THE JOURNAL THE LANSDOWNE CLUB 2012/13
time well spent
A FAMILY AFFAIR A CLUB FOR LIFE BEST FOOT FORWARD THE SOCIAL SCENE Espionage, romance and Meet some of the Club Member, Sarah A round-up of the intrigue; a story that spans Lansdowne’s longest- Watkinson-Yull, on how year’s best events four generations serving Members she got started in business James & Diya tied the knot in style...
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PG.02 JOURNAL CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION Message from the Chairman - 4 Message from the Club Secretary - 5
CLUB FOR LIFE A family affair - 6 Meet some of our longest-serving Members - 9
BUSINESS Best foot forward - 12 The third space - 14
SOCIAL Tasting & matching - 16 Social scene - 18 Clubs within the Club - 20
RESIDENTIAL Reciprocal Clubs - 22
SPORTS Sports news - 26
MEMBERS Members’ news - 29
STAFF Staff news - 30 Key contacts - inside back cover
Note from the Editors 2012 has been a triumph for British sport and the success of the London Olympics is something we should all be proud of. It therefore seems particularly poignant that the Club’s refurbished Sports Area opened in this historic year. We thought it was high time The Journal underwent something of a facelift too and we hope you like the new design and enjoy reading the many articles that follow, which couldn’t have been written without the help and support of a loyal band of Club Members. The theme of this year’s Journal is ‘A Club for Life’ and we were very interested to discover that many of our Members have relations who are also Lansdowners. However we’re pretty sure that Henry von Blumenthal’s extensive family connections with the Club, which date back to the founders, will go unrivalled (page 6). We were also thrilled to discover just how important the Club has been in the lives of some of our longest-serving Members (page 9). As modern working lives become more fluid, and more people are freelancing, adopting flexible working hours or starting their own ventures, the boundaries between the spaces in which we work and socialise are narrowing. Diane Banks explores the impact of these changes in her article, The Third Space, on page 14. In fact, you may have noticed that the Club has recently implemented some subtle changes to ensure it appeals to the business-minded among us. Young entrepreneur, Sarah Watkinson-Yull, is one such Member and you can find out how she started her exciting venture, Yull Shoes, on page 12. Of course, for many Members the Club is purely social and this year Social Butterfly has introduced an array of new and popular events which you can read about on page 18. You can also find out how some of your fellow Members celebrated landmark occasions at the Club (page 29). Lastly, the foodies among us may be interested to hear about the delicious new tasting and wine pairing menus recently introduced in the Dining Room (see page 16 for details). As ever, we welcome your contributions to next year’s Journal, so if you have any story ideas or news that you’d like to share with your fellow Members, please email the details to [email protected]. Wishing you a happy and healthy year ahead.
Anne Wright, Editor Helen Patmore, Marketing Manager
PG.03 FROM THE CHAIRMAN
2012 has been a year of reinvestment, growth and regeneration, with Members continuing to support the Club in good numbers and benefiting from the improved facilities, especially the new Sports Area. As per the Council’s long-term strategy of being the best mixed, Social, Sports and Residential club in London, the desire to continue to invest in the Club, its Members and staff remains paramount.
You may have noticed when entering the Club over the past few months that the stonework has been repaired, cleaned and a new flag erected. Going forward, we are planning to install additional lighting to highlight the architectural beauty of the front façade of the building. The refurbishment of the Adam Room and Round Room will be the next project to be undertaken towards the latter part of 2012, followed by the Front Entrance and Crush Hall in early 2013. Thereafter, the Ladies Powder Room, Findlay, Thirties and Billiards Rooms will be refreshed and revived. Running alongside these various projects is the reconfiguration and enhancement of the Club’s artwork. To date, new artwork has been purchased for the Sports Area, the Shelburne Room and the ante-room of the Findlay Room. Existing artwork which is currently hung on the stairwells will be reframed and repositioned over the coming months which we hope will allow Members and guests to ‘take a walk through the Club’s history’ as they traverse the building. As mentioned in the last edition of The Journal, we are planning to build an additional eight to ten bedrooms on the West wing of the Club. I am pleased to report that planning consent has been received from Westminster City Council for the creation of a sixth floor which will accommodate eight standard bedrooms. The application for the 7th floor is still pending. The Lansdowne, as I’m sure you are aware, is run by the Members, for the Members. Along with management’s assistance, the Club is run by guidance from the Council and eight standing and sub-committees supporting various sections of the Club which include Social, Sports and Bridge to name but a few. The success and future success of the Club is down to the expertise and experience of the Council and committee members. Should you be interested in contributing to the well-being of your Club by imparting some of your knowledge and time, please get in touch with the Club Secretary, Mark Anderson. Lastly, thank you for your continued support of the Club and encouragement for the ongoing resurgence of The Lansdowne.
