On this page are featured images of some of the iconic buildings found within the Ward of Cheap, some City events that have taken place in the Ward, and of some of the past Club events.
To see these images full size please click the thumbnails below.
Buildings within the Ward of Cheap
EVENTS 2025
Royal Hospital Chelsea visit
25th February 2025
The 2025 “Sword and the Spirit” Club social programme kicked off with a sell-out visit and tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
We were blessed with a fine sunny afternoon and a similarly sunny tour guide, in pensioner Bill who shared the story and history of the hospital and its residents. Particular highlights were seeing the Grand Hall where the Duke of Wellington laid in state, the fine chapel and extensive grounds. Our President Robert Hughes-Penney also appreciated the Light Dragoons regimental pennant hanging in the bar.
Following the tour welcome refreshments were provided in the delightful Heidi’s cafe in Soanes Stable Yard, also containing the museum and shop, that was only opened in October thanks to a refurbishment grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Installation Dinner
20th January 2025
On January 20th, 2025, Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney was elected as our new President, alongside Anne Keates as Senior Vice-President and Peter Gracey as Junior Vice President. Robert’s theme for the year is the Sword and the Spirit , reflecting both his military past as well as his Christian faith.
Brigadier Angus Watson, MBE Regimental Colonel The Light Dragoons, was our Guest of Honour who delivered a thoughtful and well-received after dinner speech.
EVENTS 2024
Carol Service at St. Lawrence Jewry Followed by Supper at Rucoletta
18th December 2024
This year, the Ward of Cheap Club had the privilege of joining the Lord Mayor’s Carol Service at St. Lawrence Jewry, the official church of the City of London Corporation.
The service was graced by the presence of the Rt Hon. the Lord Mayor Alastair King, Lady Mayoress Florence King, Sheriffs Alderman Gregory Jones KC and David Chalk, Aldermen Robert Hughes-Penney, and members of the Ward of Cheap Club, making it a truly special occasion. Traditional lessons and carols, beautifully accompanied by the organ and choir, filled the church with the spirit and warmth of Christmas. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members and celebrate the season together. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and contributed to this unforgettable evening, which remains a cherished tradition in the Ward of Cheap Club’s calendar.
The Annual Civic Lunch
30th October 2024
The Ward of Cheap Club’s Annual Civic Lunch was a celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and the rich history of the City of London. Held on the 30th October, 2024 at Livery Hall in the historic Guildhall, a venue that has witnessed centuries of important City events, the gathering was steeped in the spirit of our vibrant heritage.
Patron Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, President Mark Magnacca, and Junior Vice-President Anne Keates welcomed Aldermanic Sheriff Gregory Jones KC and other guests.
In recognition of our President’s theme of ‘The Ties That Bind Canada & the UK’, they were piped in by Hamish MacLeod, followed by Ward Beadle Robert Lovell. Our President reflected on “The Ties That Bind Canada & the UK,” sharing a heartfelt speech about the year’s achievements, including a special toast to the newest members, bringing total membership closer to 200. Aldermanic Sheriff gave an informative and engaging talk to Club members.
The afternoon was concluded with the presentation of a cheque to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, a symbol of our Club’s commitment to giving back. The event was a beautiful blend of history, celebration, and meaningful connections, reminding all in attendance of the enduring spirit of the Ward of Cheap Club. If you share a passion for the City and its traditions, please join the Club.
When We Were One – Wines from the New World and the Old
10th October 2024
When the Club started over 150 years ago, members would gather weekly, enjoying their pipes over a bottle of wine. These gatherings fostered camaraderie and a shared appreciation for fine wine. While much has changed in the City, the tradition of appreciating good wine remains.
On 10th October 2024, the Club hosted a wine-tasting event titled “When We Were One – Wines from the New World and the Old.” We are very grateful for the generous support of our member, Philip Garcia, Managing Director—Head of Client Relationship Management, who made it possible for us to host this event at Principal Global Investors (Europe) Ltd, in the Ward of Cheap.
The event is led by Ian Hardwick of the East London Wine School, the largest independent provider of Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses in the UK. The Trust is supported by the Vintner’s Company and the Worshipful Company of Distillers, two historic livery companies that continue to play an influential role in the UK’s wine industry.
