events as raw as Pikes Peak. There’s the Isle of Man TT but land speed records are almost unobtainable now, seeing how hard it is to raise the finance for such programmes. Pikes Peak hits the sweet spot of being accessible and a big challenge.”

There’s some irony in Shute hailing originally from famously flat Norfolk. He’s the son of a development test driver, Tony Shute, who worked for Goodyear, Lotus and Caterham, and first discovered Pikes Peak as a child playing the Gran Turismo 2 video game. Shute emigrated to California in 2011 where he began his automotive engineering career at Tesla, then in 2017 found himself at Pikes Peak for the first time with electricpowered start-up, Faraday Future. “They

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put in an entry for their FF91, a 1000bhp, 2.5-tonne electric SUV, and planned to use a Formula E driver,” says Shute, who has racing experience in GTs and junior single-seaters. “Initially, I was named as the reserve driver, but rather than getting the star from Formula E, eventually they chose to get behind me instead. When I got to the mountain I felt very at home. From that point I realised I wanted to go for the record and win overall.”

Since 2018 Shute has raced at Pikes Peak under his own steam – or at least gasoline – in a Wolf sports racer powered by a 550bhp Mountune-developed 2.1-litre Honda turbo engine entered in the top Ultimate class.

His winning run in 2019 was well short of Loeb’s record, never mind the Dumas mark, at 9 minutes 12.476 seconds, while last year’s race was shortened to just nine miles by bad weather at the summit. A new aerodynamic package promising a 50% increase in downforce, sticky Yokohama racing tyres from Japan and other developments leave Shute confident that this year, at least one of the records is within touching distance.

So what’s it like racing hard up a mountain, with jeopardy waiting at every turn? “Bonkers! For the most part, it’s a fast and flowing course with smooth asphalt, punctuated with hairpin bends. Then the top gets insanely bumpy – the kind of bumps that rattle your brain. It’s faster to set the car up stiff and low for the good asphalt and accept that you will lose some brain cells on the top section. I can’t really comment too much about the old gravel course as I never drove it but the speeds are a lot higher now. That comes with its own challenges and reduced margins for error.”

Race week is made up of practice and qualifying days but as the route is a public road, organisers close it off in three sections to allow drivers and riders a chance to acclimatise. They only get one complete run on the full 12.42-mile course: the oneat-a-time race itself on the Sunday. “I enjoy the challenge; it makes that one run very special,” says Shute. “It’s a hugely frantic and intense moment. Honestly, it’s good because if you had too much exposure to

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Last year Shute didn’t help himself, forgetting to switch on his oxygen supply which is considered essential at such an altitude. the mountain for full runs, you’d push too hard and make poor judgements. But if you have a technical problem, you have to wait another year to get a complete run. That’s the killer. I still haven’t had a clean run in the four years I’ve done it.”

Last year he didn’t help himself, forgetting to switch on his oxygen supply which is considered essential at this altitude. “It’s something you are conscious of from the get-go. You must focus on breathing and you’re strapped in so tightly by the belts it’s difficult to open and close your lungs the amount you need to. You get this tunnel-vision style of consciousness and you just have to be aware and adapt to it. It’s a little unnerving.”

What about the psychological challenge of knowing you could plunge off the side of the mountain at any moment? “It’s something that bothers me more on the way down because on the way up I’m a little busy! You know you can’t risk everything; you just can’t afford a mistake. You have to drive with a little bit of margin and not be that much slower. On the way down I’m petrified because you have the time to look around and see how exposed it is. The car doesn’t have a lot of steering lock so it’s a conscious effort to get it through the hairpins on cold tyres and without speed helping the weight transfer. All my scary moments have been driving downhill.”

There’s talk of resurfacing the bumpy top section this year, if the weather is kind, which will only aid Shute’s hat-trick bid and record-chasing quest. “Last year it was great to prove the performance potential of the car,” he says. “We didn’t get the numerical result we wanted or the financial result – there’s actually quite a lot of money at stake for going under eight minutes, which I think we would have done – but it’s looking good for the 100th running.”

THE SEGRAVE TROPHY The Segrave Trophy is awarded to those with a ‘Spirit of Adventure’ for outstanding demonstrations of skill, courage and initiative in transportation on land, water or in the air.

The trophy is named after Sir Henry Segrave, the pioneering racing driver and first person to hold both the land and water speed records simultaneously.

In 1927, he became the first person to travel at more than 200mph in a land vehicle, setting the record in front of 30,000 onlookers at Daytona Beach in Florida. After increasing the record to 231mph in 1929, he turned his attention to becoming the fastest man on water. In setting a new record of 98mph at Lake Windermere in June 1930, his boat struck a piece of debris and, although Sir Henry was found alive in the water, he succumbed to his injuries soon afterwards. The trophy was commissioned by Lady Segrave in his memory.

Tom Purves, a Club Vice-President and the Chairman of the Segrave Trophy Nominations Committee, explained why Robin Shute was selected. “He embodies all the attributes of a worthy Segrave Trophy winner: courageous, creative and competitive.

Building his own car and winning Pikes Peak deserves the highest recognition.”

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BEAULIEU AT 50

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As it celebrates its half century, we tell the story of Beaulieu, the National Motor Museum, the origins of which can be traced to a hallway and one man’s passion for motors and motoring.

Words by John Evans

START YOUR ENGINES, toot your horns and head for Hampshire! The National Motor Museum, familiar to many simply as ‘Beaulieu’ – the New Forest village in which it is located – is 50 years old this year.

The celebrations started with an anniversary party on 3 July, when owners of cars registered in 1972 (the museum’s founding year) were invited to join a cavalcade of 1970s classics and enjoy live music of the era with the crowds of visitors.

Don’t worry if you missed that, though, as the celebrations continue for the rest of the year with, most notably, an exhibition telling the story of motoring through 50 objects.

Selected for their contribution to the history of motoring and to society in general, these objects range from vehicles and motorcycles to books, clothing, accessories, photographs and art. Meanwhile, at Pall Mall during London Motor Week at the beginning of November, Club members can experience a flavour of the museum’s celebrations in the form of a display of artefacts relating to the anniversary collection.

The scale and significance of Beaulieu’s 50th anniversary celebrations might lead one to believe the museum is exactly that old. As the National Motor Museum, it is, but in fact there has been a motoring museum at Beaulieu since 1952. This was the year Edward, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, placed five veteran vehicles in the hallway of Palace House, the home of the Montagu family which, today, is open to the public as part of the Beaulieu experience.

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The display was a tribute to the memory of John, his father, a pioneer of motoring in Great Britain (he gave King Edward VII one of his first rides in a motorcar). As motorists’ first Parliamentary champion, John was the driving force behind the 1903 Motor Car Act, the legislation which, amongst other things, introduced the compulsory registration of both cars and drivers and raised the speed limit to a heady 20mph. John Montagu also competed in the 1899 Paris to Ostend road race, finishing third in class in his 12hp Daimler. In so doing he became, along with his friend The Hon C S Rolls, the first Briton to compete in a continental motor race. He drove the same car in the 1,000 Mile Trial of 1900, which was organised by the Club. That 12hp Daimler can be seen in the National Motor Museum today.

Edward Montagu inherited his father’s passion for motoring and motorcars and, within four years, what had begun as a modest collection of vehicles had expanded far beyond the confines of his home’s hallway. Accordingly, in 1956, he established a museum that he called the Montagu Motor Museum. Occupying a former wood store next to Palace House, it quickly enjoyed huge support from industry and 54 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

the public alike. The collection continued to grow, with motorcycles added in 1957, and, in 1959, a new wooden building was built in the grounds.

The 1960s saw further expansion of the collection and visitor numbers increased to the extent that, within 10 years, more than six million people from far and wide had made the journey, attracted not only by the vehicles but also by the international scope

Above: Edward, Lord Montagu with his cars in Palace House Below: Edward at the wheel of the museum’s 1903 De Dion Bouton

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of the exhibits and their purpose in telling the wider story of motoring and the motorist.

Encouraged by this, in 1968 Edward decided to establish a charitable trust to safeguard the collection, which now encompassed everything from priceless vehicles to valuable books. The Trust immediately attracted funds from industry, individuals and organisations including the Club, making the next chapter in the museum’s story – the design and construction of a complex worthy of its contents – possible.

And so, on 4 July 1972, the National Motor Museum, the first permanent one of its kind in the world, opened its doors to visitors. Seven areas of the museum were dedicated to charting the history of motoring from 1895 to modern times. The first, called the Hall of Fame, displayed some of the collection’s most historic cars, while five more areas occupied the main building, where visitors could view veteran cars, vintage and post-vintage cars, record breakers, racing and sports cars and commercial vehicles. The seventh area of the museum was home to the Graham Walker Gallery of motorcycles.

Arranged throughout were exhibits displaying everything from period garages and accessories to photographs and artworks. A further area housed the museum’s extensive library. Crucially, all the display vehicles were in working order but should any visitor have doubted this, a window allowed them to view vehicles being repaired or maintained by the museum’s technical staff.

Fast forward 50 years and, more than 20 million visitors later, the aims and principles that guided the museum’s foundation in 1972 still hold true today. At their heart is telling the story of the relationship of the car with society. It’s why the museum’s exhibits are often described in the context of the times they were designed and built for.

Elsewhere, race and rally cars have a place, while there’s still an international feel to the collection with Ferraris rubbing shoulders with MGs. Meanwhile, major safety and technical developments are revealed in the Driving Change exhibition.

As always, the collection continues to grow. It presently numbers an astonishing 1.7 million items, including 300 vehicles which can also be viewed online. The museum is unusual in that it doesn’t possess a reserve store for surplus items so what visitors see is what it has. Fresh additions to the collection are either bought by the Trust or generously gifted by the public.

Each month it is offered numerous vehicles but is careful to make sure that those it accepts support its overall vision and will be of genuine interest to visitors. Among its most recent acquisitions is a Jaguar XK8 which, says the museum, symbolises the rebirth of Jaguar.

From top: Lord Montagu and the Duke of Kent tour the new National Motor Museum on its opening day in 1972; Visitors today marvel at the way motoring used to be

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Another recent acquisition is a collection of 28 Lalique glass car mascots. Previously lent to the museum by its private owner as the glittering centrepiece of the Luxury of Motoring exhibition, they were bought by the Trust with the help of generous donations from the Art Fund, National Heritage Memorial Fund and Arts Council England / V&A Purchase Grant Fund as well as from a private donor. Master glassmaker René Lalique’s stunning work represents an era when car mascots were the ultimate luxury, capturing the grace and power of the cars they adorned. The collection includes an original Breves mount, which allows light to shine through them. Visitors can see their full beauty by pushing a button to light up the dragonfly star exhibit.

The museum is also a destination for people researching the history of motorcars and motoring. Its book, film and photographic libraries are possibly the best stocked in the world. Visiting is by appointment but, as part of the museum’s future strategy to make the museum even more accessible, it is developing plans to open its libraries to casual visitors and offer ways for them to explore the material more easily.

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The museum’s libraries – accessed by appointment, with plans to make them more accessible – are possibly the best stocked in the world. with a lighter interest and those taking their first steps. For them the World of Top Gear with favourites from the TV series including the infamous Triumph Herald boat and unbreakable Toyota Hilux await. There’s also an exhibition of famous cars from the movies.

All this plus delicious food at Beaulieu’s Brabazon restaurant, trips on the monorail and a vintage bus or a tour of Palace House combine to make the perfect day out.

Looking to the next 50 years, one can only wonder what fresh treasures will await motoring enthusiasts visiting the National Motor Museum in 2072. One thing’s for sure: when Lord Montagu first filled his home’s hallway with cars, he can’t have imagined he had laid the foundations of one of Britain’s finest motoring museums.

With thanks to Jon Murden, Patrick Collins, Jon Day and Sarah Wyatt of the National Motor Museum Trust.

Above: As they did 50 years ago cars, memorabilia and artefacts continue to delight and fascinate visitors to the museum

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THE STORY OF MOTORING IN 50 OBJECTS The National Motor Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an exhibition entitled The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects. From illustrating motoring’s technology and progress, its achievement and endeavour, to showing how it transformed leisure activities and inspired art, the collection is both fascinating and important.

To whet your appetite, here are just five of the 50 objects.

C AT ’ S EYES Designed by Percy Shaw of Boothtown, Halifax and patented in 1934, the cat’s eye was a simple yet highly effective way of illuminating the way ahead via reflection from your vehicle’s headlamps.

THE AU TO CAR MAGA Z INE – THE RED LET T ER ISSU E, 18 96 Published in red ink to celebrate the ‘red letter day’ of the Locomotives on Highways Act 1896 that saw the speed limit raised for motorcars.

M I NI , 1 95 9 A technically innovative design that created a surprisingly spacious interior and which was a huge success for the British Motor Corporation.

BRM V16 , 1 9 50 The first British-built Formula One car, giving rise to the birth of the UK as a centre of excellence in terms of F1 and motorsport engineering.

BROCHURE: STEAM, PETROL OR ELECTRICIT Y? 1907-1908 An early example of the questions asked about the future of automobiles demonstrates that the internal combustion engine wasn’t the inevitable choice when automobiles were first emerging.

