Twenty Luncheon Club Members and their guests visited the Barbican on the 4th July 2006 for our annual theatre outing to the Guildhall School of Music's Summer Gala Evening in aid of the Silk Street Bursary.

The evening began with a drinks reception on the terrace of the Balcony Bistro followed by dinner in the restaurant. Although the food and service were slightly disappointing this was more than compensated for by the theatre production itself. Oh! What a Lovely War is a musical about the First World War, with everything spoken during the show having either happened or was said, sung or written during 1914-1918.

Although an horrific experience for those unlucky enough to have been involved in that War the show itself was entertaining, lively, humorous and thought provoking all at the same time. It also included many of the popular songs, which were written at that time and have become well-loved standards. The timing of the production was also very appropriate coming on the 90th Anniversary of the battle of the Somme.

As we have come to expect, the standard of singing and performance from the Guildhall School of Music students was excellent and a very enjoyable evening was had by all who attended the event.

                                                       Andrew Panter

The Barbican Balcony Bistro

Wine Circle

How good are Californian wines?  Having won top prizes against the French competition in recent professional blind tastings, our expectations were high and proved to be well founded.

Pierre Mansour (not a Frenchman, despite his first name), The Wine Society's Californian buyer, presented a range of white and red wines to Wine Circle members and guests at the Travellers Club.

The first wine, a Pinot Grigio brought murmurs of appreciation and, as the tasting progressed through examples of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, we realised that here indeed were superb classy wines.  Unfortunately for Pierre his final flourish, a superb Zinfandel made by Jim Draper, by repute one of the best winemakers in the world, had to be poured in minute quantities as one bottle was corked.  Even in small quantities we realised we were drinking a very great wine.

For dinner we tasted another Chardonnay, a fine Merlot and a delicious sweet Muscat, each one being discussed by Pierre.  As one member commented afterwards, ten good wines, a three course dinner and an expert commentator, not bad value for £66.00.
        John Cruse

Pierre Mansour (left) And John Cruse

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