Pell-Mell & Woodcote April 2024

Pell-Mell & Woodcote

NEED FOR SPEED

How Triumph won the Torrens Trophy, and meet the members leading motorcycling at the Club

REFLECTIONS

his six-year

Ben Cussons looks back at

tenure as Chairman OLD & NEW Motor Sport magazine at 100 and the rise of SIM racing

CLUB STARS Celebrating the staff winning awards for service

SPRING IN THE AIR Woodcote Park’s gardens and golf courses are coming into full bloom

The magazine of the Royal Automobile Club | April 2024 | Issue 186

FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE & CLUB SECRETARY

I would like to start by thanking all the members who completed the recent survey about their experience of the Club in 2023. It has provided a great deal of valuable feedback on what is going well and where we need to renew our focus. I’m pleased to say that, overall, members reported a very positive picture of the Club, which is consistent with how busy our facilities, events and activities all are.

We are – hopefully! – approaching the time of year when the golfers can take off their waterproofs, our Woodcote Juniors can play in the sunshine, the terraces are filled with al fresco diners, the gardens bloom and the Club’s motorcyclists can enjoy their rides in the dry. As you will see in the following pages, our members really do have an eclectic range of ways to enjoy the warmer weather. There are also numerous ways for members to enjoy the broad range of facilities available at our beautiful clubhouses and to take advantage of the events and activities organised by the Activity Groups. I would heartily encourage you to seize the many opportunities the Groups provide.

This edition of Pell-Mell & Woodcote also has an emphasis on the outstanding contribution to the Club by our talented and hard-working staff. We were delighted to receive literally thousands of positive comments about our team in the recent survey,

recognising that they are at the heart of the Club and play a vital role in your enjoyment of Club life. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Serena Buono, Assistant Manager of the Fountain Brasserie in particular, for reaching the final of the Gold Service Scholarship Awards in February. This was a wonderful achievement, and she was competing with candidates from establishments such as the Ritz, Goring, Gleneagles and Corinthia hotels.

As you may be aware if you have been to Pall Mall recently, two major construction projects are underway – please accept my apologies for any disruption they have caused you. The rear façade is being restored, with the second floor terrace being fully refurbished, and we are preparing to move the Simms Centre to the ground floor. Along with the refurbishment of all the bedrooms on the third floor this summer, 2024 will mark further major improvements to the Pall Mall clubhouse. At Woodcote Park, our main focus is on planning for the redevelopment of Cedars Sports, more information about which will be provided later this year, and on the second phase of the Coronation Course development.

So, however you like to enjoy your Club, we are working hard to ensure that there is a great deal for you to do and to enjoy. I hope you will be able to make the most of it over the coming months.

Daniel Pereira

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WELCOME

Annabel Harrison | Pell-Mell & Woodcote Editor

Our cover image for this issue pays tribute to the sport of motorcycle racing and those who further its pace and calibre of development through remarkable feats of engineering. The Club’s 2023 Torrens Trophy was awarded to Triumph for its outstanding contribution to motorcycling in the UK, and Motoring Editor John Evans takes a closer look at the popularity of biking at the Club (p. 46). Also being enjoyed – by members of all ages – is simulator ‘sim’ racing; find out why it’s so appealing and how easy it is to get involved at the Club from page 34. Those who love to immerse themselves in world-class motoring content of all kinds can read about the turbulent but ultimately triumphant centenary of Motor Sport magazine (p. 38), now under the proud and proactive ownership of Club member Edward Atkin.

At this time of year, Woodcote Park comes into its own: we speak to Head Gardener Sam Cumber (p. 58) and Director of Golf Rhys Beecher (p. 62) about making the most of the grounds and golf respectively, as well as celebrating three successful years of the Walled Garden (p. 82) and finding out where Matthew Marshall sources 200kg of the finest berries for Derby Week (p. 68).

We also congratulate the members of staff recognised at the most recent annual staff party with awards for their exceptional service and contribution to the Club (p. 78) and last, but certainly not least, as he nears the end of his six-year tenure as Chairman, Ben Cussons reflects on the many highlights, challenges and enduring memories (p. 30).

Annabel Harrison Editor

CLUB DIRECTORY

For more contact information visit www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk

THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB

Chairman, Ben Cussons 01372 229628

chairman@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

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

ANNABEL HARRISON

Chief Executive & Club Secretary, Daniel Pereira 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

Garden 01372 229257/8

Shop 01372 229248

Banqueting 020 7747 3386 Events 01372 229230 PELL-MELL & WOODCOTE MAGAZINE Editorial

Managing Editor of Pell-Mell & Woodcote since 2018, Annabel is a freelance writer and editor with 16 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.

ANNA SOLOMON

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

NICK SMITH

Journalist-photographer

Nick is currently UK Bureau Chief of the Explorers Journal and formerly Editor of Geographical magazine. His writing and photography have also appeared in many national newspapers and magazines.

SAM BARKER

Sam’s photography has led to multiple awards and commissions. He shoots travel stories across the globe and has 14 portraits in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, including one of Sir David Attenborough to commemorate his 90th birthday.

SIMON TAYLOR

The official biographer of Sir Stirling Moss, Simon has covered motorsport for more than 50 years. He was the Editor of Autosport and then BBC Radio’s Formula 1 commentator for 20 years, and has made numerous TV appearances.

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.

JENNY LINFORD

Jenny is an established food writer, a member of the Guild of Food Writers, and the author of 20 books, including The Missing Ingredient: The Curious Role of Time in Food and Flavour. A cheese-lover, she also presents the A Slice of Cheese podcast.

MATT COOPER

Matt has been a golf journalist for more than a decade. During his career, he has contributed to titles including Forbes, Sporting Life, NBC, Golf 365 and ESPN, among others. He is also a regular guest on podcasts and radio shows.

CHRIS STOKEL-WALKER

Chris is a freelance journalist who specialises in technology. He regularly contributes to The Washington Post, The New York Times, WIRED, The Economist, The Guardian, New Scientist and Newsweek, and appears on the BBC, Sky News, CNN, Al Jazeera, Times Radio and others.

MIKE CHANNELL

Mike is a writer who specialises in racing simulators, regularly contributing to Top Gear magazine, hosting Ferrari’s official esports competition and making YouTube videos on OutsideXbox, for an audience of 2.6 million subscribers.

ON THE COVER: This image, featuring Italian racer Tony Arbolino of the Marc VDS Racing Team, was taken at the 2023 Moto2 Championship at the Circuit of the Americas in the US. This was motorcycle manufacturer Triumph’s fifth season powering Moto2 as Exclusive Engine Supplier; Triumph was also the worthy winner of the Club’s sought-after Torrens Trophy for its contribution to motorcycling. Turn to page 46 to find out more. Photographer: Gold and Goose

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 noon on Friday 17 May.

The Walled Garden

The Walled Garden is a wonderful facility which my husband and I have enjoyed immensely when entertaining our grandchildren. However, we seem to have to pay a guest fee of £16.50 for a parent when they might occasionally join us purely for a coffee and snack whilst watching us using the facilities with their children.

The parent is not using the facilities and this does seem iniquitous when I can take the same person for a coffee or drink in the main clubhouses without paying a guest fee. If the parent swims we do, of course, pay a guest fee. Is this correct or fair?

Alexandra Dear

The guest fee has been in place since the Walled Garden opened, to limit its use by guests to avoid overcrowding. The Garden Café –the size of which is limited by the scope of the planning permission granted for the development of the site – is designed just to support the Walled Garden as a play and sports facility for young children. It does not, therefore, operate in the same manner as the bars or restaurants at Woodcote Park such as the Fountain Brasserie.

With limited space available in the Walled Garden, we have to prioritise the adults who need to be there to supervise children.

That being said, we do appreciate that when a member wants to bring other adult family members into the Walled Garden to be with their children, the guest fee can be unwelcome. The Woodcote Park Committee recently undertook a review of the guest fee in response to member feedback and, in November, we reduced the fee during off-peak times. Members are also able to purchase an annual ‘Guardian Pass’ for other adults who regularly accompany Woodcote Juniors in the Walled Garden.

Moses Solomon

Resident Manager, Woodcote Park

Secrets of the Long Bar

The article about the Long Bar in the January issue of Pell-Mell & Woodcote highlighted just what makes the place so appealing, and what a splendid service Kamal and his team provide.

But whilst the article described the Long Bar as a hidden gem, no mention was made of what I think

is the room’s most outstanding and unusual feature, and the one of which I suspect many members are unaware: that the magnificent ‘pine’ panelling throughout is not wood but plaster, hand-painted using the art of woodgraining.

The Club commissioned a leading exponent of the technique to carry out the work 40 years ago and I recall that the end result was recognised with an award for the craftsmanship. The new facility opened on 2 April 1984, 60 years after the opening of the Club’s original Long Bar. To celebrate the occasion, for the first week members enjoyed everything on the bar menu at 1924 prices.

Now that we approach the centenary of the original opening, perhaps the Club might consider marking that milestone somehow?

Chris Orriss

Thank you for providing this fascinating information. I’m sure many members will now be taking a closer look at the panelling! Prompted by your letter, we are indeed working on plans to mark the centenary of the Long Bar later this year.

Jonathan Brown Director of Operations

Long Bar Prices

I have been a member for well over 25 years and enjoy the Club tremendously. However, I wanted to comment on the pricing and the menu in the Long Bar.

I fully understand that prices need to increase – everything always does – but the pricing now seems to be remarkably comparable to the Brooklands Room whereas years ago the Long Bar had its own distinct price point. Is it not possible to retain what you have in the Long Bar but also offer something much cheaper, say a wrap or a sandwich?

Also, why does the Long Bar never change its menu? Surely more people will use the food area if there are some variations and cheaper options available?

James Fox

Each of our restaurants has an individual cuisine and service style with price points designed to match. The Long Bar offers informal dining with members primarily collecting food from the buffet with prices starting from £9.50, substantially lower than entry level dishes in the Brooklands.

In relation to menu changes, the Long Bar provides seasonal changes to its offering alongside dishes which are regular favourites of our members. There is also a daily promotion, with a different main dish for each day of the week. From rib of beef to pies to curry, we aim to offer dishes which satisfy the palates of all members throughout the year.

Jonathan Brown Director of Operations

The Great Gallery

It was totally appropriate that the obituary of Jeffery Rose was in the same edition of Pell-Mell & Woodcote as the article on the Great Gallery.

When the Club reopened after the War, ladies, even when accompanying members, were restricted to very few rooms in Pall Mall. There was however one concession: members could give their wives vouchers for afternoon tea in the Great Gallery and they could take their children. So, although not a member myself until 1958, I did quite often join my mother for tea there in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s.

The tea was good but the kindest description of the room itself would be to say that it was basic. The ceiling was in a sad state, stained with water marks and the murals faded. The sofas and chairs sagged with worn-out springs and the fabric and leather were worn. I must be one of the few members who, when I dine in the Great Gallery, look around and remember how it had been compared to how it is now.

As stated in the article Jeffery Rose was largely responsible, with the post-1977-revolution Committee, for its initial restoration.

Richard G Faber

I am glad you found the feature on the history of the Great Gallery interesting. As your letter confirms, it has certainly had its high and low points over the past 113 years!

Jeffrey Rose played a key role in the revitalisation of the whole Club and I hope the obituary conveyed how important his legacy is to every member who enjoys the Club and its magnificent facilities today.

Daniel Pereira Chief Executive & Club Secretary

Turkish Baths

I write to express my frustration at the current allocation of Women Only Day in the Turkish Baths. It falls on a Tuesday, which is Club Night, with many members participating in various events, and is invariably perhaps the only evening some might spend at the Club. How wonderful it would be if one could enhance the day by utilising the fabulous facilities that are the Turkish Baths but, alas, we men cannot do that.

I am actually unsure quite why there still exist specific days when it is now so accepted that the sexes can share the space and remain relaxed, but whilst there are two designated ‘single sex’ days, please could you consider changing the current female day as it does impinge on men seeking to add to their enjoyment on what might be only a weekly visit.

Charles Boliston

The arrangements for the use of the Turkish Baths – including one male-only day and one female-only day – were drawn up by a Working Group of members (all of whom were regular Turkish Bath users) in 2019. This was at the time when bathing costumes were made compulsory on all other days.

Members’ views on the Turkish Baths were also sought in a survey in 2021, to which 1,286 members responded – but there was no significant desire expressed to change the allocation of days. However, if members, male or female, now feel strongly that we should, or shouldn’t, review this they are very welcome to contact me with their views.

Margaret Kavanagh Resident Manager, Pall Mall

PICTURE PERFECT

As his final selection for this page, Chairman Ben Cussons has chosen this picture of one of his winter driving highlights: ice driving in a Porsche 911 in northern Sweden.

OCCASION

Below Zero Ice Driving in northern Sweden

TAKEN February 2024

SUBJECT

A Porsche 911 prepared by Tuthill Porsche is put through its paces on the frozen lake, home of Below Zero’s ice driving experiences, near Åre

PHOTOGRAPH

© Below Zero belowzeroicedriving.com

SCANDINAVIANS HAVE ALWAYS punched above their weight when it comes to driving off road, particularly in rallying where the list of world champions is remarkable. They have won nearly half the world championships since 1979 and it is not hard to see why: in the harsh winters there is no chance to clear the roads of snow, so they just learn to drive in the conditions.

Whether to prepare for the season or simply for fun, drivers from all over Europe head north to perfect their skills on frozen lakes. Whilst modern cars enjoy the benefit of ABS and traction control, the best way to get the very best out of ice driving and improve your skills is to drive something which accentuates the challenge. There is no better choice than a rally-prepared Porsche 911; 300bhp, all the weight hanging out the back like the pendulum of a giant clock that

will inevitably change direction triggering dramatic change. This is driving on the edge; split-second inputs to the throttle, brake and steering to balance the constantly sliding car. This image of a 911 captures not only the excitement of the driving but the beauty of northern Sweden. For many years Tuthill Porsche has taken a fleet of classic Porsches to a frozen lake near Åre where drivers benefit from some of the world’s best instructors. Powering across ice up to a metre thick and with unlimited, snow-covered run-off space in cars shod with studded competition tyres, drivers tackle a series of progressively more challenging courses designed to develop their car-control skills. Tight turns and sweeping corners on a 5km circuit provide the ideal conditions to push the 911s to their limit. Regardless of ability, there simply isn’t a better way to have fun in a car!

IN THE ROTUNDA BUGATTI TYPE 57S

Words by John Evans Photography by Martyn Goddard

IF IT COULD talk, then what stories the Bugatti that occupied the rotunda in February could tell.

Built in 1937, this Type 57S is believed to be the third member of a trio of Bugattis built on a special, lightened competition chassis. In its day, the Type 57S – S stands for surbaissé, meaning lowered – was one of the fastest cars in Britain. The example displayed in the rotunda was one of only 42 ever built. It was ordered by its first owner, Robert Ropner, who was part of a successful family shipping business, with a sporty, four-seat body custom-built by Corsica Coachworks of Cricklewood, North London.

Bearing the registration number DUL351 (hence its nickname ‘Dulcie’), the car took to the road in early 1937. Unfortunately, on its maiden outing, it caught fire, the first in a series of misfortunes.

It was quickly repaired and some months later, recorded a speed of 111mph at Montlhéry race circuit in France where, the year before, one of two legendary Type 57G race car versions had won the French Grand Prix (the same car would also win Le Mans the following year). In 2021, it was confirmed that Dulcie shared its drilled and lightened chassis design with both racers.

After being laid up in storage during the Second World War, Dulcie was sold and

SPECIFICATION

TYPE

Four-seat grand tourer

ENGINE

3.3-litre, DOHC straight eight

POWER

175hp @ 5500rpm

DRIVETRAIN

Four-speed gearbox, rearwheel drive

passed through several hands, enduring various scrapes and partial restorations along the way until, in 1969, the car was acquired by Bill Turnbull; this talented and fastidious engineer had emigrated to the UK from New Zealand and was then working at construction equipment company JCB. He was passionate about the car and began restoring it, a project which, by the time of his retirement from the company in 1995, he still hadn’t completed.

For many years it was hidden and then, in 2021, it was acquired by Lord Bamford, Club member and the Chairman of JCB. He had it painstakingly restored by Clark & Carter Restorations and Ivan Dutton Ltd, a project leading to its award of Best of Show at the 2023 Salon Privé Concours at Blenheim Palace and first place in the restoration category at the 2023 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards.

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Club App

More than 6,500 members are now using the Club app, which provides a simpler way for members to view a wide range of key information and to make bookings. It also includes a digital membership card, which members can use when checking in at Club facilities and to charge items to their member account.

The app is available for you to download from the App Store on your phone – just search for ‘Royal Automobile Club’ and look for the Club badge on a blue background. To log in, please use your membership number and the same password that you use to log into the Club website.

If you require any assistance with the Club app, please email communications@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

Club Chairman-Elect

In January it was announced that the Club’s Board had unanimously selected Duncan Wiltshire to succeed Ben Cussons as Chairman of the Club. Duncan will be formally elected following Ben’s retirement from the post at the AGM on Wednesday 17 July.

Duncan has served on the Motoring Committee since June 2015 and joined the Board in July 2021 when he became Chairman of the Motoring Committee. As the Committee’s Chairman, he has overseen an increase in motoring activities and events, which has earned the Club international recognition. Professionally, Duncan has spent his career in the construction and motoring industries and will bring a wide range of skills to the role.

In his message to members, Ben said: “The AGM will bring to an end my formal engagement with the management of the Club. It has been a huge privilege and a pleasure, and I would like to thank you for your support. The Club is in good shape in all respects and I would like to thank the entire staff for their passion and hard work. It has not been without its challenges but the senior management team led by Daniel Pereira have done, and continue to do, a remarkable job and the Club remains in very good hands going forward.”

Coronation Course Development

The Coronation Course reopened in February following the successful first phase of the project designed to elevate the course condition and playability. So far, new pathways have been constructed for holes 3,10 and 14. The tee box irrigation system has been installed on all 18 holes, along with greens irrigation on half of

Cedars Sports Gym Upgrade

The gym in Cedars Sports received a partial refit in February, with new equipment and an improved layout for its functional training zone. By integrating state-of-the-art Technogym strength equipment with a redesigned layout, members can now enjoy a more dynamic and efficient workout experience.

the course’s 18 holes alongside the development of 20 new bunkers. The bunkers and adjacent mounds have been re-shaped, with the bunkers being lined and filled with 120 tonnes of China Clay sand, to match the Old Course. The next phase will begin in October and will address the remaining paths and bunkers.

For more information, visit the golf area of the Club website.

Torrens Trophy

The Club has presented the Torrens Trophy to Triumph Motorcycles for its sterling work in the Moto2 World Championship.

The trophy has been awarded to Britain’s highest achievers in motorcycling and motorcycle racing – riders, engineers, manufacturers and important personalities – since the 1970s.

Triumph has provided engines for the entire Moto2 grid for the past five seasons, proving to the world that its engineering and technology can thrive in arguably the toughest bike racing series of them all.

Nick Bloor, Triumph Motorcycles CEO, responded: “This award is a real honour, and a tribute to the hard work and passion of our Triumph Racing team. Our world-class engineers are always looking at new ways to enhance the engine performance, from speed, power and torque, to revs, cylinder pressure and compression ratio. This has enabled us to deliver improvements on track each season, from shorter race times to faster top speeds, which has contributed to closer, even more exciting, racing.”

The image chosen for the cover of this issue is of a Moto2 race. Turn to page 46 for more information about motorcycling and the Club.

Terrace Room

The Terrace Room at Pall Mall has been refurbished, with new paintwork, carpets, curtains and some new furniture, as well as a new air conditioning system.

Work on the terrace itself has been taking place over the winter and is also nearly complete.

Together, the room and the terrace will provide a wonderful venue for meetings and events, with views across Westminster.

YOUNG MEMBERS

Valentine’s Ball

More than 150 members and guests celebrated Valentine’s Day at Pall Mall. Drinks in the Committee Room were followed by entertainment – in the form of a captivating burlesque dancer! – and dinner in the Mountbatten Room before the dance floor was filled with Young Members for the rest of the evening.

PALL MALL SQUASH LEAGUES 30th Anniversary

2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the Pall Mall squash leagues. Initially started by our then professionals, Greg Pearman and Mark ‘Sparky’ Jackson, they have since been nurtured by Sparky into the extraordinary competition that we have

today. With 62 boxes and 310 players involved in the eight cycles that take place each year, this is one of the largest club squash leagues in the world.

The waiting list to join our leagues is not as long as has been rumoured so we would urge all squash players, of any standard, to sign up to play.

For more information, please visit the Club website or have a chat with the Club’s squash professionals at Pall Mall.

PALL MALL CHESS

Chess is flourishing at Club Nights on Tuesday evening in Pall Mall’s Club Room.

There is not only a quorum of familiar faces, but many new Club members are now playing chess too.

Yes, there are some strong chess players, but it is just not the case that all the players present are experts. That is the fun of the Chess Circle Club Night: that you will usually find a match of players with a similar standard to yourself. So do come along, please.

To those who live nearer to Woodcote Park, Club Night is on Monday in the Oaks Room from 6.00pm onwards.

Match chess continues, with fixtures including the Hamilton Russell league of clubs. We are the defending trophy holders but we envisage intense competition!

Varsity Chess Match

The 142nd Varsity Match was held on Saturday 2 March in Pall Mall, its annual venue since 1978.

Oxford started as the favourite with a significant rating advantage and duly ran out winners 5-3. This win closes the gap to just one win, with Cambridge holding the advantage with 60 wins to Oxford’s 59. 23 games have been drawn. Oxford has now won six of the last eight matches.

On the day, Oxford swept the prizes winning both the Best Game and Brilliancy. Grand Masters Ray Keene, Jon Speelman and Matthew Sadler formed the panel and awarded Best Game to Oxford Captain Tom O’Gorman for his win on Board 1 over Cambridge Captain Koby Kalavanaan. The Brilliancy was judged

to be played by Oxford Board 3, Ashvin Sivakumar, in his win over Jan Petr. The other decisive games were a win for Oxford’s Daniel Gallagher on Board 4 and the solitary Cambridge win by Cameron Goh, Board 7. Board 8 saw a King’s Gambit played by Arushi Ramaiya, Cambridge, against Imogen Camp, rated some 200 Elo stronger. The match commentator, Matthew Sadler, predicted a draw after a lot of bloodshed… and he was right.

For the first time the commentary was broadcast live on chess.com and lichess.org as well as Matthew’s channel, Silicon Road. The prizes were presented at a gala dinner in the clubhouse to conclude a very successful match day.

With just one win between them, will Oxford continue its success and level the score in 2025?