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Meet the Chief Executive

As he moves into his new role of Chief Executive & Club Secretary, Daniel Pereira reflects on changes, challenges and opportunities at the Club.

Words by Timothy Barber Photography by Jamie Lau

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DANIEL PEREIRA will have been known to many members as the Club’s Chief Operating Officer since 2013. This May he took up his new role as Chief Executive & Club Secretary. Originally from Portugal, he has been in the UK for 30 years, establishing himself as a leader within the hospitality industry. He first managed two of Edinburgh’s finest hotels, the Glasshouse and the Scotsman, and then the magnificent Old Course Hotel & Resort at St Andrews.

Daniel, congratulations on your appointment. I notice that the job title has changed from Club Secretary to ‘Chief Executive & Club Secretary’. Why’s that?

Whilst the Club is first and foremost a private members’ club, it is also an organisation turning over £55m and providing some 850,000 services – everything from a meal to a massage, a round of golf to a night’s accommodation or a place at an event – each year. The title ‘Chief Executive’ reflects the skill set required to manage such an organisation and, while the term ‘Club Secretary’ is widely understood within the Club, it can easily be misunderstood by others in the many companies and public sector bodies we work with. It also fits into the Club’s management structure more appropriately.

How do you see your role with members?

I want to be a highly visible and engaging presence within the day-to-day operation.

It is the unplanned encounters, walking around the clubhouses, that are often so fruitful. But I’m not a one-man band: I have a great team working with me who do an outstanding job of engaging with members on a daily basis as we strive to understand their needs. My intention is to remain very visible to members.

What’s your attitude to managing change in the Club?

Over the nine years I’ve been here, ‘positive evolution’ has been the way we’ve done things, and I think that’s right. Of course, with 17,000 members you’re going to have a lot of individual views but we have a

very good governance structure in place.

Through the various committees, subgroups and working parties there are a lot of checks and balances to make sure that any changes are broadly supported by the members. Evolution is important, because if you’re standing still you will be left behind.

What are some of the major challenges facing the Club?

The issues around inflation and the cost of energy are having a big impact on our finances. Since value for money is one of the key benefits that we offer our members, we are having to work extra hard to balance things. Then there’s the supply chain disruption: for instance, the lead time for purchasing greenkeeping machinery for Woodcote Park can now be up to a year, when it used to arrive almost immediately.

And we all know that staffing is difficult at the moment.

Sadly, yes. The hospitality sector was very badly hit throughout the pandemic and a lot of good people left it as a result. And, of course, we don’t have the flow of people from Europe so, as an industry, we’re having to look within the UK – but that’s going to take time and a lot of effort to become more competitive with other sectors that take the lion’s share of homegrown talent.

In the meantime, we are doing all we can to recruit new people, including strengthening our relationships with colleges and securing a licence to sponsor staff to come into the UK. We also have to look for opportunities to streamline our operations without diminishing the quality of member experience.

Presumably it’s not just recruitment, but retention?

Yes. We have to be known as an employer that develops people, is fair in terms of pay, offers good benefits and provides a supportive environment. One of the lovely features of the Club is the familiarity between staff and members, which can only come from having long-serving staff.

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So what makes a Club bedroom distinctive?

The rooms should provide the quality and comfort members experience at home, and they should also be distinctly part of the Club. The design team has taken a great deal of inspiration from the clubhouse and our motoring heritage and we will be keeping the features which reflect the essence of the Club, such as traditional keys to access rooms (with electronic enhancements to improve security) and the chalk boards outside the bedroom doors.

How do you balance up respective priorities for the two clubhouses?

We have invested heavily in both over recent years. At Pall Mall, as well as refurbishing the Club Room and the bedrooms, we need to look at the banqueting rooms and parts of the sports facilities. There are also big decisions to make soon about possible further improvements at Woodcote Park.

“It’s about the evolution of a thriving club with an active, engaged membership; the key is to continue to grow through visibility, inclusivity and openness.” and that’s something I get a lot of job satisfaction from. Our staff turnover is low in comparison with most hospitality organisations but we need to do more.

I believe you have some big plans for the bedrooms at Pall Mall?

We’ve made a very large commitment; it’s a project that will happen over a number of years and we’ve had very positive feedback on the plans so far. When you look at our restaurants, our public areas, our banqueting facilities, they’re all of an exceptionally high quality. The bedrooms have evolved over the years but they’re not at the same level. They need to be of the same quality as the rest of the clubhouse.

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How do you sum up your vision for the Club?

As I said before, it’s about evolution not revolution. We have a thriving club with an active and engaged membership; the key is to continue to grow that through visibility, inclusivity and openness. I don’t mean grow the size of the membership, but the enjoyment of the membership – that feeling of being valued. And from a leadership point of view, visibility and transparency are key.

Lastly: are you a motoring man?

In Portugal rally driving is like a national sport, but it was Formula 1 that I fell in love with at a young age. The legends of that sport are part of Club history: my office wall has pictures of Sir Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart and Nigel Mansell in their cars. Even in Portugal, I grew up listening to Murray Walker; being able to meet him here four years ago was very special – I was like a kid in a sweet shop. Look, hospitality is in my blood.

I absolutely love to care for people. I get great joy from making people happy through the services and care that we provide – then the motoring element is like a cherry on top.

After all it is at the core of our Club.

H

ayes Parsons Insurance Brokers is an independent, Chartered insurance broker for private clients. Our experienced team understand your lifestyle and can help source bespoke insurance for your most treasured possessions.

We work with a select group of insurers who have the flexibilty to adapt to complex personal risks, including high net worth homes, classic cars, supercars, fine art, jewellery and wine as well as luxury watches.

Hayes Parsons’ Head of Private Client, Richard Moxon, is a long-standing member of the Royal Automobile Club and has many years’ experience creating tailored insurance solutions.

If you would like to talk with Richard, please use the contact details below to arrange a meeting at your home or at either of the clubhouses.

Richard Moxon Cert CII Head of Private Client 0117 930 1658 | 07771 904 202 r.moxon@hayesparsons.co.uk

Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers is a trading name of Hayes Parsons Limited whihc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN311881 for general insurance business. Registered in England and Wales Company No.816448 at Beacon Tower, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 4XE

CLUB DEVELOPMENT

Design Intervention Late this summer, Pall Mall’s much-loved Club Room will be refurbished and work has also started on a longer-term project: the modernisation of the bedrooms in both clubhouses. The teams behind the designs share their visions, aims and inspiration.

Words by Annabel Harrison

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CLUB DEVELOPMENT

THE CLUB ROOM is, to many members, quite simply the heart of their Club: a relaxed environment for afternoon tea, reading the newspaper with a coffee or settling down for a game of chess, backgammon or bridge – whether fierce or friendly! As announced by Laurence Mutkin, the Chairman of the Pall Mall Committee, in the January edition of this magazine, the Club has chosen to invest in a refurbishment of this well-used room to enhance its atmosphere, functionality and magnificent architectural character.

“It’s one of the most beautiful rooms in the Club, and one of the best-loved, so I am keen to reassure members that no major construction work will be undertaken,” says Robert Oakley, the Club’s Senior Capital Projects Manager.

“The project is all about enhancing members’ experience by improving both the charm of the setting and the practicality for all the activities which take place in the room, so it has been closely guided by a working group of members.”

Robert is also working with Mosaic Architecture + Design. Its Director Stephen J Mallon explains that careful attention has been paid to the history of the room as well as looking at how it could work better for both members and staff. “The lighting is very important. The changes we are planning will really enhance the ceiling cornices and the artworks, in particular. Specialist contractors will be refurbishing the existing chandeliers, wall lights and what was once a skylight on the far side of the room from the entrance.”

Attention to detail across every element has been key. “For example, when we looked at the historic photos we noticed that the highlevel griffins on the cornice frieze were once gold-leafed,” Stephen explains. “They had been painted white in a previous refurbishment so we’re going to reinstate them.”

The room also requires new soft furnishings, decoration and carpet, all of which have seen a great deal of wear and tear. Many items of the current furniture are nearing the end of their practical use, so around 40% will be replaced while the remainder will be restored. “The new backgammon tables will be easy for staff to convert to normal tables when they are not being used for games, providing additional space for afternoon tea,” adds Robert.

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Stephen’s considered, respectful approach also aims to improve the functionality of the Club Room for both members and staff.

There will be two new service stations for staff to work from, a new, circular, centre table to make it easier to move around the room and the sofas will be adjusted so they are easier to get in and out of. “We’ve opened the room up to make a real feature of the magnificent fireplace too,” Stephen concludes, “and there will be new cabinets to display some of the Club’s wonderful trophies.”

Members who stay overnight at the Club will also be eagerly anticipating the refurbishment of the bedrooms at both clubhouses – a project which is expected to last five years, with the work being done in stages. “The aim,” states Robert, “is to ensure we’re providing modern accommodation befitting of the Club and our members, raising the standard to that of other areas of the clubhouses. As with the Club Room refurbishment, for us, enhancing members’ experience of their Club is paramount. The designs will also provide an identity to the rooms which reflects our heritage and values.”

At Pall Mall, a sample room is being created this August. The first full phase – half

the 4th floor – will be undertaken in early 2023, then the team will work its way through a further seven phases until 2027 to minimise disruption. The design work for Woodcote Park will start later this year, with all 22 rooms due to be completed in 2024.

As is evident from these computer generated images of the Pall Mall sample room, the interior design lead, Martin Goddard at Goddard Littlefair, has ensured that much of the furniture and joinery is imbued with classic automotive touches, such as the fluted leather on the headboards, reminiscent of the seats of old cars. Martin confirms just how much thought has gone into the room’s scheme. “Our initial approach was based around learning how members used the rooms; what they liked about the experience and things they did not. Inspiration was then taken from the Pall Mall building, the heritage of the Club and its deep affiliation with the history of automotive design.”

This heritage will be combined with modernisation: new window panes and LED lighting will improve energy efficiency, the bedside sockets will include USB charging points and each room will have enhanced connectivity for media. “The range of light

“Materials will be sustainably sourced where possible.

Items’ production location, transport costs and durability have all been considered.”

From left: CGI representations of the new bathrooms and bedrooms

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fittings in each room – spotlights, a desk light, a floor lamp, bedside lights and reading lights – ensures the lighting can be adjusted to suit every time of day,” Robert says. “The new televisions will be in units moulded elegantly into the walls.” When it comes to sustainability, “we have asked for materials to be sustainably sourced where possible – where an item is produced, its transportation cost and its durability are all being considered”.

The bathrooms will have much cleaner lines, underfloor heating, bright and elegant marble effect tiles and a large expanse of mirrors, as well as new lighting. 80% of them will have walk-in showers rather than showers over baths because they are, Martin confirms, a more popular requirement. Finally, the refurbishment won’t stop at the bedroom

door – the corridors will also be upgraded with new carpet, lighting, artwork and accessories.

“This is,” Robert concludes, “a very exciting project for the Club and one which will benefit members and their guests for decades to come.

I can’t wait to see the first rooms in use.”

Thank you to all the members who volunteered to be part of the Working Parties, the Pall Mall Committee Members and everyone who came to the consultation sessions for your valuable input throughout the design process.

Please refer to the Club website for the latest information about the schedule for the Club Room refurbishment. The Long Bar, Club Room Terrace and Drawing Room will all remain available while the work takes place.

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Jeff Steadman (left) and Matthew Marshall at Johnshaven harbour

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FROM POT TO PLATE The sweet, rich taste of lobster is a firm favourite with Club members.

Executive Chef Matthew Marshall takes a trip to the north-east of Scotland to see exactly how the lobsters served in the Club are landed.

Words by Joanna Fraser Photography by Chris Scott

IT IS TEN DEGREES on a grey overcast day as the Club’s Executive Chef Matthew Marshall sets out into the North Sea on a creel boat from Johnshaven harbour. He’s here with Jeff Steadman – whose business Chamberlain and Thelwell has been supplying the Club with fish and seafood for almost 30 years – to witness where the lobster starts its journey from pot to plate.

THE TASTE Lobster is a highly valued catch. With a sweeter, less ‘fishy’ taste than crab, it has a rich flavour with a meaty texture, owing to the high amount of muscle in lobster. “It’s unique: there really is nothing else like it,” explains Matthew. The popularity of the

CLUB FOOD

dish led to the Club creating its ‘lobster month’ which is held each August, when the most popular dish is the grilled lobster salad. This is also Matthew’s favourite.

“For me, it’s all about simplicity. If you have a great ingredient, what’s the point in over-complicating things? With the help of Jeff here, we source the very best seafood.

Members can taste the quality and just how special it is.”

THE SEASON It’s the temperature of the water and the tides off the coast of Aberdeenshire that

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combine to give the firmness of the flesh which makes Scottish lobsters so distinctive.