Ian led an informative and engaging wine-tasting evening, featuring several very interesting wines from Canada and even upper New York State. North American vines existed before the Europeans arrived and may have saved the European wine industry!
Abigail's Party at Theatre Royal Stratford East
26th September 2024
Members of the Ward of Cheap Club gathered on Thursday, 26th September 2024, at the iconic Theatre Royal Stratford East for a captivating performance of Abigail’s Party. Directed by Nadia Fall, the production marked a fitting celebration of the Theatre’s 140th anniversary. The evening was filled with laughter and enjoyment, with audience feedback highlighting the brilliance of the production and the entertaining spirit of the performance.
There have been many names to describe this area: “That Part Beyond the Tower”, “London-over-the-Border”, and “East End of London”, and at one point in the late 1800s, it was thought of as a city in its own right given its large size and social disengagement from the rest of London. Of course, the Olympics put Stratford back in the minds of many, and I am pleased the Ward of Cheap Club has made its own connection with this very special part of London.
New Members Meet and Greet
3rd July 2024
Following our Canadian History in the City—Guided Walk, The Lamb and Trotter in the City provided an excellent venue for our meet and greet session. This event was a wonderful opportunity for members to come together in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, where new connections were made and existing relationships were strengthened.
All of our members enjoyed delicious refreshments and lively conversations, making it a memorable and enjoyable evening. We look forward to hosting more such new members events in the future.
Canadian History in the City - Guided Walk
3rd July 2024
On the 3rd of July, we held the Canadian History in the City – Guided Walk, which aligns with the President’s theme, “The Ties that Bind Canada & the UK.”
Our guided walk took participants on a fascinating journey through Canadian History in the City. Starting at The Four Seasons, we retraced the steps of the Indigenous Peoples of North America and rediscovered the famed Governor and Company of Adventurers of England Trading into Hudson’s Bay, as well as Sir Isaac Brock, who led the Indigenous Peoples, British Americans, and Canadians to defeat the American invasion.
Talk by The Folio Society
4th June 2024
The Ward of Cheap Club had a fantastic evening with the Talk by The Folio Society on the 4th of June! The event was hosted by Joanna Reynolds, CEO of The Folio Society, Tom Walker, Publishing Director, and Kate Grimwade, Production Director. Their hospitality and insightful presentations made the evening truly special for all our members. Attendees were given the unique opportunity to delve into The Folio Society’s remarkable journey, gaining a deeper appreciation for their craft and dedication to producing exquisite editions.
The Folio Society, a London-based publisher founded by Charles Ede in 1947, has transformed dramatically over the years. They produce illustrated hardback editions of classic fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s titles. Folio book editions feature specially designed bindings and include artist-commissioned illustrations or carefully researched artworks and photographs. Initially, The Folio Society operated as a membership-based book club, with a commitment of four books per year. However, in September 2016, the company ended its membership-based structure and reinvented itself.
Today, The Folio Society crafts exquisite editions that are not only works of art but are also designed to be read and thoroughly enjoyed. They have become one of the exceptional British businesses that have successfully established themselves in the fiercely competitive US market.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
21st - 25th May 2024
As many of you know, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show stands as the pinnacle of horticultural excellence. Formally known as the Great Spring Show, this renowned garden show is held for five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London.
A number of our members enjoyed a day at the Show, and we would like to thank one of our newest members, Siyuan Ren, for providing access to tickets that are normally very difficult to obtain.
Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit at Mansion House
7th May 2024
Afternoon Tea at TĪNG Lounge, Shangri-La The Shard
11th April 2024
It was wonderful to see so many of our Club members come together to enjoy culture and companionship at the Bees in Bloom Afternoon Tea at TĪNG Lounge, Shangri-La The Shard. This event showcased our commitment to cultural appreciation and engaging activities and offered high-quality culinary experiences that reflect our Club’s standards. It was also very pleasing to have new members and not-so-new members attend one of their first events!
The afternoon was filled with delightful conversations and the enjoyment of exquisite tea offerings, set against the stunning view of the city skyline. This event truly embodied the spirit of our Club, fostering connections and celebrating shared interests. We look forward to many more gatherings that continue to bring our members together in celebration and camaraderie.