The Captains: Koby Kalavanaan (Cambridge) and Tom O’Gorman (Oxford)

Ashvin Sivakumar, winner of the Brilliancy

Match against the Stephen’s Green Club

On Friday 15 February the Club team, comprising Tom Edwards, Tristan Atkins, Brian Harding, Declan Tiernan, Paul Henthorne, Giles Gleave, James BriceWallis, Ashley Stevenson, Dean Fuller and captain John Veness, began their defence in Dublin of the trophy in the annual snooker match against the Stephen’s Green Club.

On Friday evening there was a friendly warm-up event with mixed pairs from each side. On Saturday the main event took place, starting at 3.00pm with

the ten singles matches. The Royal Automobile Club took an early lead at 5-1; however the Irish fought back and it was finely poised at 6-4 when the teams broke for dinner. Play resumed after dinner with the RAC needing two wins to retain the trophy. After two matches the score moved to 7-5, then 7-6 – but the RAC won the remaining two doubles and therefore an overall score of 9-6.

This match has been played every year since 1980 and there is a great camaraderie between the players on both sides; we look forward to hosting the Stephen’s Green Club at Pall Mall for the return match next year.

Finals Night

The Billiards Finals Night at Pall Mall in December was a great success, with the following taking the honours:

BEN TUKE (SCRATCH) SNOOKER COMPETITION

Winner: Tom Edwards

Runner Up: Simon Wilson

BILLIARDS COMPETITION

Winner: Russell Prior

Runner Up: Graeme Lewis

SNOOKER SINGLES HANDICAP COMPETITION

Winner: Alan Rayne

Runner Up: Brian Carlisle

SNOOKER DOUBLES HANDICAP

Winners: Dean Fuller and Om Goswamy

Runners Up: Tom Edwards and James Foster

HIGHEST BREAK & THE MOST 30+ BREAKS TROPHY

Winner: Christian Harris

Billiards Chairman John Veness with Om Goswamy and Dean Fuller

WOODCOTE PARK BRIDGE

Bridge at Woodcote Park continues to thrive! 2023 was rounded off with a very jolly Winter Social, the group’s social highlight of the year. A record 25 tables of bridge were played, with members and their guests enjoying Chicago bridge after a sumptuous dinner.

More than 40 members are currently taking part in bridge classes at Woodcote Park and, after many requests, the ‘Bridge the Gap to Duplicate Bridge’ sessions on Monday evenings are starting again in April. All intermediate players are welcome: duplicate bridge is played at Woodcote Park on a Monday evening between 6.30pm and 10.15pm.

For further information please visit the Activity Groups / Bridge area of the Club website.

Bridge Charity Day

The annual charity day organised by the Woodcote Park Bridge Committee with bridge tutor and writer Andrew Robson took place in February. More than 100 members and guests attended and Andrew’s expertise and humour ensured that the day was both informative and entertaining.

This year the event raised £3,546 for the Royal Marsden Hospital, bringing the total donated to this very worthy cause over the past decade or so to more than £30,000.

GARDENING AND NATURE

The Gardening and Nature Group has sponsored a tree in the arboretum and has chosen an Acer Griseum. This is to commemorate the 10th anniversary of members being involved with the gardens at Woodcote Park.

In 2014, Dr Sarah Wilson, then a member of the Woodcote Park Committee, founded the Garden Advisory Group, comprising members with knowledge of garden design and horticulture. They oversaw the appointment of a Head Gardener and worked with him on plans to create grounds worthy of the venue.

This group became the Gardening Group, involving members in talks, events and visits. Today, more than 1,100 members are on the mailing list as the Gardening and Nature Group continues to grow in popularity.

For information about sponsoring a tree in the arboretum please email communications@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

Sue Forbes-Wilson and Angela Reid at the Winter Social

Emily from the Royal Marsden Hospital and Andrew Robson with Sue Forbes-Wilson and Angela Reid from the Woodcote Park Bridge Committee.

BRIDGE

Good Friends and the Triangular Cup

By Fiona McWatters

What, you may ask, is the Triangular Cup? Well, it’s a match between the Royal Automobile, Roehampton and Hurlingham Clubs which is played once a year, with only Bridge Committee members playing. The Hurlingham won this year by just one imp (point), but the match was followed by a joyous dinner in the Segrave Room.

The three clubs have very close bridge links: we have similar numbers of bridge players and –here’s the nicest part – we are all good friends. Over the past year, as Chair of the Bridge Committee, it has been a pleasure to meet people from other reciprocal clubs around the world, as well as old and new friends from many London clubs.

This is one of the greatest attractions of belonging to a club like ours: we have the opportunity to meet so many really lovely people. Over the years I have been lucky enough to make good friends with many people at the Club through bridge and chess (my

CYCLING

The Cycling Group’s rides cater for riders of all levels and preferences, whether on-road or off-road. The Group is known for fostering a relaxed and social atmosphere during its many rides and events.

The Richmond Rendezvous Ride launched 2024’s programme. Members gathered to cycle laps of Richmond Park at their own pace, followed by refreshments in one of the park’s cafés.

The second trip of 2024 has become a Group tradition: an excursion to Tanhouse Farm. It is renowned for offering one of the finest coffee and cake stops in Surrey, a welcome indulgence on a 48km on-road route.

A departure from the typical cross-country rides, the Group’s next off-road outing took them to Swinley Forest and its 24km of purpose-built, all-weather trails, clearly marked and following the contours of the forest. With three main trails of varying difficulty, the site offered something for every rider’s skill level.

husband now chairs the Chess Committee).

We have made great friends with reciprocal members in Paris, New York and beyond: friends that one can call and see when visiting various cities. It’s nice to know there is a friendly face waiting for you when visiting a big city!

We are all so lucky belonging to this Club, where we have the opportunity to meet and make connections with so many wonderful people. Bridge, chess, friends and fantastic clubs – what more could you ask for?!

There’s a lot to anticipate this year, including weekly leisure rides and monthly rides featuring the Group’s signature combination of rides for developing, intermediate and advanced riders, followed by refreshments. There are also monthly advanced training sessions planned, a trip to Denia in Spain, a visit to Brooklands, bicycle maintenance workshops and the chance to watch a mountain stage of the Tour de France with drinks and lunch in the Motor House.

Fiona McWatters presenting the Triangular Cup

Activity Groups Open Evening

More than 150 members and guests attended the Activity Groups Open Evening at Pall Mall on 5 March. A total of 20 different sports and activities were on display, with representatives of each of the Activity Group Committees and Club staff available to answer questions.

Each year the Activity Groups arrange hundreds

In Memoriam

Mr John Buckens 11/07/1961-07/10/2023

Mrs Anne Horne 26/12/1935-21/10/2023

Mr John Rhodes 08/12/1948-14/11/2023

of meetings, social events and matches and all Full Members are welcome to take part.

The next Activity Groups Open Evening will take place at Woodcote Park on Thursday 5 September. In the meantime, information about all the Activity Groups is on the Club website and available via the Club app. If you would like to be emailed information, please record this in the mailing preferences area of My Account.

Mr Andrew Pomfret 03/04/1960-18/11/2023

Mr Edward Ayling 12/09/1947-12/12/2023

Mr Peter Deal 19/05/1939-15/01/2024

Mr Gordon Cawthorne MBE 06/02/1932-18/01/2024

Mr Gordon Deegan 13/04/1937-18/01/2024

Mr David White 15/02/1935-23/01/2024

Club Promotions

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

PICNICS

Available from Wednesday 1 May

Woodcote Park

Head to the sunny outdoors and enjoy the Club’s delicious, freshly prepared hampers. Choose from a Club Classic or, for even more special occasions, the Fresh Lobster and Champagne Hamper. Picnics may also be enjoyed inside on those British summer rainy days!

Club Classic Hamper for two people: £79.00

Lobster and Champagne Hamper for two people: £179.00

Children’s Hamper: £25.00 per child

To order please email stirlingsreservations@ royalautomobileclub.co.uk with your order by 12 noon at least 48 hours before you wish to collect your picnic.

RHS CHELSEA MENU

Monday 20 May to Friday 24 May

Pall Mall: Brooklands Room

Taking inspiration from the acclaimed RHS Chelsea Flower Show this spring, the Club’s chefs at Pall Mall have put together a floral-inspired menu, perfect for the season. Enjoy your meal alongside a refreshing botanical cocktail.

Two courses: £40.00

Three courses: £47.00

YOUR BEST YOU DELUXE

Available Throughout May and June

Pall Mall and Woodcote Park

A hug in a treatment: this 75-minute unique top-to-toe treatment increases energy with rhythmic stretches and lymphatic drainage. A gentle, caring massage uses a combination of expert therapist hands and Himalayan salt stones to support stress relief and positively boost your mood. Elevate your overall experience with a bespoke finishing touch treatment, the perfect conclusion to your indulgent journey.

Pall Mall: £95.00

Woodcote Park: £90.00

For more information or to book, please telephone

Pall Mall Sports Reception: 020 7747 3365 or Cedars Sports Reception: 01372 229266.

THE CLUB ACCOMMODATION SALE

Tuesday 11 June, 8.00am to 8.00pm

The next one-day Club Sale offers members the opportunity to pre-book overnight stays at discounted rates. Receive a 20 per cent discount on the standard bed and breakfast room rate at Pall Mall and 25 per cent at Woodcote Park.

Room dates available to book:

Pall Mall: Monday 15 July until Sunday 1 September 2024

Woodcote Park: Monday 30 September until Sunday 1 December 2024

To book, please visit the Club website or telephone Central Reservations on 020 7747 3474 on Tuesday 11 June between 8.00am and 8.00pm GMT.

Terms and conditions and blackout dates apply. Please visit the Club website for more information.

SPANISH MENU

Throughout May and June

Woodcote Park: 19th Hole

Hola! This spring there will be no time for a siesta… Enjoy a taste of Spain in the 19th Hole. The Club’s chefs will be showcasing Spanish cuisine for lunch and dinner throughout May and June. Choose from a range of classic dishes such as the Pollo a la Catalana to tempt your taste buds as we head into the warmer months.

A la carte from £19.00 per dish

FATHER’S DAY AT THE CLUB

Sunday 16 June

Pall Mall: Brooklands Room

Woodcote Park: Stirling’s and Fountain Brasserie

Pull out all the stops this year and make your dad feel special this Father’s Day. Choose from a three-course lunch or dinner in the Fountain Brasserie or lunch in Stirling’s restaurant. For a great day in London, head to Pall Mall for the Brooklands Room Weekend Brunch.

Stirling’s – Three-course lunch with a glass of Champagne included: £59.00

Fountain Brasserie – Three-course lunch or dinner with a craft beer: £39.00

Brooklands Room Weekend Brunch – Two courses with a half-bottle of Champagne per person: £59.00

Please note that the à la carte menu will not be available on Father’s Day and that a cancellation policy applies.

GOLF RETREAT

Throughout 2024

Woodcote Park: Sunday and Monday

Retreat to Woodcote Park for a two-night getaway inclusive of two rounds of golf. Arrive on Sunday at your leisure and enjoy dinner in the Fountain Brasserie. Wake up refreshed to play your first 18 holes of golf. Dine in the Fountain Brasserie on Monday night, ahead of starting Tuesday with a full English breakfast to fuel you for your second round.

£290.00 per person for the two-night stay in a Club Double Room and based upon two adults sharing on the member rate. This package is only available on a Sunday and Monday night with golf played on Monday and Tuesday.

For further information and to book, visit the Club website or phone the Central Reservations Team on 020 7747 3474. Please quote ‘Golf Retreat’ at the time of enquiry.

WINE CLUB SUBSCRIPTION

For Home Delivery

Share your passion for wine with fellow members and broaden your exposure to different grape varieties. Each case will contain 12 different bottles of wine and tasting notes with food pairing recommendations. You will also be invited to attend a complimentary quarterly wine tasting evening in the Woodcote Park Club Shop to hear about the selected wines. Wine Club subscriptions are also available to purchase as a gift.

12 mixed bottles, with home delivery: £175.00

For further information and to purchase a Wine Club subscription, please visit the Online Club Shop or speak to a member of the Club Shop Team.

SUMMER LONG BAR MENU

Tuesday 28 May to Friday 9 August

Pall Mall: Long Bar

Retreat from the heat and enjoy a delicious summer menu in the cool air-conditioned Long Bar. Choose from classic salads or fresh seafood and rehydrate with a refreshing London Dry gin and tonic.

A la carte from £19.00 per dish

WIMBLEDON AFTERNOON TEA

Monday 1 July to Sunday 14 July

Pall Mall: Club Room and Drawing Room

Woodcote Park: Lounge

Sip on Champagne and indulge in a range of delicious sweet and savoury treats while the most anticipated tennis tournament of the year takes place. Includes strawberries and cream, of course!

Pall Mall: Club Room and Drawing Room £52.00 including a glass of Champagne

Woodcote Park: Lounge £49.00 including a glass of Champagne

‘BILL OF FARE’ MENU

Available Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner

Woodcote Park: Fountain Brasserie

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Available throughout the year

Woodcote Park: Walled Garden

Treat your child to a jam-packed, fun and memorable birthday party at Woodcote Park. The Walled Garden party packages offer a range of activities including arts and crafts, swimming, dance and much more. Sit back while the children have fun and your party host entertains them. You can also choose from a selection of optional extras for adults and children alike including refreshments, a sweet treats table and even the birthday cake.

For any enquiries, please contact Ellie McCormack, Children’s Birthday Party Coordinator, either by email ellie.mccormack@royalautomobileclub.co.uk or telephone on 01372 229257.

Birthday party package prices start at £25.00 per child.

Join us in the Fountain Brasserie and try our daily specials menu, ‘Bill of Fare’. There are five dishes freshly prepared by our chefs, all at a set price.

Monday: Lancashire hot pot and pickled red cabbage

Tuesday: Classic fish cake, spinach and chive cream sauce

Wednesday: Confit duck leg cassoulet, white beans and sausage

Thursday: Middle White ham, parsley sauce, new potatoes and sprouting broccoli

Friday: Seabream fish ‘n’ chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce

£14.50 per dish

With a 175ml glass of paired wine: £19.50

Favourbrook is pleased to offer all Royal Automobile Club members 10% off, simply present your membership card to a member of staff at our Pall Mall or Piccadilly Arcade Stores. *

16 & 17 PALL MALL, LONDON SW1Y 5LU

www.favourbrook.com

*Please note that this offer applies to full price items only and can be withdrawn at Favourbrook’s discretion.

The Club Chairman reflects…

As he prepares to hand the reins to his successor, Chairman Ben Cussons reflects on his six-year tenure, from the highlights and challenges to what he finds so special about the Club.

Words by Annabel Harrison Photography by Rob Cadman

AFTER SIX YEARS in the role, in July Ben Cussons will be stepping down as Chairman of the Club, having played a key part both in celebrating its many achievements and in tackling the severe challenges of recent times.

Ben is leaving his role confident in the Club’s future and strengths. “It is very reassuring that the Club remains, and is increasingly, popular. We have a strong waiting list for new members and whilst we sometimes experience pinch points in the provision of services, in my view both are a good sign. It’s up to the executive team to manage that, rather than turning people away from facilities. If we are too busy, we must be doing something right! And, in life, if you get more right than you do wrong, generally you’ll be successful.”

For Ben, the enthusiasm of members current and future is what drives this success, and he singles out the Activity Groups as a vital part of the Club’s offering. “Members are the heart of the Club. They come into their clubhouses to see people or do things or a combination of both. The Activity Groups form a core part of catering to members’ specific wants and needs.”

“Members are the heart of the Club, and the Activity Groups form a core part of catering to members’ wants and needs.”

Satisfying these disparate needs has always been a key focus for the senior management team although, Ben smiles, “some members might disagree that all change has been for the better! Overall we are a very broad church; therefore we have to manage the interests and passions of many members who join the Club for different reasons. At heart we are the Royal Automobile Club; that was our genesis, how we began, even now it is what gives us our purpose. And it very much must remain at the core of the Club’s activities because without that we’re just the Royal Club.”

Ben’s own passion for motoring runs deep, and he was Chairman of the Motoring Committee for five years before taking on the Club Chairman role in 2018. He recalls the fun of interviewing some of the many “titans of motorsport” who have visited the Club.

Right: Welcoming Bernie Ecclestone to the clubhouse in 2020

More recently David Richards CBE and Sir Ron Dennis CBE and before them, Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley – “For all the posturing, and money and everything else, at the heart of motorsport, generally, there is always a passion for the sport. And all of those men had that.” He also speaks fondly of Woodcote Park’s Motor House. “We took what was a beautiful but neglected building and turned it into a proper home for motoring and other events. It has subsequently won a prize for its sympathetic restoration. I like the way it’s a working building and very much what it once was; an 18th century barn that has a purpose.”

But one highlight trumps all others, and Ben’s delight about this memory is palpable. “It has to be the day The Late Queen came to lunch. She was such a remarkable woman. The nation looked up to her but to meet her first-hand and be able to host her at Pall Mall on the occasion of Jackie Stewart’s birthday was off the chart. You have expectations; and in my view, she surpassed every one of them by a country mile. She was so well-read, so polite, so very kind and charming. She was slightly late arriving because of traffic but she was in no rush to leave and stayed three hours. She was obviously enjoying herself.”

Royal visits aside, there is plenty more

in which Ben and the team have been able to take pride. “We’ve continued to grow and develop the motoring activities, which has reinforced the strength of the Club and certainly fuels the demand for membership. We’ve also evolved the culture of the Club; members, I believe, have become increasingly more tolerant of each other and

how others use the clubhouses.”

He is also very proud of how Woodcote Park has developed, catering to a wide range of members and, now, families too. “When I joined the Club in the mid-1990s, you couldn’t even take a child under the age of seven there, and on the first Family Fun Day, I had to get a special exemption to take my one-year-old daughter on the premises. Now, we’ve got a whole gamut of activities, principally in the Walled Garden but also around the wider estate. And by also investing in golf and engaging with our members we’ve managed to accommodate what at the outset appear to be seemingly disparate and perhaps irreconcilable groups of people.”

Change has been, and will continue to be, inevitable. The Pall Mall building was opened in 1911 and it is 90 years since the Woodcote Park clubhouse was rebuilt following a major fire. “A big challenge, and an ongoing one, is that we operate two properties and an estate that’s old,” says Ben. “And equipment has a finite life. Nobody wants to see boilers; nobody cares about the boilers until it’s cold. But we can’t just replace like for like; we need to look at new solutions to match environmental requirements, an area we’re very keen on.” Sustainability has grown substantially in importance during Ben’s tenure. “It is huge for us. It starts with the individual, and little things add up to make a big difference.”

The resolve shown by senior management in the Club’s sustainability strategy was also demonstrated during the pandemic. “Lockdown forced us to find alternative ways of providing value to members remotely. We provided all sorts of online classes, such as exercise and cookery, presented by our own expert staff. There were motoring talks with wonderful speakers, online bridge tournaments, photography demonstrations – we even continued to publish this magazine. Whilst the clubhouses were closed, we expanded and improved the outdoor spaces at both clubhouses so that members could use them as soon as restrictions allowed. All this, delivered by the team in quick time in a challenging and forever changing situation, helped maintain the camaraderie of the Club.”

Pondering the ‘work from home’ trend which became mandatory during the pandemic, Ben asks incredulously, “Why would anybody want to sit on their own all day?! Humans are gregarious; they need other people to engage with.” It is this camaraderie that Ben himself thrives on and it’s no surprise that the Long Bar is one of his favourite places in Pall Mall. “Because almost inevitably, every dinner ends up there with quite a lot of chat! It’s a social place where you can go down on your own, buy a drink, and you might meet somebody you never thought you would meet.

“You have to work at being part of a club. If you just come in and expect everything to be an introduction, to be planned, it will never be as much fun as the chance meeting with somebody on the members’ table and discovering you’ve got huge amounts in common. At which point the whole concept of being a member of a club falls into place.”

As we conclude our conversation, Ben is off for a run, training for April’s London Marathon. Members will continue to see Ben at events and around the clubhouses – although he has the not insignificant matter of a 14,000-kilometre drive from Peking to Paris to undertake first. “What else do I plan to do? Keep messing around with cars and motorbikes!”

Left: Explaining motoring matters to HM Queen Elizabeth II Above: Completing another London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in RAC1

Left: Hosting the Christmas Carols at Pall Mall, one of the many popular events held at the Club

Desk jockeys

Driving simulators are increasingly popular among Club members of all ages and this year’s Sim Racing Championship is already underway.

What’s the appeal and what kit do you need?

Words by Mike Channell Photography by Rob Cadman

THE BEST RACING simulators available today are of such a high standard that they feel satisfyingly close to being on a real track, with no actual travel involved and at a fraction of the cost. Indeed, many are so advanced they can even improve driving ability, boasting sophisticated software, lifelike vehicle dynamics, accurately rendered race circuits and specialist hardware that replicates the car’s primary controls.

As a result, sim racing is now wildly popular. It enjoyed a boost during the pandemic, when players and professional racers alike were confined to their homes, real-world motorsport was suspended and sim hardware manufacturers couldn’t produce products quickly enough to meet the demand.

Arguably its most high-profile and vocal proponent is Max Verstappen, the current

Formula 1 World Champion. He has long extolled the benefits of racing simulators and, during this year’s off-season, when most F1 drivers were relaxing after a demanding season, the Dutch driver joined a virtual team of racers to compete in iRacing’s popular simulated edition of the Daytona 24 Hours. There wasn’t even a physical trophy up for grabs. Apparently, Verstappen is so obsessed with sim racing that he has had a ‘rig’ fitted in his private jet; by honing his skills in a variety of racing machinery on simulators, some say he is a faster, more rounded and more versatile driver.

Speaking from my own, considerably more modest experience, the opportunity to use a simulator to learn circuits I had never visited meant that when I drove them for real, in my first season racing a Ginetta G40, my fuel and tyre bills were much reduced. For example, prior to racing for the first time at Snetterton, I experimented with different lines in its trickier corners using iRacing’s laser-scanned replica of the track. When I finally raced there, I had the best result of my season so far, better even than Silverstone, a circuit I ‘knew’ from years of watching Formula 1.

So driving a sim is excellent race preparation but, above all, it’s a fun and relatively inexpensive way to experience the exhilarating cut and thrust of motor racing, a sport that has traditionally been prohibitively expensive for all but

Driving a sim is excellent race preparation, and a fun and inexpensive way to feel the exhilaration of motor racing.

a fortunate few. Incredibly, there are professional drivers who have never sat in a real racing car; instead, they earn sponsorship and even contracts with teams based entirely on their virtual exploits.