Today, the water temperature is seven degrees. The North Sea in this region rarely rises above 12 degrees, which the crew tells us with understatement is “not suitable for comfortable swimming”. But that’s not what’s uppermost in Jeff’s mind as they head out of the harbour. “Because it’s a wild product and still hunted, our supply is affected by the weather conditions, the seasons and the time of year,” he says. “We’re coming into the summer months where the lobsters are moving around more and the catch increases, so there should be plenty

From left: Jeff Steadman looks on as Matthew Marshall pulls a lobster creel on board; Jeff and Matthew assess the catch of the day

CLUB FOOD

The water temperature and tides off the Aberdeenshire coast give the firmness of flesh which makes Scottish lobsters so distinctive.

available. It is always a labour-intensive process though. We are careful to make sure our seafood is sustainably sourced in areas that aren’t over-fished.”

Native Scottish lobsters are populations of the European lobster Homarus gammarus and prefer shallow waters – rarely deeper than 50 metres. They are mostly found on rocky sea beds which provide holes and crevices for the lobsters to hide in. They are caught by creels, which are baited pots set on the seabed that coax lobsters out of their hiding spots, especially around rocky shorelines.

THE HUNT On the boat, a marker buoy shows where a line of creels has been laid and the skipper is starting to hoist them on board. The very first creel contains an absolute beauty, weighing in at about two kilos. It is a dark blueish colour, verging on black, waving its legs to display a paler speckled underside; lobsters only turn red when they’re cooked. A closer look shows the two claws are not symmetrical.

One is for cutting, with small sharp teeth; the other is bigger, for crushing. Lobsters can live to 50 years of age and have the fascinating ability to regrow severed limbs.

Matthew is a difficult man to please though! “He’s a beautiful specimen but he’s just too big for us. We look for a uniformity for our end customer, weighing about a

pound and a quarter – which is about 600 grams.” With lobster thermidor, lobster bisque and a fishcake with a delicious lobster sauce all on the menu at the Club, every part of the lobster is used.

THE CATCH Then our luck runs out. The next round of creels reveals a healthy harvest of velvet and brown crabs but a distinct lack of likely lobsters. Those in the creels are carefully measured and any with an upper shell of less than 87mm are released back into the chilly waters.

“They’re funny animals – if you could read their minds, you’d make a fortune,” remarks skipper Jimmy. He has more than 180 creels out at any one time, which he baits and leaves for a day or two before going out to check the catch. It’s a notoriously treacherous area, with rocks lurking under the surface waiting to be uncovered by the tides or an unwary keel.

“It can depend on a whole range of things, including how strong the tide is. Some days, they’re there waiting for you, and on others they’re nowhere to be seen.”

Jimmy’s creel boat is one of around ten that land their daily lobster catch at Murray McBay & Co. This family-run shellfish merchant has operated out of Johnshaven’s picturesque harbour since the 1930s and supplies the Club’s lobsters. Ivar McBay PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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From left: Matthew Marshall, Ivar McBay, Jeff Steadman Ivar’s 70 PELL -and MELL & WOODCOTE son, Jason McBay

CLUB FOOD

and his two sons, Ivar Jnr and Jason, are supplied daily with the finest of catches straight from the fleet of local boats.

“I’ve dealt with Ivar at Murray McBay for 30 years or so and we’ve built a strong relationship over that time,” says Jeff.

“We know we can rely on a product of absolute premium quality, and we know its provenance and that it’s been sourced in a sustainable way.”

Ivar checks the catch for size and health before placing it in holding tanks and then it’s distributed throughout Scotland and across the world. Around 60% of their catch is exported abroad.

He has been involved in the business for nearly his whole life and knows the area and

the sea like the back of his hand. “Things have changed in the industry,” says Ivar, “but our commitment to doing things properly hasn’t. It’s a lot of work and it’s a harsh environment to fish in but that’s what gives the end product its taste and makes it so special, and why it’s so highly prized around the world.”

And it’s exactly that quality of ingredient that Matthew is looking for. He admits that by the end of our trip he has a new appreciation for the time, care and attention it takes to get the lobster from the pot to the plate. “I think many of our diners might be surprised to learn that their lobster has taken 10 years to grow and mature before it ends up on their plate.” He and his team have put together an exciting and creative new menu, that includes an Omelette Arnold Bennett Lobster Thermidor. It’s your chance to enjoy the unique taste of the finest sustainably sourced lobster.

The Club’s Lobster Month runs from Wednesday 3 August until Wednesday 7 September in the Great Gallery at Pall Mall and in the Fountain Brasserie and Stirling’s at Woodcote Park. To book, please visit the Club website or call Central Reservations on 020 7747 3474.

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Pippa and Daniel in the Arboretum and wildflower meadow 72 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE at Woodcote Park

CLUB SUSTAINABILITY

Our Club, our planet From energy and water conservation to local procurement and eradicating single-use plastic; what are the Club’s sustainability achievements so far and what is the strategy for the future?

Words by Annabel Harrison Photography by Rob Cadman

IN MARCH, THE Club’s 2022-2026 Sustainability Strategy was signed off by the Board and, while the words on its pages are significant, the Club believes that ‘Real Action Counts’. As such, the document’s long-term ambitions are specific and measurable, built around three key areas: Protecting our Planet, Investing in People, and Driving Change.

Despite the challenges of the past two years, the Club hasn’t lost sight of the importance of sustainability and, as Board member Pippa Cronk and Chief Executive Daniel Pereira explain below, is determined to create a more sustainable future for the members of tomorrow and to take existing and new initiatives to the next level. Daniel and Pippa tell us more.

How would you both summarise the overarching aim of the Club’s Sustainable Strategy?

Daniel: It is about ensuring that we operate in a sustainable way for future generations.

As a Club, we have a long, rich history, but we are in a different world from when our forefathers created the organisation in 1897.

We have shown a commitment already to sustainable practices and we are now taking a long-term view on the changes we need to continue to make, to manage resources diligently and reduce the environmental impact of the Club’s operations.

“We plan to achieve net zero on direct carbon emissions and energy consumption by the end of 2026, and send no waste to landfill by 2035.”

Pippa: It is our responsibility to support the Club as it moves forward, with the aim of ensuring that it can operate sustainably, safeguarding it and the environment for future generations. In recent years the Club has put a lot more focus on improving the way it is operating from an environmental standpoint. We now need to think even more holistically and embed sustainable strategies and practices into everything that we do. Creating a long-term strategy is vital for us to accomplish the big goals.

What is the Club’s biggest achievement so far, and how do you hope the answer will differ in five years’ time?

Daniel: For a number of years we have been investing in our infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency.

In Pall Mall we have replaced our inefficient gas hobs with induction units in the kitchens, our boilers are now combined heat and power boilers, and we have changed our lights from halogen to LED. People often have a misconception that improving your PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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of packaging we use by six tonnes a month.

Whilst these achievements are worthy, the ambition is of course to go further still.

What behaviours can members change when at the clubhouses to help the cause?

The reservoir at Woodcote Park

sustainability credentials will be detrimental to the financial performance of the business.

If managed well, in the long run a business should benefit from the investment. The creation of the reservoir at Woodcote Park – now feeding both golf courses – is a great example of a project which will bring benefits to both the environment and the Club for decades to come.

Over the coming years we will be refurbishing all the bedrooms in both clubhouses. As well as reviewing the windows to ensure they have a very good energy efficiency rating, we are considering the energy efficiency and sustainability of everything that’s going into the rooms. That doesn’t just mean the electrical equipment; we are also looking at how and where the furnishings are produced, for example, without compromising on quality.

In five years’ time, I am confident we will be able to show that we’re a lot more energy efficient. We have a system called Con-Serve in place now which measures all our consumption by area of the Club, so we will be able to measure exactly the impact of the initiatives we are working on.

Pippa: There are three things that really stand out for me. The bio-digesters – like an iron stomach with enzymes – at both clubhouses turn all food waste into grey water, so harmful methane isn’t released into the atmosphere as a result of food decomposing. Members used to get through 17,000 single-use razors per year – that’s now down to 5,000. And we have worked with our suppliers to reduce the amount

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Daniel: Lots of little actions make a big collective difference. It’s about asking ourselves whether we really need that second towel or disposable razor. If all of us can change our behaviour to create less waste, that’s a major win. It’s not our job to educate members but we need to provide options. Take our restaurants as an example: we are looking to provide more options, such as free range or organic, and to purchase food produced more locally.

Pippa: Exactly. It’s about providing clarity and choice for members to facilitate their participation in this journey. This shouldn’t be detrimental to the experience of members; if anything, I think members will take great pleasure and pride in knowing their Club is reducing its impact on the environment. I also believe that members will expect us to be taking these measures.

What practical steps are being taken to contribute to biodiversity net-gain?

Daniel: We will be undertaking an ecological report at Woodcote Park later this year. The arboretums, for example, were created following advice from the last report in 2014 and we have planted 39 new trees in them. We are going to reintroduce beehives and create a herb garden in the Walled Garden to help supply our kitchens.

There are already wildflower meadows and we protect the lake as a major stopover for migrant birds.

We recently completed the nine-acre woodland management project behind the clubhouse and there’s an interactive wooden play area for children where they have the opportunity to learn about the woodland. We also have biodiversity areas for additional bird boxes, hedgehogs, badger sets and bug hotels. Nature is thriving at Woodcote Park.

What changes will be made when it comes to improving procurement practices?

From top: Staff in action in the new kitchens in Pall Mall; the Bug Hotel at Woodcote Park

Daniel: We are working on more ethical sourcing of products. The kitchens and restaurants are a prime example; they are such a huge area of procurement for us.

We’re working towards local purchasing, ideally within a 50-mile radius of each clubhouse. The aim is to reduce our transportation footprint to a low level and offset the remaining emissions as we work towards becoming net zero.

Pippa: Beyond food, a lot of work has been done to reduce plastic within our supply chain. For example, the soaps in

the bedrooms are now in cardboard boxes instead of plastic wraps. We want to continue to ensure that the packaging that comes into the clubhouses is as waste free as possible.

What are your hopes for the Club’s Sustainability Strategy?

Pippa: My hope is that we play our part in creating a more sustainable future for everyone. It’s all too apparent that we all need to be doing our bit in supporting initiatives around sustainability, and I feel optimistic and encouraged that we (staff and members) can contribute to achieving the ambitions set out in the Club’s strategy through the choices we make.

Daniel: Subject to some further studies, we hope to achieve net zero for the greenhouse gas emissions that we make directly (for example from our boilers and vehicles) and from our energy supplies by the end of 2026.

We will also reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill as fast as we can, with the aim of eliminating it completely by 2035.

Overall, I hope that the members of the Club will be able to take pride in the measures we are taking. When our current Woodcote Juniors are old enough to be members in their own right, I want them to know that their Club has done the right thing for the Club, for the environment and for their generation.

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CLUB ACTIVITIES

STEPPING INTO THE BLUE

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The Club’s Sub Aqua Group is not just for experienced divers: a new focus on training can take you from the pool at Pall Mall to tropical underwater adventures.

Words by James Fox Photography by Pete Elliott

THE EXPLOITS OF the Club’s Sub Aqua Group have been somewhat limited in recent years, with their successful series of overseas dive trips curtailed like all foreign travel. But now the Group is fully up and running again, spurred on by the prospect of diving in the warm, clear waters of Bali in October and the Red Sea next year.

With two members – Chris Barsley and James Fox – recently qualified as BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) Open Water Instructors, a full training programme is now available, which will take you from your first introductory dip in the pool at Pall Mall to stepping off a boat into a bright blue sea somewhere.

Members of the Club’s Sub Aqua Group training at Vobster Quay

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“We held our first two courses at Pall Mall in October last year and February this year,” explains Chris. “Each took place over two rather full Sundays, with the mornings spent on theory lessons in the comfort of the Mall Room and the afternoons in the pool.”

What’s so tricky about scuba diving that means you have to start in the classroom?

“We cover everything from making sure your kit is in good working order to controlling your buoyancy and planning your dive – and what to do if anything does go wrong. Even at just ten metres down, the pressure is double what it is on the surface, which affects your body and how much air you use, so understanding that and learning how to dive safely is vital.”

The pool sessions are designed to start putting the theory into practice, in the safest possible environment. “As well as giving people a chance to become used to the equipment and moving underwater, we practice what to do if your mask fills with water or your regulator [the mouthpiece you breathe through] comes out or fails, for example,” continues Chris. “The thing people often find most difficult is adjusting 78 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

Beginners start with theory lessons and sessions in the pool at Pall Mall.

Lessons then move to Vobster Quay in Somerset for the open water stage.

their buoyancy so that they don’t sink down or float up, because the amount of air in the air bladders in your equipment has to be changed according to how deep you are. Pall Mall is the ideal learning environment, with a warming coffee on hand after you have been in the pool a long time.”

Despite it being the beginning of May, hot drinks were certainly the order of the day when the lessons moved to Vobster Quay in Somerset for the open water stage.

James Fox picks up the story: “The carefully managed facilities at the dive centre at Vobster allow us to teach in a lake, which is more demanding than a pool but easier than the open sea. This step-by-step approach helps to build students’ confidence and allows us to practice the same activities and drills in increasingly difficult environments.”

Above: The students and instructors at the end of a busy weekend Opposite from top: Briefing from Chris Barsley; equipment check; starting the dive; practicing drills

CLUB ACTIVITIES

Learning to dive with the Club is a great way to meet like-minded fellow members and also keeps the costs of training down.