Wardmote at St Lawrence Jewry
20th March 2024
On 20th March, City workers and residents in the Ward of Cheap came together for the annual Wardmote—a historic meeting of citizens in the City of London. This gathering provided an opportunity for the local team of Common Councillors to update the community on their efforts to keep the City and Cheap safe, vibrant, and competitive.
Our Alderman, Robert Hughes-Penney, supports the Lord Mayor’s work as an ambassador for the City. Local businesses, City workers, and residents engaged in discussions on a wide range of topics, including support for homeless people, cycling, SMEs, and strategies to revitalise Cheapside. The event saw a great turnout, with members of the wider community, including the Ward of Cheap Club, participating actively.
The 2024 Fundraising Show "State Trials & Error"
19th March 2024
In celebration of 400 years of legal history, Court No.1 hosted a spectacular fundraising show titled “State Trials & Error” on 19th March. Our members of The Ward of Cheap Club had a great evening, and we even had a prize winner! The show featured vignettes and songs exploring the various ways the state has intervened in trials.
Devised by HH Peter Rook KC and directed by Ellis Sareen, the production offered an immersive experience in the world’s most famous courtroom. Sir Andrew Parmley and the BBC’s Colin Sell served as musical directors, featuring a star-studded cast from the Bar, Judiciary, and the City. This year, it was dedicated to the memory of the late Anthony Arlidge KC, one of the founders and first director of Trial and Error.
The event was a resounding success, with proceeds shared among charitable causes, benefiting The Schools Consent Project, focusing on legal education in schools to reduce offending rates, The Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund, aiding prison leavers, and Pan Intercultural Arts, supporting the vulnerable through arts for social change.
Canada House Tour and Trade Commissioner Service
22nd February 2024
Installation Dinner
22nd January 2024
In 1863, at the Guildhall Coffee House, the Ward of Cheap Club was established to foster neighbourly and social connections. Fast forward to January 22, 2024, when Mark F. Magnacca became our new President, alongside Robert Hughes-Penney as Patron & Senior Vice-President and Anne Keates as Junior Vice President. With Mark’s dual citizenship in Canada and the UK, our 2024 program focuses on “The Ties That Bind Canada & the UK,” blending social and business events. Rob Brant, Managing Partner of McCarthy Tétrault’s London office, was the Guest of Honour, delivering a riveting speech on the historical injustices and current opportunities facing Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
EVENTS 2023
Business breakfast
18th October 2023
City of London Blitz walk
20th September 2023
On 20 September 2023, Clive Harris led a guided City of London Blitz walk. Since completing his service in the Army, Clive has worked as a speaker, writer, researcher and guide for tours not only of the London Blitz but also of Gallipoli, Palestine, Italy, Normandy and Arnhem.
It was a most enjoyable and interesting walk and we all learned so much about the effects of the Blitz on the City of London. It is remarkable that it survived so well but that was in no small way due to the efforts of the people of London who were engaged in the war in so many different ways. We heard stories of firefighters, ambulance drivers, bomb disposal experts and others which demonstrated their determination to support the war effort.
The walk was followed by lunch at The Tokenhouse in Moorgate.
Visit to Highgrove Gardens
13th July 2023
On 13 July 2023, our group enjoyed a guided tour of Highgrove Gardens, the gardens of the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen near Tetbury in Gloucestershire. The gardens, which are renowned as some of the most inspiring and innovative in the UK, include a large kitchen garden, a stumpery and a majestic arboretum. The tour was followed by lunch in the Orchard Room and a visit to the Highgrove Shop, which sells a range of branded gifts, many designed exclusively for Highgrove.
Visit to the Charterhouse
13th June 2023
On 13 June, a group of members and guests visited the Charterhouse in Clerkenwell. The Charterhouse was built in 1371 as a Carthusian monastery which flourished during the later medieval and early Tudor period. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the Charterhouse became a mansion for wealthy noblemen. In 1611, it was bought by Thomas Sutton who converted it into an almshouse for seamen, soldiers and merchants who had fallen on hard times (the Brothers) and a school. The school was moved to Godalming in 1872 but the almshouse continues today.