Naturally, the Club has embraced this revolution in virtual motorsport and last year held its inaugural, and enormously popular, Sim Racing Championship, recognising its benefits both as a driver improvement tool and as an enjoyable social activity. The Club’s state-of-the-art simulator plays host to both adult and junior members of all abilities and the winner of last year’s competition for adult drivers was Freddie Wiltshire, a member with real-world, historic racing experience earned in a 1964 MGB. He believes sim racing is an excellent way for Club members to engage in friendly competition.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet likeminded people, as well as those who have never tried sim racing before but are keen to give it a go,” says Freddie. “Last year’s final held in the Long Bar during London Motor Week had a real sense of occasion and a great atmosphere.” Needless to say, Wiltshire is already a convert to the benefits of virtual track time. “It’s a brilliant way to learn a new track before a race and I have

Below: iRacing is closer to a virtual motorsport than a videogame with scheduled races and regulation © iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations LLC

found remarkable similarities between the two, even when driving very different cars in the simulator. There is no substitute for the real thing but the standard of simulator used in the Club Championship comes surprisingly close.”

Away from the Club, those bitten by the sim bug are spoilt for choice in terms of software and equipment. Casual players will find Gran Turismo 7, the latest in the enormously popular PlayStation series, an affordable and accessible way to get started. Compatible with the same steering wheel and pedal sets that are used in more demanding simulators, Gran Turismo features a wide variety of cars and circuits. Although the vehicle handling experience isn’t quite as realistic as more serious PCbased software, the game still offers fierce competition and plenty of authenticity.

Anyone searching for a truly professionallevel challenge need look no further than the iRacing service for PC. A subscriptionbased sim racing service designed to mimic a real regulatory body, iRacing boasts arguably the most realistic physics. Competition between players is kept fair by a licence system; if you drive cleanly and avoid incidents, you earn licences that open up championships featuring more powerful machinery. With more than 100,000 active

members, the result is a remarkably authentic competition with a high level of skill required at the upper levels.

In addition to your PC or gaming console, to be seriously competitive you need specialised hardware. A wheel and pedal set-up are a must for the level of precision vehicle control demanded by modern simulators, and prices range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand if you choose high-end brands such as Fanatec or Simucube. For the highest fidelity and most responsive feedback from the simulator, you

Above left and right: Most sim racers race from the cockpit camera angle for maximum realism; Gran Turismo allows you to take priceless classic cars, recreated in meticulous detail, and race them wheel to wheel © Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC

Below: Junior members sim racing in the Motor House at Woodcote Park

“The standard of simulator in the Club Championship comes surprisingly close to the real thing.”

should have a ‘direct drive’ steering wheel, where the steering column is mounted directly to the motor. ‘Force feedback’, as it’s known, uses a motor to send torque back through the wheel to give the driver vital information from the simulator on how the vehicle is behaving.

Beyond these essentials, features such as a handbrake for rally simulators or an H-pattern gearbox for historic racers are available as upgrades. While many wheel and pedal sets can be mounted vice-like on a standard desk, in general you need a ‘rig’ on which to install the equipment, especially in the case of a direct-drive wheel. Solutions range from a modestly priced foldable chair to an extruded aluminium spaceframe chassis mated to a motorsport seat.

Regardless of your level of commitment, from sampling sim racing at the Club’s events to investing in thousands of pounds’ worth of kit, the world of virtual motorsport is a great way to keep your reflexes sharp, learn real-world circuits, develop your racecraft or simply live out the fantasy of being a professional racing driver. For those of you who have experienced the real thing as well, as I have, you might be pleasantly surprised by just how close it gets.

SIM RACING AT THE CLUB

The launch, last year, of the Club’s Sim Racing Championship and Junior Sim Mornings at the Motor House was an acknowledgment of just how good today’s driving simulators are. Participation levels are high but as with every activity at the Club, newcomers are welcome as well as experienced sim drivers.

SIM RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

This year’s Championship takes place over four rounds. The next heat, at Pall Mall, will take place in the Long Bar on Tuesday 23 July. The first of two Woodcote Park heats has just taken place and will be followed by the next on Saturday 21 September, alongside the Autumn Drive-In. The Final will take place in the Long Bar on Wednesday 30 October, during London Motor Week.

JUNIOR SIM MORNINGS

Away from the cut and thrust of the Sim Racing Championship, Junior Sim Mornings offer ten Junior Members (aged 13 to 17) the chance to put their sim racing skills to the test on the Club’s simulator in the Motor House. Each has around 15 minutes ‘on the track’, which last time was a shortened version of Silverstone in a Porsche 911 GT3. The sessions, which feature a blend of experienced sim racers and those who just want to have a go, take place from 10.00am until noon on a Saturday: the next will take place on Saturday 11 May, alongside the Spring Drive-In.

For further information about sim racing at the Club, please subscribe to The Motoring Bulletin (by selecting this option in the ‘Mailing Preferences’ section of ‘My Account’) or visit the Club website.

JENKS, THE BOD AND THE LITTLE GREEN BIBLE

The story of Motor Sport magazine, marking its centenary this year, is as colourful and entertaining as the racing world on which it expertly and passionately continues to report.

Words by Simon Taylor

FOR ANY PERIODICAL to last a century is very rare. For a specialist magazine covering the constantly developing world of motor racing, it’s a remarkable achievement, so three cheers for Motor Sport, which clocks up 100 years this summer. Its story is one of ups and downs but, like the sport it covers, it has survived and thrived. Today it continues each month to chronicle the drama, people, technology and colour of motor racing.

What makes its long life all the more notable is that its reputation is built, more than anything else, on the inspired work of two men: the idiosyncratic and long-time editor Bill Boddy, and the man reckoned by many to be the greatest of all race reporters, Denis Jenkinson.

Boddy began to contribute to Motor Sport as a schoolboy and in 1936, at the age of 23, became its editor. He held that role for 55 years and continued to write for the magazine every month until his death, aged 98. Jenkinson’s highly informed, accurate and uncompromising race reports began in 1948, when he was a professional motorcycle racer based in mainland Europe. From 1953 he became the magazine’s fulltime Continental Correspondent, covering every major race; he continued in that role for nearly 50 years.

When Motor Sport was launched in July 1924 it was actually called The Brooklands

LAST OF ITS KIND

OTMAR SZAFNAUER

During the Second World War, motorsport suspended and paper in short supply, Bill Boddy kept Motor Sport going single-handedly.

Gazette but, after a year, the name was changed to recognise that it did not just cover events at what was then Britain’s only permanent race track. One of its early proprietors, W A Braidwood, was a keen reader; concerned that the magazine was on the point of collapse, he went to the editorial office and bought the rights for £12. That was in 1929. It continued to struggle on and, in 1936, its printer, Wesley Tee, decided to take it over, hiring the youthful Bill Boddy as its only full-time member of staff. Then came the Second World War. With all motorsport suspended and paper in very short supply, Tee decided that Motor Sport had to be closed. Boddy managed to persuade him otherwise and, while

Top: Denis Jenkinson (left) with Stirling Moss at the wheel of a Mercedes 300 SLR similar to the one they raced to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia Above: Motor Sport continued to be published during the war years

working during the day writing technical manuals for the RAF, kept it going singlehandedly, filling it with nostalgic stories about pre-war events and unpaid articles from servicemen around the globe.

When the war ended and motor racing resumed, circulation began to climb and, during the 1950s and 1960s, Motor Sport became a huge success. It was driven by the increasing popularity and authority of ‘The Bod’ and ‘Jenks’, as they were universally known – although in the magazine their articles were merely signed WB and DSJ. A result of the growing readership

was a burgeoning classified advertisements section, much of it devoted to what we would now call classic cars, which were then cheap and plentiful. Each month, many readers would start reading from the back to chase the bargains.

As well as the magazine’s main focus on race and rally events, Boddy produced regular road tests. In those days mainstream magazines were blandly uncritical of the cars they tested, not wanting to upset their advertisers. Boddy described the shortcomings of the less inspired production cars of the day in trenchant terms, which

Along with Jenks, Bill Boddy, Motor Sport’s editor for 55 years, was a pillar of the magazine and was still writing for it at the age of 98

delighted his readers and shocked the manufacturers, one of them banning him from testing any more of its cars. Boddy immediately told his readers all about the ban, which was soon withdrawn.

In some respects, though, he was cheerfully biased. For example, he championed the VW Beetle and its aircooled rear engine, devoting many column inches to why he thought it was better than all British small cars; he castigated slow drivers, inventing the word ‘mimsers’ to describe them; and he loved taking on the establishment, devising campaigns against the 70mph limit in the 1960s and compulsory seat belts in the 1980s.

Wesley Tee was a hard-headed businessman and Boddy always complained that he was underpaid. He resigned several times but Tee always knew he would relent because he was so devoted to the magazine. Jenks was also devoted and his race reports became essential reading, not only for enthusiasts but also everyone in the professional racing world, from drivers and team managers to sponsors and suppliers. He ferreted out gossip, delved into technical detail, waxed lyrical about fine performances and was ruthlessly critical of drivers he thought could have done better.

Most of the drivers liked him, a few feared him and they all respected him. Famously, Stirling Moss took him as his navigator on his magnificent win for Mercedes in the 1955 Mille Miglia, and Jenks’ 8,000-word article on that exploit has become an oft-reprinted classic. His reports could be extremely long – as could Boddy’s descriptions of finding forgotten vintage cars mouldering on Welsh hillsides – but there was no production editor to cut their copy and later, when one was hired, he didn’t dare.

This meant the magazine became visually indigestible. All photographs were banished to a four-page section in the middle, while the reports would consist of solid slabs of copy in small print which, to squeeze everything in, would get even smaller towards the bottom of the page. Sometimes there would be a continuation

Motor Sport was bought in 2009 by Club member Edward Atkin who has invested heavily in it; it is glossy, well-designed and full of fine writing and photography.

on another page, which might come before rather than after, so at the bottom of a story on page 36 it would say ‘Cont. on p. 24’. These eccentricities were not only accepted by the ever-growing readership but were also applauded as being characteristic of the magazine’s idiosyncratic appeal.

At its height, Motor Sport had a readership in six figures but in the 1980s other magazines were launched and diluted its appeal, while competition from the new breed of classic car titles harmed its advertising volumes. The road tests in the weeklies followed Boddy’s lead, becoming more critical and more meaningful, and a younger generation of race reporters, inspired by Jenks’ work, imitated it elsewhere.

In 1996 Tee died and the title went through two further owners before it was bought in 2009 by the present proprietor; businessman, entrepreneur and Club member Edward Atkin. He has invested heavily in it and today’s Motor Sport is glossy, well-designed, and full of fine writing and superb photography. Atkin is a life-long Motor Sport reader and, one might say, an idealistic publisher. “It doesn’t make a profit but I see it as my obligation to run it,” he explains. “I wanted to restore the fortunes of the magazine I had enjoyed for so long and see it get to its century. I am very much a hands-on publisher… I want to know the editorial content of each issue beforehand and I insist on seeing different front-cover treatments so I can approve the one that I think does the job best.”

So Motor Sport goes into its second century bigger and better and with a committed publisher. It’s impossible to hazard a guess at what motor racing will be like even 20 years from now – but if Edward Atkin has anything to do with it, Motor Sport will still be there covering it.

Motor Sport’s covers form a priceless record of motor racing, its history and its heroes

EDITOR’S RACE SEASON PREVIEW

Joe Dunn, Editor of Motor Sport, tells us what race action he’s most looking forward to this season.

Words by John Evans

RACE CARS, AND THE speeds at which they travel, may have changed beyond all recognition since Motor Sport magazine was founded 100 years ago but the fact remains that, today, motor racing in all its forms is still about a driver and their car competing against many others. For Joe Dunn, the magazine’s Editor, this simple truth is what excites him most about the sport his publication reports on each month and why he’s so looking forward to the season ahead.

“The racing I’m most excited about is the World Endurance Championship and its centrepiece, Le Mans. I think it’s the best grid in decades; arguably ever! Ferrari trying to repeat last year’s incredible win, Toyota trying to stop them. Throw in drivers such as Jenson Button, Mick Schumacher and

Robert Kubica and there will be plenty of stories to follow not to mention the new GT3 category. Last year’s Le Mans centenary was pretty good but this year could outdo it.”

It sounds as though Le Mans (15-16 June) will cap everything, except this is motor racing where drama, excitement and unpredictability are never more than a corner away – usually. Unfortunately, for Dunn, Formula 1, the other big championship on his radar, really needs to get a few good races under its belt early on. “We’re all hoping this season delivers more excitement than 2023. What Max Verstappen and Red Bull achieved was phenomenal but I hope the other teams step up to challenge them. For example, many of our readers are

This page from top: Dunn is hoping Formula E’s ‘boring’ season opener in Mexico isn’t a portent of things to come; will Ferrari make it two Le Mans wins in a row?

Opposite page from top: Bentley Drivers Club

© Matt Welch; Goodwood Revival, photography Jayson Fong

big fans of McLaren and really want to see them succeed.”

Of course, no talk of Formula 1 can be complete without mention of the British Grand Prix (5-7 July), another highlight on Dunn’s calendar. “For our readers it goes to the heart of what we love about motor racing. The changes and improvements that Stuart Pringle [Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits] has led are amazing. And let’s not forget the Silverstone Festival (23-25 August); a wonderful weekend of on-track motorsport action and off-track entertainment.”

With the shift to roadgoing electric vehicles likely to gather pace this year, Dunn will be closely watching the progress of Formula E, the electric race car series that acquired World Championship status in 2020. “It’s going to be a crucial season for Formula E. Electric racing is a great idea and we all want to see motor racing move with the times but the opening race in Mexico was, in the words of the current champion,

Dunn will be watching the progress of the electric race car series Formula E and F1 Academy, created for women drivers, which had its debut season last year.

‘boring’. I’ll be hoping for better things as the season develops.”

Another series Dunn will be watching closely is F1 Academy, created exclusively for women drivers, with its debut season being last year. “I’m hoping for great things from the F1 Academy under the leadership of Susie Wolff, who has done so much to increase the representation of women in the sport. The seven-race season will be supported by F1 races and each F1 team will support a particular Academy driver. It’s a neat idea. Let’s hope it works.”

Having reported on it for 100 years, it’s only natural that historic racing is close to Motor Sport’s heart; Dunn’s, too. He’s a keen follower, with the Bentley Drivers Club annual race day meeting at Silverstone on 10 August topping his list of historic race action in 2024. He’s also looking forward to the Goodwood Festival of Speed (11-14 July) and Goodwood Revival (6-8 September). “These are always great occasions; the attention to detail is incredible.”

Although not a race meeting, one keenly anticipated highlight for Dunn in 2024 is the gala evening in central London on 2 July, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport magazine. “There’ll be lots of historic cars while guests will include the great and the good and the very fast of motor racing. In the run-up, our readers will have voted for their best racing car of each decade; on the night we’ll reveal these and, from them, the racing car of the century. I’m under no illusion a lot of people will disagree but our readers are so knowledgeable that I trust them more than anyone to get it right!”

On your bikes

Motorcycling has long been part of Club life and today, thanks to its keen supporters and a programme of regular rides and events, it’s as popular as ever.

Words by John Evans

IT MAY SAY ‘Automobile’ above the clubhouse doors but motorcycling has been a feature of the Club almost since its founding when, doubtless, many of its earliest members were keen riders as well as drivers.

The association with two wheels became official when, in 1903, the Club formed the Auto-Cycle Club, to develop motorcycling and arrange touring facilities for members. In 1904 the ACC was a founding member of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, which is, today, the world governing body of motorcycle racing. The following year, the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland (as the Royal Automobile Club was then known) held the inaugural Tourist Trophy race on the Isle of Man. At first it was for cars but in 1907 the

ACC organised the first motorcycle TT.

Also in 1907 the ACGBI became the Royal Automobile Club and, in an amicable arrangement, the Auto-Cycle Club broke away to become the Auto-Cycle Union. Today, the ACU is the governing body for motorcycle sport in Great Britain and plays a major role in furthering the interests of motorcycle sport around the world.

Despite the ACU’s departure, enthusiasm at the Club for motorcycling flourished. In 1978 it inaugurated the Torrens Trophy, named in memory of Arthur Bourne, the motorcycling journalist and Club Vice Chairman who wrote under the penname Torrens. Intended to recognise an ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Cause or Technical Excellence of Safe and Skilful Motorcycling in the UK’ it has become one of the top awards in the motorcycling world.

Earlier this year, in a ceremony attended by guests from across the sport and the industry, the trophy was presented to motorcycle manufacturer Triumph for its work as sole engine supplier to the Moto2 World Championship. At the awards ceremony Barrie Baxter, Chairman of the Torrens Committee, explained: “Torrens is not just about racing but also recognises engineering excellence, a quality Triumph has demonstrated in spades. To operate as the company does at the highest level in a sustained way is tough but Triumph has done so.” Accepting the trophy on behalf of Triumph, CEO Nick Bloor welcomed the recognition with the words “the Torrens Trophy means the world to us”.

It’s against this backdrop that motorcycling continues to thrive at the Club. Raise the subject with fellow members at social events and you’ll soon discover it’s a passion shared by many. “Interest in motorcycling across the country increased during the Covid lockdown,” says Neil Fletcher, the member of the Club’s Motoring Committee who represents motorcycling and who is also Head of Motorcycles at Honda UK. “For some people it was a desire to avoid public transport, while others found themselves with more leisure time and thought they’d either give it a go or

Left: Club members leave Woodcote Park for a ‘DozenRun’ ride

Below: C. R. Collier, winner of the race, likely to be the 1907 TT (Tourist Trophy) © Manx National Heritage / Bridgeman Images

rekindle their former interest. It means that today, there’s an active and growing group of motorcycle enthusiasts in the Club.”

Neil isn’t the first member to sit on the Motoring Committee with a particular interest in ensuring motorcycling is on the agenda. He is quick to acknowledge the contributions of his predecessors including, most recently, David Manchester and Jeremy Dodd and, of course, the Committee’s Chairman and now Chairman-Elect of the Club, Duncan Wiltshire. “Thanks to their efforts and the continuing significance of the Torrens Trophy, which has huge kudos, motorcycling is becoming more visible again at the Club,” Neil confirms.

As someone who works in the industry, Neil is keen to spread the word of the Club’s long-established interest in motorcycling. “I always strive to raise the Club’s profile among my colleagues in the industry, which is why for this year’s Torrens Trophy night I invited many of them from manufacturers including BMW, Ducati and, of course, Triumph. Many of them hadn’t attended before and found it a real eye-opener!”

Within the Club, the Motoring Team, with the support of Neil and other members, is building on the work of Neil’s

“The Torrens Trophy has huge kudos and significance, and motorcycling is becoming more visible again at the Club.”

predecessors by organising a schedule of motorcycling activities which includes tours, events and days out. The bar was set high in 2023 with more than a dozen dates on the calendar, with highlights including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Ariel Motor Company, a tour of the Yorkshire Dales and a BMW off-road experience day. This year already boasts activities including a tour of Ireland, a visit to the Triumph factory and, in true motorcycle style, a barbecue (Harleys welcome, of course).

Club members, as always, have eclectic tastes, owning most brands of bike ranging from classic to modern and from sports to custom. Some are primarily motorcyclists while, for others, bikes come as an extra to their cars – and all are welcome. “You won’t be surprised to learn that the Club’s motorcyclists are friendly and welcoming,” says Neil. “There’s no pressure to conform to some stereotype. One of the Club’s oldest members occasionally turns up on his stepthrough motor-scooter!”

Above: Triumph CEO Nick Bloor receives the 2023 Torrens Trophy from Club Chairman Ben Cussons

A vital cog in the Club’s motorcycling engine is the ‘DozenRun’. It’s the brainchild of Club member Jeremy Dodd, a committed motorcycle enthusiast whose daily ride is a Motor Guzzi Norge 1200. The Run started when, during lockdown, Jeremy organised some informal evening Zoom calls with fellow members on motorcycling topics. From that sprang the idea of ride-outs for six people, at the time the maximum permitted number. Once restrictions were lifted, numbers were doubled.

“Motorcyclists like to get out, turn a wheel, have a coffee and talk bikes,” explains Jeremy, who leads the run. “The DozenRun

has become a very popular fixture in the Club’s motorcycling calendar; best of all, it’s free to participate in and simple to organise.” Runs take place on Fridays, in the form of a meet-up at Woodcote Park for a coffee before the group sets off. “Jeremy decides where we’re going and follows some amazing roads to a lunch stop you’d never find yourself,” says Neil. “I don’t know how he does it! We wend our way through the North or South Downs on the most obscure routes, mixing with different people and riding at sensible speeds. After all, it’s a tour, not a race.”

The group currently boasts 90 members, a number that’s increasing all the time. It’s best to put your name down early, although such is the nature of motorcyclists that regulars are happy to give up their place to someone else. “We’ve all become good friends,” concludes Jeremy.

Frankly, we can think of no better reason to get out on your motorbike and join them!

If you are interested in taking part in motorcycling events at the Club, please subscribe to the Motoring Bulletin (via the ‘My Account’ area of the Club website) or contact the Motoring Team by emailing motoring@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

Above: The Motoring Team organises a schedule of motorcycling activities which includes tours, events and days out

Below: Members gather at Woodcote Park ready for their next DozenRun

Your view of the world

The Club’s photography competition is now open to entries, with a prize of a Leica camera and equipment worth £10,000 on offer for the winner.

Leica’s Robin Sinha shares his expert advice on how to make your images stand out from the crowd.

Words by Nick Smith

“PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALL about trying to reflect your view of the world”, says Robin Sinha, who is a tutor for the educational, inspiring Leica Akademie workshops, open to all keen photographers (Leica owner or not). “It’s about expressing your own personality and not copying other photographers.” His philosophy is simple: to create the sort of image that makes viewers stop in their tracks, the kind that wins competitions, photographers must produce work that asks questions and goes beyond making pretty pictures. “Ultimately we want to put our own stamp on what we do.”

Sinha has made his name as an outstanding professional photographer by doing just that. Whether he’s shooting formal portraits or candid street photography, architectural interiors or behind the scenes on a movie set, his artist’s eye is laser-focused on the

Samburu guides in traditional warrior dress, including the distinctive red kikoi as well as beaded necklaces, bracelets and headdresses, Nick Smith

important details that make or break an image. He’s looking for interesting light, a different angle, a shadow or silhouette: anything that can transmit to the viewer his unique perspective on the world.

His documentary skills came to national attention during the pandemic when he shot a lockdown project called All Dressed Up. “At the time everyone seemed to be wearing just their pyjamas or tracksuits”, says Sinha, who had the idea of portraying his neighbours in London’s East End “on their doorsteps and in their Sunday best. It was bizarre because they were all dressed up – hence the title –but couldn’t go anywhere”. It was this level of creative thinking that has propelled his work onto BBC News and has resulted in a relationship with Leica spanning more than a decade.

Having started his career in marketing, Sinha soon realised that he was experiencing an “early-life crisis. It wasn’t for me. Photography had always been a passion”. He quit his job and went to the London College of Communication where he took a photography degree while working at weekends in the Leica store in Mayfair. Before long the part-time sales assistant was developing a career as a freelance

photographer, as well as becoming head trainer at the prestigious Leica Akademie where he helps to nurture the technical and creative skills of photographers of all levels.