The training at Vobster included four dives over the two days. “On the Saturday we were essentially doing the same as we had in the pool at Pall Mall, but in darker and deeper water, and in full open water kit. On the Sunday we practiced simulated diver rescues and then completed a dive down to 15m, the deepest any of the students had been,” explains James. “They also had their first experience of diving around a wreck: the remains of a Hawker Siddley HS-748 aircraft which has been put in the lake to help divers train.

“All nine of our students performed brilliantly and are now qualified as ‘Ocean Divers’. Rather than the bottom of a lake, their next underwater view could be a shipwreck, a coral reef or a shoal of multicoloured fish.”

Learning to dive with the Club is not only a great way to meet like-minded fellow members; it also keeps the costs of dive training down. Pall Mall provides the perfect facilities for the initial lessons and the instructors and marshals are all Club members who provide their time free of charge.

With the success of this course, additional training is being planned for the coming months so that more members can qualify as Ocean Divers – perhaps in time to join those Club trips to Bali and to the Red Sea. The underwater world is out there ready for you to explore!

Please visit the Club website or email subaqua-committee@royalautomobileclub. co.uk for more information about the Sub Aqua Group’s programme of taster sessions, training courses, social events, talks and overseas trips.

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CLUB SPORT

SQUASH CUP CENTENARY

The 100-year-old Bath Club Cup is unique in its history and prestige – and the Club has marked this centenary with a memorable triumph.

Words by Mark Bailey

THE ESTEEMED Bath Club Cup has a claim to being the longest-running inter-club squash competition in the world. The Royal Automobile Club was one of the select few members’ clubs invited to take part in the inaugural 1922 edition of the London-based squash league, along with other respected clubs such as Queen’s and the MCC. Just four years after the end of the First World War, this was the same year that archaeologist Howard Carter and his sponsor Lord Carnarvon became the first men for more than 3,000 years to see inside the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, and a group of wireless manufacturers formed the ‘British Broadcasting Company’, the precursor to the Corporation.

A century later, in a very different world of internet-based fixture lists and high-tech graphite racquets, this historic Cup is still thriving – and the Club has marked the competition’s centenary in style by winning the 2022 Veteran’s (45 and over) Division.

“The Bath Club Cup is our top-end event and all the best players want to compete in it,” explains Patrick Foster, the Club’s 80 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

CLUB SPORT

Head Squash Professional. “Everyone is very proud to represent the Club in such a historic league, and the 2022 win for the veterans is something to celebrate.”

The successful veteran’s squad comprised captain Richard Winter with Jeremy Krzystyniak, Cliff Martindale, Ross Gardner, James Gardner, Adrian Ezra and Stephen Jones. “The Bath Club Cup is an exceptional tournament,” explains Winter, a 54-year-old property expert from Fulham who rediscovered his childhood love of squash when he joined the Club aged 30. “Everybody knows it’s a very special privilege to be selected for the team and we have some superb players.”

The competition draws its name from the Bath Club – the exclusive members’ club which initiated the event in 1922. Based at 34 Dover Street, London, the club was noted for its elegant swimming pool and it was believed to be the inspiration for the pool at the fictional Drones Club in the Jeeves stories of author PG Wodehouse. The Cup was created so that members could play squash against other prestigious clubs like the Royal Automobile Club, which won the inaugural competition.

The Cup retains many traditions from the 1920s. Matches are still contested in a league format by teams of three (although squads can be larger) and some of the founding clubs such as the MCC and Queen’s still compete. But, to allow more players to take part, the Cup was split into a First and Second Division in 1929, and the Veterans’

“Everybody knows it’s a very special privilege to be selected for the team and we have some superb players.”

Above: The winning Veterans’ team (left to right): Adrian Ezra, Cliff Martindale, Jeremy Krzystyniak, Richard Winter, Stephen Jones, James Gardner and Ross Gardner

Division was introduced in 1999. The Cup runs from the October of one year to Easter in the next, with Division One comprising 11 teams, Division Two nine teams and the Veterans’ Division 10 teams.

The sport of squash is etched deeply into the history of the Club. When the Pall Mall clubhouse was opened in 1911, it featured three courts. For many years the Club hosted the British Open tournaments and it still hosts the annual Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge. Over the years the Club has enjoyed great success in the Cup, with 15 Division One titles, 12 Division Two titles, and six veterans’ titles. When the Bath Club closed in 1981, the Royal Automobile Club took over the organisation of the Cup. Retired squash player Chris Orriss, a Club member since 1970, now manages the organisation of the Cup. A talented and successful amateur player, Orriss has been on the Squash Committee since 1974.

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founded in 1989), which is located under Claridge’s hotel, the after-match dinner was at George in Mayfair.”

With a prestigious history, an exciting present, and a positive future, the Bath Club Cup looks set to sustain the same winning blend of elegant traditions and inspiring changes for many years to come. “It would be nice to introduce more divisions and a ladies’ division in the future too,” suggests Orriss. “But the ethos of the Cup will always remain the same.”

1983-84. “From the very start the Bath Club Cup was one of the premier competitions in the country,” explains Orriss, who has become the Club’s unofficial squash historian. “Results were significant for national rankings, so players wanted to join clubs who competed in the Cup. The Royal Automobile Club has been a strong supporter of the Cup from the outset.”

There remains a debate over whether the Cup is indeed the oldest inter-club league in the world. The Philadelphia Squash Racquets Association founded an earlier inter-club league in March 1903. But they began by playing the hardball – or US version – rather than the softball (or international version) which is now standard.

The Cup has drawn many exciting players to the Club. “It welcomed Amr Bey who was the leading player in the world for a number of years,” says Orriss. “In my time we had [1976 Formula 1 world champion] James Hunt playing for the Club too. He would get changed into a jacket, tie and trousers, to meet Pall Mall’s dress code, on the pavement outside and then come charging in to play matches. He was always an entertaining after-dinner companion.”

The Cup remains a highly social event.

“Host clubs provide a suitable meal, and that is reciprocated when you play away,” explains Orriss. For the modern players, this social scene remains part of the charm of the Cup. “All the clubs are generous, and the squash players are interesting people,” insists Winter. “When we played at the Bath & Racquets Club (an exclusive member’s club 82 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

Above: The 1984 winning team of (left to right) James Hunt, Chris Orriss and Stuart Courtney with Jack Giles MBE, the Club’s Head Squash Professional from 1956 until 1987

SQUASH AT THE CLUB At both Pall Mall and Woodcote Park, members can enjoy lessons, classes, club leagues and inter-club competitions. “It’s a fantastic club for squash,” explains Patrick Foster, who joined the Club as Head Professional in February 2021 after 16 years as Director of Squash at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association. “We’ve got four courts at each location and we have probably the largest internal club league in the world, with 62 leagues at Pall Mall and more than 300 regular players. There are also eight singles leagues at Woodcote Park with more than 40 members involved.”

Experienced players can compete in events like the Alma Cup (a doubles competition) and the Surrey League, but new players are welcome too.

At Woodcote Park there is a Friday morning squash club and a Tuesday morning women’s club, while Pall Mall hosts a monthly women’s night. Both clubhouses also offer ‘Squash 57’ (also known as racquetball) for beginners, in which you play on squash courts but use bigger rackets and a bouncier ball (57mm in diameter, hence the name), so you can enjoy longer rallies.

“Squash is one of the original sports of the Club but we are always expanding our options so its popularity continues long into the future,” says Patrick.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Authenticity above all Three members of the Club’s Elections Committee explain what they are looking for when they review applications.

Words by Annabel Harrison Photography by Martin Burton

THE CONVERSATION IN the room – before we get down to the more focused business of discussing the role of the Elections Committee – is light-hearted, spanning the eclectic topics of favourite cars and games, tattoos and lockers at Pall Mall. This neatly demonstrates what Rachel Morris confirms minutes later: that the Club’s range of membership is reflected by the Committee’s make-up. “We have quite diverse backgrounds, with different work histories, ages and Club usage. We’re not all one specific type of person and so, even if some of us don’t identify with an applicant, some of us will.”

Each year the Committee reviews around 900 applications for Full Membership.

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two existing members – their proposer and seconder,” explains Rachel. “They usually do a first-class job of proposing people and we then review their application forms, all of which are now completed online.” Several members of the Elections Committee look at each application, providing their feedback for the Membership Team to collate. “We want to understand why someone wants to join and what they’re actually like,” says Francesca Nicholson.

“It is an institution for diverse but like-minded people,” Miles Chapman adds.

“We use the forms to work out whether the people applying might be a good fit and the vast majority are, because they have been proposed and seconded by existing members.” Miles recalls spending a long time on his own application and making a big effort to inject his personality into it.

It is, Rachel, Francesca and Miles concur, rare but “horrendous” – and usually very obvious – if a PA or a parent, for example, has completed an application on behalf of someone else.

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“Finding the right proposer and seconder for your application is important, as their role is critical,” Francesca cautions. “If they are descriptive and supportive, that is incredibly helpful to us. Someone is vouching for you and for your ability to behave responsibly, and they should also help you integrate once you join. Proposers and seconders need to be open and honest; if they haven’t known someone for long, they should say so and explain why they still support the application.”

Applicants can be called for interview for a number of possible reasons. “If there is anything which catches our eye and makes

From left: Miles Chapman, Rachel Morris and Francesca Nicholson

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

The role of the proposer and seconder “is critical.

If they are descriptive and supportive, that is incredibly helpful to us”.

us want to meet an applicant they will be invited in to meet us,” says Miles. “It is often because we just need more of a flavour of who someone is. If a proposer or seconder hasn’t explained how they know someone, if there are inconsistencies or if something has been cut-and-pasted from LinkedIn, all of those would be reasons for meeting a candidate.” Rachel adds that interviews are a normal part of the process. “We want to find out what a person is like. How will they fit in with the other members? How will they use the Club?”

Making sure that the candidate is familiar with the Club, so that they can explain why they want to join and they are sure that they want to, is another important part of the proposer’s role. “Asking, at your interview, whether there is a swimming pool at Pall Mall is not going to endear you to the panel – but it has happened,” says Miles.

The Committee members often find the interview process to be thoroughly enjoyable. “After some interviews I really hope I end up sitting next to the person in the Long Bar because they’re fascinating!”

Francesca admits. Singled out as an “absolute pleasure” are the Junior Members, all of whom are interviewed before becoming Full Members. Their position in the Club changes significantly: they can use all of the facilities and join Activity Groups and they are responsible for their own finances

and for the guests they bring into the clubhouses. “We try our best to put them at ease,” Rachel explains reassuringly.

1,342 people applied last year to join the Club and the Elections Committee takes its job very seriously, looking above all for authentic, compatible people. “It is about respect,” Francesca says. “You respect other people’s thoughts and the ethos of the Club.” And, Miles adds, “respect the staff – that’s a huge thing”. It is, Rachel concludes, “a prestigious, beautiful Club and we want members who understand what it’s all about and will uphold its values”.

Prospective members can apply online and should be proposed and seconded by two people who have been members of the Club for at least a year. Once a fully completed application is received, it will be added to the waiting list. Currently, it takes around 12 to 15 months to reach the top of the list, or around six months for the children or partner of existing members. It will then be reviewed by the Elections Committee, who may invite applicants in for a short meeting as part of their assessment of the application.

For more information please visit the membership section of the Club website or contact the Membership Team by email on members@royalautomobileclub.co.uk or by phone on 01372 229600.

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Woodcote Juniors Programme Woodcote Junior membership – for children aged up to twelve – is open to the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of Full Members.

As well as the classes and activities listed below, Woodcote Juniors enjoy free of charge use of the Walled Garden and Cedars Sports.

Multi-Activity Camps

Tennis

Each day will include a wide range of themed activities, allowing your children to try new things, as well as enjoying their favourites.

Depending upon their age group, they will be able to take part in multiple sports skills and drills, arts and crafts, dance contests, joke contests, quizzes, obstacle courses and daily challenges. The days will be varied and there will be something for everybody to enjoy.

Tactics, skills and fun with our tennis professionals for players aged 5 to 16.

For further information or to book, please email bookwalledgarden@ royalautomobileclub.co.uk (please note that we will not be taking bookings over the telephone).

Club Session Open to all 12 to 16 year old Woodcote Juniors and Junior Members Tuesdays, 5.30-6.30pm, term time only Free of charge.

Full Day camps: £40.00 per day for Woodcote Juniors and £48.00 per day for non-WJs.

Junior Tennis Academy Six-week course £85.00 for the course.

Half Day camps: £21.00 per day for Woodcote Juniors and £25.00 per day for non-WJs. Toddler camps: £10.00 for Woodcote Juniors and £12.00 for non-WJs. October Half Term Monday 24 to Friday 28 October We will be running daily sessions for 3 to 4 year olds, 5 to 8 year olds and 9 to 12 year olds throughout the half term week. Each session will include a range of activities so there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Full details and timings will be published in WJ News and on the Club website shortly.

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Mini Tennis Saturdays 9.00-9.45am: 5 to 8 years 9.45-10.30am: 9 to 12 years Woodcote Juniors £7.50 per session, Non-WJs £9.50 per session.