CHRIS POWELL Chairman of The Council
PG.04 FROM THE CLUB SECRETARY
I am pleased that during 2012, a year of celebration with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in July and August, the festive spirit that overtook London found its way into the heart of Mayfair too.
This has been an exciting year for the Club with the completion of the Basement Project, and subsequent opening of the new sports facilities, as well as the planning of forthcoming projects to be undertaken. Support from existing Members and interest from new Members is at an all-time high and we will continue with our efforts to consistently strive to offer the best facilities and services possible. The long-term goal of the Council to create distinct floors of facilities, as shown below, is ongoing. Basement: Sports and social Ground floor: Social and dining First floor: Business and social Second floor: Social and dining Members are now permitted to conduct small meetings (no more than four), use laptops and view business papers, in the Thirties and Billiards Rooms. In addition, mobile phones may be used for non-verbal communication throughout the Club but if used to make or receive calls, Members may do so in the Billiards Room, Business Centre or in the phone booths located in the Sports Area or on the first floor. This year, we have embarked on the mammoth task of collating up-to-date personal and business information from Members. Thank you to those who have already responded, your assistance is most appreciated. If you have not had the chance to send through your updated information as yet, including a current photograph of yourself, please do so as soon as possible. We haven’t undertaken such an exercise before and it is essential that we have the right information on file for each Member. Not only will this assist us in communicating more effectively with you, but it is also our first step in improving the security of the Club. From next year, you will be asked to swipe your card in order to gain access to the Club and your identity will be verified by your photograph on file. Let 2013 be a year of personal celebration! The Club, apart from being the perfect place to socialise with friends, dine and exercise, is the ideal venue for those special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and graduation parties. We have five well-appointed function rooms that can accommodate two to 200 so don’t delay in contacting Lucy or Inga in our Banqueting office, both of whom would be only too pleased to receive your call and offer any advice in planning an event to remember. Thank you for your continued support of The Lansdowne throughout the year and we all look forward to an exciting time of revitalisation to come. Yours sincerely,
MARK ANDERSON FIH CCM CEO & Club Secretary
PG.05 FOUNDER MEMBERS Percy Arnold-Baker 1875 - 1945 and his stepsons Wolfgang von Blumenthal and Werner von Blumenthal
FREDERICK CATHERINE GEN. SIR CHARLES ARNOLD-BAKER = NAIRNE NAIRNE 1845 - 1922 - C-in-C India
BARON ALBRECHT WILHELMINE PERCY CAPT ARTHUR SIR FREDERICK VON BLUMENTHAL =1= VON BLUMENTHAL =2= ARNOLD-BAKER ARNOLD-BAKER, R.N ARNOLD-BAKER NÉE HAINSWORTH 1889 - 1945 (Founder) (Founder) (Founder) (Founder & Resident) 1875 - 1945 President 1940 - 1954 1883 - 1977 1885 - 1959
BARON WERNER BARON WOLFGANG VON BLUMENTHAL VON BLUMENTHAL AKA. RICHARD AKA. CHARLES ARNOLD-BAKER ARNOLD-BAKER (Founder) (Founding junior man) 1914 - 2005 1918 - 2009
HENRY NIEVES VON BLUMENTHAL = BUENECHEA Joined 1986 Joined 1986
ALEXIS WILHELMINA VON BLUMENTHAL VON BLUMENTHAL - Joined 2010
PG.06 A FAMILY AFFAIR Espionage, romance and intrigue; it’s all happened at The Lansdowne. Anne Wright talks to Henry von Blumenthal to find out why the Club has played an integral role in the lives of so many members of his fascinating family.