We enjoyed a very interesting tour with our excellent guide who not only described the fascinating history of the Charterhouse but also brought the tour to life with many stories which included providing a refuge away from the centre of London for Elizabeth I and later, James I.
Battersea Power Station to the Chelsea Physic Garden Walk
18th May 2023
On 18 May a group of members and guests walked from Battersea Power Station to the Chelsea Physic Garden. The walk was led by Angela Waddingham who gave us an interesting tour of the new development at the Power Station and then led us along the Thames, over Chelsea Bridge to the Chelsea Physic Garden where we enjoyed lunch outside in the beautiful gardens. Angela talked about the many landmarks on our route, including the American Embassy, the new development at Chelsea Barracks and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Marble Hill Visit
19th April 2023
On 19 April a group of WOCC members and guests visited Marble Hill on the banks of the River Thames in Twickenham. This Georgian house was built by Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk, who is best known as a mistress of George II. The house is now owned by English Heritage. The President, Patricia Edmunds, who is a guide with English Heritage, led the tour of this fascinating house.
Ward of Cheap Club ‘Breakspear The English Pope’
24th February 2023
On 21 February 2023, the Ward Club, in conjunction with the Bank Churches, hosted a meeting at St. Vedast-alias-Foster Church in the City. Past President Adrian Waddingham gave a talk about his recent book ‘Breakspear The English Pope’, the story of Nicholas Breakspear who was elected as Pope Adrian IV in 1154, the only Englishman to have held this office.
The talk was introduced by the Revd. Paul Kennedy, Rector of St. Vedast, and the vote of thanks was given by the President, Patricia Edmunds.
Ward of Cheap Club Business Breakfast
1st March 2023
The Ward Club held a business breakfast on 1 March 2023 when Richard Burge, the Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry spoke about the global challenges facing the City of London in 2023.
The event was sponsored by the Cheapside Business Alliance and held at Saddlers’ Hall.
EVENTS 2022
Ward of Cheap Club Business Breakfast
10th June 2022
The Club hosted a business breakfast on Thursday 10th June at the Guildhall, in conjunction with and sponsored by the Cheapside Business Alliance.
35 of us, including Club members, guests, workers and residents from within the Ward heard from the Chamberlain of London, Caroline Al-Bayerty, about her role and some of the challenges faced by the City in its many guises.
The phrase ‘there is so much more than meets the eye’ could easily have been coined for talking about the City and its finances. Caroline reminded us that while the role is essentially that of Finance Director, she also has a key part to play in the ‘Silent Ceremony’ when the new Lord Mayor is admitted to office each year, and when she presents the symbolic items of crystal sceptre, sword, purse and seal to be touched by the new Lord Mayor.
Guests were reminded about the purpose of our Club and, encouragingly, a number subsequently showed interest in applying to join us.
Ward of Cheap Club Business Breakfast
11th May 2022
Club members and guests were treated to a really interesting and enjoyable voyage of discovery by Anne and Andrew Keates on May 11th 2022, as they took us round a number of the small and sometimes not-so-small City gardens, including Postman’s Park, the Charterhouse garden and glorious Christ Church Greyfriars Church garden, to name but a few.
We couldn’t linger but we could have spent much more time in each of them, soaking up the current peace and quiet – and also the staggering history of most of them.
We then removed to the Butchers’ Hall for their traditional carvery lunch and some easy chat.
Ward of Cheap Club visit to The Honourable Artillery Company
20th April 2022
The Club visited the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) on Wednesday 20th April 2022.
Our tour was hosted by the Officer Commanding, Light Cavalry, Honourable Artillery Company, Alan Willis. Alan has been the Officer Commanding for 8 years and has a continuous history of escorting the Lady Mayoress in the Lord Mayor’s Show for almost 40 years. His knowledge is second to none and his enthusiasm is infectious. The HAC has a very long history which will not be recounted now. The museum covers several centuries, and the medal room is something to behold.
After the tour we joined the soldiers for Drill Supper and lively conversation.
Our sincere thanks was given to Alan Willis and also a donation to the HAC charity, by the club.