For more information please email barry.hewer@royalautomobileclub.co.uk To book please email cedarsreception@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

CLUB JUNIORS

Golf Junior golf is a great way for younger members to become more involved in the Club and to receive the encouragement they need to develop their skills.

It is for anyone under the age of 18.

Swimming Swimming lessons are provided for children aged from 18 months upwards. However, currently they are all fully booked.

To be added to the waiting list, please email CarolineL@royalautomobileclub.co.uk with details of your child’s name, age and ability, their membership number if they are a Woodcote Junior and a telephone number where we may contact you.

In the Walled Garden Tiny Tadpoles Various classes according to age and ability, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

To use the courses players must hold a Junior Golf Pass or have been assessed by a member of the Golf Team as having an appropriate standard of play and an understanding of the rules and etiquette of golf.

Junior Pass holders with an official handicap have the same rights of access to the courses as other Pass holders. All other juniors and their guests have the same rights of access to the course as other non-Pass holders.

Woodcote Juniors receive complimentary access to the Coronation Course with an adult member, following the appropriate assessment.

Becoming a Junior Pass holder brings with it a range of opportunities for all levels, including access to advice from the Club’s professionals, weekly group coaching, the chance to meet other junior members in a social learning environment and the opportunity to enter Club competitions.

Coaching Clinic

Group Lessons Saturday mornings.

One-to-One Teaching Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons.

At Cedars Sports Groups (Advanced swimmers) Saturday mornings.

Junior Training (Advanced swimmers stage 5+) Wednesday evenings.

One-to-One Training Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.

Junior golf coaching takes place on the driving range from 2.00 until 3.00pm every Sunday under the guidance of a PGA Professional. These group coaching sessions are a great way to learn the game of golf, create friendships and, with each session, see your skills improve as you learn about all aspects of the game from driving to putting.

2.00 to 3.00pm each Sunday Golf Passport programme during the school holidays To book, email golf@royalautomobileclub.co.uk or call 01372 229245.

Junior Golf Pass holders: Complimentary Woodcote Juniors: £10.00

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Squash WJs / Junior Members: £9.00 per session, Non-WJs / Non-Juniors: £11.00 per session

coordination skills and the basics of holding and swinging a racket in a fun environment.

Saturdays 9.00-10.00am

At Woodcote Park Mini Squash – Beginners For juniors aged 5 to 10 taking their first steps on a squash court and learning hand-eye coordination skills and the basics of holding and swinging a racket in a fun environment.

Saturdays 9.15-10.00am Junior Squash – Beginners & Improvers This class is aimed at juniors aged 10 to 13 who have the ability to hit a squash ball consistently and already have the skill to start to have three or more shot rallies.

Saturdays 10.00-10.45am Junior Squash – Intermediate & Advanced Open to any junior who can consistently hit a good squash shot, is starting to understand the game of squash and is keen to improve both technical and tactical aspects of their game.

Saturdays 10.45-11.30am At Pall Mall Mini Squash – Beginners For juniors aged 7 to 10 taking their first steps on a squash court and learning hand-eye

Ballet The ballet lessons at the Club follow the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and we have been entering students into RAD exams for the past decade.

New joiners are very welcome to come and join us in our relaxed, friendly and fun environment.

Classes start from Year 4.

Please contact Jenni Hay at jenni@jhballet.co.uk

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Junior Squash – Beginners & Improvers This class is aimed at juniors aged 10 to 14 who have the ability to hit a squash ball consistently and already have the skill to start to have three or more shot rallies.

Saturdays 10.00-11.00am Junior Squash – Advanced This class is aimed at juniors aged 14+ who have a good basic knowledge of squash and are able to construct rallies and play full matches.

Saturdays 11.00-12.00 noon For more information please contact: Woodcote Park: squashpro@royalautomobileclub.co.uk Pall Mall: Simon.White@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

Saturday Football Saturday football is for children aged 5 to 8 and will take place on the MUGA in the Walled Garden from 10.15 to 11.00am each Saturday from 10 September until 15 October.

S4K football classes provide an exceptionally high quality of technical coaching for children, using a fusion of Spanish Tika-Taka, Dutch Coerver and Brazilian Futsal techniques. You will see your child develop significantly over the term.

Please email bookwalledgarden@ royalautomobileclub.co.uk to book.

Woodcote Juniors £45.00 for the six-week course, Non-WJs £55.00.

After School Clubs After the summer holidays the After School Clubs will run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Monday 5 September until Friday 14 October. They are suitable for ages 5 to 8.

Birthday Parties in the Walled Garden Why not let the Club take the strain of organising your child’s birthday party so that you can enjoy it almost as much as they do?

Based in the Gardener’s Cottage and making full use of the facilities in the Walled Garden, we will create a party for up to 12 children tailored to your requirements.

Please email ellie.mccormack@ royalautomobileclub.co.uk to enquire about availability or speak to one of our team members whilst on site.

Prices start at £16.50 per head.

The six-week courses will be announced in WJ News.

Bookings will need to be made in advance for the whole course. Each club is limited to 16 children and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

For further information or to book, please email bookwalledgarden@ royalautomobileclub.co.uk (please note that we will not be taking bookings over the telephone). £45.00 per club, per Woodcote Junior for the six-week course. £55.00 for Non-WJs.

Party Packages Walled Garden Party Access to the Walled Garden open play areas.

Party room hire.

Food from our birthday menu range.

Music in the party room.

Hot drinks tokens for the adults.

Epic Party Walled Garden Party plus two activities of your choice, party invitations, treat table, party host and a complimentary Woodcote Junior ‘bring a friend’ voucher.

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CLUB EVENTS

Events Events listed on the following pages which have not previously been advertised will open for booking at 10.00am on the following dates: Tuesday 19 July – Bookings open for September events Tuesday 26 July – Bookings open for October events Tuesday 2 August – Bookings open for November events Tuesday 9 August – Bookings open for Christmas and New Year events Bookings should be made via the Club website.

HOW TO BOOK ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF BOOKING If you are unable to book via the Club website you can make a booking by emailing events@royalautomobileclub.co.uk Please note, however, that bookings received by email may not be processed as fast as the online bookings, which are recorded automatically.

Your email booking request will be acknowledged within five working days.

Bookings must be made in writing. We cannot accept bookings via the telephone.

make any cancellations as soon as possible.

We will always endeavour to resell cancelled places. However, if we are unable to sell your place(s), your account will be charged the full amount unless you have cancelled at least 14 days in advance.

Most motoring events and some other events have a longer cancellation deadline and this will be clearly stated on the event cancellation terms.

Events may sometimes be cancelled or postponed due to circumstances beyond our control. We will give you as much notice as possible.

GUESTS AND CHILDREN All guests must be accompanied by a Full Member.

If a guest price is not shown, this indicates that the event is for members only.

If a child price (WJ/Non-WJ) is not shown, then the event is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

PALL MALL ACCOMMODATION OFFER

PM offer applies You can receive 10% off the price of an overnight stay at Pall Mall with selected events, indicated by this symbol.

Please note: this offer is subject to availability and T&Cs

BOOKING ON BEHALF OF OTHER MEMBERS If we do not receive written instructions for charging another member, all places at the event will be charged to your account.

CANCELLING A BOOKING To ensure as many members and guests as possible have the opportunity to enjoy the events programme, please

WOODCOTE PARK ACCOMMODATION OFFER

You can receive £40.00 off the price of an overnight stay at Woodcote Park with certain events, indicated by this symbol.

Please note: this offer is subject to availability and T&Cs

The best way to contact the Events Team is via email: events@royalautomobileclub.co.uk Pall Mall events: 020 7747 3441 / Woodcote Park events: 01372 229230 90 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

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CLUB EVENTS

September Guided Tour of the Royal Institution of Great Britain The Royal Institution of Great Britain Tuesday 6 September, 10.00am-2.00pm Since it was founded in 1799, the Royal Institution has been the originator of all sorts of scientific discoveries. It is home to technologies such as the first miners’ safety lamp and the first molecular model of an enzyme, created by famous figures such as Sir Humphry Davy, Michael Faraday FRS and Sir Lawrence Bragg.

An expert member of the Collections and Heritage team will guide you through the fascinating objects housed here.

M: £65.00 G: £75.00 Includes: Private lecture and guided tour of the Royal Institution, a glass of champagne, two-course lunch with Club wine Dress code: Smart casual

Meet the Guide Dogs of Tomorrow Woodcote Park Wednesday 7 September, 2.00-4.00pm

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The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association provides life-changing support and skills for people living with sight loss. The charity is delighted to offer an opportunity to learn more about its work, hear from a guide dog owner about how their life has been changed, and meet some of the dogs!

M & G: Free Includes: Session on the Association's work, conversation with guide dog owner, opportunity to meet the dogs Dress code: Casual Although this event is complimentary, please note booking is essential. This event is for over-18s only.

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C.Gars Ltd Cigar Supper Pall Mall Wednesday 7 September, 7.00-10.00pm This enduring occasion is once again due to take place in the Terrace Room, which will host the now-traditional pre- and post-supper cigars. The latter will be accompanied by a digestif paired

by C.Gars Ltd, which will again provide the generous support for the evening.

Attendees will enjoy two cigars during this event (one at a time, as Mark Twain always recommended).

M: £98.00 G: £115.00 Includes: Drinks reception with presupper cigar, two-course dinner with wine, digestif and post-supper cigar Dress code: Smart

A Jazz Night at Pall Mall Pall Mall Thursday 8 September, 6.30-8.30pm (music from 7.00pm) Saxophonist Dan Reinstein first began playing on the London jazz scene when he was a medical student in the 1980s. After graduating he became one of the world’s leading experts in laser eye surgery, but he never stopped performing. When he returned to London in 2001, Dan began performing at the 606 Club off the King’s Road, where his quintet has been a monthly regular ever since. The band’s repertoire builds around jazz standards from the 50s through the 90s, from artists including Miles, Hancock, Silver and many more.

You’ll be guaranteed a most enjoyable evening with this group!

M: £26.00 G: £29.00 Includes: A welcome drink, performance Dress code: Smart casual

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Lanson Champagne Tasting Woodcote Park Friday 9 September, 7.00-10.30pm Founded in 1760, Lanson is the fourth oldest Champagne house. Its authentic style rests on four immutable pillars: a meticulous selection of Crus; a vinification according to the traditional Champagne principle; a rare collection of reserve wines; and a longer ageing in cellars. Lanson Champagnes bring people together – they are made to be gifted and shared, which is why this tasting is the perfect opportunity to sample the freshness, fruitiness and vitality of the wines. Join us at Woodcote Park for a tipple, each marked with the Lanson Cross, emblematic of a family heritage of more than 260 years and a love of a job well done.

M: £125.00 G: £144.00 Includes: Welcome glass of champagne, three course meal with champagne tasting Dress code: Smart

Lunch with… India Hicks Pall Mall Tuesday 13 September, 12.00-2.30pm British designer, entrepreneur and humanitarian, India Hicks is all about heritage, with respect both to her designs and her family: her mother, Lady Pamela Hicks, is the daughter of former Club President, Lord Mountbatten, and she has inherited a flair for interior design from her father, David Hicks. India has also developed her own signature evident across a range of hotels and homes. Join India at the September ‘Lunch with…’ table where she will share the ethos behind her craft and how her family has shaped this, as well as discussing her life split between Britain and The Bahamas.

M: £85.00 G: £97.00 Includes: Drinks reception, two-course lunch, Club wine, discussion Dress code: Smart

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Ladies’ Lunch Woodcote Park Wednesday 14 September, 12.00-3.00pm Kim Dewdney has worked with the Events Team at the Club for almost 20 years as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide. Many members will have enjoyed walking tours and days out with her. Now, there is an opportunity to hear about how Kim became a Blue Badge Guide and discover details of the training required and examinations that need to be passed.

There will also be stories of some of the most memorable tours she has taken, involving weddings, broken-down lifts and an almostmissed Changing of the Guard. Over the course of her career Kim has researched the history of Epsom and will link Woodcote Park’s history to that of the town.

M: £39.00 G: £44.50 Includes: Two-course lunch and entertainment Each member may bring one guest.

The Conservative Party and Europe: From Churchill to Cameron – with Lord Tugendhat Pall Mall Wednesday 14 September, 6.30-8.30pm The decades that elapsed between the premierships of Winston Churchill and David Cameron saw Britain through countless changes, conflicts and crises, but one theme persisted: the Conservatives’ rocky relationship with the European Union. The issue was present in Churchill’s refusal to join the original European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, and culminated in Cameron’s decision to hold the in/out referendum in 2016. For this event, former Financial Times journalist, Conservative MP and European Commissioner Christopher Tugendhat will join us to discuss his new book, The Worm in the Apple: A History of the Conservative Party and Europe from Churchill to Cameron – a comprehensive study on how and why the Conservatives were the party that finally took Britain out of Europe.