he Lansdowne Club offers The former Baroness von Blumenthal, German. Later, Charles followed his brother something for all ages so now known as Billy Arnold-Baker, was to MI6 where he worked with the traitor Tit’s no surprise to discover the daughter of a Yorkshire industrialist, Kim Philby and was among the first to voice that quite a few of our Members are from Abimelech Hainsworth, whose cloth mill suspicions of him. In Belgium he and his boss different generations of the same family. supplied the British Army with its scarlet Richard Gatty arrested the entire German spy However, arguably no family has had such cloth, as it does to this day. As the English ring in Antwerp; and in Norway he caught a close connection with the Club as the wife of a Prussian officer, she had spent the deputy commandant of Auschwitz, Fritsch. Arnold-Baker/von Blumenthal clan. WWI in Germany, which was particularly In fact, Charles’s espionage antics in part In 1935, the Club was founded by a group hard after her husband was captured by the inspired the character Paul Dark in Jeremy of individuals including three brothers, Sir French. The long separation ruined their Duns’ spy thrillers. The Club was full of spies Frederick Arnold-Baker, Captain Arthur marriage and they divorced; Percy was the anyway because for many years MI5 was Arnold-Baker and Percy Arnold-Baker. solicitor hired to manage the proceedings. based next door to the Lansdowne. Sir Frederick was a senior judge who, When World War II broke out, Wolfgang After leaving MI6, Charles went on to run along with his friend Lord Aberdare, had the and Werner, who were both Germans, the National Association of Local Councils energy and vision to get the whole project off repudiated Nazism and joined the British and saved the Parish Councils from abolition, the ground. As the Chairman from 1940-54, Army to fight their native land. If captured but his most impressive achievement he guided the Club through the difficult war they would have been hanged as traitors, was to write, singlehandedly, an entire years, from near ruin to great prosperity. so they adopted their stepfather’s name and encyclopaedia of British History which He and his brothers were all extremely well- became Richard and Charles Arnold-Baker. Henry published in 1996 as The connected. Their uncle, General Sir Charles Henry’s uncle Richard was in MI6 from Companion to British History. Nairne, had been Commander in Chief in the start. At the outbreak of war he was in India, and they all had a remarkable talent Switzerland and had to race across France for networking. Arthur had been Flag Officer aboard He arrived, dirty and unshaven, on the doorstep of H.M.S. Lord Nelson during the Dardanelles campaign in the First World War. The the Lansdowne unrecognisable to the porters on duty. When they ship rescued two of the Tsar’s uncles, with their wives and children, including the realised who he was, they said “Sorry Sir, we thought you were dead.” Montenegrin Grand Duchesses who had introduced Rasputin to the Tsarina and, in turn, Arthur introduced a great many to get back to England before the Germans As a child in the 1960s and 70s, Henry military and naval figures to the Club. closed the ports. He arrived, dirty and regularly visited his grandmother, Charles’s unshaven, on the doorstep of the Lansdowne Percy was a solicitor and an accomplished mother Billy, who resided at the Lansdowne. unrecognisable to the porters on duty. cricketer, cox and watercolourist, which gave If she was alone, he would meet her in the When they realised who he was, they said him access to a wide circle of distinguished Crush Hall and they would take tea on the “Sorry Sir, we thought you were dead.” friends who also joined the Club. Among swimming pool balcony or downstairs in the them were the artist, Sir William Russell When Rudolf Hess landed in Scotland, TV room, which was a daring innovation at Flint; the England Cricket Captain, Richard, who knew many of the higher the time. Sir Henry Levesen-Gower; and the echelons of German society, was chosen to Billy was often to be found in the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Gordon- be part of the four-man interrogation team. Ballroom, which was the usual place Lang, whom Percy knew through rowing. He was convinced that the prisoner was an for tea, with another Club Member, impostor. Later on Richard trained spies in Percy went on to marry Club Member Hon. Mabel Strickland, the daughter of the Casablanca for infiltration into Yugoslavia. and divorcée, Baroness Wilhelmine von Maltese Prime Minister and herself now Blumenthal, née Hainsworth, whose two Henry’s father, Charles, commanded leader of the opposition to Dom Mintoff. sons, Barons Werner von Blumenthal and Churchill’s guard at Chartwell for three Mabel spoke with a stentorian voice and the Wolfgang von Blumenthal (Henry’s father) months in 1943; he thus dined with the great young Henry thought she looked like a man were also Members from the start. man weekly. He often wondered if Churchill and found her slightly frightening. knew that his guard was commanded by a