Whether you’re an enthusiastic novice at the start of your photographic journey or a seasoned professional contributing pictorials to National Geographic or Vogue, Sinha believes we can all improve our photography. He also thinks that entering the Club’s Leica Photography Competition is a good way to sharpen the creative instincts.

This page, from top: Lighting Up by the River Lea, London, 2023, Robin Sinha; Hot Air Balloon Over Luxor, previous Club photography competition finalist Andre Hedger

“You’ve got to work really hard to tell a prize-winning story in a single image. And to do that, the subject has to grab the viewer’s attention. Better photographs sustain the attention”.

One of the best ways to make your image eye-catching is to keep it simple. “A good photograph doesn’t need to be complicated, and sometimes the most satisfying photographs are incredibly simple, even minimalist in overall composition and feeling. It doesn’t have to be too descriptive either. I think that where people can fall short is when they try to show ‘everything’ in the frame, which can make a shot difficult to read visually”. On the other hand, complex and meticulously composed images can work on ‘several levels’. Following foreground, midground and background conventions can be successful too: “It happens in my street photography. That’s when an image really starts to sing”.

Whether minimalist or richly textured, there’s no need to take life too literally, advises Sinha, who can be inspired by a more abstract approach that “plays creatively with a bold sense of colour and shape, form and structure. Stepping back and concentrating just on one or two elements may be the better approach. The result will become more compelling”.

Sinha reflects on how, at the Akademie, he teaches a module on standard techniques of ‘correct’ photography. These include concepts such as the basics of light, exposure and composition, as well as other technical aspects of the craft: apertures and depth-offield, shutter speed settings, ISO and even rear-curtain flash. “You need to be aware of them and you need to know why they exist. But I almost want you to learn them and then forget about them, so that you can really set your creativity to work on an interesting image.”

Explore these frameworks, says Sinha. But if you aim to make your work stand out in competitions or in the media, you have to take your photography to an extra level. And to do that, there’s one golden rule you must follow: “Put your own personal mark on your work”.

HOW TO ENTER THE COMPETITION

The Leica Photography Competition is open to all Club members including Junior Members. Only photographs taken by members may be entered.

The winner will receive a Leica camera and equipment worth £10,000.

The competition is not restricted to a particular genre of photography and is open to photographs of any subject matter. The key point to remember is that the judges will be looking for a photograph which makes people stop and take time to study it.

There is no entry fee for this Club competition and each member may submit up to four photographs – either digitally or as prints.

The competition closes for entries on Monday 2 September 2024, with the winner being announced in November.

For more information and to enter, please visit the Photography Group area of the Club website or go direct to www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk/leica

The wonderfullynamed ornate day gecko shot on the Île aux Aigrettes, Nick Smith

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: FOR BETTER OR WORSE?

Ahead of her talk at the Club in June, we asked Dame Wendy Hall about her distinguished career, the impact of AI, and how worried we should be about long- and short-term dangers.

Words by Chris Stokel-Walker

DAME WENDY HALL is a busy woman. One of the world’s leading computer scientists, she has recently been appointed to the United Nations’ advisory body on artificial intelligence (AI) – to whom she’s speaking mere minutes after wrapping up with Pell-Mell & Woodcote

Hall – who prefers to go by just ‘Wendy’, although she was awarded a damehood in 2009 – first started working on AI four decades ago. “I was a pure mathematician originally, then started doing computer science”. The PhD holder wrote a thesis on intelligent tutoring systems for the Masters course in her new subject, showing the concept of how it could work on a BBC microcomputer which was state-ofthe-art at the time. Although the phrase ‘artificial intelligence’ was coined at a 1956 meeting of minds at Dartmouth University, and is an idea that has captured human imagination since the start of computing

history, pioneers in AI always came up against questions “both philosophical and technological, because we didn’t have the computer power, and we didn’t have the data to train the systems on,” Hall explains.

So, rather than focusing on generalised AI tools that draw from all humanity’s knowledge (the type we see today), early researchers narrowed in on so-called “expert systems”, or what might be called today “good old-fashioned AI,” says Hall. Such research captured public attention, and government funding, in successive waves of hype and collapse; even though the cash dried up during the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the researchers kept going. “Then you get the breakthrough,” says Hall.

The release of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s generative AI chatbot (meaning it generates content – either text, images or other forms – in response to a prompt from a user) was released in November 2022, and caught fire. It was based on technology first floated in an academic paper five years earlier, but the easily accessible method of interacting with AI captured the public’s attention.

“The ChatGPT moment two years ago has inspired, excited and scared people in a way we haven’t seen before,” Hall confirms, and she is more firmly in the former camp: “I tend to always think about the positives – or I try very hard to.”

While doom-laden headlines from the International Monetary Fund warn that up to 40 per cent of jobs worldwide will be affected by AI, and Goldman Sachs says 300 million people could be impacted, Hall believes that – harnessed correctly – AI can be a net positive.“Obviously AI can be used to harm and there is a hypothetical existential threat, way out, that we do need to make sure we’re not going to get close to. But I think overall there’ll be more jobs created with AI than are lost.”

Hall draws a comparison between those fearing their jobs will be displaced by AI and the miners who went on strike to protect the closure of their mines in the 1980s. “They fought so that their kids could go down the mine. Why would you do that if there was an alternative?” Many of the boring and mundane jobs that people toil at without much satisfaction will be replaced by AI, while for the rest of us our work will be augmented – in the same way that Hall’s father, an accountant, saw the way he worked outmoded.

In the meantime, AI will help unlock new efficiencies in healthcare, education, and how we manage our energy resources, Hall believes. But to make that happen, we need to ensure we’re focusing on how best to harness it, rather than getting hung up on worries that AI could enslave us all. “I think we focus too much on the dark side,” says Hall, who believes that, around March 2023, the government pivoted too far towards listening to what Hall calls the “tech bros”: the Silicon Valley CEOs running the AI companies that dominate our attention. “We want to focus on the good side; get everyone learning about AI, and the schools and universities offering classes where people can go to learn about what it is and how they can use it.”

Ensuring that ‘tech bros’ don’t dictate the future of AI is partly why Hall is an integral part of the UN’s AI advisory body. She was involved in the early days of the internet and world wide web, “and we didn’t get that right,” Hall stresses. “The way we govern and regulate the internet, we haven’t been terribly good at. We didn’t see the bad stuff

From top left: Dame Wendy Hall; will our future include roads populated entirely by autonomous cars?

“I think we focus too much on the dark side of AI. We want to get everyone learning about it and how they can use it.”

coming. And we’re retrospectively trying to fix things.” She feels the UN’s supranational standing allows it to represent all countries worldwide in developing rules for the responsible rollout of AI.

Another area that AI is likely to affect is autonomous vehicles – a topic which Hall will explore in her talk to Club members in June. “I think with AI and the other new technologies coming along, in the long term we’ll see the end of ownership of cars,” she states. “People can’t believe this, but I really do think it.”

The current generation of car owners will likely be the last ones to worry about owning a car, Hall reckons. “They’re going to

become too expensive. The other key thing about AI is that cars will talk to each other, and they’ll become a network of service vehicles, effectively.” She envisages a future where we will travel using a local system of driverless pods: for longer journeys these will take you to a central hub where some other form of transport will take you where you want to go ; another automated vehicle perhaps, or a train or plane. “I think we’re in for quite a revolution in transport.”

However, those concerned about putting down the keys need not worry too much. “Just like people still go and drive steam trains, there will be tracks where you can race the car to your heart’s content,” Hall concludes with a smile.

For more information about Dame Wendy Hall’s talk at the Club in June, please turn to the Events section of this magazine.

Blooming at Woodcote

We speak to Head Gardener Sam Cumber about the significant work of his team at this time of year and what members will be able to admire at Woodcote Park as spring blossoms into summer.

Words by Annabel Harrison Photography by Sam Barker

THOSE OF YOU who enjoy using Woodcote Park probably admire the grounds as you move through and around the estate. These are in the capable hands of Head Gardener Sam Cumber and his team and, by the time you read this, Woodcote Park will be approaching the glorious full

bloom of spring and early summer.

“Every week, there’ll be something new for members to enjoy,” confirms Sam.

“Earlier this year we planted an azalea walk through the woodlands so look out for those blooming in May, in vibrant, pink, yellow, orange, red and white and all with a

lovely scent. Some of the flowering trees in the arboretum start showing their colours in spring and there’s a new bed in the golf car park that we planted in February and which will be full of colour by June.” Members can also appreciate the wildflowers in the Walled Garden, and the lavender and gorgeous delphiniums growing throughout the grounds.

Sam arrived at the Club last August, having been Head Gardener at the Roehampton Club for two years. His career began after college with a three-year apprenticeship in London’s magnificent Royal Parks followed by a decade as Head Gardener at Mortlake Crematorium. “When I started, it was overgrown and rough around the edges; not at all fit for purpose.” By the time he left it was winning awards and he is now working his magic at Woodcote Park, along with his experienced team.

If you see them around the grounds at the moment, they’re likely to be focusing on mowing, weeding and maintenance. “The subtler stuff,” says Sam. “It’s very rare that we do a lot of project work in the summer. Our workload actually doesn’t decrease or increase by season: there’s enough to keep us busy year-round!”

When he first visited Woodcote Park last spring, Sam was immediately impressed by the well-maintained landscape, including the “beautiful golf courses” and woodland areas which were reinvigorated a few years ago. “There are some fantastic trees, especially the cedars, and it’s great to see them given the space they need. I saw so much potential to bring my own touch to the gardens and borders; I love colour and planting that makes a real impact while complementing what’s native to an area. And my team and I have certainly got stuck in!”

High on Sam’s agenda has been the continued development of the arboretum. The first two phases are already established – to the right of the entrance road and by the lake, populated by a combination of deciduous, evergreen and native specimens. “The sloping area next to the Woodland Car Park was in need of development so that was an opportunity to extend the

“I love colour and planting that makes a real impact while complementing what’s native to an area. And my team and I have certainly got stuck in!”

arboretum,” Sam explains. “I’m hoping that, with the support of members, we will have been able to plant 25 new trees there by next spring. I’ve chosen high-impact, ornamental trees and most of them will flower, from about February all the way through to August and September.”

Members are able to sponsor a tree for the arboretum to mark a special event, remember a loved one or simply contribute a tree that will be appreciated by generations to come, whether it’s a glorious magenta Judas tree, a Crimson Hawthorn, a Snakebark Maple or ‘Heaven Scent’ Magnolia. “Although 30 to 40% of the trees are native, the overall impression will be exotic and exciting,” says Sam, “and we’ll grass underneath so members can enjoy seeing the trees up close. Flowering trees produce lots of fruit which provides a muchneeded energy source for birds, deer and rabbits throughout the winter period when other food sources are scarce.”

Arboretum planting is now complete for this spring but another batch of trees will be planted in early 2025, so please do get in touch if you’d like to play your own part in reinvigorating this area of the grounds.

What else can we look forward to admiring? “We’re doubling our beehive numbers; we’re then hoping to feature the honey across our menus and sell it in the shop.” Biodiversity is increasingly a key priority; more wildflower meadows and the expansion of the herb garden. “We’re also investigating the possibility of growing more vegetables and some soft fruit. Watch this space!”

The charge to sponsor a tree in the arboretum is £1,300 (inclusive of VAT), irrespective of the species. Please email communications@ royalautomobileclub.co.uk if you would like more information.

SAM’S TOP TIPS FOR SUMMER GARDEN PREPARATION

1. Lawn maintenance

It’s a good time of year, with the rain of the season, to do an overseed, or ‘weed and feed’, a granulated mix you put down to kill off weeds and nourish the lawn.

2. Water butts

Make sure the water inside hasn’t gone stagnant over the winter and they’re functioning well ready for use in the summer.

3. Mowing

When you do start, don’t go really low too quickly. The first few mows, leave it higher and bring it down gradually over a fortnight or so.

4. Vegetable gardens

You have already done the prep work and April is a good time to start thinking about bringing them out. We may get a late frost up to May so make sure they’re covered.

20 QUESTIONS WITH RHYS BEECHER ON THE BALL:

The Club’s Director of Golf discusses recent changes at Woodcote Park, his personal highlights, how best to encourage young players and his favourite things about the sport.

Words by Matt Cooper

Photography by Sam Barker

RHYS BEECHER IS the well-travelled and experienced Director of Golf at Woodcote Park. He has worked at the 2010 Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor, in the United Arab Emirates and also in Qatar, but he is at his happiest when peering across the Old Course towards the clubhouse from the 18th tee. We sat down with him to get to know more about his love of golf and Woodcote Park in particular, finding the Welshman a relaxed interviewee who relishes his role at the Club (and bows to no-one in his adoration of a gilet!)

Matt Cooper: Who is the greatest golfer of all time – Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus?

Rhys Beecher: It has to be Woods. Nicklaus has won more majors but the fields were deeper and stronger when Woods played and his impact has to be a factor. So much of the game has evolved as a direct result of him.

Which is your favourite major golf championship?

The Open. It’s our home-grown major and the diversity of the courses is second to no other major.

Will Rory McIlroy finally win a fifth major championship?

Yes, because he’s too good not to and it might come in the Open at Royal Troon this year. One reason he hasn’t added to his total since 2014 is that more golfers than ever in every major field are contenders to win.

What is your favourite time of the year to play golf?

Having spent a lot of time in the Middle East I struggle with the cold so I prefer the firmer, faster conditions of spring and summer. I also enjoy how the seasons alter both the challenge of the course and the colours of the wonderful woodland backdrop at Woodcote Park.

Who would make up your dream fourball?

I suspect Tiger Woods would feature in many

“The forward tees trial will help golfers to play the game for longer, and allow grandparents to play with grandchildren.”

dream fourballs and mine is no different! I’d add Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill, All Black rugby great Richie McCaw and the Old Course architect Herbert Fowler. I’d caddie for Fowler and would love to ask for his thoughts on how the course has matured and his suggestions for the future.

Are there any recent developments at the Club which members might not have noticed but are having a positive impact for players?

The irrigation project on the Coronation Course, coupled with the reservoir and ring main, is coming into its own. The improved infrastructure allows the team to care for the course in a more sustainable manner. Our investment in a resilient fescue-rye grass mix will also become apparent on the Old Course this year, specifically the fourth and seventh holes.

What are you looking forward to most about the development plans for the Woodcote Park courses?

I’m very excited by the forward tees trial on the Coronation Course which will bridge the generational gap, allowing grandparents to play with grandchildren and helping golfers to play the game for longer.

From left: Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup 2023; Tiger Woods tees off in the BMW Championship in 2013

Is there one shot, or approach shot, that you recommend golfers try to improve on to lower their scores?

The short game! Statistics vary, but around 75% of golf is played within 100 yards of the hole. Our PGA professionals are on hand to provide lessons, the short game area is great for practice and the Herbert Fowler Studio here at Woodcote Park can provide statistical insight.

What’s your order at the Halfway Houses?

A sausage sandwich. Need I say more?!

What is your favourite club to play on the course and why?

My Hybrid. I’ve always been strong off the tee but if I’m in need of a confidence boost this is the club I trust. They’re certainly worth trying and our coaches can help find the right one for you.

What golf clothing can’t you be without?

My gilets. The best clothing creation to date for me! If you keep your core warm the rest of your body will follow suit.

What are your golfing pet hates?

Slow pace of play, unrepaired pitch marks, discarded broken tees and cold hands!

What is the most unusual feature of the golfing experience at Woodcote Park?

The Captain’s Drive. Motorists, cyclists and wedding parties adore it, Derby Day would be very different without it, and we golfers love it too. It really is unique to us.

Above: The Halfway House on the Old Course at Woodcote Park

Below: Rhys Beecher’s Hybrid golf club

What is your highlight of golf at the Club?

For me, it would have to be the unsung heroes who work around the clock, day in and day out, to ensure our golfers have the best experience; from those who help members book a tee time and welcome them at reception to everyone who helps with the courses, be they greenkeepers, marshals, starters or mechanics.

Then there are the Halfway Houses, 19th Hole and Spike Bars, where members can stop to refuel and socialise, the Club Shop, all the PGA professionals and coaching staff. Golf at Woodcote Park is truly a big team effort and everyone plays their part.

What’s the state of play for Junior Members who are enjoying golf at the Club?

Very encouraging. We’re very excited about the Junior Golf Academy which launched last year and saw 69 youngsters graduate in November. We also have a new programme of Junior Roll Ups and Competitions on the Coronation Course on Sundays throughout the year.

What are you most excited about for the future of golf at the Club?

Once all the Coronation Course development work has been completed it will be a more enjoyable, accessible and challenging course for golfers of all abilities.

Above: The view down the 18th hole of the Old Course Right: The 13th hole on the Old Course

“Golf at Woodcote Park is truly a big team effort and everyone plays their part.”

What is your favourite par-3 hole at Woodcote Park?

The 13th on the Old Course which has a wonderful, elevated tee and is beautifully framed by woodland. I’m also excited about the fourth on the Coronation Course which will have fantastic views of the downs.

What is the toughest par-3 hole at the Club?

Definitely the third on the Old Course. It’s long, it demands accuracy and it is a stern test for even the best golfer.

What is your favourite view of the course at Woodcote Park?

It has to be from the 18th tee on the Old Course with the sweep of the fairway down to the clubhouse. It’s a magnificent and iconic view, one that looks different throughout the year whether frozen in winter or in full bloom in summer.

Can you highlight why golf at Woodcote Park is so special?

There are too many reasons to mention but they include the fabulous team I work with, the support and enthusiasm of the members, and their generosity to the Captains’ Charity every year.

Summer delights

The great British summer is when our berries come into their glorious own. Ahead of Derby Day, when 200kg of the fruit is delivered to Woodcote Park, we find out how the Club’s Executive Chef Matthew Marshall sources and uses this delightful ingredient.

Words by Jenny Linford Photography by Sam Barker and Rob Cadman

SUMMER BRINGS WITH it certain seasonal treats, including beautiful British-grown berries. For Matthew Marshall, their arrival is very welcome. “When berries are in season, we use them to make everything from fancy mille-feuilles to Eton Mess and strawberry tarts. When you have a great product, you don’t need to do much to it.”

There is a particular time in the Club’s events calendar, however, when English berries really get to shine. “The Derby Festival is huge,” explains Matthew. “For Ladies’ Day and Derby Day, with the desserts at the end, we serve around 200 kilograms of berries. They have to be English strawberries and English raspberries, and they have to be the best. To get them right we work very closely with our supplier. There’s a real emphasis on quality. They must be local, picked on the morning, perfectly ripe, with no white shoulders on the strawberries.”

With this goal in sight, the weeks running up to the Derby see Solstice, the Club’s supplier, visiting Matthew twice a week with punnets of berries for him to taste so he can choose which will hit his exacting standards with regards to appearance, flavour and texture.

Solstice is a premium fresh produce supplier founded by Michelin-star chef Philip Britten in 1997, specifically to fill a gap in the supply chain at the time; it is now part of the Reynolds Group. “Our customer base is fivestar hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and other high-end establishments,” explains Arty Welch, Managing Director of Solstice. “For our type of customer, it’s all about the quality of the produce and the service we offer. Seasonality is very important to us. Through the year our range includes items like wild garlic, English asparagus, summer truffles and broad beans; we’ve even had our forager get rosehips for a special menu that Matthew created.”

Arty has worked in fresh produce his entire career and understands the logistical challenges well. “It’s like working with a burning stick of dynamite! As soon as it’s picked, it starts to deteriorate, so it needs to be moved swiftly, safely, at the right temperature. It’s vital it’s handled properly; it always needs TLC. If you can move fresh produce through a supply chain, you can move anything.” And Arty relishes his work. “For me fresh produce is a continual education. I will learn something this week that I didn’t know before – new varieties, new products, new countries of origin.”

Solstice’s customer service is evident in the work it does behind the scenes to supply the Club with berries for the Derby Festival. “We take different berry varieties to Matthew; this strawberry is sweeter, this one has those bubblegum notes, like a Malling Centenary. Yes, it’s a demanding selection process, but we understand how important it is to the Club.” Freshness is vital to the quality of the berries. “They are picked on the farm in the morning and packed, then we deliver them straight

‘When berries are in season, we use them to make everything from mille-feuilles to Eton Mess and strawberry tarts.”

to Woodcote Park, so the team there are receiving berries which have been picked just three or four hours earlier.”

The Club’s berries are grown at the five farms owned by Hall Hunter Partnership, a family business founded in 1966. Neil Donaldson, the company’s Commercial Director, explains that the process of growing berries starts with selecting the right varieties to ensure quality. “As growers, we consider various attributes: yield, resistance to pests and disease, fruit size and, of course, flavour. The fruit varieties we like growing deliver on all these factors.” It is a labour-intensive business, with the harvest needing to be picked by hand from tabletop plants.

In addition to maintaining the quality of the fruit, sustainability is important. At Hall Hunter Partnership’s Tuesley Farm in Surrey, where the berries for the Derby buffets are grown, investment in the environment there over the years has included the planting of hundreds of trees, the creation of new hedgerows and meadows and the provision of bat boxes, bird nesting boxes, hedgehog houses and bug hotels. One of the company’s aims is to encourage pollinators which, of course, helps crop productivity.

Over recent decades the berry growing season has extended considerably, partly due to the use of polytunnels and also due to the use of heating. “We heat a large proportion of our crop these days, using sustainable water source heat pumps; basically, it’s central heating for plants!”

Despite the extension of the growing season, Neil is clear that early June is

the peak time for English strawberries. “We generally plant fresh plants each year and they have their first flush at the end of May and beginning of June. Basically, the Epsom Derby was made for the English strawberry season!”

As members will well know, the Derby Festival lunches at Woodcote Park are spectacular affairs. Buffet tables running the entire length of the marquee are laden with a splendid display of food. The strawberries and raspberries have to hold their own against eye-catching desserts, such as croquembouche, hence Matthew’s obsessive emphasis on their quality. For him, there’s a beauty to berries. “It might seem such a simple thing but we work very hard down the whole chain to get it right.”

DO TRY THIS AT HOME

The Club’s Senior Pastry Sous Chef Marijke Batelaan (below) has created three berrybased recipes for members to try at home.

CREAM TART

Serves 4-6

For the pastry

100g butter

200g flour

40g icing sugar

40g egg (slightly less than whole egg – aim for a small egg)

For the pastry cream

500g whole milk

1 vanilla pod

125g caster sugar

80g egg yolk

30g egg white

50g flour

For the raspberry gel

500g raspberry purée

60g caster sugar

5g agar agar (a natural vegan substitute for gelatine)

1. Make your pastry first. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, adding the egg a little at a time, followed by the flour. Leave the pastry to rest in the fridge for an hour. When ready, roll and line a tart ring. Bake at 180°C until golden brown.