M: £26.00 G: £29.00 Includes: Welcome drink, discussion, Q&A Dress code: Smart 94 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

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History of Champagne with Dr Graham Harding Pall Mall Monday 19 September, 7.00-10.00pm Join Dr Graham Harding, champagne historian, to delve into the ‘history of champagne in eight bottles’. We will start our evening with the earliest recorded sparkling wine 'brand' from 1531, covering wines from Pommery, Moët & Chandon and Pol Roger and culminating with Dom Pérignon.

M: £95.00 G: £110.00 Includes: Champagne reception, lecture and tasting of eight wines (six champagnes, an English sparkling and a Blanquette de Limoux) followed by two-course dinner and wine Dress code: Smart casual

Meet the Author: Jack Sheffield

Pall Mall Wednesday 21 September, 11.30am-1.30pm Fellow member Jack Linley MA is better known as Jack Sheffield, author of the Teacher novel series. Jack was a headteacher in North Yorkshire before lecturing in Primary Education at Leeds University. It was during this time that he began to write. His first novel, Teacher, Teacher, sold more than 100,000 copies and is in development for TV. The 15th novel in the series, Last Day of School, is set to be released on 8 September 2022.

M: £40.00 G: £46.00 Includes: A glass of champagne, brunch, talk and Q&A Dress code: Smart casual

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Outdoor Cinema on the Terrace Pall Mall Friday 23 September, 8.00-11.00pm We are excited to announce Pall Mall's first-ever outdoor cinema experience.

Enjoy late summer evenings with your fellow Club members on the second-floor Terrace Room. If you're a movie buff, or just fancy a relaxed evening enjoying a film, do come and join us.

Full details will be published on the Club website closer to the time.

Autumn Breakfast Drive-In Woodcote Park Saturday 24 September, 9.00-11.00am

Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Pall Mall Friday 28 September, 7.00-9.30pm

As autumn arrives, enjoy one of the highlights of the Club’s motoring year: the Autumn Breakfast Drive-In. Members, guests and families can admire the wonderful array of fine machinery on display whilst socialising in the wonderful surroundings of Woodcote Park.

M & G: £10.00 Includes: Light breakfast with tea or coffee Dress code: Casual

Join beer sommelier Jonny Tyson for a talk about Oktoberfest. Jonny will take you through the history and flavours of this classic Bavarian celebration while you enjoy a variety of classic Munich brews, including beer brewed specially for the occasion. You will find out what the beers tasted like in bygone years, as well as enjoying plenty of contemporary beverages. Prost!

M: £49.00 G: £56.00 Includes: Arrival drink, tasting of six seasonal beers, selection of Bavarian foods Dress code: Smart casual

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Cabaret Drag Bingo with Charlie Hides Pall Mall Friday 30 September, 6.00-10.00pm This event, hosted by internationally famous drag queen Charlie Hides, promises stand-up comedy, outrageous games and plenty of fabulously camp prizes! Charlie is a British-American drag queen, impersonator, actor, and comedian known for his participation in the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and wildly popular YouTube channel, where he has produced hundreds of videos satirising popular culture and impersonating celebrities such as Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Lana Del Rey. Join us at Pall Mall for a night that promises plenty of laughs!

M: £85.00 G: £95.00 Includes: Arrival drink, two-course dinner with Club wine, show, pay bar Dress code: Smart casual

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Jazz Night: An Evening of ‘Cole Porter to Gershwin’ Woodcote Park Friday 30 September, 7.00-11.30pm Join us for a wonderful dinner dance to the sounds of two of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century. The evening will feature the stellar vocals of Louise Cookman and Iain Mackenzie, backed by the Peter Long Quartet.

M: £100.00 G: £115.00 Includes: Welcome glass of champagne, three-course meal with Club wine and entertainment Dress code: Smart

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October Club Dinner Dance Woodcote Park Saturday 1 October, 7.00-11.00pm Dust off your dancing shoes and join us at the country clubhouse for the ever-popular Club Dinner Dance. Get a group of friends together and dance the night away to live music from Claudio Allodi. This is a popular event, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

M: £60.00 G: £70.00 Includes: Three-course dinner and entertainment Dress code: Black tie

A Private Opening and Guided Tour of the Ca’ Rezzonico in Venice Online, via Zoom Tuesday 4 October, 11.00am-12.00pm By special permission of the Director, we invite you to a virtual private opening of the Ca’ Rezzonico. The palace was acquired by wealthy banker Giambattista Rezzonico in the 18th century, who oversaw a sumptuous redecoration featuring works from the greatest Venetian artists of his day including Canaletto and Guardi, Andrea Brustolon and Rosalba Carriera. The ballroom’s trompe l’oeil ceiling is also a highlight. Our tour will be led by a local art historian and will include an interactive Q&A – thanks to state-of-the-art technology, you will actually feel as though you are exploring the museum! All bookings will include a donation and ‘virtual entrance ticket’ to the museum. £12.00 per Zoom link Includes: Virtual tour of the Ca’Rezzonico in Venice 98 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

CLUB EVENTS

The Name’s Bond… James Bond: Walking Tour Pall Mall Wednesday 5 October, 9.45am-1.30pm Join us to celebrate 60 years of Bond movies as we take a walk around St James’s. We’ll see real secret service locations that Ian Fleming would have visited, hear how his fictional characters were inspired and enjoy some of the shops where various Bond actors have acquired their outfits. Discover how Bond’s weapon of choice was decided upon and which club provided the location for Fleming’s very first book. We may even uncover the ultimate Bond secret: how to make the perfect ‘shaken, not stirred’ martini.

M: £77.00 G: £87.00 Includes: Walking tour with Blue Badge guide, martini on arrival and two-course lunch with Club wine Dress code: Smart casual

Ladies’ Supper Woodcote Park Wednesday 5 October, 7.30-10.00pm Lee Widdows will join us to speak about her life in the fashion industry.

Lee joined the University for Creative Arts in Epsom in 2015 as Associate Head of Fashion following 26 years at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. She ran the highlyregarded Fashion Communication with Promotion course at Saint Martins, and her students included the likes of Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.

M: £28.25 G: £32.50 Includes: One-course supper and entertainment Each member may bring one guest.

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Inside the Covett Vault IBV Vault Thursday 6 October, 6.30-9.00pm Park Lane’s IBV Vault is filled with gold, art, precious mementos and… who knows what else? Discretion, after all, is paramount – this is why Covett, the first platform for the sharing of fine jewellery, has chosen it to house its sparkling pieces.

During this tour you will get the chance to interact with these jewels, as well as hearing from Covett Founder and CEO, Cynthia Morrow, who will talk about why she believes in jewellery shared ownership and subscriptions, and how it all works.

M: £32.00 G: £37.00 Includes: Exclusive visit to Covett vaults, champagne and canapés reception Dress code: Smart casual

Lunch with… Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter Pall Mall Tuesday 11 October, 12.00-2.30pm As Cambridge University’s professor of the public understanding of risk, Sir David Spiegelhalter is happy to take his chances and join members for October’s ‘Lunch with…’ gathering. With regular appearances on Newsnight and Radio 4's Today programme during the pandemic, Sir David will share how he has used numbers for the benefit of society, and how his wider life has not always followed the logic of his calling. All this surely adds up to a hugely compelling time at the Segrave Room table.

M: £85.00 £97.00 Includes: Drinks reception, two-course lunch, Club wine, discussion Dress code: Smart

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Comedy Store Woodcote Park Sunday 16 October, 7.15-10.30pm

Château La Tour De By Tasting Pall Mall Monday 17 October, 7.00-10.00pm

Soho-based The Comedy Store was opened in 1979 by Don Ward and Peter Rosengard, and to this day promises to make you ‘laugh until you cry’. So, get the tissues ready and join us at the country clubhouse, where three of London’s finest Comedy Store comedians will provide entertainment after dinner. Please note that this event is not suitable for those under 18, or for the faint-hearted.

M: £69.00 G: £79.00 Includes: Two-course dinner with Club wine and comedy show Dress code: Smart Casual

Château La Tour De By owes its renown to its terroir, which produces some of the finest Médoc wines. Marc Pagès took sole ownership of La Tour de By in 1999; for this event, his grandson, Benjamin, will talk about the estate and the wines, including some specially taken from the family cellar for this occasion.

M: £160.00 G: £180.00 Includes: Welcome drink, canapés, two-course dinner with tasting wines Dress code: Smart casual

Cézanne at Tate Modern Pall Mall Tuesday 18 October, 12.30-5.00pm (lecture at 2.30pm) Cézanne was an ambitious painter from the Mediterranean South, eager to make it in Paris. This exhibition features works shown for the first time in the UK, it also traces Cézanne’s conflicting desires to achieve official recognition, join the impressionists and pursue his own style, which emerged in his later work. During this period, Cézanne offered a new way of comprehending art, and an increasing number of young artists fell under his influence – among them the young Pablo Picasso.

M: £99.00 G: £110.00 Includes: Two-course lunch with Club wine, coach transfer to Tate Modern, private lecture, entry to the exhibition Dress code: Smart casual The EY Exhibition: Cézanne is presented in the Eyal Ofer Galleries.

The exhibition is part of The EY Tate Arts Partnership. Supported by the Huo Family Foundation (UK) Limited, with additional support from Tate International Council, Tate Patrons and Tate Members. Exhibition organised by Tate Modern and the Art Institute of Chicago.

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A Morning in Chelsea: Tour of State Apartments, Royal Hospital Chelsea and Beyond

Pall Mall Thursday 20 October, 9.15am-3.00pm Join us for a guided tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea – home to the famous Chelsea Pensioners and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. We will learn of the foundation of the hospital by Charles II, see the original architecture by Christopher Wren, and hear about the lives of pensioner residents past and present. Following our tour, we will further explore Chelsea, and discover how this beautiful neighbourhood attracted the likes of Oscar Wilde and Ian Fleming, before heading back to the clubhouse for lunch.

M: £99.00 G: £110.00 Includes: Coach transfers, guided tour of the RHC, walk with Blue Badge guide, Vox wireless radio device with single use earbuds, a glass of champagne, two-course lunch at the Club with Club wine Dress code: Smart casual

‘Ultimate Elton’ Tribute Night Woodcote Park Friday 21 October, 7.00pm-midnight Some tribute artists look like their idol, some sound like their idol. Paul Bacon as Sir Elton John does both! Close your eyes and you won’t believe your ears; open your eyes and you won’t believe them either!

You simply won’t find a closer tribute to Sir Elton John. Ultimate Elton and The Rocket Band present an uncannily accurate reproduction of the classic live shows of one of pop music’s most successful and best-loved artists. Performances also often feature some of Elton’s actual costumes, bought from his ‘Out the Closet’ sales!

M: £88.00 G: £102.00 Includes: Welcome glass of wine, two-course meal with Club wine and entertainment Dress code: Smart

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Murder Mystery – All Aboard the British Pullman Victoria Station Friday 28 October, 10.45am-4.30pm Go back in time to the 1920s and step aboard the British Pullman train, sister to the legendary Venice Simplon-OrientExpress, for an Agatha Christie-worthy adventure. During the afternoon you will meet the cast of suspects and interview them to ascertain who is the most likely murderer, as well as enjoying exceptional cuisine and fine wine. Prizes on offer for the best detectives!

M & G: £350.00 per person Includes: Round-trip travel aboard the British Pullman luxury train, murder mystery entertainment, champagne reception on board, five-course lunch with wine Dress code: Smart casual (optional vintage costume)

WJ Halloween Trail: Into the Wild Woods Woodcote Park Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October, 4.00-8.00pm (with bookable timeslots) Join us for a Hocus Pocus Trail through the Enchanted Woods. Once a year, the animals of the wild woods gather for their annual Halloween party, and this year, they’ve invited you too. But the invitation may not be as innocent as it seems… sly Mr Fox has patiently waited all year to play his tricks on new visitors, and now’s his chance. So don’t be a scaredy cat, come party to the beat! Meet all of our woodland creatures for a good old trick or treat.

M & G: Free WJ: £10.00 WJG: £12.00 Includes: Interactive trail, tricks and treats Dress code: Casual/spooky outfits optional We ask parents and guardians to accompany their children throughout the course of the event, and to supervise their children.

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November London Motor Week and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run Pall Mall Monday 31 October until Sunday 6 November Once again London Motor Week is shaping up to be a busy week, full of events to inform and entertain – based in and around Pall Mall. The full programme will be announced soon but expect to see some exciting new activities as well as familiar favourites.

On Sunday 6 November, hundreds of extraordinary pre-1905 vehicles will once again take to the road for the historic 60-mile journey from Hyde Park to Madeira Drive on the Brighton seafront. There are numerous vantage points from which you can view this unique event, from the dawn start in London to Sussex villages and the finish on the coast.

Evening with Sicis Jewels: Masters of Micromosaic 15 Dover Street, W1S 4LR Wednesday 2 November, 6.00-8.30pm

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot: Walking Tour Westminster Station Thursday 3 November, 9.45am-1.30pm

The star of a Sicis Jewel design is not a gemstone, but a micromosaic; this technique dates back to Roman times and consists of placing together thousands of miniature enamel glass pieces. Join Gioia Placuzzi, Creative Director of Sicis Jewels, and Maria Doulton and Christine Pasquier, founders of E-magazine The Jewellery Editor, for a talk about how this craft is making a comeback.