PG.07 2
1 | NIEVES VON 1 BLUMENTHAL Joined in 1986
2 | HENRY VON BLUMENTHAL Joined in 1986
3 | BILLY-ARNOLD BAKER - FOUNDER 1883 - 1977 Founder Member in 1935 Painted by Member Sir William Russell -Flint
4 | BILLY VON 3 4 BLUMENTHAL Great granddaughter of Billy Arnold Baker 1883 - 1977 Joined in 2010
hey made a formidable pair because, the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg, taking like many deaf people, his grandmother Nieves and their children Alexis and Wilhelmina with T also spoke at the top of her voice. him. Throughout, the Lansdowne has always been a Henry recalls: “After tea, which nearly always involved welcome base in London for the family. impenetrable macaroons, the mortifying process would begin; I would sit with the two old ladies while they Henry’s daughter, Wilhelmina, known like her great- loudly commented on other Members as they walked grandmother as Billy, joined the Club on her 18th in, oblivious that they could be heard. On one occasion birthday. After a gap year playing polo in Argentina my grandmother said at the top of her voice ‘There’s and elsewhere, she has just started a degree at St Peter’s poor Lord X; he had a stroke recently and doesn’t know College, Oxford. An article in the Catholic Herald what he’s doing. He’s just fallen downstairs.’ Lord X then recently described her as a “pretty, live-wire bundle… walked up and said charmingly ‘Good afternoon Mrs great value, very bright, perfect manners – Arnold-Baker; I am glad to see you in such good form.’ not a beat missed.” I must have been about nine at the time.” For her the Club is almost like an ancestral home, but it is Henry, who reclaimed the family’s German name, joined not at all stuffy. The possibility to stay off Piccadilly while the Lansdowne with his wife Nieves in the mid 1980s. in London, have a daily swim and belong to a Club with He was amazed to find that Margaret, who ran the bar a thriving social scene makes the Lansdowne, in her book, in the Adam Room, still remembered him as a boy. For a pretty special place. Nieves, the Club was to become a home from home; the In 2012 Henry’s cousin Astrid von Blumenthal and her stylish pool a particular attraction. For Henry, who had husband Bernd became the 10th and 11th members of just left Oxford University to work in the City, it was a the family to join the Club. nostalgic place for him to meet his wife. Later his work took him to Russia where for five years he advised the City of Moscow Treasury, until in 2001 he moved to
PG.08 A CLUB FOR LIFE Meet some of the Lansdowne’s longest-serving Members
by Anne Wright
“The Club is going from strength to strength.” Andrew Trimingham
PG.09 ANDREW TRIMINGHAM ANNE COX MEMBER SINCE 1955 MEMBER SINCE 1949 Andrew is originally from Bermuda and he was boarding at Stowe Anne’s parents lived in Kenya and the Club Secretary in the late 1940s when he was first introduced to the Lansdowne. A keen swimmer, was the son of a Kenyan-based family friend. On his recommendation, he represented his school in the Bath Cup Relays, an inter-school Anne’s parents signed her up as a Junior Member in 1949 at the age of competition which took place in the Lansdowne pool. After graduating 15 whilst she was at boarding school in Benenden. Along with several from Oxford University, Andrew returned to Bermuda to work for of their Kenyan-based friends, including Hugh and Patsy Barclay, the family business, Trimingham Bros, a famous department store Anne’s parents were overseas Members and the Club was an ideal established by his great grandfather in 1842 which had a buying office London base where the family could meet. Anne married her first in London’s Grosvenor Street. As the Lansdowne was close by, he husband, Viscount Folkestone, in 1953 and he joined the Club soon decided the Club would make an ideal base when he visited London after their marriage. She went on to marry Vice Admiral Sir John Cox and he liked it so much that he continued to be a Member following K.C.B. following the breakdown of her first marriage and persuaded a move to New York. Andrew eventually left Bermuda for good due him to leave his own club and join her at the Lansdowne on account to political reasons in 2008 and bought a flat in London’s Portman of the fact that it welcomed women. Her brother, Antony Seth Smith, Square. He is a Member of the Club to this day, along with his civil is also a long-serving Member. partner, John Adams. Anne, whose official title is Lady Cox, now lives in Salisbury and has Andrew, who uses the Club regularly for