2. To make the pastry cream, mix the eggs, flour and sugar to a paste. Boil milk with the vanilla pod, pour onto the egg mixture and whisk. Cook over a medium heat until it comes to a boil. Allow the cream to set in the fridge.

3. For the raspberry gel, mix all ingredients together. Boil for two minutes and allow to set in the fridge; it will take 30 minutes if it’s a very thin layer and up to three hours or overnight if in deep dish. Once set, blitz until nice and smooth.

4. To construct the tart, spread some of the raspberry gel on the bottom of the tart case. Loosen the pastry cream until smooth using a paddle attachment on a mixing machine (or a hand whisk). Pipe into a tart case and smooth using a palette knife. Place a mixture of fresh seasonal berries on the tart to finish.

STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU

Serves 4-6

For the tiramisu cream

30g icing sugar

155g mascarpone

40g maraschino liquor

240g double cream

For the strawberry compote

200g diced fresh strawberries

20g caster sugar

For the syrup

100ml water

100g caster sugar

200g maraschino

1 pack of lady fingers (assuming approx. 15 fingers – more if desired dish is larger)

To finish

50g freeze-dried strawberries, blitzed to powder

1. Put the icing sugar, mascarpone, maraschino liquor and double cream into a mixer and whisk until it reaches ‘soft peak’ texture, to make your tiramisu cream.

2. Warm the diced fresh strawberries and caster sugar on the hob then allow to cool, to make your strawberry compote.

3. To make the syrup, boil the water, caster sugar and maraschino then allow to cool. Submerge each lady finger in the syrup, remove it and put directly into the dish.

4. Alternate adding a layer of tiramisu cream, strawberry compote and more soaked lady fingers to your desired dish, ending with a layer of cream and freeze-dried strawberry powder on top.

RICOTTA TORTE WITH BLUEBERRY COMPOTE

Serves 4-6

For the ricotta torte

400g ricotta

125g UHT whipping cream

90g caster sugar

10g gelatine

Vanilla pod

For the hazelnut sponge

140g ground hazelnut

175g whole egg

100g caster sugar

45g flour

75g butter

For the blueberry compote

500g puréed blueberries

200g fresh blueberries

130g caster sugar

1. Cream the ricotta and sugar in one bowl, and whisk the UHT cream to soft peaks in another. Take part of the ricotta mix and warm through. Add the gelatine to this mix until melted. Then add the warm ricotta mix to the cold ricotta. Fold in the semi whipped UHT.

2. To make the hazelnut sponge, first melt the butter. Whisk the whole egg with the sugar until doubled in volume. Fold in the dry ingredients followed by the melted butter. Spread mixture onto a tray and bake at 170°C until golden brown.

3. For the compote, blitz and sieve your blueberries then bring all ingredients to the boil and allow to cool.

4. To build the torte, take a tart ring and cut out two pieces from the sponge. Place one piece of sponge in the ring, layer the ricotta cream on top and place the second piece of sponge on top. Allow to set in the fridge overnight. Drizzle the blueberry compote over the top or on the side.

Learning from an Olympian

This summer, sporting fever will set in as the quadrennial event takes place in Paris. We speak to Woodcote Park personal trainer Barnabe Jolicoeur about his experience representing Mauritius at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Words by Zain Hirani

Photography by Sam Barker

THE OLYMPICS IS, for many sports enthusiasts, like Christmas. A festival of physicality where the greatest sporting talents on the planet captivate us with feats of superhuman strength, speed, skill and endurance. During this quadrennial event, viewers around the globe are fixated on sports we rarely watch (are there many who follow fencing, beach volleyball or Modern Pentathlon between Olympic cycles?) and we root for the underdog.

Since 2007 the Club has been lucky to have former professional athlete Barnabe Jolicoeur working at Woodcote Park as a personal trainer. He competed in the most iconic Olympic event at the 1996 Games in Atlanta: the men’s 100m sprint. The final of that event is significant for the fact that Donovan Bailey set a new world record and, for us Brits, it is associated with the great Linford Christie’s disqualification. Barnabe, competing for his home country of Mauritius, ran a staggering 10.57 seconds in the heats and it was an honour to talk to him about his journey as an athlete and how it has influenced his approach to personal training.

The 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul were the inspiration behind Barnabe’s Olympic ambition. Reading stories in the newspapers about the heroics of athletes like Carl Lewis was the touch paper which lit the fuse. However, his journey as an athlete started even earlier, in the mid-1980s, when, at secondary school, his promise as a sprinter began to emerge and get him noticed.

In 1985 Barnabe was selected as a track official at the Indian Ocean Island Games, and that experience of being up close to the athletes inspired him to take his training to the next level. After dominating the local race circuit, his journey took him to the African National Championships in 1992 where he ran the 200m, finishing second and moving up to the national training programme. Later that same year he was sent to the US to train in Atlanta under the renowned coach Ron Davis for the upcoming Olympic Games there.

Barnabe competed in the most iconic event at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, the men’s 100m sprint, running 10.57 seconds in the heats.

“When you are running, it’s just you on the track, you against the other competitors,” explains Barnabe. Today we live in a world where technology has opened up a world of data to athletes which didn’t exist 30 years ago: “Technology will help you perfect your training,” accepts Barnabe, “but it won’t make you love the track. You have to love the track. You have to love the feeling of pushing yourself to the limit over and over again for marginal gains”. The difference between Barnabe’s 100m time and the world record set in that Atlanta final was 0.73 seconds. Data will help you understand the gap but you have to, as he says, love the track to chase it down.

Pursuit of the Olympic dream is selfish. “Most of the time, it’s all about me,” reflects Barnabe. “Mirroring the race, the transition, how I will extend my leg.” Now he takes pleasure in using his learnings from his days as an elite athlete and trainer in his role as a personal trainer. He takes time to understand a client’s goals and help them on their journey, no matter how big or small, or where they’re starting from. He still works with elite rugby players and footballers and takes as much joy in coaching them as he does “helping an 80-year-old get moving”.

When we’re watching the Olympics this summer, Barnabe has one piece of advice: “Look at the technique. Appreciate at the graciousness of the athletes. I love watching the pole vault, high jump and hurdles, and appreciating the effort that goes into perfecting that technique”.

To find out more about personal training at the Club, please contact the Sports Reception at Pall Mall or Cedars Sports at Woodcote Park. Information is also available on the Club website.

Part of the club

Use of similar facilities around the world is one of the benefits of being a member of the Club. Some recent visitors share their thoughts and recommendations for others considering a visit to a selection of our most popular reciprocal clubs.

Words by Annabel Harrison

STOCKHOLM AMSTERDAM

DUBAI

TOKYO BANGKOK

MUMBAI

HONG KONG

MELBOURNE

Information about all our reciprocal clubs is on our website, including how to obtain a letter of introduction to enable you to use them. Remember also that, just as we expect visitors to our clubhouses to uphold our standards of dress and behaviour, you should do the same at any reciprocal club you visit. Each club has its own individual arrangements so please make sure you find out about any requirements before you visit them.

“IN MY TEN years of Club membership,” states Julian Perlmutter, “I’ve only used reciprocal club access a handful of times but every time I have done, I enjoy it and wish I pushed myself to do it more often.” With 87 reciprocal clubs – many with more than one clubhouse – around the world now available for our own members to use, here’s an introduction to some of the most popular and newest to join the list.

ROYAL BOMBAY YACHT CLUB, MUMBAI

For Edward Lowe, one of the best things about this club is “the most incredible location on the waterfront in Colaba; you’re able to step away from the bustle outside into another era to enjoy a mutton curry or a masala omelette”. Fellow member Tom Taylor is also full of praise for the club’s charm: “The beautiful buildings and kind, attentive staff are what I enjoyed most, and being able to escape the busy streets of Mumbai whilst still being in a very central, accessible location.”

BRITISH CLUB, BANGKOK

“I visited the British Club with my family a number of times in July last year,” says Terry Mower, “and it was always a treat. It is an oasis hidden in one of the busiest areas of one of the busiest cities in the world. Not even my Thai in-laws knew it was there! As well as the fabulous outdoor swimming pool, it now has a pool for young children – a nice surprise for my five-year-old son.” Other sporting facilities include billiards, squash, snooker and tennis, and dining outlets include a British style pub/bar, poolside café and café for families.

TOKYO AMERICAN CLUB

“I found the location of the TAC very convenient”, says one of our members, explaining that its neighbourhood, Azabu, is the equivalent to London’s Kensington. “And I loved the rooftop pool.” This was echoed by others, who also enjoyed the bowling alley and American Bar. Staff are “as welcoming as ever”, enthused one repeat visitor and the club’s spacious studios are unique in Tokyo “where space is pure luxury”. The sports offering includes a gym and squash facilities.

HONG KONG CLUB

With views overlooking Victoria Harbour, this is one of the most popular reciprocal clubs for our members to visit. Although there is no accommodation available there are often special arrangements available with nearby hotels. Members who have visited the Hong Kong Club recommend the bowling alley and “superb dining”, praising it as an “amazing place” and noting that “staff call every visitor by their surname, even if you’re just a reciprocal member”. If you’re planning a visit, it is worth knowing that this club asks reciprocal members to pay a deposit upon arrival, from which food and beverage costs are deducted with any unused credit refunded after departure.

CAPITAL CLUB, DUBAI

This “excellent club has the best location within the DIFC [Dubai International Financial Centre],” says one member, with great service and a high-spec fitness centre. Dining is a significant part of the club’s offering, with options ranging from signature restaurant The Grill, with views of downtown Dubai, to the rooftop Burj Khalifa Terrace and a specialty tea and coffee house.

Djursholm Country Club is one of our newest reciprocal clubs, located by a beautiful lake a 20-minute drive from the Swedish city of Stockholm.

DJURSHOLM COUNTRY CLUB, SWEDEN

Members have wasted no time making the most of one of our newest reciprocal clubs, which is about a 20-minute drive out of Stockholm. Nick Jones’ highlight was the wood-burning sauna night. “The sauna floats on the lake in front of the clubhouse; we enjoyed jumping off the pier into the cold water before warming up inside during sunset.” He praises the club’s intimate and friendly atmosphere, attentive service and excellent food. Joe Steidl found the restaurant and main lounge area “stunning” and reminds our members that all the outdoor facilities close in the depths of winter. An indoor pool and spa are under construction.

ROYAL INDUSTRIAL CLUB, AMSTERDAM

The Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club is in the heart of historic Amsterdam: next to Dam Square and the Royal Palace and surrounded by the city’s world-famous canals. A reciprocal club since 2022, it offers an à la carte restaurant (with fine views across the square), bar and club room –the perfect location for a peaceful break from the many shops and historic sites located just outside its doors. Meeting and event rooms are also available and preferential rates can often be arranged for accommodation at the neighbouring hotel.

ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF VICTORIA (RACV), MELBOURNE

For Richard Edgecliffe-Johnson, this club was the perfect pitstop on his ten-week tour of Australia and New Zealand; he appreciates the fact that it’s within walking distance of Collins Street “for excellent shopping, the Yarra river and the extraordinary cultural centre at Federal Square”. The clubhouse includes 134 rooms plus a fitness centre, pool, underground parking and an enormous billiards room with eight full size tables. “The well-run ground floor restaurant is open to the public too, with a separate entrance for Club members,” notes Richard, “and my room was pleasingly spacious.”

VISITING A RECIPROCAL CLUB

Information about all our reciprocal clubs can be found on the Club website.

Once you have decided where and when you want to visit, please contact the reciprocal club directly to make any booking.

You will need to provide the reciprocal club with a letter of introduction, which can be requested via the directory of reciprocal clubs on the Club website.

As with our own clubhouses, most of the reciprocal clubs specify dress codes and other requirements. Please ensure you are familiar with these before visiting them.

If you have any queries about reciprocal clubs, please contact the Membership Team (members@ royalautomobileclub.co.uk).

Above & beyond

Nine awards were given out at the annual staff party in January to members of staff who demonstrated exemplary service, commitment to the Club and all-round excellence in 2023.

ALTHOUGH THE THEME of the annual staff party, held in January at Pall Mall, was ‘Masquerade’, identities were proudly on show when it came to the highly anticipated awards section of the night. Eight members of staff and one team proudly came forward to receive their much-deserved accolades, applauded by their managers and peers who all recognised their contribution to the Club over the past year.

“Within every winner lies a story of dedication, teamwork and unwavering commitment,” said Daniel Pereira, Chief Executive & Club Secretary, at the event. “As we celebrate the contribution of these exceptional individuals at the Club, let us remember that greatness is not achieved alone but through the collective effort of a team. All this passion can be summed up in the word HEARTS, which stands for Heritage, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, Trust and Sustainability. Let these values guide us as we continue our journey towards excellence, united by our shared passion and commitment to upholding the highest standards in all that we do.”

MANAGER OF THE YEAR CENTRAL SUPPORT

SARAH BROWN Recruitment Manager

Sarah joined the Club in August 2022 to lead its recruitment, during an extremely challenging time for the HR Team. In the aftermath of Covid and with Brexit shockwaves still being felt, the Club had close to its largest number of job vacancies ever. As Sarah settled into her new role, the vacancy numbers began to reduce. Her colleagues have found her “professional, helpful and an asset to the Club,” said Debra Baker, Head of People. “Sarah makes her job look easy (and it isn’t), she always makes time for others and is incredibly supportive. She is a great leader and an example to others.” Sarah herself was “delighted and humbled” by the award: “I’m truly overwhelmed by the lovely comments of support. It’s a pleasure to be surrounded by such a wonderful team”.

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

MATTHEW MARSHALL Executive Head Chef

The Pall Mall kitchen is one of the best commercial sites in Westminster for recycling, achieving rates above 80% for food and mixed recycling. This highlights the Club’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and regular readers of this magazine will be familiar with Matthew’s efforts to date, and his enthusiasm for sustainability which “knows no bounds,” said Daniel Pereira. “Matthew has found sustainable solutions to reduce waste, increase recycling, improve animal welfare and set us on the path to eradicating single-use plastics from one of the largest and busiest departments in the Club. He is a true inspiration to us all.”

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR WOODCOTE PARK

ELLIE MCCORMACK

Walled Garden Activity and Party Co-ordinator

If you have a child or grandchild and have ever visited the Walled Garden, the chances are you’ll have benefitted from Ellie’s remarkable contribution to this relatively new area of Woodcote Park. Ellie’s potential was quickly spotted when she joined the Club; after a short spell in Cedars Sports, she moved to the Walled Garden in 2021 and was promoted to Activities Supervisor in 2022. “Ellie, quite simply, personifies excellence,” declared Issy Adolphy, Walled Garden Manager. “She always puts everyone else first, both members and staff, ensuring everyone has the best possible experience, and goes above and beyond when it comes to member service; I’m so pleased this is now widely known.”

MANAGER OF THE YEAR WOODCOTE PARK

RHYS BEECHER

Director of Golf

Woodcote Park’s Manager of the Year Rhys Beecher oversees what is one of the most active and sizeable departments at the Club and, under his tenure, golf has gone from strength to strength. “Rhys is a brilliant manager and he has made a significant impact in a relatively short time at the Club,” explained Jonathan Brown, the Club’s Director of Operations. “He works to a very high standard, leads by example and always has time for his team. He is respected for his knowledge, professionalism and great attitude, and we as a Club are immensely appreciative of his hard work.”

From left: Sarah Brown, Matthew Marshall, Ellie McCormack and Rhys Beecher

PETER FOUBISTER SPIRIT OF THE CLUB AWARD

GRACE SCHULP

Veteran Car Run Event Manager

Grace became the Veteran Car Run Event Manager in 2021 and, the following year, the Club’s flagship event was run fully in-house for the first time. “This event is extremely complex,” explained Head of Motoring Jeremy Vaughan, “but Grace’s enthusiasm, meticulous planning, clear focus and unwavering determination led to 2023 being one of the best Runs ever. This is a remarkable achievement and demonstrates Grace’s exceptional organisational ability.” This award, named after a former Head of Motoring, is given to an employee who exemplifies the Club’s values and spirit.

“It’s particularly poignant given that it’s presented in Foub’s memory,” said Grace. “It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey but I’m proud of how far the event has come and how much I’ve learnt. I’m excited about what 2024 will bring!”

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR CENTRAL SUPPORT

GEORGIA BUCKINGHAM

Human Resources Coordinator

Although Georgia only joined the Club in 2022, her impact was felt straightaway and her efforts have been recognised with the Employee of the Year – Central Support award. “I love my job so much and I have the best team ever, from the People Team to the managers and staff I get to work with every day,” enthused Georgia after winning her prize. “It was thoroughly deserved, Georgia,” said Debra Baker, Head of People. “I am delighted that you have been recognised for your constant professionalism and enthusiasm. Your discretion, loyalty and team spirit were singled out, as well as your joyful attitude and willingness to go the extra mile.”

From left: Grace Schulp, Georgia Buckingham, Lilija Bauriene and Prasanth Wilson

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

PALL MALL

LILIJA BAURIENE

Brooklands Room Manager

Lilija marked her decade of service at the Club last September and has had quite a 10-year journey here, culminating in this Manager of the Year – Pall Mall award. She started in the Housekeeping Team and moved to the Brooklands Room in 2015 where she has remained ever since, working her way up from Commis Waiter to Restaurant Manager by December 2022. “Lilija is an inspiration to us all,” said Laurent Gilis, the Food and Beverage Manager at Pall Mall. “She personifies Club values and leadership behaviours, and she is an outstanding role model.” Lilija herself was delighted: “What a wonderful start to the year!”

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

PALL MALL

PRASANTH WILSON

Head Waiter, the Great Gallery

In his six years at the Club, Prasanth has been promoted twice; he started off as a Commis Waiter, was then promoted to Chef de Rang in 2019, and then, in 2022 – due to his outstanding service and attitude – he was promoted to Head Waiter, his current role. His manager and team singled out Prasanth’s excellent member service skills and how willing he is to help others: “Prasanth, who values the Club very much, is popular with members, guests and colleagues and has been recognised for always giving 100%”, said Andrew Selvadurai, the Great Gallery Manager.

TEAM OF THE YEAR

GOLF & GREENKEEPING

The only staff award given to a group of people rather than an individual, this recognises a team that has had a huge impact on the continuous success of the Club. “This team,” explained Director of Operations Jonathan Brown, “has had to coordinate a busy section of the Club, with significant logistical challenges arising from one of the largest projects we’ve done in recent times and extreme weather conditions, whilst managing the impact on member services. It’s truly remarkable that, even with these challenges, the Golf & Greenkeeping Team has kept the large member constituency very happy, we’ve had a solid financial performance, managed to improve the condition of the product and in general delivered a first-class job on the many projects that are being undertaken. Very well done!”

The Walled Garden three years on

The Walled Garden opened in April 2021; its manager Issy Adolphy and Woodcote Park Resident Manager Moses Solomon reflect on its success to date, and look forward to plans for the future.

THE NUMBERS SPEAK for themselves. Visits to the Walled Garden doubled between its first and third year – with 67,000 visits made in 2023 alone – and Woodcote Junior membership (for ages up to 12) has increased from 1,700 to nearly 2,400 over the past three years. Perhaps most significantly, the Walled Garden has contributed to the Club’s bottom line ever since its first year. “When we were financially modelling for the Walled Garden,” explains Woodcote Park

“This beautiful family destination was an immediate hit, and an added bonus for members to make use of year-round.”

Resident Manager, Moses Solomon (below left), “we forecast breaking even in year three, so that is a clear indication of how successful the facility has been”.

Prior to 2021, while Woodcote Park did welcome families, there was no area dedicated to them and very little provided specifically for the Club’s youngest members. At a strategic review in 2014, the idea for a family-friendly area at Woodcote Park was raised and explored, and by 2017, the development of the Walled Garden had been planned, and was approved. Its opening in the spring of 2021 “transformed the whole landscape of Woodcote Park”, confirms Moses. “And this beautiful family destination – the likes of which can’t be found elsewhere nearby – was an immediate hit. We are already a great weekend and leisure destination but this is an added bonus for members to make use of, with their children and grandchildren, all through the year.”

Words by Annabel Harrison Photography by Rob Cadman and Mike Hulme

“It’s such a unique place in the Club,” continues Walled Garden Manager Issy Adolphy, above, “where our focus is wholly on the children’s experience. We’ve created a safe environment where they can run around, having fun, learning and building relationships with other children”. The site is home to an indoor pool, outdoor splash

zone, multi-use games area, playground, junior lounge, soft play zone and the Garden Café. “These facilities are attracting members in terms of footfall,” says Moses, “and are also one of the reasons why some new members have joined the Club. We have many more children staying overnight with us at Woodcote Park too.”

For Moses, the success is not just because of the fantastic value it adds for members, who clearly appreciate all the facility has to offer. “What drives the success are Issy, Ellie McCormack (the Walled Garden Activity and Party Co-ordinator) and the community atmosphere they have created with the wider team; the welcoming feeling and genuinely caring attitudes are palpable.”

Issy has been in her role for two years and, in doing so, has implemented changes that ensure better value for members and consistency in terms of service; activity camps, for example, used to be run by a third-party provider but Issy brought them in-house, which has been very well received by members. “We’ve had had 100% positive feedback,” Issy reports, “which is amazing”.

Activity camps, which run every half term and school holiday, are led by the Club’s team and have had 100% positive feedback from children attending them.

The Walled Garden activity camps, which run in every half term and school holiday, have attracted hundreds of children to date and these are divided by age, into toddler, 5 to 7-year-old and 8 to 11-year-old groups. This summer, for the first time, children aged 5 to 7 will be able to attend camp at Woodcote Park every weekday, and two days a week Issy’s team will continue to offer an 8 to 11-year-old option too. This change was based on feedback from members, which Issy gladly receives and works into her forward planning wherever possible.

“We are also focused on seasonal events, especially for members who come in all the time,” Issy explains. “There’s the main Events Team at Woodcote Park which organises some children’s events, of course, but we’re adding some first-come-firstserved events of our own; they’re often arts and crafts-based and seasonal, celebrating occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s

Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas. We also have weekly classes and host lots of birthday parties every year. This is an added benefit that members love and we continue to develop this offering based on member feedback.”

For Moses, the fact that the Walled Garden serves the youngest Club contingent is vital. “We now have every stage of life well served by the Club; younger members who grow up using the Walled Garden become Junior Members in the 13 to 17 age group – who are now well catered for in terms of swimming, tennis, squash, golf and motoring – then Full Members.”

The biggest challenge going forward? Maintaining and building on the Walled Garden’s success, Moses and Issy agree, is the priority. “We want to keep the high levels of service and engagement we’ve seen so far,” says Moses, “and member satisfaction year on year”. Issy concludes by explaining that a lot of thought and effort goes into making the Walled Garden ever more creative and educational. “We work hard to keep the children engaged and connected; there’s nothing better than seeing their smiles as they come in ready to play, learn and socialise.”