Ward of Cheap Election update
23rd March 2022
On Wednesday 23rd March a Wardmote was held at Wax Chandlers’ Hall and it was my pleasure to take the Chair as Alderman for the Ward and act as Returning Officer at the uncontested election of Common Councillors for the Ward.
This year’s election was unusual in two respects; first, the term that candidates were elected for is three years, which differs from the standard four year term because the last term was extended by 12 months to five years due to Covid-19. Secondly, the election in Cheap was uncontested, unlike the vast majority c.20 of other Wards that had contested elections.
As a result, I am delighted to report that candidates and incumbents Nick Benstead-Smith, Tijs Broeke and Alastair Moss were all successfully returned. Congratulations to them! In many ways the fact the election was uncontested is testimony to their hard work on behalf of the electorate, workers and residents in the Ward over the last few years. I believe it also reflects the strength of the Ward team and the cohesive and collegiate nature of the relationships, which is not something that can always be taken for granted but one that I, as Alderman, am extremely grateful for. I am sure we all wish them well for this term of office and say, “keep up the good work!”.
I am also pleased to confirm that I have appointed Alastair Moss as Deputy once again and am grateful to him for undertaking this role.
At the Wardmote we were pleased to welcome a few voters from the Ward who, after hearing from the candidates, were able to ask questions and raise issues and concerns.
As usual the Wardmote was expertly organised by the Ward Clerk, David Cox, and I was in the right place at the right time in the right order of dress thanks to my Beadle, Bob Lovell. We were also very grateful to the Wax Chandlers for kindly providing the venue for the Wardmote.
Elsewhere in the City, on Thursday 24th March, election day, there were a number of significant changes and departures. These included the loss of the Chairman of Finance and two former Chairmen of Finance – I wonder whether anyone is going to be brave enough to step into their shoes given these apparent omens. However, the departures also mean a significant number of individuals have been elected for the first time and we look forward to getting to know them and work with them in the months ahead.
Robert Hughes-Penney, Alderman
Patron, Ward of Cheap Club
Ward of Cheap Election update
March 2022
Club members and their guests were treated to a fascinating tour of St Paul’s Cathedral in early March 2022.
Our guide told us that, with a party of 14, we were the largest guided group to visit the cathedral since before the pandemic. Yvonne, our guide was most entertaining and knowledgeable, showing us a variety of public and private areas including the Dean’s stairs, otherwise known as the Geometric staircase, designed by Wren in 1705. Some members admitted to recognising the staircase from the film Paddington! After the tour of the ground floor and also the Crypts we were given tea and cakes in the Chapter House before returning to the Cathedral to sit in the Quire for sung evensong – a rare treat. Predictably the tour passed all too quickly and we all felt that there was so much else to take in. Another time! We finished the day at Pizza Express for a jolly supper and jovial conversation.
Visit to the Goldsmiths’ Hall
22nd February 2022
The Club visited the Goldsmiths’ Hall on Tuesday 22nd February 2022 and 23 members benefited from the tour given by Mr Simon Hutchinson MBE, the Deputy Clerk of the Company.
His knowledge and enthusiasm was in abundance and gave us a relaxed, sociable and educational experience of the Hall. This focused primarily on the main rooms and did not include the Assay office, for security reasons. As Simon pointed out this was not a reflection upon the integrity of the Club’s members! We learned about the history of the building, it’s paintings and some of the astonishing craftwork. The photos show the club members who enjoyed the afternoon and also the key plates that sit behind the Prime Warden at Livery dinners and occasions such as the Trial of the Pyx.
The Club donated a portion of the Club’s event cost to the Goldsmiths’ 1327 fund, a charitable fund set up to mark the forthcoming 700 years of the Company and help educational endeavour in the craft.
Members repaired to Haz for tea and reflections on the tour afterwards.
EVENTS 2021
Civic Lunch
November 2021
Wizardry in Wood exhibition - Carpenters Hall
October 2021
EVENTS 2020
Advent Carol Service
December 2020
Classical Guitar Recital Wednesday
November 2020
Visit to St Paul's Cathedral
March 2020
15 members of the Club enjoyed a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral on 11th March, led by our President Charles Ledsam and his wife Debbie. We enjoyed the services of a volunteer guide, Janet Payne, who did an excellent job in showing us some of the hidden treasures of the cathedral which many of us will have visited on numerous occasions, but doubtless missed some of the detail.