dining and entertaining, always used the Club as a base for meeting friends. Over the years, says, “The huge improvements made to the Sports Area and the she has particularly enjoyed swimming there, especially when the refurbished bedrooms and reception rooms are tremendous.” diving boards and water chute were in situ (these had to be removed due to health & safety concerns). Anne stayed at the Club before setting off to get married for the first time and she still visits the Lansdowne “The Club is going from strength to strength.” regularly when she comes up to London to meet friends and see Andrew Trimingham her grandchildren. According to Anne, “In years gone by the Club was quite basic and clearly struggling, but it’s wonderful now, especially for young people ANDREW’S PLUS POINTS as there’s so much going on. The Secretary is incredibly helpful and the staff are efficient and courteous. It really has been a home from “Everything’s super, but given all the rain we’ve had earlier this summer, home for me and I wouldn’t feel secure in London without knowing the covered area of the Courtyard is particularly successful!” that it’s there. It’s part of my life.” ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT? “The Club has been a base for everything important “It would be fantastic to see the return of the Long Bar, a splendid Art Deco creation which I think was removed in the late 60s/early 70s.” that has happened in my life.” Anne Cox
ANNE’S PLUS POINTS “The Club’s refurbishment has been a tremendous success. The staff are friendly and there’s a wonderful atmosphere.”
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT? “Breakfast is delicious and I’d like to try Sunday lunch, but I do find the restaurant menu a little modern for my taste. I enjoy meat and two veg and I’d love to see some traditional English food return to the Dining Room. It would also be wonderful to be able to take tea in the Ballroom again like the old times.”
Andrew (left) with civil partner, John Adams
PG.10 Ann Cox as a teenager in Kenya Philip Ling on holiday in Cork, Ireland, July 2012 Roger Hopkins on holiday in Rome
PHILIP LING ROGER HOPKINS MEMBER SINCE 1962 MEMBER SINCE 1971 Philip’s father, Thomas Ling, was a Founder Member of the Club and Roger was introduced to the Lansdowne Club by a friend, Patrick Philip started coming to the Club with him in 1953 at the age of seven Grieve. He joined at the age of 23 primarily to play squash, very often when the family moved from Sussex to Chelsea. His father was a keen with Patrick, and he has been a Member ever since. When Roger swimmer and Philip learnt to swim at the Club and remembers looking joined the Club, he had just started out as a barrister. Some years later up in awe at the high diving board and water chute. As a teenager, he he switched to become a solicitor and continued in full-time practice learnt to play squash at the Lansdowne and he recalls the Club being until retiring as a partner of his firm two years ago. a major centre for squash at the time, frequented by many of the top players in England. Philip joined as a Junior Member in 1962 and Roger has lived variously in London and Hampshire and now visits the became a full Member in 1969. He’s now based near Henley and visits Club a couple of times a month to meet friends for lunch or dinner, the Lansdowne once or twice a month. He still enjoys a swim at the or simply to have a drink in the bar or have a haircut with Steve the Club and always gets his hair cut by Steve the Barber. Barber. In 2007, he celebrated his 60th birthday with a lunch party in the Ballroom for 100 people. His daughter is also a Member of According to Philip, “In years gone by there was talk of privatising the Club, joining on his recommendation. the Sports Area, something I was very opposed to. Mrs Jan Moore did a wonderful job of ensuring this didn’t happen. In my view, it Roger is pleased that “outside parties booking the Club’s facilities would have completely destroyed the spirit of the Lansdowne. As a for events, such as conferences, seminars and weddings, has child, I remember the Club being rather drab and dowdy, but the successfully increased revenue and thus helped to keep improvements that have been made in recent years are nothing short membership costs under control.” of amazing.” “The quality of the food has improved immeasurably “The Lansdowne is one of the best-kept and is of a consistently high standard.” Roger Hopkins secrets in London.” Philip Ling
ROGER’S PLUS POINTS PHILIP’S PLUS POINTS “Improving the Dining Room and introducing new menus, brightening up the “The bedrooms and reception rooms are first rate and the new Sports Area is public rooms, upgrading the bedrooms and improving the swimming pool and fabulous.” sports facilities have all made a tremendous difference to the Club.”