Woodcote Juniors Programme

Woodcote Junior membership – for children aged up to 12 – 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

Each day will include a wide range of 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.

For more information or to book, please email bookwalledgarden@royalautomobileclub.co.uk or telephone the Walled Garden Team on 01372 229257.

Saturdays

5 to 7 year olds

9.30am-4.30pm or half-day camps

9.30am-1.00pm or 1.00-4.30pm

Drop-off and pick-up required.

Saturday 15 June

Saturday 21 September

Saturday 16 November

£52.50 per full day or £27.00 per half-day for WJs

£61.00 per full day or £31.00 per half-day for non-WJs

May Half-Term

Toddlers

10.30am-12.00pm

Parental supervision required.

Tuesday 28 May

Thursday 30 May

£14.50 per session for WJs

£17.00 per session for non-WJs

5 to 7 year olds

9.30am-4.30pm or half-day camps

9.30am-1.00pm or 1.00-4.30pm

Drop-off and pick-up required.

Monday 27 May

Wednesday 29 May

Friday 31 May

£52.50 per full day or £27.00 per half day for WJs

£61.00 per full day or £31.00 per half day for non-WJs

8 to 11 year olds

9.30am-4.30pm or half-day camps

9.30am-1.00pm or 1.00-4.30pm

Drop-off and pick-up required.

Tuesday 28 May

Thursday 30 May

£52.50 per full day or £27.00 per half day for WJs

£61.00 per full day or £31.00 per half day for non-WJs

Summer Holidays

Toddlers

10.30am-12.00pm

Parental supervision required.

Week 1: Monday 22 and Wednesday 24 July

Week 2: Monday 29 and Wednesday 31 July

Week 3: Monday 5 and Wednesday 7 August

Week 4: Monday 12 and Wednesday 14 August

Week 5: Monday 19 and Wednesday 21 August

Week 6: Monday 26 and Wednesday 28 August

£14.50 per session for WJs

£17.00 per session for non-WJs

5 to 7 year olds

9.30am-4.30pm or half-day camps

9.30am-1.00pm or 1.00-4.30pm

Drop-off and pick-up required.

Week 1: Daily, Monday 22 to Friday 26 July

Week 2: Daily, Monday 29 July to Friday 2 August

Week 3: Daily, Monday 5 to Friday 9 August

Week 4: Daily, Monday 12 to Friday 16 August

Week 5: Daily, Monday 19 to Friday 23 August

Week 6: Daily, Monday 26 to Friday 30 August

£52.50 per full day or £27.00 per half-day for WJs

£61.00 per full day or £31.00 per half-day for non-WJs

8 to 11 year olds

9.30am-4.30pm or half-day camps

9.30am-1.00pm or 1.00-4.30pm

Drop-off and pick-up required.

Week 1: Tuesday 23 and Thursday 25 July

Week 2: Tuesday 30 July and Thursday 1 August

Week 3: Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 August

Week 4: Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 August

Week 5: Tuesday 20 and Thursday 22 August

Week 6: Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 August

£52.50 per full day or £27.00 per half-day for WJs

£61.00 per full day or £31.00 per half-day for non-WJs

October Half-Term Toddlers

10.30am-12.00pm

Parental supervision required.

Tuesday 29 October

Thursday 31 October

£14.50 per session for WJs

£17.00 per session for non-WJs

5 to 7 year olds

9.30am-4.30pm or half-day camps

9.30am-1.00pm or 1.00-4.30pm

Drop-off and pick-up required.

Monday 28 October

Wednesday 30 October

Friday 1 November

£52.50 per full day or £27.00 per half day for WJs

£61.00 per full day or £31.00 per half day for non-WJs

8 to 11 year olds

9.30am-4.30pm or half-day camps

9.30am-1.00pm or 1.00-4.30pm

Drop-off and pick-up required.

Tuesday 29 October

Thursday 31 October

£52.50 per full day or £27.00 per half day for WJs

£61.00 per full day or £31.00 per half day for non-WJs

Swimming

Swimming lessons are provided for children aged from 4 months upwards. However, please note that some classes are fully booked so you may be invited to join a waiting list.

The swimming summer term will be from Monday 15 April for six weeks and Monday 3 June for six weeks.

In the Walled Garden

Tiny Tadpoles (4 months to 4 years)

There are various classes according to age and ability, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

Group Lessons

Monday afternoons and Saturday mornings. One-to-One Teaching

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons.

Summer Holidays

Monday 22 to Friday 26 July

A week of intensive swimming lessons for children aged 4 to 7. Classes will be 9.009.30am and 9.30-10.00am depending on ability. There will be maximum of eight participants per class.

At Cedars Sports Groups (advanced swimmers)

Saturday mornings.

Junior Training (advanced swimmers stage 7+) Wednesday evenings. One-to-One Training

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.

For more information 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.

Golf

Junior Golf is a great way for Woodcote Juniors and Junior Members to develop new golfing skills. Woodcote Juniors receive complimentary access to the Coronation Course while playing with an adult member, subject to an assessment of their standard of play and their understanding of the rules and etiquette of golf by one of the Club’s PGA Professionals.

Junior Academy

Our Junior Academy programme offers Woodcote Juniors and Junior Members aged 8 to 14 a pathway from beginner to Junior Golf Pass Holder. The children progress through three development stages and are then able to play Club matches, enter competitions and receive an official England Golf Handicap. The ‘Pit Crew Group’ stage teaches beginners the technical aspects of the game. After this the ‘Grid Lane Group’ takes them onto the golf course followed by the ‘Chequered Flag Group’ which will cover the rules, etiquette and decision-making process which leads them to becoming a Junior Golf Pass Holder.

Our next assessment days will be held on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June. Please visit the Junior Golf section of the Club website, where 2024’s programme dates are listed.

Junior Roll Up

Available every Sunday at 2.00pm and 2.10pm on the Coronation Course for Junior Golf Pass Holders and Junior Academy students who have been assessed by one of the PGA Professionals. Competition entry is to be booked via the notice board at Golf Reception.

Junior Competitions

Held on the first Sunday of every month from April to October with tee times at 2.00, 2.10, 2.20 and 2.30pm on the Coronation Course

Available to Junior Golf Pass Holders with a valid WHS handicap. Competition entry is to be booked via the notice board at Golf Reception.

Coaching Clinic

For Woodcote Juniors aged ten or under we offer coaching 2.00-3.00pm each Sunday on the Driving Range under the guidance of a PGA Professional.

For more information about Junior Golf, visit the Club website, email jason.neve@ royalautomobileclub.co.uk or call 01372 229277.

Tennis

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

Mini Tennis

Saturdays

9.00-9.45am: 5 to 8 years 9.45-10.30am: 9 to 12 years

Woodcote Juniors £7.15 per session

To book, please email cedarsreception@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

Junior Tennis Academy

Each course last six Sundays. The next Academy dates are:

Sunday 21 April to Sunday 26 May

Sunday 9 June to Sunday 14 July

Woodcote Juniors £93.00 per course

For more information and to book, please email barry.hewer@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

Ballet

Lessons follow the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. New joiners are very welcome to come and join us in our relaxed, friendly and fun environment. Classes are grouped based on your child’s ballet grade. Classes start from Year 6 (grades 4, 5 and 6).

Summer term

17 April to 26 June (10 weeks) 45-minute classes: £99 per term.

For more information and to book, please contact Jenni Hay at jenni@jhballet.co.uk

Squash

At Pall Mall

Mini Squash (beginners)

Saturdays 9.00-10.00am

For juniors aged 7 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.

Junior Squash (beginners and improvers)

Saturdays 10.00-11.00am

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.

Junior Squash (intermediate and advanced)

Saturdays 11.00am-12.00 noon

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.

Drop-in sessions for Woodcote Juniors and non-WJs £12.50 per session.

For more information please contact simon.white@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

At Woodcote Park

Mini Squash (beginners)

Saturdays 9.00-10.00am, six-week term sign up. For juniors aged 6 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.

Junior Squash (beginners and improvers)

Saturdays 10.00-11.00am, six-week term sign up.

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.

Junior Squash (intermediate and advanced)

Saturdays 11.00am-12.00 noon, six-week term sign up.

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.

Mix-In Session (all standards)

Wednesdays: 5:00-6:00pm

Advanced Sessions

Sundays: 1:00-2:00pm

Drop-in sessions for Woodcote Juniors and non-WJs £12.50 per session.

For more information please contact oli.pett@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

Walled Garden Events

Walled Garden Mini Olympics

Saturday 22 June, 12 noon until 2.00pm

Suitable for 3 years and over

The Walled Garden will be hosting a Mini Olympics this summer. WJs and their guests can participate in the egg and spoon race, sack race, three-legged race, tug of war, long jump, bean bag throw, obstacle course, hurdles and more. Includes lunch after the events, a medal, certificate and party bag for every child taking part.

WJs: £15.00

Non-WJs: £17.50

Bookings open at 10.00am on Monday 13 May.

Walled Garden End of Summer Party

Wednesday 28 August, 4.30-6.30pm

Suitable for 4 to 8 year olds

Includes party food and drink, entertainment and party bags.

WJs: £20.00

Non-WJs: £25.00

Bookings open at 10.00am on Monday 24 June.

For more information or to book, please email bookwalledgarden@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

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 16 April – Bookings open for June events

Tuesday 23 April – Bookings open for July events

Tuesday 30 April – Bookings open for August events

Bookings should be made via the Club website: www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk/events

HOW TO BOOK

ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF BOOKING

If you are unable to book via the Club website you can make a booking by emailing the Events Team at 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 (or cancellations) via the telephone.

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.

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 the lead booker's account.

CANCELLING A BOOKING

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

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, found in your confirmation letter.

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

PALL MALL ACCOMMODATION OFFER

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

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

WOODCOTE PARK ACCOMMODATION OFFER

You can receive 20% 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

Derby Week 2024

Ladies' Day 2024

Woodcote Park

Friday 31 May, 11.00am-6.00pm

The social occasion and highlight of the year for many has arrived, bringing together family, friends and colleagues. Start the day with a sumptuous summer buffet of three courses in our stunning marquee before taking advantage of the private coach transfers to soak up the atmosphere at the racecourse. Should you prefer to stay on-site, we will also be showing the races on big screens in the marquee.

M: £130.00 G: £150.00

Includes: Three-course buffet lunch, shuttle service transfers to and from the top of the Captain’s Drive, one race card between two. Tickets to the racecourse are not included in the ticket price. These will need to be purchased separately via thejockeyclub.co.uk.

Dress code: Jacket and tie

Captain’s Drive Parking: Derby Day 2024

Woodcote Park

Saturday 1 June, 8.00am-8.00pm

Take advantage of the Club grounds, which will be at their most magnificent in June, on Derby Day. The top of the Captain’s Drive, just a few minutes' walk from the racecourse, will serve as a base for racing celebrations –bring family and friends, as well as your own picnics and

games. The Club will also provide a bouncy castle to keep the little ones entertained.

Car parking pass: £25.00 per car

Includes: Parking permit

Please note: Captain's Drive Parking events are separate to the main Derby Day event. You do not need to book parking if you are attending the main event.

Dress code: Casual

Derby Day 2024 Woodcote Park

Saturday 1 June, 10.30am-6.00pm

The Derby dates back to 1780 and is still ranked the greatest flat race in the world. Where better to celebrate this iconic day than on its doorstep at Woodcote Park? Start the day at the Champagne tent on the Fountain Lawn, followed by a fabulous full buffet lunch. End with an equally lavish afternoon tea. Coach transfers are available to watch the races at the racecourse, or, if you’d prefer to stay at the Club, races will be shown on screens in the marquee.

M: £210.00 G: £242.00

Includes: Full-buffet lunch and afternoon tea, shuttle service transfers to and from the top of the Captain’s Drive, one race card between two. Tickets to the racecourse are not included in the ticket price. These will need to be purchased separately via thejockeyclub.co.uk.

Dress code: Jacket and tie or morning dress

June

Perudo Evening with Orson Fry

Pall Mall

Wednesday 5 June, 6.30-10.00pm

Perudo, known as ‘the second most addictive thing to come out of South America’, is a raucous dice game of guesswork, bluff and luck – and no small amount of skill and guile. Players take it in turns to bid on how many dice of a certain number are on the table. They are eliminated when their bids are successfully challenged (or ‘dudo'd’) and they have no more dice. The last person with any left wins. Join us for a summer Perudo tournament hosted by reigning world champion Orson Fry, whose father, Cosmo, introduced the game to Britain in the 1980s. All levels welcome, from novice to professional. Game sets will be provided and we will play in tables of six; do join as a group or individual.

M: £69.00 G: £79.00

Includes: Pisco sour on arrival, two-course

Peruvian fusion dinner, Club wine. A pay bar will be open during the event.

Dress code: Club dress code

80th Anniversary of D-Day Walk

Pall Mall

Monday 3 June, 9.50am-1.30pm

June 1944: this island was gathering the largest invasion force ever seen. As the day itself approached, all action and personnel concentrated towards the south of England – but this was the culmination of a plan forged in London. During this event, we will meet some of the key participants in D-Day, learn all about it and discover why this day marked the beginning of a campaign that would ultimately lead to the liberation of France and victory in the Second World War. Learn about the deception that convinced Hitler the landings would be in Calais, the multi-national force that had to be coordinated, and how the King was kept out of the way!

M: £79.00 G: £89.00

Includes: Walking tour with a Blue Badge guide, headsets, a glass of Champagne, two-course lunch with Club wine at the Club Dress code: Smart casual (sensible footwear advised)

In Conversation with Dame Wendy Hall Pall Mall

Wednesday 12 June, 6.30-8.15pm

Dame Wendy Hall is one of the world’s leading computer scientists. In 1984, she joined her university's Computer Science Group; her team invented a hypermedia system known as Microcosm, which predates the World Wide Web. Hall went on to work with Sir Tim Berners-Lee to found the Web Science Research Initiative, and has been appointed to the UN's advisory body on AI. Her role sees her working with experts from government, the private sector and civil society to provide insights; this includes the £31 million Responsible AI UK programme, which intends to fuel Britain’s ambitions to be a science and technology superpower. Hall will talk about her distinguished career, the future of AI, its impact on politics and economics, and the possibility of longand short-term dangers.

M: £32.00 G: £36.00

Includes: Arrival drink, discussion and Q&A

Dress code: Club dress code

Spanish Night with De Fuego in The Long Bar

Pall Mall

Friday 7 June, 8.00-10.00pm

Experience the pulse-pounding rhythms of Spanish music and dance at our upcoming event in the Long Bar. Headlining the night is De Fuego, an award-winning Spanish guitar duo. De Fuego has enthralled audiences at top festivals and venues across Europe, and will be joined by flamenco dancer Angela Alonso. The evening promises a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary dance. Please note this is a ticketed event and booking is essential. However, seats will not be assigned and members will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Places at this event are limited.

M: £20.00 G: £25.00

Includes: Entry to the Long Bar only. Pay buffet and bar will be available on the evening. Dress code: Club dress code

Solent Sightseeing and Fine Dining on the Isle of Wight

Southampton

Friday 14 June, 9.30am-4.45pm

Join us for a day spent exploring the Solent onboard a luxury charter boat, Axopar 28, with a fine dining stop in Cowes. Your skipper will guide you to the most beautiful spots in the Solent, which could include the Needles and Alum Bays, and past the historic Osborne House and Yarmouth and Hurst Castles. We will then land in Cowes, visiting The Brasserie by Smoking Lobster at Foresters Hall Hotel for a three-course lunch. The trip will end with a tour up the Beaulieu River.

M&G: £280.00

Includes: Exclusive boat charter exploring the Solent, three-course lunch with half a bottle of wine at Foresters Hall Hotel in Cowes. Members to make their own way to Southampton and meet at Hamble Point Marina: if sufficient demand transfers can be arranged from WP – please register your interest with the Events Team.

Dress code: Casual (please dress for the weather)

Lunch With… Professor Nigel Biggar CBE Pall Mall

Thursday 13 June, 12.30-2.30pm (drinks reception from noon)

The consequences of Britain’s colonial past are currently at the centre of a lively debate. Nigel Biggar, Emeritus Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology and a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, considered this matter over a five-year period; his book Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning was the outcome. At June’s salon Lunch With… gathering, join Professor Biggar for contemplation of this and related issues, to discuss the path that led him here and to engage in a wider conversation about where academia stands with such thorny issues at play in this day and age.

M: £86.00 G: £98.00

Includes: Drinks reception, twocourse lunch with Club wine, discussion

Dress code: Club dress code

WOW!house

Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour

Wednesday 19 June, 9.50am-2.00pm

Join a tour of WOW!house, where interior designers have been given carte blanche to transform 19 spaces, then enjoy a visit to Sanderson and Watts 1874, and a two-course lunch in the Design Restaurant by Social Pantry. A portion of the ticket will be donated to charity partner United in Design.

M: £79.00 G: £89.00

Includes: Entry to WOW!house, private tour, meeting the designers, two-course lunch with a glass of Champagne and wine

Dress code: Club dress code

Five-Course Italian Night in the 19th Hole

Woodcote Park

Friday 21 June, 7.00-10.15pm

Take a trip to Italy and indulge in a five-course dinner experience, complete with a welcome drink and exquisite dishes. Let the aromas fill the air as you savour delicious flavours to the sound of enchanting Italian music, all within the cosy confines of the 19th Hole. Life is about experiencing the ‘pasta-bilities’, so don’t miss out on this unforgettable Italian experience of buon cibo – good food and good friends.

M: £52.00 G: £60.00

Includes: Italian-themed welcome drink, five-course dinner, entertainment and pay bar throughout

Dress code: Casual

An Evening with Laurel & Hardy, Presented by Neil Brand

Pall Mall

Friday 21 June, 6.00-10.00pm

Neil Brand is an expert on music for silent film and comedy. From Laurel and Hardy’s individual films before they were paired up by Hal Roach to their silent masterpieces, Neil will tell the story of the world’s greatest comedy team, illustrated with stills, clips and piano accompaniment.

M: £90.00 G: £99.00

Includes: Two-course dinner with Club wine, followed by show and Q&A

Dress code: Club dress code

Domaine Chanson Wine Tasting

Pall Mall

Monday 24 June, 7.00-10.00pm

Founded in 1750, Domaine Chanson is based in Beaune, Burgundy; a modern winery was built in Savigny-lèsBeaune in 2010. The house, one of the top Premier Cru specialists, exclusively uses grapes from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. Join us for this tasting of wines which focus on the purity and precision of style and terroir.

M: £140.00 G: £160.00

Includes: Arrival drink, tasting wines and canapés, followed by a two-course dinner with wine

Dress code: Club dress code

English Sparkling Wine Dinner with the Wiston Family

Woodcote Park

Wednesday 26 June, 7.15-10.30pm

Wiston Estate, located on the South Downs, has a rich history of winemaking dating back to Roman times. Under the ownership of the Goring family since 1743, Pip Goring long believed the estate could produce high-quality grapes, due to the similarities of the area’s soil and climate to Champagne. This vision led to the establishment of a 16-acre vineyard in 2006, managed by Pip's son and his wife. Wiston Estate is a family-run venture driven by a commitment to quality and community engagement. In just 17 years since the vineyard's inception, it has grown into a dynamic hub for growers and winemakers, reflecting Pip's dream of bringing people together through wine.

M: £120.00 G: £138.00

Includes: Sparkling reception, three-course dinner served with accompanying wines

Dress code: Smart casual

Lunch with Revival Autos

Pall Mall and Vauxhall

Wednesday 26 June, 12.00-5.00pm

Businesses everywhere are facing the challenge of transitioning into sustainable concerns. Join the founders of Revival Autos to hear how they are applying modern environmental thinking to their classic car business and then visit their workshop and take a test drive.

M: £85.00 G: £98.00

Includes: Arrival drink, two-course lunch with Club wine, discussion, one-way transfer to the Revival Autos workshop

Dress code: Club dress code

Dinner with Tennis Historian Christian Howgill Woodcote Park

Friday 28 June, 7.30-10.00pm

Discover how tennis has influenced our world in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways with Christian Howgill’s book How Tennis Invented Everything – from the fall of kings to the birth of democracy, inventing banking, crashing the stock market and even creating MI5. But this is no history lesson: it is raw entertainment!

M: £57.50 G: £66.00

Includes: Welcome glass of Champagne, two-course dinner with wine, talk and Q&A. Books will be on sale at the event should members wish to make a purchase.

Dress code: Casual

How to Survive a Crisis with Sir David Omand, Former Director of GCHQ

Pall Mall

Thursday 27 June, 6.30-8.15pm

Sir David Omand is a Visiting Professor in the War Studies Department at King’s College London. He has held senior posts in British security, intelligence and defence, including serving as Security and Intelligence Co-ordinator in the Cabinet Office, Permanent Secretary of the Home Office, and Director of GCHQ. Sir David's CV also includes stints in the Ministry of Defence – including acting as Principal Private Secretary during the Falklands conflict – and the Diplomatic Service, as the UK Defence Counsellor in NATO. His published books are Securing the State, Principled Spying: The Ethics of Secret Intelligence, and How Spies Think: Ten Lessons in Intelligence; join us at this event, where he will share some of his expertise on the subjects.

M: £29.00 G: £34.00

Includes: Arrival drink, talk, Q&A. Books will be on sale at the event should members wish to make a purchase.

Dress code: Club dress code

The Comedy Store at the Country Clubhouse Woodcote Park

Sunday 30 June, 7.15-10.30pm

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: £73.00 G: £84.00

Includes: Two-course dinner with Club wine and comedy show

Dress code: Casual

WP offer applies

July

London's 2012 Olympic Legacy

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Pall Mall

Tuesday 2 July, 9.30am-2.45pm

When the medals had all been won and the world's media had packed up and gone home, London was left with the Olympic Park in Stratford. What had been a construction site for years now became a construction site once more as it was transformed into a huge public space. During this event, we will explore inside the velodrome and see the London Aquatics Centre, stadium, the new International Square and the Cultural Quarter. We will admire the Blossom Garden, which has now been dedicated as a Covid memorial, and finish with a visit to the Olympic Village to see the housing development that was given its own postcode. We can promise you neither a sprint nor a marathon, but just a great reminder of Team GB's success in 2012, and anticipation for it to be repeated in Paris this summer.

M: £89.00 G: £99.00

Includes: Walking tour with a Blue Badge guide, guided tour of velodrome, headsets, one way coach to Club, two-course lunch with Club wine

Dress code: Club dress code (sensible footwear advised)

Champagne Cruise and the Royal Windsor Races

Woodcote Park

Monday 1 July, 2.45-11.45pm

Take a luxury boat cruise along the River Thames to the races. Enjoy a glass of Champagne when you embark The Georgian, followed by a classic afternoon tea. Watch the evening of racing before rejoining the boat and tucking into a two-course fork buffet with a complimentary bar (excluding Champagne, sparkling wine and spirits).

