The formula for the Christmas Dinner at Cutlers' Hall rang a few changes.  The near capacity gathering enjoyed mulled wine before sitting down to a candlelit Dinner.  A festive atmosphere was evident from the start as the Hall had been decorated by the Cutlers for their Boars Head Feast and was added to by the assembly being encouraged to dress in party mode.

Richmond Caterers looked after us well and gave us the strength required to blow up the rocket balloons!  The choir 'Voices in Accord' managed to calm things down as we listened to and joined in the singing of festive songs. Their popularity was further enhanced when it was announced that their fee for the evening of £350 was to be given to Save the Childrens' Fund.

The Chairman then announced that some fifteen seat numbers had struck lucky and had won two bottles of wine from the Club's surplus stock whereupon the gathering broke up for the big raffle draw of the evening.  For the first time the event had been set in a charity mode each ticket carrying a contribution which was added to by some fines enforced by the Clerk to raise a total of £800.  This will go to the Richard House Childrens' Hospice in E16 London, a charity chosen by the Master.

The customary program for the year is already well underway with one of the highlights to come being the Summer Event (see below).  John Mills who has run the Club so successfully for many years has formally handed over Chairmanship to Andrew Panter for what will be an exceptionally hard act to follow.  We wish him well.

Keith White,   Chairman  (locum tenens).

The Luncheon Club's "Day in the Country" this year will be at the historic house and grounds of Avington Park, Itchen Abbas near Winchester which will be open exclusively for our visit.  Avington, or Afintun as it was known in the 10^th century, is a privately owned Georgian house set in peace and tranquillity on the river Itchen.  The west elevation has a magnificent pillared portico surmounted by three statues and looks out across a sweeping lawn to the lake.  On the south side are two unique iron conservatories which flank a pillared orangery.

The house was owned by George Brydges, Groom to the Bedchamber of King Charles II, who enlarged the house to accommodate the King and Nell Gwynne.  George's grandson, who became the Duke of Buckingham, inherited Avington and played host to King George IV and Mrs Fitzherbert.   

The interior contains beautiful period rooms and has been the setting for numerous films including BBC's recent TV production of Daniel Deronda.  The Georgian church of St. Mary, with its historic barrel organ, is situated within the grounds a short walk from the house.

The day will follow the established format with coffee at 10.45 am followed by a guided tour of the house and an organ recital in the church.  Drinks will be served on the terrace, if fine, and lunch will be in the conservatory.  The drive to Avington from the M25 down the M3 or the A3/A31 (more scenic) takes under one hour in normal conditions.  Wives, partners, guests and friends are welcome.  Cost will be approx £43 per head.

Philip Anderson

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