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT? ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT? “As a Member, until very recently I had no idea that there was a Members’ “Everything is great. I can’t honestly think of anything I would change.” table in the Dining Room and this is something I think the Club should raise awareness of. I’m all for encouraging the art of conversation and Members’ tables are a great way to meet other people as you can sit and talk to whoever’s next to you, whether you’re dining alone or with guests. I intend to give the Members’ table a try next time I dine at the Club.”
PG.11 BEST FOOT FORWARD Meet Lansdowne Member and shoe impresario Sarah Watkinson-Yull and her stylishly chic ‘Made in Britain’ collection...
by Anne Wright
PG.12 Sarah Watkinson-Yull, founder of Yull Shoes
oung Entrepreneur, Sarah Where did you get the idea to start shoe is part of. Finding a supplier in the Watkinson-Yull, founded Yull Yull Shoes? UK was tricky. There is only one factory Y Shoes in March 2011 at the From a very young age I always wanted to left in the UK that produces ladies’ heels, age of 21 with the aim of designing and start my own business in the fashion industry one that produces ladies’ soles and one that manufacturing classic ladies’ shoes with a twist. and in 2009, whilst studying at London manufactures shoe lasts. Rather refreshingly, the company’s motto is College of Fashion, I was sold on the idea style over fashion and its stunning range of of shoes. I love how each pair of shoes can Where would you like your business quality classics, whilst chic and stylish, aren’t make you feel completely different. to be in five years’ time? fashion fads. A pair of Yulls is therefore I would like to start making handbags guaranteed to last more than one season. What challenges do you face as a young when I graduate in 2013 and I have recently One of the stars of its current ‘Made in Britain’ business woman today? been to Paris to make a Yull perfume which collection is The Lansdowne, a quality leather The same challenges as any entrepreneur - should hopefully be ready to buy next year. shoe named in honour of the Club. lack of capital, cash flow problems, lack of My dream is to open a Yull store in London It’s fair to say that Sarah has crammed quite time and lack of sleep. in the future. a lot into her 22 years. She attended Canford How did you fund the business and What tips would you give to other School in Dorset and then moved to London budding entrepreneurs? to study at the Fashion Retail Academy for where did you go for advice? a year, whilst also taking an evening course I initially worked for 15 months to start the Believe in yourself and others will too. on starting a fashion business at the London business and I then approached the Prince’s College of Fashion. After college, she Trust which provided the necessary funds Why did you join the Lansdowne Club? returned home to Oxfordshire for 15 months to enable me to start manufacturing shoes My Dad was a Member of the Club in to work for the family business trading aroma in the UK. I have a business mentor who the 1970s and even named his company, chemicals in order to save enough money I meet with once a month and I also have Lansdowne Chemical PLC, after it. When to start Yull Shoes. During this time, she access to specialist advice through the Trust. I was growing up, he often talked about the acquired invaluable import/export skills and The help and support I have received from Club and how he loved swimming in the gained experience dealing with customers them has been invaluable. pool so I decided to join the Club to use and suppliers. She then returned to London the sports facilities and for the social life. to launch Yull Shoes, whilst also taking a What steps did you take to get your I use the pool twice a week and I’m usually full-time degree in Business Management business up and running? around on TGI Fridays. at Westminster University. Sarah was Sourcing and getting the products right recently the runner-up in ‘Go for Growth’, TO TRY SARAH’S LANSDOWNE SHOE FOR first were key, along with creating the right SIZE AND TO SEE THE REST OF HER ‘MADE IN a competition organised by the Prince’s Trust branding. I wanted to start Yull since moving BRITAIN’ COLLECTION, VISIT HER WEBSITE: and part-funded by the European Regional to London after school so I had a bit of time Development Fund. to get the initial steps right (I think!). WWW.YULL.CO.UK.