We started in the Chapel of St. Michael and St. George where Janet described the beautiful carvings and the role of the Order, which mainly comprises former senior diplomats or members of the military.
We moved to a magnificent spiral staircase near an entrance used occasionally by the Queen when she wanted to avoid the main steps. The individual stairs in this stone structure were only set 4 inches into the walls and each cantilever structure was supported by the next lower until a firm structure was reached. This on over 100 steps was an astonishing feat of engineering – and faith, at least the first time you had ot walk on them!.
Something many visitors will have passed by, despite its size, is the enormous white marble font designed by Francis Bird in 1726. Janet explained that it is sometimes referred to as “The Bird Bath” – it would probably take an albatross sized bird!
We learned that the original structure as left by Wren was plain white and that the mosaic ceilings above the quire were additions in the late 19th century, a response to Queen Victoria complaining how “dull, dingy and undevotional“ the place was. Janet also explained how the cathedral had been cleaned of centuries of grime from candles by the use of latex to remove the soot particles.
The tour finished in the crypt which is something of a hidden gem. The most spectacular items contained are the tombs (an insufficiently grand phrase to describe enormous marble and granite structures) of Wellington and Nelson. But there are tombs or memorials to the great and good of the English over centuries. For example you can stand on the tomb of Parry (he of Jerusalem), which is next to that of Sir Arthur Sullivan (this writer could not spot anything for WS Gilbert, who does have a memorial on the Embankment) and close to a memorial to Sir Alexander Fleming (he of penicillin fame). There are also memorials to the painters Reynolds, Turner and Milais, the poet Blake, and Florence Nightingale. A whimsical thought provoked by the immense diversity of the great and good who have tombs or memorials in the Crypt is “What sort of committee decides who gets a place, and where it goes?”
Janet had a portfolio of photos and pictures of St. Paul’s thorough the ages, of which some of the most remarkable were those showing the effects of bombing during World War II. The overwhelming impression was how lucky we are that more of the bombs did not detonate, and the bravery of those on the ground at the time who dealt with them. The previous Victorian altarpiece was one of the areas that did suffer bomb damage, and the present high altar dates from 1958, with a baldacchino based on that in St. Peter’s in Rome.
After a break for well earned refreshments we were installed in stalls in the Quire for Evensong. By this stage the late evening sun was streaming through the West Window, casting long shadows in the nave. We could enjoy the service, including excellent singing by the boy choristers of the Nunc Dimitis and Stabat Mater, doing their best against the notorious St Paul’s echo. The acoustics were probably made worse by the shortage of other visitors as a result of the coronavirus.
After the service we moved for supper to Pizza Express just off Cheapside. Thanks are due to our President for an excellent outing.
EVENTS 2019
President’s Weekend – Norwich & Sandringham Estate
September 2019
A hardy group of intrepid 7 Members assemble at the hotel, the Maid’s Head Hotel for a welcome drink at the bar and excellent dinner at the Wine Press restaurant. The Maid’s Head claims to be oldest hotel in England. The hotel was mentioned frequently in the C J Sanson historical novel, Tombland, featuring the lawyer, Matthew Shardlake.
Saturday 21st September
After a fortifying breakfast, we report for a group photo before embarking on a mini bus to the Forum and met our guide for a walking tour. We started at the Market Square, walked past the City Hall (where Adolf Hitler would have made his East England HQ had he won WW2) and viewed the St Peter Mancroft Church, and entered to inspect its beautiful interior and rare 16th Flemish tapestry in excellent condition. We proceeded to the Guildhall (second largest in England) which served as a Court house, debtors’ prison, and HQ of the City constabulary. We paused outside an entrance to a former goldsmith’s shop (the stone was pillaged from a dissolved monastery) and inspected a whipping chain for the unfortunate miscreants of a bygone age!