M: £32.00 G: £37.00 Includes: Drinks and canapés, talk, Q&A, time to interact with the jewels Dress code: Smart casual

We will be following in the footsteps of Guy Fawkes and those involved in the Gunpowder Plot, as well as discovering the political intrigues that led to it, meeting the characters who plotted and seeing the locations where the deed was to be carried out. From gruesome executions to today’s bonfires and firework displays, the whole story will be told.

M: £70.00 G: £80.00 Includes: Walking tour with Blue Badge guide, a glass of champagne, two-course lunch with Club wine at the Club Dress code: Smart casual

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Annual Fireworks and Bonfire Night Woodcote Park Friday 4 November, 6.30-9.00pm We’ve got everything you need for a memorable Bonfire Night, from activities, rides, music, candy floss and entertainers to a hearty barbeque to keep your hunger at bay – and, of course, the spectacular fireworks display. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing.

Includes: Entertainment, rides and activities, fireworks display and bonfire, a food and drink item from the barbeque. Additional food and drinks will be available to purchase on the night Dress code: Casual Please see the Club website for more details

In Conversation with Gina Miller Pall Mall Thursday 8 November, 6.30-8.30pm

Lunch With… Lord Bilimoria CBE DL FCA

Gina Miller, a Guyanese-British businesswoman, took the British government to court over the prorogation of parliament in 2019. She is also a transparency campaigner, founding the True and Fair Campaign in 2012, which calls for an end to financial misconduct in the investment and pension industries. During this event, you will have the chance to pick Gina's brain about everything from politics to activism and more.

M: £29.00 G: £34.00 Includes: Arrival drink, discussion, Q&A Dress code: Smart

As Confederation of British Industry President, Lord Bilimoria’s counsel has helped steer companies through the worst of recent years – inspired by the entrepreneurial spirt that drove him to found Cobra Beer. Over lunch, hear how his philosophy goes all the way back to his days at Cambridge as well as how his thinking has evolved over five decades here, in India, and worldwide.

M: £85.00 G: £97.00 Includes: Arrival drink, two-course lunch with Club wine, discussion Dress code: Smart

Pall Mall Wednesday 9 November, 12.00-2.30pm

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Pall Mall Thursday 10 November, 7.00-10.00pm

A Night of Aria and Song Woodcote Park Friday 11 November, 7.00-10.00pm

Tobias Elwood has served Conservative governments at the ministries of Defence, Health and Europe, as well as in the Foreign Office. Back then, Boris Johnson was Foreign Secretary. Of late, common ground between the pair has been scarce, with Tobias a vocal critic of the Prime Minister. Join Tobias for a table discussion about the political landscape from where he is sitting.

M: £85.00 G: £97.00 Includes: Arrival drink, two-course dinner with Club wine, discussion Dress code: Smart

Tenor Andrew Bain and soprano Cheryl Enever present an evening of arias from the world of opera, including Nessun Dorma, E Lucevan Le Stelle, O Mio Babbino Caro and Vissi D’Arte. Themes of love, loss and passion echo through the sounds of Puccini, Verdi, Bizet, and Dvorak, to name but a few. There will also be a few less traditional tunes sung during the evening...

M: £100.00 G: £115.00 Includes: Welcome glass of champagne, three-course meal with Club wine and entertainment Dress code: Smart

Political Salon with Tobias Elwood

Women in Business Pall Mall Tuesday 15 November, 6.30-8.00pm Daisy Knatchbull’s name may not be above the door anywhere on Savile Row, but The Deck, her tailoring operation specialising in ladies' wear, is well-established there. At the latest ‘Women in Business’ gathering, Daisy will share her path, which started at Huntsman, a historic name amongst the many heritage bespoke tailors, and led to her decision to go it alone. Joining her on the panel will be Amanda Thomson, founder of Thomson & Scott, the name behind Noughty, the first top-quality, alcohol-free, organic, vegan, halal, low-sugar sparkling Chardonnay and Rosé wine. In all, another evening to explore and toast the success of women in business.

M: £26.00 G: £29.00 Includes: Arrival drink, discussion, Q&A Dress code: Smart casual

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Rugby Dinner with Nigel Owens MBE Pall Mall Thursday 17 November, 6.30-11.00pm Nigel Owens MBE is recognised as one of the world’s best rugby referees.

He was raised on a council estate in Mynyddcerrig, Wales; at the age of 16 he picked up a referee whistle, and the rest is history. Nigel refereed his first international game in 2005 in Osaka, and made his World Cup debut in 2007. He is the current record holder for test matches refereed, and was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2016. At this event, Nigel will provide a professional and personable talk on his sporting success, media work and LGBT commitments.

M: £99.00 G: £115.00 Includes: Drinks reception, photo opportunity, three-course dinner with Club wine, speech and Q&A Dress code: Black tie

Woodcote Park Christmas Emporium Woodcote Park Saturday 19 November, 11.00am-1.30pm and 1.30-4.00pm Now an annual favourite, the Christmas Emporium is back for more magical fun. Visit our stallholders in the Cedar Lawn marquee where you will have the chance to stock up on festive fare and gifts from local businesses.

For more Christmas cheer, visit Father Christmas and his elves at their grotto in the Walled Garden.

M, G, WJ & WJG: Free Dress code: Casual This event is complimentary, but booking is essential.

12 Cheeses of Christmas with Paxton and Whitfield Pall Mall Monday 21 November, 6.30-9.30pm To help provide inspiration for the festive season, we are inviting you to join our Christmas cheese evening hosted by one of Paxton and Whitfield’s in-house experts. Britain has always had a significant pedigree when it comes to maturing milk, and modern artisan producers are doing wonderful things with curds. Join us to taste some of the best artisan cheeses out there.

M: £60.00 G: £69.00 Includes: A glass of champagne, cheese tasting with accompanying beverages Dress code: Smart casual PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

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Literary Lunch With Delia Smith CH CBE Pall Mall Wednesday 23 November, 12.00-3.30pm Delia Smith is the original celebrity chef.

She captured the hearts of the British public with her no-nonsense instructions on how to master basic cookery. Now, at the age of 80, Britain’s culinary queen has written a new book, but it’s not about food. You Matter: The Human Solution is a work about spirituality that was turned down by six publishers.

During this event, Delia will discuss the book, which ponders not only religion but also the presence of the human spirit. It describes how, when we take time to reflect, we realise that we all matter, we are all unique and we all play an important part in the universe.

M: £75.00 M: £85.00 Includes: Champagne reception, two-course lunch with Club wine, Q&A Dress code: Smart

Modern Calligraphy Workshop Woodcote Park Thursday 24 November, 10.30am-1.30pm Learn the art of modern calligraphy with tutor Judy Broad at this interactive workshop aimed at beginners.

During the class you will learn the fundamentals, starting with practicing the basic strokes before moving onto letterforms and developing your own lettering style, leaving with the necessary skills to continue your calligraphy journey.

M: £75.00 Includes: Calligraphy workshop, morning refreshments and a calligraphy starter kit to take home Dress code: Smart casual

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Dazzling Disco Dinner and Dance Pall Mall Friday 25 November, 7.00pm-midnight Love the Bee Gees? Can’t get enough of Saturday Night Fever? Always dreamed of partying at Studio 54? In that case, dig out those platforms and flares and get ready to show off your moves at Pall Mall’s disco dinner and dance.

Relive the 70s at this themed night of fun, where synthesizers and disco balls reign supreme.

Includes: Champagne reception, threecourse dinner with wine, entertainment (music, acts) Dress code: Smart casual/fancy dress For more details, please visit the Events section of the Club website.

Port Tasting with George Sandeman Pall Mall Monday 28 November, 7.00-10.00pm It all started in 1790 when 25-year-old George Sandeman asked his father for a £300 loan to set up as a wine merchant in London. He ended up establishing one of the world’s leading Port and Sherry wine businesses, specialising in these great Iberian fortified wines. He began trading from Tom’s Coffee House on Birchin Lane, London, where business was agreed on a ‘gentleman’s word’ – George soon gained an impeccable reputation. This reputation endures today, but the proof is in the pudding: join us for an exclusive tasting of House of Sandeman’s historic ports and see for yourself.

Includes: Tasting dinner Dress code: Smart casual For more details, please visit the Events section of the Club website.

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December A Trip to Bath Christmas Market Pall Mall Thursday 1 December, 10.00am-8.00pm After pressing pause on a full-scale market for the past two years, Bath Christmas Market is back. Step back in time and discover the wondrous world of Christmas in Bath. It’s a place where the scent of Christmas dances through the air, traditional artisan makers line the streets, and festive cheer lies on every corner. Join our Blue Badge guide as she walks you through the narrow streets of Bath, and come home with much more than just presents.

M: £95.00 G: £110.00 Includes: Champagne brunch at the Club and return coach transfers with a Blue Badge guide Dress code: Smart casual (sensible footwear advised)

Ladies’ Christmas Lunch Woodcote Park Thursday 1 December, 12.00-3.00pm Pupils of the celebrated Yehudi Menuhin School will present a programme of solos and chamber music to entertain the guests at the Ladies’ Christmas Lunch. Programme details are yet to be confirmed, but they will include at least one ‘showpiece’ from the 19th century which was written especially for this kind of event. Pupils of all ages and nationalities will take part, and there will be music to suit a wide range of tastes. The Yehudi Menuhin School is a specialist music school based in Cobham, Surrey, and counts Nicola Benedetti, Tasmin Little and Nigel Kennedy among its illustrious alumni.

M: £39.00 G: £44.50 Includes: Two-course lunch and entertainment Each member may bring one guest.

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Members’ Christmas Party Night Woodcote Park Saturday 3 December, 7.00pm-00.45am Get into the spirit of Christmas at this annual festive party, which will consist of a champagne reception and seasonal entertainment before a three-course dinner with Club wine.

Includes: Champagne reception, threecourse dinner with Club wine, and entertainment Dress code: Black tie Please see the Events section of the Club website for further information

Christmas Opera in the Great Gallery Pall Mall Sunday 4 December, 6.30-10.00pm

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Fine food, champagne and refined opera – what could be better? Join us for an evening of splendour with the distinguished company of singers from the English Tour Opera. The group promises to wow you with beautiful opera classics that will leave you feeling festive and inspired on a cosy December evening at the Club.

M: £170.00 G: £195.00 Includes: Champagne reception, four-course dinner with wine, performance from English Touring Opera Dress code: Black tie

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Christmas Wrapping Masterclass Woodcote Park Wednesday 7 December, 9.00am-12.00pm and 2.00-5.00pm Join gift wrapping expert Jane Means for a fun and inspiring masterclass. You will learn how to wrap every gift perfectly, whatever the shape, size or occasion. Jane has wrapped for luxury brands, including Selfridges, Chanel, Dior and Harrods, for 26 years, and will share all of her handy tricks. You will leave the course with a new skill and take home all of your wrapped creations.

M: £65.00 G: £75.00 Includes: Christmas wrapping masterclass, refreshments and a glass of champagne Dress code: Smart causal

Carols in the Rotunda Pall Mall Wednesday 7 December, 5.30-7.00pm Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Christmas in the merriest of ways: singing carols at Pall Mall with the Club Choir and in the company of dear friends and family. Feel part of something festively special as the rotunda fills with the sound of the season’s most loved and most traditional carols. Please be aware that the restaurants will be busy so booking in advance is advisable.

M & G: Free Includes: Mulled wine and mince pies Dress code: Smart This event is complimentary, but booking is essential. Bookings for the restaurants are to be made separately and it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment. Please note: the reservations team are able to take bookings for restaurants up to three months in advance.

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Christmas Jazz at Pall Mall Pall Mall Wednesday 7 December, 7.15-10.00pm Picture this: a sparkling tree in the rotunda, carols, mulled wine, mince pies, and an evening of musical splendour in the Mountbatten Room. What better way to bring Christmas to life? Enjoy a three-course dinner with wine while the jazz band entertains you with a selection of Christmas jazz classics. Immerse yourself in the cosy Yuletide atmosphere and allow yourself to be carried away by the smooth rhythms of jazz.

Includes: A glass of champagne, threecourse dinner with wine Dress code: Smart For more details, please visit the Events section of the Club website

WJs: Family Christmas Sing-Along Woodcote Park Thursday 8 December, 4.30-5.30pm Calling all young families looking for a jolly afternoon treat. After the success of last year, the Club Choir invites you to Woodcote Park for some Christmas cheer.

Enjoy an interactive gathering around the Cedar Room Christmas tree, singing along to popular festive favourites. This event is suitable for children of primary school age. Please note that this is a family event, and we ask that parents and guardians accompany their children throughout the course of the event.

M, G, WJ & WJG: Free Includes: Light refreshments, interactive family sing-along with the Club Choir Dress code: Casual, Christmas outfits optional

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Christmas Carols at Woodcote Park Woodcote Park Thursday 8 December, 6.45-8.15pm An annual festive favourite! Start your evening with some mulled wine and mince pies in the Lounge, before joining the Club Choir in the Cedar Room to sing classic carols to really get your festive season off to a merry, musical start.