Where are your shoes made and how do you go about sourcing suppliers and controlling the quality of your products? DID YOU KNOW?... The shoes were initially manufactured in China due to lower set-up costs and I The monthly Business Networking Breakfasts held found my current supplier on alibaba.com. at the Lansdowne are an excellent way for budding However, this year I launched the ‘Made entrepreneurs to make contacts and pick up useful tips in England’ range which the Lansdowne and advice. See page 21 for details ~
PG.13 JUST A LITTLE NOTE TO SAY... Diane Banks (left) runs the popular, monthly Business Networking Breakfasts held at the Lansdowne. They are an excellent way for budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business men and women to make contacts and pick up useful tips and advice. See page 21 for details ~
PG.14 THE THIRD SPACE “Everything comes together… subjectivity and objectivity, the abstract and the concrete, the real and the imagined, the knowable and the unimaginable, the repetitive and the differential, structure and agency, mind and body, consciousness and the unconscious, the disciplined and the transdisciplinary, everyday life and unending history.”
‘Third Space’ theorist Edward Soja Writer Diane Banks
rivate members’ clubs throughout the ages have provided a place which sits between home and work, whether for the Victorian gentleman wanting to P enjoy a cigar and brandy with his peers at Brooks’s before retiring to the domestic environment of home, or the 21st century media professional catching up on the day’s news on their iPad over a glass of wine at Soho House before taking the tube back to their flat. At your club, you can sit more comfortably by yourself than at a public bar and it offers a place to invite your contacts to which is more intimate than a bar or restaurant, but more formal than an invitation to your home.
There has been a resurgence in private members’ clubs in recent years, with Nick Jones’s Soho House Group expanding internationally, the incredibly popular renovation of the Arts Club on Dover Street, and Robin Birley’s much talked about 5 Hertford Street opening in Shepherd Market. On the face of it, it may seem strange for these clubs to be opening in such bleak economic times, but on further reflection it makes a lot of sense. These days, Londoners rarely own homes in which they would feel it appropriate to entertain regularly (or if they do, they are usually too far out of town to make an invitation feasible) and we are all living our lives in a different way even to ten years ago. The third space is becoming more and more significant as technology, hot desking, freelancing and creative thinking is changing the way we work – and leading to more enjoyment of our work, hence bringing it into the social space. In the 1980s it was all about networking, which conjures up images of corporate events with name badges, power suits and much exchanging of business cards. Now it’s about “notworking” – building rapport in a more relaxed environment and seeing where a connection might lead. Importantly, this is not the “business” space – a connection could yield results for your personal, social or professional life. It’s this new way of living our lives which makes private members’ clubs more relevant than ever.
At the Lansdowne Club we’re adjusting to the growth in the concept of the third space by making sure that we are catering for all needs, from your morning workout in the state-of-the- art basement Sports Area, to dinner in the second floor Dining Room prepared by top-class Chef, Neil Ramsey. In between, we’ll be leaning the ground floor towards a purely social space (no laptops or business papers) and the first floor will become a relaxed business space. As fits the times, this won’t be a “business centre”, but a pleasant environment where you can order coffee or a drink and let the ideas and conversation flow, or work undisturbed by yourself at a laptop station. Likewise, we’re offering events which range from the networking breakfast, which you can drop into before work on the first Wednesday of every month, to family Sunday lunches and singles’ evenings. As boundaries in how we spend our time blur and more of our lives come into that place which is neither home nor work, we hope that the Lansdowne will offer an environment where you’ll feel relaxed and inspired throughout the day, whatever your mood.
DIANE BANKS is a Member of the Council and Chair of the Social Committee.
PG.15 ALICE WOOLEDGE SALMON & HUGO DUNN-MEYNELL AWS, an American long-resident in London, writes about Paris, New York, and her adopted city, in fact and fiction, variously published. She twice won the Glenfiddich Award for Food Writer of the Year, and contributes regularly to The PN Review, The Guardian, and literary magazines on-line and between soft covers.
HD-M, retired Chairman and Executive Director of The International Wine & Food Society, whose headquarters were formerly based at The Lansdowne Club, is a life member of The Circle of Wine Writers and the Founder of the Guild of Food Writers. For ten years, he edited the Society’s journal, Food and Wine.
JUST A LITTLE NOTE TO SAY... The photograph above was taken three years ago in the garden of The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street, a stone’s throw from the Club, after the wedding of one of Hugo’s nieces, which preceded a large reception and dinner at the Club.