Proceeding on, we walked through the fine Victorian Royal Arcade and dived into the mediaeval backstreets of Elm Hill, admired a flint covered mansion the Bridewell, and see some original Flemish weavers’ cottages (the City ‘s symbol, the canary, is derived from the canaries the weavers kept to accompany their work). We strolled past the River Wensum and towards Tombland and admire Augustus Seward House (the numbered timbers at the back showed one of the first examples offsite building prefabrication!).
Then onto the Cathedral, to admire the architectural glory of Norwich, the highest tower in England (the spire is the third survivor). Our cathedral guide shepherded our group for a fascinating tour of the cloisters, encouraged us to look up at the magnificent roof bosses, mediaeval altar panels, choir stalls (one of the misericords shows a cook trying to stop a fox stealing food, whilst behind her a pig is sticking his snout into the cooking pot). We could have spent more time there! But now, we wanted some free time to roam around the City, look for our own lunch venues (but not spoiling our appetites for dinner later) and relax.
A comfortable 52 seater coach picked us up from the hotel for the short trip the Assembly House, where we enjoyed a fine three course dinner in an atmospheric private dining room, the Hobart Room, sampled our delicious three course dinner, amid the period features of the original Georgian fireplace, sash windows and décor. We returned to our capacious coach for the return trip to the Maid’s Head, for a comfortable night’s sleep after a very satisfying day.
Sunday 22nd September
After another good breakfast, we clambered aboard our spacious coach for the transfer to the Sandringham Estate. Before entering, we inspected the wares of a local farmers’ market. We approached the main entrance for a group photo. We stepped inside before being sternly warned that no indoor photography is permitted. We admired the interior, are amused by the weighing stool Edward VII used for his guests to see how much weight they had gained during their stay! The rooms contain fine furniture, ceramics, paintings yet it retained a homely, intimate charm, not at all overwhelming.
We enjoyed a stroll around the beautifully kept gardens, and some of us had time to go to the Sandringham Exhibition and Transport Museum.
Time for a roast lunch at the Café and Coffee shop, where most of us chose locally reared Sandringham Roast Lamb as our main course.
Finding that we had enough time left, we explored one of the most famous parish churches in the world, St Mary Magdalene, admired the sumptuously decorated chancel, the silver pulpit and the many memorials.
Time up and we returned to our capacious coach and a final trip to the Maid’s Head in Norwich, where we said our thanks and farewells, took away our fond memories of an interesting itinerary and renewed our friendship.
Thames Boat Trip
June 2019
15 persons assembled for the somewhat chaotic embarkation at Embankment Pier to board the Glass Room boat operated by Bateaux London, to the accompaniment of a jazz band and a welcome prosecco. The boat travelled at first upstream, and turned near the Houses of Parliament to head downstream, through Tower Bridge, past HMS Belfast, Wapping, Isle of Dogs, Cutty Sark and then to the O2 before returning to Embankment Pier.
A special premier 5 course lunch was served and consumed amid the leisurely atmosphere of the jazz band as wonderful sights slipped gently by. All too soon, the trip ended but our club members disembarked with the pleasant memories of a nautical Sunday afternoon excursion, convivial company and first class cuisine.
Walk “Secretive London” and Lunch at the Vestry
May 2019
26 walkers rendezvoused at St Paul’s tube station to be led by our experienced guide, Kevin Larder of “Real London Walks”. The theme was to explore places around Smithfield that most people would not notice or take a second glance. These included Panyer Alley (and the Panyer Boy bas relief next to Café Nero), Paternoster Square (look for the vents at the base of the Monument), Temple Bar, Postman’s Park (and the memorial of glazed tablets established by GF Watts, commemorating acts of bravery), St Vedast and its tranquil courtyard garden (with Roman pavement and an unexpected sculpture of a bust by Jacob Epstein), the Watch House overlooking St Sepulchre’s (to guard against body snatchers!), the Golden Boy of Pye Corner (marking the westerly extent of the Fire of London), Smithfield (and the memorial for William Wallace) and finally Charterhouse Square (including the burial ground of the Great Plague uncovered by Crossrail excavations).
After so much exploring, it was time for lunchtime refreshment at the nearby Vestry, where 21 walkers took their leisure in a converted vesting room of St Sepulchre’s to sample a delicious three course lunch and quality wines.