M, G, WJ & WJG: Free Includes: Mulled wine, mince pies and a carol service with the Club Choir Dress code: Casual

Christmas Club Dinner Dance Woodcote Park Saturday 10 December, 7.00-11.00pm Dust off your dancing shoes and join us at the country clubhouse for the ever-popular Club Dinner Dance. Get a group of friends together and dance the night away to live music from Claudio Allodi. This is a popular event, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

M: £65.00 G: £75.00 Includes: Three-course dinner and entertainment Dress code: Black tie

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Members’ Christmas Quiz Night Woodcote Park Wednesday 14 December, 7.15-10.30pm Brush up on the seasonal theme of the night as we test the extent of your general knowledge – there will also be a few Christmas-themed questions thrown in as part of the festive fun. Members can form teams of up to a maximum of ten players and compete for a case of Club wine – perfect for all those Christmas parties.

Includes: Quiz, two-course dinner with Club wine Dress code: Smart casual Please see the Events section of the Club website for more details

Join the Christmas Party: Mysterious Masquerade Woodcote Park Friday 16 December, 7.30pm-midnight

WJs: Santa Saves Christmas Show Woodcote Park Tuesday 20 December, 11.00am-12.15pm and 2.003.15pm

Upgrade your work Christmas party and bring colleagues to Woodcote Park. Enjoy a welcome glass of champagne, a three-course dinner, music and dancing. And why not wear a mysterious masquerade disguise!

Includes: Champagne reception, three-course dinner, DJ and dancing (wine is not included, but can be ordered on the night) Dress code: Black tie Please see the Events section of the Club website for more details

Jack’s beanstalk won’t grow, Cinderella’s glass slipper is broken, and what’s happened to the magic in the Fairy Godmother’s wand? It looks as though Christmas might have to be cancelled... unless someone can save it? Kids are guaranteed to love this festive, musical, interactive adventure.

Includes: Children’s Christmas show and a gift from Santa Dress code: Casual Please see the Events section of the Club website for more details PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

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Bollywood New Year’s Eve Ball Woodcote Park Saturday 31 December, 7.30pm-1.45am This promises to be an unforgettable night of champagne, fine dining, dancing, and trying your luck in a fun-casino. See in the New Year with a bang, including bubbly, a piper and a spectacular fireworks display, and embrace the radiance of a Bollywoodthemed ball.

Includes: Champagne reception, fivecourse dinner with Club wine, funcasino, live music, fireworks display, a piper, smoked salmon and champagne at midnight Dress code: Black tie Please see the Events section of the Club website for more details

New Year’s Eve in the Fountain Brasserie Woodcote Park Saturday 31 December, 7.30pm-1.45am Ring in the New Year in the laid-back Fountain. Later on, join the party upstairs where there will be a live band, a fun-casino (for over-18s), and a fireworks display.

Includes: Arrival glass of champagne or non-alcoholic cocktail, four-course dinner, fun-casino (over-18s), live music, fireworks, a piper, smoked salmon and champagne at midnight. Members will be able to purchase drinks with their meal at leisure with the waiting staff.

Dress code: Black tie (smart for children/ under-18s) Please see the Events section of the Club website for more details

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Activity Group Events To book any of these events, please visit the Club website.

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP Wildlife and Habitat Photography with Paul Colley, CB OBE FRPS Woodcote Park Wednesday 5 October, 7.30-9.00pm Paul is a wildlife photographer and inspirational speaker who makes images count in conservation.

He has worked with Fauna and Flora International, the Bat Conservation Trust, the Rivers Trust and several other conservation agencies. His work helps communicate issues threatening the security of wildlife in our woodlands, waterways and oceans.

His talk will reveal new techniques developed to photograph endangered species and habitats, which include remote control camera systems, infrared lighting and laser triggers. All systems are homebuilt using ‘bike shed engineering’, that is, simple workshop tools and mainly recycled materials.

M & G: £10.00

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CLUB CHOIR

St James's Clubs Bridge Drive Monday 3 October

Sing for your Supper Pall Mall Monday 11 July, arrive 6.45 for 7.00pm start Woodcote Park Tuesday 13 September 7.00pm

Five St James's clubs are involved in this event and players spend the afternoon travelling from club to club to play hands of cards. This year, our Club is hosting, and in the evening we will all meet in the Mountbatten Room for dinner and prizes. If you want to participate, you and your partner should book early.

Bridge Starter Weekend Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September The Pall Mall Bridge Circle is hosting a bridge starter weekend in September, which will cover all aspects of mini-bridge (the best way to start learning bridge).

Players will learn techniques and tactics, as well as how to deal, play, and score.

M: £135.00 G: £145.00 Includes: Tuition, detailed notes from the bridge teacher and refreshments.

Dress code: Smart

There's nothing quite like the feeling of singing with other people. If you would like to experience this with your fellow Club members, and fancy yourself a budding singer, then come and join the Club Choir for this event. It’s open to everyone, including guests, and no auditions are required – we welcome all abilities and experience levels.

After learning to sing a song in just over an hour, we will enjoy a buffet supper accompanied by Club wine. To book your place, please email choir-support@royalautomobileclub.co.uk.

M: £36.00 G: £46.00 Includes: Buffet supper, wine and singing

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CHRISTMAS REHEARSAL DATES 2022 Join the Club Choir, which is singing at both clubhouses’ carol concerts on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 December respectively. Please find below rehearsal dates and times.

Pall Mall (6.45-8.45pm): Tuesday 8 November Wednesday 16 November Tuesday 22 November Thursday 24 November Wednesday 30 November Wednesday 7 December Rehearsal 4.30pm Carol Concert 6.00pm

Woodcote Park (7.30-9.30pm): Wednesday 9 November Tuesday 15 November Wednesday 23 November Tuesday 29 November Thursday 1 December Thursday 8 December Rehearsal 4.30pm Family Sing-Along 5.00pm Carol Concert 7.15pm

Singers can attend rehearsals at both or either clubhouse. We hope that singers will be able to attend all three performances.

To register your interest, please email choir-support@royalautomobileclub.co.uk.

SUB-AQUA GROUP The Journey to Become a Professional Underwater Cinematographer Pall Mall Monday 5 September, 7.00pm David Diley is a filmmaker, digital colourist and underwater cinematographer from the UK best known

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for his work with sharks. He has released several critically acclaimed short films alongside his feature documentary, Of Shark and Man, while producing commercial content for clients such as Panasonic, Schwarzkopf, Marvista, Natural England, Amazon, Jabra, Aqualung and Sky TV. M & G: £5.00

CLUB CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS The Club’s free online classified advertisements can be seen on the Club website: just look for ‘Retail and Classifieds’ in the main menu after you have signed in. Please email communications@royalautomobileclub.co.uk to arrange an advertisement on the website or in Pell-Mell & Woodcote. Magazine entries are charged at £50.00 per edition and the deadline for the next edition is 1 September.

Waterside Self-Catering Holiday Cottage Mylor, Cornwall Creekside Cottage is a well-appointed four bedroom family home on the banks of Mylor Creek with stunning views across the water and open Cornish countryside beyond. An easy walk (or paddle) to Mylor Sailing School, slipway access and private foreshore for kayak, SUP or dinghy. Heaven for walkers and wildlife lovers, or just relaxing beside the water, Creekside Cottage offers an idyllic setting for families, friends and their dogs to enjoy all year round.

Email: nigelandjacquie@mylorcreekside.com Tel: 07775 676435 www.mylorcreekside.com

Caiger Art: Bring Perfect Artwork Into Your Life!

We help you find the perfect artwork to bring your walls to life and enhance your home to reflect your personality and become the space you love to be in! Artwork available to buy online, viewed by appointment in Ewell or brought to your home. Email or call for free advice.

Email: carol@caigerart.com Tel: 07828 513885 www.caigerart.com

Singing Tuition with a Friendly, Expert Tutor Club member Ben Costello, a freelance musical director, singing teacher and adjudicator, offers singing lessons at his studio in the centre of Surbiton. He teaches all ages in a variety of styles, ranging from classical to pop and musical theatre. Ben also really enjoys working with adults who may be discovering their singing voice for the first time! He has full DBS clearance and is also an ISM-registered teacher.

Email: maestrocostello@gmail.com Tel: 07889 659324 www.bencostello.com

Creekside Cottage

Providing Administrative Support For You Bespoke admin services through a resourceful and friendly approach, with the aim to facilitate your personal or professional affairs, whether that be dealing with a backlog of paperwork, resolving IT issues, arranging trades people or managing diaries.

Should you like to discuss further, do not hesitate to get in touch. Services can be agreed on a monthly or ad hoc hourly basis, tailoring a package that suits your circumstances.

Email: flavia@flaviacataldo.com Tel: 07498 290945 www.linkedin.com/in/flaviacataldo

Personal Documentaries Secured for Generations Your personal documentary accompanied by your important digital media, professionally archived, catalogued in a library and protected by a trust.

Have your story, home, or history filmed by a cinematographer and future-proofed by archivists.

The Not Forgotten Trust will catalogue and preserve it to ensure your legacy is accessible for generations.

Email : support@not-forgotten.com Tel: 07776 451565 www.not-forgotten.io PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

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Caring for your most valuable asset

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Whether you are considering a comprehensive assessment or have a particular area of concern, our team would be delighted to assist in designing the right program for you.

“The Echelon Health program easily outperforms the typical health screen. Why? Because its detailed assessments actually look under the surface to find out what’s really going on and what, if anything needs to be done to put it right.”

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Please contact us at: RAC@echelon.health Members and their families enjoy 15% discount. Valid for 2022.

Echelon Health

68 Harley Street London W1G 7HE 020 7580 7688 www.echelon.health

CLUB MOTORING

RAC FOUNDATION Understanding smart motorways

HERE COMES SUMMER and, whether we’re on our way to a family holiday or just getting away for a weekend break, the chances are that for at least part of our journey we’ll be driving on a motorway. There was once a time we could all be pretty clear what to expect of a motorway in this country: two or three lanes in each direction, separated by a central barrier, no learners or mopeds allowed, and a hard shoulder.

But the design of some of our motorways has moved on in recent years, most dramatically on those stretches where the hard shoulder has been converted into a full running lane, with emergency refuges dotted along the way; elsewhere the hard shoulder is only brought into use when traffic has built up to a certain point. Together, these are the so-called ‘smart’ motorways – ‘smart’ because unlike the motorways of old, reliant on fixed roadside signs, they have variable signs that can carry messages, reduce the

speed limit or show that a lane is closed for some reason, often placed on huge gantries that straddle the entire carriageway.

Only about 10% of the motorway network has been converted to ‘smart’ so far, but that includes some of the most heavily used stretches, such as sections of the M1 and M25.

But what are drivers supposed to do if their vehicle breaks down and there’s no hard shoulder? The advice from National Highways, the Government-owned company that runs England’s motorways, is to ‘go left’ – by leaving the motorway at the next junction or service area or by getting to the nearest emergency refuge. But if the fault is such that neither is possible the advice is still to try to get as far over to the left as you can and, if possible, leave the vehicle so that the driver and any passengers end up away from live traffic on the other side of the safety barrier.

Unsurprisingly the safety of this new approach has been questioned. The most recent annual stocktake of evidence, published by National Highways in May, suggests that overall safety isn’t compromised – more traffic can be accommodated drawn from less safe roads, and stopping in a refuge is far safer than stopping on a hard shoulder – but the RAC Foundation has argued that a much more comprehensive public information campaign is still needed: the more drivers understand what’s expected of them on smart motorways, the safer they will be.

So, if you’re planning on a trip that involves motorway driving this summer, you’d be well advised to find a moment to check out the information available online, and do so well before you set off.

PELL- MELL & WOODCOTE

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CLUB HERITAGE

CLUB CURIOSITY Club Librarian Trevor Dunmore reveals a curiosity hidden beneath your feet.

INTRIGUINGLY, ONE CAN no longer see this edition’s curiosity – the icehouse at Woodcote Park.

The estate and building took on the layout we recognise today in the second half of the 17th century, largely under the ownership of Richard Evelyn, brother of more famous diarist John.

Tragically, Evelyn’s mansion suffered immense fire damage in 1934 but, being completely underground, one feature which was undamaged by that event was the icehouse at the rear of the south arcade, under the Lounge Terrace. John Evelyn had seen similar constructions on his 1645 ‘Grand Tour’ of Italy and it is likely that it was he who suggested it to his brother.

This old-time ‘refrigerator’ is constructed of red brick and accessed through a thick wall with double doors. During the winter, ice and snow would be taken into the icehouse and, insulated by the walls and its underground location, it would stay frozen for many months.

The lower part, in which the broken ice was stored, is in the shape of an inverted 122 PELL - MELL & WOODCOTE

The icehouse at the rear of the south arcade, under the Lounge Terrace, was undamaged in the fire of 1934 at Woodcote Park.

From left: Drawing depicting the icehouse, and plan of its location and detail

and truncated cone (diameter nine feet one inch, depth ten feet three inches), its floor pierced with holes for drainage. The upper part of the chamber (side walls five feet in height) is also circular and covered with a domed roof, and this is where meat, game and wines were stored.

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