M: £196.00 G: £225.00

Includes: Coach transfers, river cruise, Champagne welcome drink on the boat, classic afternoon tea, entrance to the racecourse and, on the return journey, a two-course fork buffet and complimentary bar (which excludes champagne, sparkling wine or spirits)

Dress code: Smart casual

©Abdul_Shakoor / Shutterstock.com

Embroidery Workshop

Woodcote Park

Wednesday 3 July, 9.30am-noon

Join course instructor Katherine Savage for a morning of innovation as you create your own embroidery piece. You will work on a beautiful floral design with eight beginner stitches, starting on a sample piece of fabric and moving onto a final design which will come as a full kit.

M: £50.00 G: £67.00

Includes: Refreshments upon arrival, embroidery kit with instructions (including video guides) and tea/coffee/cake during the break

Dress code: Casual

Club Summer Ball: A South African Soirée

Woodcote Park

Saturday 6 July, 7.00-11.30pm

For this year’s Club Summer Ball, immerse yourself in South Africa’s rich, vibrant culture, without leaving the country clubhouse! This will be a night filled with rhythm, colour, and the irresistible warmth of the South African spirit. Before dinner, enjoy a drinks reception accompanied by the sounds of a traditional Marimba group. During dinner, be entertained by South African dance troupe, The Black Eagles. Finally, after dinner, there will be ample opportunity to get out onto the dance floor yourself as the DJ spins some tunes. Don’t miss out, dive into the rhythm and embrace the vibes at this Club Summer Ball – where the beat meets the heat!

M: £95.00 G: £110.00

Includes: Champagne reception, three-course dinner, entertainment, DJ and dancing

Dress code: Black tie/colourful

From Plants to Pigments: A Hands-On Workshop with Lucy Mayes from London Pigment

Pall Mall

Friday 5 July, 10.30am-12.45pm

Learn the alchemy of hand-making artist-quality pigment from plants in this workshop with Lucy Mayes from London Pigment. You will find out how to make a botanical palette of three primary colours from native plant species, then use the paints to create a colour chart.

M: £50.00 G: £60.00

Includes: Arrival refreshments, masterclass and product to take home

Dress code: Club dress code

Let's Lunch with Suzanne Heywood Pall Mall

Thursday 11 July, 12.00-3.00pm

Embark on a journey of resilience with Suzanne Heywood (Lady Heywood), author of Wavewalker, at this luncheon event. Suzanne's memoir recounts her remarkable childhood at sea, where she spent a decade navigating storms and shipwrecks with her parents and brother. Suzanne later served as Chief Operating Officer at the Exor Group, but her passion for the arts has led her to contribute to organisations such as the Royal Opera House and the Royal Academy of Music. She is also the widow of Jeremy Heywood (Lord Heywood), the late Cabinet Secretary. In Wavewalker, Suzanne shares her story of triumph over adversity. Don't miss this opportunity to hear her inspiring story firsthand.

M: £69.00 G: £79.00

Includes: Arrival drink, two-course lunch with Club wine

Dress code: Club dress code

Highclere Cigar Supper with Lord Carnarvon

Pall Mall

Wednesday 10 July, 7.00-10.00pm

The grandeur of Highclere Castle has been home to many a party and plenty of afterdinner moments (not to mention the odd film crew dropping by for the latest instalment of Downton Abbey). Accordingly, and with centuries of tradition in mind, the current Earl of Carnarvon has produced signature cigars and a gin that is commensurate with the setting. The evening will start with a ginbased cocktail. Then, after dinner, join Lord Carnarvon for a Highclere Castle 'Victoria' Robusto Nicaraguan cigar as you enjoy an evening of Highclere pomp at Pall Mall.

M: £95.00 G: £110.00

Includes: Highclere gin-based cocktail, twocourse dinner with wine, after-dinner cigar and cocktail

Dress code: Jacket and tie

Hog Roast at the Spike Bar

Hog Roast at the Spike Bar Woodcote Park

Friday 12 July, 6.30-10.30pm

Come on y’all, grab a checked shirt and pair of jeans and kick off your weekend in true country fashion! Soak up the summer atmosphere on the Spike Bar Terrace, where we’ll serve a mouth-watering hog roast with all the trimmings, accompanied by live acoustic music provided by Evening Squire. You’re in for a rootin’-tootin’ good time, as nothing brings people together like great food and great music.

M: £42.00 G: £48.00

Includes: Welcome drink, hog roast, entertainment and pay bar throughout

Dress code: Casual

Nyetimber Wine Tasting

Pall Mall

Monday 15 July, 7.00-10.00pm

Join Nyetimber for a rare vertical tasting of the wine producer’s Blanc de Blancs, showcasing both the current release and cellar-aged vintages. Dinner will follow, with Nyetimber wines paired throughout.

M: £165.00 G: £189.00

Includes: Arrival drink, tasting wines and canapés, followed by two-course dinner with wine

Dress code: Club dress code

Ladies' Lunch with Mary Hutchison Woodcote Park

Wednesday 17 July, 12.00-3.00pm

Join Club member Mary as she describes some of the delights and challenges of sailing around the world. Aboard the yacht Ocean Pearl, a 62 foot Oyster 625, she took part in the Oyster World Rally 2022-23. She and her crew spent 15 months sailing 28,000 miles, crossing the Pacific, Indian and South Atlantic Oceans, and returning to Antigua in April 2023 to complete their circumnavigation.

M: £44.00 G: £50.00

Includes: Welcome drink, two-course lunch, speaker

Dress code: Smart casual

Literary Lunch with Clare Balding Pall Mall

Tuesday 16 July, 12.00-3.30pm

Winner of numerous awards for her expert coverage of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Clare Balding is one of Britain's leading broadcasters. She is also a best-selling author of numerous books and children’s novels, including Heroic Animals: 100 Amazing Creatures Great and Small and The Racehorse Who Learned to Dance. Whether she is rambling in the countryside, broadcasting courtside, or at her writing desk, Clare's endeavours are celebrated by all. Join her for lunch, where we will attempt to cover every exploit and interest of one of our most loved polymaths for an occasion between the end of Wimbledon and the torch being lit in Paris.

M: £90.00 G: £99.00

Includes: Arrival drink, two-course lunch with Club wine, discussion, Q&A

Dress code: Club dress code

Bingo in the 19th Hole Woodcote Park

Tuesday 23 July, 6.45-10.15pm

Brush up on your bingo lingo and join us for a fun, interactive evening in the relaxed atmosphere of the 19th Hole. '13: Unlucky for Some', or maybe lucky for others. Keep your eye on the ball(s) to be in with the chance of winning one of the numerous prizes given throughout the course of the evening. Start with something sparkling, followed by a delicious two-course dinner and bingo entertainment. Drinks will be available to purchase at the bar throughout the event.

M: £50.00 G:£57.00

Includes: Sparkling arrival drink, two-course dinner, interactive bingo with prize for the winner, pay bar available throughout

Dress code: Casual

Comedy Bingo with Ria Lina in the Long Bar Pall Mall

Friday 19 July, 8.00-10.00pm

Join us in the Long Bar for a night of comedy bingo, hosted by Ria Lina. Ria is a highly accomplished comedian, actor and writer known for her appearances on BBC’s Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, The Now Show and Mock The Week

Her career stretches from stage and screen to radio and the occasional ukulele – all in a unique style described by The Scotsman as "fearless, provocative and very funny". She is a regular pundit on Sky News, BBC News, Times Radio and TalkRadio. Ria has written for The Lady Boys of Bangkok's Fantasy & Feathers and Glamorous Amorous tours, and wrote and acted in ITV2 comedy sketch show Meet the Blogs. With prizes to win, this evening is a perfect way to kick off your weekend. Laugh... play... BINGO!

M: £29.00 G: £35.00

Includes: Entry with a chance to win some great prizes!

Dress code: Club dress code

WP offer applies

A Visit to Hatfield House Pall Mall

Thursday 25 July, 9.00am-5.30pm

Hatfield House was completed in 1611 by Robert Cecil, first Earl of Salisbury and son of Lord Burghley, the chief minister of Elizabeth I. The deer park surrounding the house and the older building of the Old Palace had been owned by Elizabeth’s father, Henry VIII, who had used it as a home for his children, Edward, Elizabeth and Mary. It was while she was living on the estate that Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne. Join us for a guided tour of the house followed by lunch and a horse-drawn carriage tour of the estate with Champagne.

M: £185.00 G: 195.00

Includes: Return coach transfers, morning pastries, guided tour of Hatfield House, buffet lunch with wine, horse-drawn carriage tour of estate with a glass of Champagne

Dress code: Club dress code (sensible footwear advised)

Dinner with Olympic Swimmer Mark Foster Woodcote Park

Wednesday 24 July, 7.00-10.30pm

Mark Foster, who has won 51 international medals and competed in five Olympic Games, takes centre stage to share behind-the-scenes stories from his illustrious career. From becoming the face of British swimming to his commentary during the London and Rio Olympics alongside Clare Balding, Rebecca Adlington and Helen Skelton, Foster's anecdotes promise insight into his journey. He will also discuss his Strictly Come Dancing experience and offer predictions for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Don't miss this chance to dive into the world of a true swimming legend.

M: £88.00 G: £101.00

Includes: Champagne reception, three-course dinner with Club wine, talk and Q&A with Mark Foster Dress code: Jacket and tie

Image by Pete Seaward

The Harvard Krokodiloes in the Great Gallery Pall Mall

Sunday 4 August, 6.00-9.30pm

Comprising 12 tuxedo-clad Harvard undergraduates, the Harvard Krokodiloes have been charming audiences across the world since 1946 with their signature blend of jazz, funk, rock and roll, and ballad arrangements. Their musical excellence, humour, professionalism and choreography have earned them invitations to perform in more than 60 countries. Every year, the Kroks embark on 80 days of international touring to around 20 countries, performing for esteemed audiences including President Bill Clinton, King Bhumibol of Thailand and President Mukherjee of India. From Cambridge to Cape Town and now the Royal Automobile Club, the Krokodiloes promise an a cappella experience like no other.

M: £95.00 G: £110.00

Includes: Arrival drink, two-course dinner with wine, 60-minute performance

Dress code: Club dress code

Big Summer Quiz Night Woodcote Park

Thursday 1 August, 7.00-10.30pm

Pick a team name and dust off your general knowledge skills! Quiz nights at the Club always promise spirited member rivalry – of course, the ultimate prize is the glory, but winners will also be awarded a bottle of Club wine per person. Members can create teams of up to ten, so get ready for a night of friendly competition, and the chance to demonstrate your brainpower!

M: £51.00 G: £59.00

Includes: Quiz, two-course dinner with Club wine

Dress code: Casual

Spanish Tapas Night at the Spike Bar Woodcote Park

Friday 9 August, 7.00-10.15pm

Experience the allure of the enchanting flavours of Spain right here in the Spike Bar! We invite you to savour irresistible Spanish tapas and delight your palate with a tantalising selection of dishes inspired by the bustling streets of Spain. As the evening unfolds let the spirited music and the lively ambience carry you away into a world of camaraderie and culture. Enjoy an evening brimming with the essence of Spain!

M: £48.00 G: £56.00

Includes: Spanish-themed welcome drink, tapas, entertainment and pay bar throughout

Dress code: Casual

Oliver! at Chichester Festival Theatre Woodcote Park

Wednesday 7 August, 10.00am-7.00pm

Explore the beautiful town of Chichester and purchase lunch at your leisure before settling down for a matinée performance. This new production of Lionel Bart’s classic musical Oliver! has been reimagined for the Chichester Festival Theatre by director and choreographer Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh. The story follows Oliver, an orphan who escapes from a workhouse to join Fagin's gang of pickpockets in Victorian London. Along the way, he befriends Nancy and gets wrongfully arrested. The show features beloved songs like Food, Glorious Food and Consider Yourself Bourne, known for his innovative work in Swan Lake and Mary Poppins, leads the creative team, which includes designer Lez Brotherston.

M: £95.00 G: £110.00

Includes: Coach transfers, free time to explore Chichester, theatre tickets, interval ice cream

Dress code: Casual

Terrarium Workshop with The Seaside Jungle Company Woodcote Park

Tuesday 13 August, 2.00-4.00pm

An open terrarium is perfect as a gift for a loved one or a great opportunity to create your own jungle creation. Join The Seaside Jungle Company who will guide you from start to finish at your own pace and supply everything you need, including specialist tools, equipment and materials, a unique open glass terrarium vessel, an interesting array of succulents and cacti, a selection of semi-precious crystals and mosses, pebbles, shells, stones and decorations to choose from. To complete your afternoon you'll receive aftercare advice and a glass of Champagne.

M: £95.00 G: £105.00

Includes: Welcome refreshments, hands-on workshop including everything you need to create a terrarium, box to carry your creation home in, glass of Champagne

Dress code: Casual WP offer applies

Champagne Taittinger Tasting Pall Mall

Monday 12 August, 7.00-10.00pm

Champagne Taittinger's origins date back to 1734; the Taittinger link was established in 1931 when Pierre Taittinger acquired the house. Stationed at the Château de la Marquetterie during the First World War, he fell in love with the property and eventually purchased the company. Today, the House is headed up by Pierre’s great-grandchildren. Enjoy a fabulous Champagne tasting, where John Ferguson-Smith will take us through some Taittinger cuvées paired with canapés before a two-course dinner paired with more bubbles.

M: £175.00 G: £200.00

Includes: Champagne reception, tasting with canapés followed by a two-course dinner

Dress code: Club dress code

Afternoon Races at Epsom Downs Woodcote Park

Friday 16 August, 1.00-5.00pm

This is one of two extremely popular afternoons of racing at Epsom Downs Racecourse, with our own private box and a glass of Champagne upon arrival. There will be a pay bar throughout the event and a tote available so you can enjoy a flutter. Afternoon tea will be served to round off what we hope to be a profitable and exciting afternoon!

M: £76.00 G: £87.00

Includes: A private box at Epsom Downs Racecourse, a glass of Champagne upon arrival, badges and tickets, parking pass, afternoon tea. Members to make their own way to Epsom Downs Racecourse.

Dress code: Smart casual

Buckingham Palace, Garden and State Room Tour

Pall Mall

Thursday 15 August, 9.00am-2.00pm

Enjoy a summer’s day out at Buckingham Palace, combining a visit to the State Rooms with a guided walking tour of the Palace Gardens. The Garden Highlights Tour explains the history of the garden, taking you to the Herbaceous Border, the summer house and the Rose Garden, as well as the enormous Waterloo Vase and the palace tennis court, where King George VI and Fred Perry played in the 1930s. Between your self-guided multimedia tour of the State Rooms and tour of the Garden, the itinerary allows time for your group to take in the panoramic views of the lawn and the lake, enjoy tea and cakes from the Garden Café, and to visit the Garden Shop.

M: £79.00 G: £89.00

Includes: Breakfast at the Club, an audio tour of the State Rooms and a guided garden tour of the Palace Gardens

Dress code: Club dress code

Activity Group Events

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

The Activity Groups cater for all levels and there is room for both social time and serious competition, whether internally or against other clubs. The Groups provide you with opportunities to learn new skills, refresh your ability in games played in years gone by or refine and improve your talents through classes and coaching.

The Activity Groups section of the Club website contains comprehensive up-to-date information about all the Groups and how you can take part.

Showcase Rehearsal

Woodcote Park

Tuesday 14 May, arrive 6.30 for 7.00pm start.

Ends at 9.30pm.

Showcase Performance

Woodcote Park

Tuesday 21 May, arrive 6.30 for 7.00pm start.

This year, the Club Choir is pleased to announce, for the first time, a Showcase Performance, which will include six songs sung by the Club Choir to an invited audience, followed by supper afterwards.

Our distinguished Choir Director, Ian Holiday, will direct the rehearsal, which will take place the week before the Showcase. Anyone who has sung in one or more of the Sing for your Supper events at Pall Mall and/or Woodcote Park since September 2021 is welcome to take part, but must register through the Events Team via the website as soon as possible.

The Choir Committee is looking forward to performing in this fun evening with fellow choir singers and invited guests, and enjoying a sit-down meal accompanied by Club wine. To book your place, or if you have a question, please email choir-support@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

Showcase Rehearsal: Free

Includes: Welcome drink and sandwiches

Showcase Performance: M: £35.00 G: £45.00

Includes: Three-course sit-down meal, wine and singing

CLUB CHOIR

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

PHOTOGRAPHY WEEK

Monday 13 - Saturday 18 May

Please see the Photography area of the Club website for more information about all the events in Photography Week.

Annual Exhibition Drinks Reception

Pall Mall, The Terrace Room

Monday 13 May, 6.30-8.30pm

Members are invited to join us for the Annual Exhibition Drinks Reception and explore the diverse photographs captured by members of the Photography Group. Visitors will be able to view images ranging from travel scenes to portraits, flora, wildlife, and automobiles. More than 300 images are being showcased between the two clubhouses over 16 days. Members can view the exhibition at Woodcote Park on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May and in Pall Mall from Friday 10 to Friday 24 May.

Admission to the Drinks Reception and exhibition is complimentary, but booking is required through the Club's website.

Photography Walks

Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 May

Our guided photo walks enable you to explore London with your camera, embracing the idea that London is a series of villages ready to be explored. During Photography Week in May we are running two walks and the first, taking place on 14 May, involves a journey to Wimbledon Hill to enjoy its scenic village, extensive Common and famous tennis championship site. Wimbledon Village was built up from a medieval plateau settlement that surrounds the Common, long before Wimbledon town emerged after a railway line was built there in 1838. Today, the village is one of the most prestigious addresses in London.

During our two-and-a-half-hour walk, we will wander streets lined with gorgeous homes, upmarket boutiques and restaurants, and traditional pubs, before looking down onto the tennis courts and ambling over to inspect parts of the Common.

A couple of days later, also during Photography Week (on 16 May), we are making a return to Holland Park and Notting Hill to photograph the architecture, style and ambience that, over the last 150 years, has made these areas some of London’s most desirable. It will take four hours, split into two parts – one on either side of lunch. We will start with three religious buildings of note before passing delightful homes both big and small, as well as some fascinating local shops. We will walk through Holland Park itself, with its themed garden and outdoor opera, and explore the exclusive Campden Hill, passing several embassies and famous pubs along the way. Towards the end of the walk, we will investigate the much busier areas on either side of Notting Hill Gate.

Photography for Competitions

Friday 17 May

The subject of photography for competitions is a very live theme as members think about the great prize on offer in the Leica Photography Competition (see p. 53). The purpose of this event is to help members select that special image to enter into a competition, as well as avoid common errors. While the event will concentrate on competitions, it will also offer valuable guidance from experienced judges on submitting images for exhibition. There will be a small charge of £5 per person.

Car Photography

Wednesday 15 May

Members have the opportunity to photograph a range of valuable classic cars in a selection of exclusive dealerships in the Kensington area. Participants will move from showroom to showroom as they capture the cars, including some worth very considerable sums. This event will appeal to anyone interested in car photography, although guidance on how to capture great imagery will be given on the day.

The event is free to members. Numbers have to be limited, given the size of some of the premises, and guests cannot be accepted. More detailed information will be provided nearer the day.

Phone Photography

Saturday 18 May

This practical three-hour workshop will look at how to capture high-quality and aesthetically pleasing images with any smartphone. A variety of topics will be covered, including composition, exposure, lighting and phone accessories, along with an overview of image editing apps. There will also be time to practise photographing a range of subjects, from still-life to panoramics.

CYCLING

Tour de France in the Motor House Woodcote Park

Saturday 13 July, 12.15-4.00pm (optional cycle ride in the Surrey Hills from 9.15am)

Join us in the Motor House to watch a mountain stage of the 2024 Tour de France.

Regular cyclists, please also join us for a pre-meal cycle ride in the Surrey Hills, starting at 9.15am. We are planning to run two rides of differing lengths to suit leisure / developing riders (30-40km) and intermediate / advanced riders (circa 60km).

Upon return to Woodcote Park the Motor House will open at 12.15pm to welcome cyclists and non-cyclists for a pre-lunch glass of sparkling wine/beer/soft drink before a three-course buffet lunch is served while watching stage 14 of the Tour de France on a big screen. Members can enter a sweepstake to guess the finishing time of the stage winner for a chance to win a bottle of Champagne.

M: £42.50 G: £47.50

Includes: Bike ride (optional), free drink on arrival, threecourse buffet lunch, showing of stage 14 of Tour de France. Pay bar available for additional drinks.

To book, please see the Events section of the Club website.

SNOOKER

Annual Snooker Dinner with Dennis Taylor

Pall Mall, Committee Room and Mountbatten Room

Thursday 30 May, 7.00pm

Join us for this year’s Annual Snooker Dinner. Our guest speaker is Dennis Taylor, who will regale us with stories from his great career. He achieved global recognition by winning the World Championship in 1985, defeating Steve Davis in a highly memorable final held at the Crucible in Sheffield. The evening will commence with a Champagne reception in the Committee Room, followed by a threecourse dinner with Club wine in the Mountbatten Room. There will be a pre-dinner speech from Dennis Taylor and an after-dinner question and answer session.

M: £105.00 G: £125.00

Dress code: Black tie

To book your place, please visit the Club website, Club app or email Klaudia.Szakal@royalautomobileclub.co.uk

YOUNG MEMBERS

Young Members’ (18-35) Ball – A Night with the Greek Gods

Pall Mall, The Mountbatten Room

Saturday 15 June, 6.30pm

Join your fellow immortals as we journey back in time and transform the Mountbatten Room into Mount Olympus. In true Dionysus style, the drinks will be flowing alongside a three-course meal, followed by dancing the night away as if enchanted by Pan himself. As always, the event will be packed with surprises as we pay tribute to a cornucopia of Greek gods and goddesses. The ball is a highlight of the Young Members’ calendar and not a night to be missed. So, let the fates weave your destiny and join us for a great night out!

M: £100.00 G: £115.00

Dress code: Black tie with a flavour of ancient Greece

GARDENING AND NATURE

Gardening and Nature Group Summer Social Evening Shieling, The Warren, Kingswood, KT20 6PQ

Wednesday 7 August, 6.00-8.00pm

Please join Gardening and Nature Group committee members for an early-evening summer social, with drinks and nibbles, at the home of Club members Robin and Sarah Wilson. The garden has an interesting collection of trees and shrubs, including hydrangeas, and there will be a good display of late-summer perennials. This is an excellent garden in which to practise your photographic skills, and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Parking is available on The Warren or at the Church on the A217. Further details will be available after booking. M & G: £10 on arrival, with all proceeds going to the National Garden Scheme

Includes: A glass of wine, beer or soft drink

FILM

BACKGAMMON

Mark Irens Trophy Tournament

Pall Mall

Sunday 2 June

Members are invited to play in a new one-day backgammon tournament, for up to 32 players, organised by the the Backgammon Committee.

The cost is £30.00 per player, including a buffet lunch. The format will comprise a group qualifying stage with each group composed of four players, all of whom play each other. Two players from each group will qualify for the knockout rounds. There will also be a consolation competition for those players who do not qualify for the knockout rounds. So, every player entering the tournament will be guaranteed at least four games of five points each.

You can see full details of this event and book your place at: www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk/activity-groups/backgammon

Film Society Summer Screenings

The Film Society is delighted to present a fabulous programme of screenings for the summer season.

On Saturday 1 June, in the Mountbatten Room at Pall Mall, we will be showing the multi-award winning, acclaimed Amadeus (1984) from director Miloš Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulse and Simon Callow. This dazzling film tells a fictionalised account of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life in Vienna, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest films of all time. Every scene of the movie is drenched in the music of Mozart, and we are delighted to announce that violinist Rebecca Hirsch will introduce this film for us. Rebecca is regarded as being among the foremost interpreters in 20th century music, appearing regularly as a soloist in Britain and throughout Europe, so we are thrilled that she will bring her interpretation of this much-admired film to our June screening. Continuing our celebration of music in films, make sure you book your place for a wonderful outdoor screening of the Hollywood classic Hello, Dolly! at Woodcote Park; a multi-award-winning all-time favourite from 1969 directed by Gene Kelly, with unforgettable star performances from Barbra Streisand, Walter Matthau and Michael Crawford. It’s truly an extravaganza, and some may even say that the music is the real star of the show.

For further information about all the Film Society’s screenings throughout the year please visit the Activity Groups section of the Club website.

BOWMAN SCULPTURE

6 Duke Street St James’s, London, SW1Y 6BN

Specialising in sculpture from 1860 to the present day. The foremost gallery in the world for works by Auguste Rodin.

“Cars are the sculptures of our everyday lives.”

Chris Bangle, Chief of Design for BMW Group

Expand your passion for sculpture.

Suzon

AUGUSTE RODIN (French, 1840 - 1917)

Signed A. Rodin

Marble

Height: 12 1/8” (30.8 cm)

Height incl. base: 15 ½” (39.2 cm)

Conceived in 1873-1875; This marble version was executed between 1900-1914.

Provenance & Comité Rodin certificate available on request.

+44 (0) 207 930 0277

www.bowmansculpture.com

RAC FOUNDATION

The challenge of user-friendly recharging.

ARGUABLY THE MOST significant innovation in the world of motoring, after the car itself, was the development of the service station.

The UK’s first such site appeared near Aldermaston in Berkshire in 1919 (opened by the AA for its members, one step ahead of the RAC…) though similar dedicated facilities had already sprung up in the United States several years earlier, replacing the need for drivers to buy their fuel from places as diverse as blacksmiths, general stores, hotels and, apparently, cycle dealers.

Over the next century, while cars and fuels evolved dramatically, the only notable changes to the way we refuel our motor vehicles have been, in the 1960s, the introduction of self-service pumps and, still a relatively recent and by no means universal change, the ability to pay at the pump –useful if you want to avoid the temptation of coffee and confectionery on offer inside.

Once you’ve mastered the very basic procedure of operating a fuel pump you’re pretty much equipped to visit any of the 8,350 or so fuel retailers in the UK. One petrol station is very much like another. How hard can it be?

But for the novice electric vehicle driver, engaging with the public charging network can feel a bit like the world has slipped back to those pioneering, pre-1919 days. While at its simplest an electric charging point is not much more than a box with a socket and/or a cable, the task of connecting, getting the electricity to flow, paying and disconnecting is anything but a standardised or, perhaps most importantly, intuitive process.

And whereas the price we’re being invited to pay for a litre of petrol or diesel is generally displayed prominently to the nearest tenth of a penny, the price of a kilowatt-hour of electricity can come as

a surprise – or shock – depending on the vendor’s business model and whether you are registered as a subscriber.

The RAC Foundation has long been active in drawing policymakers and industry attention to the need to make life easier for EV drivers. Pell-Mell & Woodcote readers may recall the tale of the Foundation’s trip around Northern Scotland in an EV, as reported in the February 2021 edition.

Happily, things are improving: new consumer-friendly regulations came into force recently to, amongst other things, simplify payments by requiring charging point operators to accept contactless payment cards. This ultimately removes the need for drivers to travel with a wallet full of company-specific cards.

At last, many of the higher-powered, faster-charging models are starting to show welcome signs of being designed with the user in mind.

Of course, drivers with the option to recharge their cars at home can mostly say “farewell” to visiting any sort of on-the-road refuelling station, whether it dispenses electricity or fossil fuel. Unless, of course, they’re desperate to top up with caffeine and chocolate.

England’s first filling station for motorists at Aldermaston. The unmarked site is now in a lay-by on the A4 Bath Road. Colin Waters / Alamy

CLASSIFIEDS

The Club’s free online classified advertisements can be seen on the Club website: just look for ‘Classified Advertisements’ 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 noon on Friday 17 May.

PROPERTY TO RENT

House for Occasional Rent in Mallorca

This luxurious house is situated about 1 mile away from Port de Pollensa, in a quiet area under the mountains. The well-appointed accommodation is fitted with a beautiful designer kitchen. It sleeps 8 people, with 4 bedrooms (2 ensuite), and 2 share a bathroom. Outdoor facilities include a large swimming pool, bicycles, SUPs, gas barbeque. Please note that the property is not available in August.

Email: falcs2000@yahoo.com

Tel: 07768 121819

https://falcs2000.wixsite.com/sonsiller

Luxury Lodge on Golf Resort near Dartmoor

Overlooking one of 5 golf courses, Conker’s Lodge offers smart, relaxed & flexible self-catering holiday accommodation for 6. Access to the on-site Ashbury resort offers 99 holes of golf, swimming, racquet sports (incl. padel), snooker and crafts, for small daily fee. Perfect too for Dartmoor walks and the North Cornwall coast. Weekly bookings prioritised, shorter stays accommodated. Discount for Club members.

Email: conkerslodge@yahoo.com

Tel: 07967 684558 or 07971 185792

South of France Villa

Situated between the historic villages of Cabris and Speracedes, near Grasse. This beautiful villa boasts magnificent views of the Mediterranean. The principal villa hosts 4 guests and the guesthouse 2 guests. Facilities include a large, heated pool and finely appointed, excellent quality bathrooms and gourmet kitchens. Available: Thursday (PM) 29 August to Friday (AM) 7 September 2024.

Email: 113000.610@compuserve.com

French Tel: 00 33 4 93 66 18 34 until mid-May

US Tel: from mid-May 00 1 917 331 5190

Family Villa to Rent, Algarve, Portugal

Nestled between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo. This luxury villa boasts 4 double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a pool table, satellite TV, wi-fi and air conditioning. Outdoors, a heated pool awaits, surrounded by terraces and a lush garden. A 15-min walk to sandy beaches, along a scenic boardwalk with lake views. Indulge in golf nearby or relax. Maid twice a week. Gardener and pool cleaner once a week.

Email: barbarawhiteway@icloud.com

Tel: 07881 097386

Kefalonia, Large Villa with Stunning Views

A very spacious villa with 5 double bedrooms (sleeps 10/12) and 5 bathrooms. Stunning sunset views over the sea. Ten minutes from the lovely sailing harbour, Fiscardo. Large pool, very private, close to two gorgeous beaches. Also good for wedding parties and family reunions. Wheelchair friendly.

Rental availability, May, June, first week of July and already booking for 2025.

Email:

jonathanbodansky@hotmail.com

Tel: 07872 464269

Villa Al Bastini, Lucca Tuscany, Italy

Al Bastini is a beautiful, 18th century villa-farmhouse, nestling in a stunning, peaceful and private wooded hillside. This spacious, traditional Tuscan home is furnished to a high standard. Sleeps 10. 6 bedrooms. 4 bathrooms. Heated pool and gourmet kitchen. Fully air-conditioned. Available for a minimum of one week all year round. 15 minutes from Lucca. 30 minutes from the Versilian coast. 30 minutes from Pisa airport.

Email: peterjmoorhouse@gmail.com

Tel: 07767 320153 www.albastini.co.uk

Holiday Apartment –Dinard, Brittany

Beautiful apartment for holiday rent in Dinard, Brittany, France. Ground floor. By the beach, in town centre, close to the market. Two bedrooms, sleeps 4 to 5. June and July one week minimum. Contact Josephine Clavel for more photos and more details.

Email: josephinehuchet1@gmail.com

Tel: 07595 514290

Villa Linnazello, Italy

Stylishly restored with modern furnishing, this villa has four bedrooms (all air conditioned), two bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen/ living room with a fireplace and a view of Argentario, a swimming pool, and a secluded garden. Available to rent at any time of the year, Villa Linnazello is just a 45-minute drive from Rome

Fiumicino airport and one hour by car or train from central Rome.

Email: book@linnazello.com

Tel: 07798 524502 www.linnazello.com

Luxury Six Bedroom Cotswolds House

Luxury waterfront six-bedroom, sixbathroom home in the Cotswolds near Lechlade set in 850 acres of countryside. Golf, tennis, swimming, spa, gym, paddle boarding and biking all close by. Available throughout the year to rent including Christmas and New Year. Contact Karen Lewis.

Email: karenpaulinelewis@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 07950 464419

Kensington Flat for Rent

Central London, Kensington. Beautiful flat for rent. 1,200 sq feet. By the week in June / July / September. Sleeps 4 with two double beds and two bathrooms. Ground floor. Please contact Josephine. Email: josephinehuchet1@gmail.com Tel: 07595 514290

Six Bedroom Country House in North Cornwall

Luxury country house nestled in the idyllic Vale of Lanherne and close to Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth. Far-reaching country views. Dog friendly. Swedish hot tub, large, enclosed garden and spacious oak gazebo. Unique, unforgettable multigenerational holiday let which sleeps 12 (plus 2 infants). Wonderful in any season. Stunning ‘interior designed’ house with four log burners. An electric vehicle charging point is on site. Changeovers: Fridays or Mondays. Discount for RAC members.

Email: tg23219@gmail.com

Tel : 07788 911971

Luxury Homestay in North Cornwall

Luxury 4-bed farmhouse for up to 8 guests near Boscastle. The nearby beaches of Trebarwith Strand, Crackington Haven and Widemouth Bay allow easy exploration of the beautiful shoreline. Enjoy elegant interiors, original period features with contemporary comforts, log burner, and a cedar hot tub with panoramic views of the countryside. Friday or Monday check-ins. Club members discount available.

Email: hello@treglastamanor.co.uk

Tel: 07776 172601

www.treglastamanor.co.uk

PROPERTY, CARS AND YACHTS FOR SALE

Porsche Carrera for Sale

Porsche Carrera 4 coupe for sale. Grey, 23,000 miles, year 2013, one driver only, excellent condition, semi-manual. Please contact Josephine.

Email: josephinehuchet1@gmail.com

Tel: 07595 514290

Mercedes-Benz SL Class 3.2

SL320 2dr 1999 (S reg)

Absolutely pristine condition. Garaged and covered from new. Current owner since 2001. Panoramic (detachable) hard-top roof. This is truly a collector’s vehicle, smoke free, pet free. Mercedes-Benz serviced with full-service history. Almost 1 year’s MOT, only 16,500 miles since new. Silver, 2 owners, £25,750. Location near Woodcote Park clubhouse.

Email: phjchapman@btinternet.com

Tel: 07971 249902

2023 SanLorenzo SX76 Motor Yacht for Sale

Why wait two years for a new build? Get on the water this year with a new luxury superyacht that is under full warranty. Moored in Antibes, France, this 23.75 metre

SanLorenzo SX76 is nearly brandnew and is built with top-range finishes. Also included is 4G/5G/ Starlink-ready internet, a Williams 395 jet tender and a Seadoo Jet Ski. 8 guests, 4 cabins, 2 crew. €5,950,000 EUR (VAT paid).

Email:

crc@Edmiston.com (Charles Crane)

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7495 5151 or +33670763673

www.edmiston.com/7200/radkatyacht-for-sale/

Beloved Porsche For Sale

Classic Porsche 993. In pristine condition with full record of maintenance over past 17 years. 1994 vintage. Investment and great driving opportunity. Please contact Geoff Pullen.

Email: geoff.pullen@gmail.com

Tel: 07785 730169

Timeshare for Sale

2 bed townhouse (can sleep 6) at Four Seasons Country Club, Quinta do Lago, Algarve. Week 48 available in perpetuity.

Discounted green fees at Quinta do Lago golf courses. £3,000.

Email: pbennett389@gmail.com

Tel: 0208 943 0543

Mobile: 07815 714478

Join the ‘007’ Club

Aston Martin Db9 v12, engine 5.9 seq., automatic, unleaded petrol, Y reg., made in 2005, 80k miles. Service history and MOT. Meteorite silver grey body metallic paint exterior, ceramic wheel coating, phantom moon shadow interior trim/piping. Price £28,950.

Email: iandwyer2016@gmail.com

Tel: 07495 905991

2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Spruce Green with green leather interior. Selling after 16 years of ownership. ULEZ compliant. Low mileage 18,200 miles. Garaged throughout. This Bentley has been well cared for and is in excellent condition, it looks like a new car! Located near Windsor.

Email: patscroft@gmail.com

Tel: Alan on 07803 035 706

SERVICES & MISCELLANEOUS

Tailored Yacht Charters

Looking for your next holiday? I’d be happy to help! I work for Hinde and Kitch, a London-based yacht charter broker, delivering tailored holidays on the finest yachts around, from romantic Greek islands to the sensational Seychelles. We offer a personal approach, assigning a specialist broker throughout your journey, and only work with yachts and owners we know and trust. All budgets and yachts accommodated.

Email: info@hindeandkitch.com

Tel: 0750 2432 646

www.hindeandkitch.co.uk

Dutch Delight – Tulips and Windmills

Embark on a captivating river cruise through the Netherlands and delve deep into Dutch history, culture, and cuisine. Explore the essence of Dutch life as you navigate intricate waterways, taste local delicacies and stroll along charming canal-lined streets. Ideal for history buffs, nature lovers and explorers, immerse yourself in the charm of the Netherlands on this unforgettable journey.

Email: enquiries@bressendentravel.com

Tel: 0207 620 8952

www.bressendentravel.com

Splendours of Egypt and the Nile

Embark on a 12 day discovery of Egypt and cruise the Nile like royalty, in unparalleled luxury and style. Marvel at the grandeur of the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Explore the hallowed grounds of the Valley of the Kings, where ancient royalty rests eternally. Begin and end your adventure in Cairo, where you’ll stand in awe before the iconic Pyramids of

Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx.

Email: enquiries@bressendentravel.com

Tel: 0207 620 8952 www.bressendentravel.com

Pettitts Travel Bespoke Opera Breaks

Experience opera in some of the world’s most stunning settings in Europe. Enjoy Carmen, Aida or La Boheme in ancient Arena di Verona on a 4-day city break, with flights, hotel and opera tickets from £880pp. For the perfect ending, extend your trip to include Lake Garda. Speak to one of our travel experts for advice on booking any of our 12 featured European opera houses and many performances.

Email: info@pettitts.co.uk

Tel: 0203 988 5094

www.pettitts.co.uk

Pettitts Travel Bespoke Holidays to India

Visit vibrant India with Pettitts Travel, specialist tours around India for over 35 years. Embark on a curated journey with a private driver, where your holiday is tailored to your interests, desired locations and preferred level of comfort. For something different, Sri Lanka is an ideal alternative for wildlife and history. For the best experience speak to our experts to book a luxury holiday.

Email: info@pettitts.co.uk

Tel: 0203 988 5094 www.pettitts.co.uk

Singing Tuition with a Friendly Expert Tutor

Club member Ben Costello, a singing teacher, musical director, examiner and adjudicator, offers singing lessons in Surbiton (home visits by arrangement), teaching all ages in

a variety of musical styles/genres. Ben also really enjoys working with adults who may be exploring their singing potential or are in a choir and want to pass that audition! Enhanced DBS clearance. ISMregistered teacher.

Email: maestrocostello@gmail.com

Tel: 07889 659324

www.bencostello.com

Rolex and Patek Phillippe watches pre-owned

We have in stock for immediate purchase many of the rarest items in watches, coins, stamps, manuscripts, and sport, film and music memorabilia. We have over £50m in stock right now, which makes us the largest dealer in the world in high-end collectibles. Also, we can find any item you are looking for, as we have been in this business for over 45 years, with worldwide contacts. RAC club member since 1995.

Email:

ant@paulfrasercollectibles.com

Tel: 07700 702962

www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

Bespoke PA and Administrative Services, London and Home Counties

annabel provides a professional, on-site and/or virtual solution to your home, life and business administrative requirements so you can free your time to focus on things that really matter to you. Offering a complete A-Z of PA services delivered through your own dedicated, hand-picked consultant, annabel will bring calm and order to your life in no time at all.

Email: help@annabel.co.uk

Tel: 07808 578260

www.annabel.co.uk

Piano Teacher

Club member Junko Kobayashi is a classical concert pianist who was a pupil of the great pianist Louis Kentner, and who herself has published several CDs and has given numerous concerts in the UK and abroad. An experienced teacher, she offers lessons in St John’s Wood to prepare for Grades 7, 8, and at diploma level. Adults who would like to revise their piano skills are also welcome. Zoom lessons possible.

Email: k333junkokobayashi@btinternet.com

www.junkokobayashi.com

Caiger Art: Bring Wow Factor to Your Home

Newly moved or redecorated? Are you looking for stunning artwork to complete your space? With a decade as art advisors, we offer our clients budget-friendly art buying guidance. Our experience allows us to work with you to source the perfect artwork. We also have amazing pieces available to buy online, to view by appointment in Ewell or at your home. Contact now for a free advice call.

Email: carol@caigerart.com

Tel: 07828 513885

www.caigerart.com

Westminster Wealth

Financial planning and advice from Top 5 Ranked firm. There is never a bad time to review your current financial position, aims and aspirations. Club member Joss Gale is a financial adviser at Westminster Wealth Management in London, which prides itself on independent financial planning and advice. The Financial Times ranked Westminster 4th in their Top 100 Advice Firms for 2023! Call for a no obligation chat.

Email: joss.gale@westminster-wealth.com

Tel: 07760285780

www.westminster-wealth.com

CLUB CURIOSITY

The new Pall Mall clubhouse – celebrated in song.

By Club Librarian Trevor Dunmore

A SONG OF THE R.A.C.

I.

In the days long gone by, before man learnt to fly, And the world moved by coach and four horses, When to travel by steam was the optimist’s dream, And petrol had not joined the forces, Nell Gwynn was the belle of the pompous Pall Mall, And King Charles from his palace would note her, “Gad Zooks!” he would say, “If I knew but the way, I would turn Nell’s sedan to a motor.”

CHORUS.

Creeping things have crawled away, Growler- hansom- cabriolet, Motor car has come to stay, So comrades join with me, Let no voice continue mute, Every member sing and shout, Every syren hoot-toot-toot, Toot to thee R.A.C.

II.

Jim Selby, whose name is so well known to fame, Drove to Brighton and back – Eight hours clear OThere are still some alive who remember that drive, And proclaim Jolly Jim as a hero, Though we bear no reproach to the good ‘Old Times’ coach, And every Briton loves horses, When to Brighton we fly we bid gee-gees goodbye, And consign them to fields or race-courses.

CHORUS.

Roadsters all have run away, Wheelers white and leaders grey, Petrol takes the pace of hay, So comrades join with me, Never mind the punctured tyre Sparking plug that misses fire, Never mind the Bobbie Spyer, Toot to the R.A.C.

III.

When that awful eye-sore, the old office of war, With the grim and grey sentries before it, Was swept clean away, we all shouted “hooray!” There was nobody heard to deplore it, On the War Office site, soon arose in its might, A palace of peace and of pleasure, And, like Nell, the belle of modern Pall Mall, The R.A.C. reigns a proud treasure.

CHORUS.

R.A.C. – not W.O. –Weal (with an H) instead of woe –Peace in the place of war – what ho! –So comrades join with me, Let us all, a jovial band, Heart to heart and hand in hand, Rule the road, the world command, Long live the R.A.C.

THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE Club’s Pall Mall headquarters incorporated the latest technologies in heating, lighting and ventilation when constructed and – after the addition of lavish interiors – Club members assumed residence in March 1911.

That first year’s enthusiasm, engendered by all the wonderful new facilities, was captured with élan at the New Year’s Eve Dinner which welcomed in 1912. One unique element saw Cunningham Bridgeman and Reginald Somerville commissioned to write A Song of the R.A.C., a stirring ditty and an homage to the Club, the clubhouse and the motor car.

Bridgeman, a connoisseur of Gilbert and Sullivan operas as well as a librettist in his own right, and Somerville, a composer (and actor) best known for ‘drawing-room ballads’ such as A Song of the Desert and The Lark and the Nightingale, together produced the song. Likely was the case too that Bridgeman selected the mezzo-soprano Jessie Rose, a renowned Savoyard, to perform it that night.

What then do we make of the lyrics? The Nell Gwynn / King Charles references hark back to the thoroughfare’s prestige, with Nell a famous Pall Mall resident of yore, and the game ‘Pell-Mell’ coming to prominence during the reign of King Charles II in the mid to late 17th century. The most celebrated stagecoach event in history was Jim Selby’s extraordinary feat of 1888: getting from London to Brighton and back in under eight hours (108 miles, involving 13 changes of horse); driving a carriage of four in harness was a skilful trade and attracted considerable status.

‘Bobbie Spyer’ no doubt referenced the current age when cars were still met with deep suspicion by the public, and the police (the ‘bobby on the beat’) took great pride in jumping out from behind hedges to catch errant motorists. And ‘W. O.’ might have got ‘Walter Owen’ (Bentley) in on the act but there it is harking back to the old War Office which had previously occupied the site on Pall Mall.

Sadly, we have no record of the music – but if any member comes across it in the future, please let us know!

DDR Surrey is as passionate about Mercedes-Benz as you are. As Independent Specialists with years of experience, we have the ability to offer all aspects of aftersales for your Mercedes, from routine servicing, to fault diagnosis and repairs. Our service is professional and comprehensive, even covering hybrid and electric vehicles, using our team of highly trained Mercedes technicians.

Plenty of Royal Automobile Club members already trust DDR Surrey with the maintenance of their Mercedes. We like to think we hold the same values, and passion for quality.

So if your Mercedes-Benz is due a service, or you’ve noticed a fault, take advantage of our local free collection and delivery service (from Woodcote Park, your home or workplace) and rest assured that your vehicle won’t be better looked after anywhere else.

Bibury

Our relaxed adaptation of a summer classic, The Chukka featuring our new Wedge Rubber Sole