Editor’s note: Sommelier Armando Russo has now left the Club, and his successor Karim Yousfi continues the practice of inspired matching.
PG.16 TASTING & MATCHING The July Dining Room buzzed with an evening of multi-lingual conversation, sounds of laughter and a nearby piano, the clink of cutlery on plates and the glow of adjacent candles, the promise of sociability and well-being...
Contribution Alice Wooledge Salmon and Hugo Dunn-Meynell
ourses were ordered and The successful alliance of wine with food Sancerre-like Greywacke sauvignon blanc, appropriate glasses presented, creates a synergy -- the mutual enhancement the alternative pairing from the same year. Ceach eventually to be filled no of qualities -- bringing pleasure, delight! in But before the night’s final spoonfuls of higher than its widest point with, in our case, expected harmony or surprise at enlightened dessert and consecutive sips of French and a selection from Sommelier Armando Russo’s contrast, and we, not lacking in views, were Italian sweet wines, Hugo tucked, with twenty or so Wines by the Glass or further receptive to Armando’s. relish, into rare beef fillet with nuggets of possibilities on the Club’s extensive list. Crispy Beef Shin and the various textures We tasted back and forth between menus, of Oriental Salad, effectively balanced by At successive pourings, we would tilt glass beginning with Avocado and Goat Cheese Gernot Heinrich’s 2010 Blaufränkisch against white tablecloth to consider the Cannelloni opposite Tea Smoked Quail, for from Burgenland. wine’s colour, then swirl the upright glass to which Armando’s matches were two 2010 release aromas towards Alice and Hugo’s whites based on Austria’s grüner veltliner Served by Armando in a Burgundy glass respective noses, both poised to dip past grape from the Kamptal region, a variety whose large bowl is fit to develop the fruit the rim and inhale the complexity of scents, little known beyond eastern Europe and and bouquet of silky reds, this Austrian some familiar, others unexpected. A sizeable something of a chameleon. Ludwig Hiedler’s number had the weight and red-berry sip, held in the mouth, air smartly sucked Spiegel production meant full-bodied spiciness suited to magnify the qualities behind teeth and across tongue to plunge the pungency that advanced to a limestoney, of Hugo’s robust main course. palate into each wine’s depths of nuance and agreeably bitter finish, while Fred Loimer’s flavour, a little chewing to extract maximum grapes, harvested slightly later from his The star of Alice’s evening arrived via a taste, and then -- in the interests of sobriety Terrassen vineyards, with the resulting wine low white soup dish, wide in rim. Gnocchi Ratatouille was fanciful understatement for rich vegetable broth flecked with green “The successful alliance of wine with food creates a synergy -- droplets of extra-virgin olive oil floating gnocchi and basil leaves, sections of red and the mutual enhancement of qualities -- bringing pleasure, delight! yellow pepper and green courgette, small ovals of breaded mozzarella and half a as we progressed -- we would discreetly briefly aged in oak and acacia, gave a more miniature aubergine, each deep-fried. Talk spit, savouring what we hoped to find as a sedate, peppery, and less acid minerality. about synergy! A dish you could die for, or lingering, possibly memorable aftertaste. The aromatic latter worked well with Hugo’s live on, carried even further by Armando’s moody cep mushrooms, preserved quail’s leg, selection of 2010 unoaked Chablis from Executive Chef Neil Ramsey, devoted to and quail consommé infused with juniper Domaine Laroche, whose north Burgundian British produce enlivened by foreign accents and thyme, while Alice’s non-pasta triumph citrus and steel sustained and lifted Neil and his collaboration with Restaurant of sliced avocado wrapping a length of Ramsey’s ‘ratatouille’ to the heights Manager Eike Bosche, has conceived the goat’s cheese beside the froth of green-tasting of elegance. innovation of Lansdowne Tasting Menus, Coconut & Cucumber Air was refreshed by The well-nourished hours wound happily one of them vegetarian, which change Herr Hiedler’s yellow-fruit brightness. through the seasons. July’s pair were vivid down, and while we write, the season evolves, in colour and texture, inventive platefuls Limitations of space, ladies and gentlemen, as does the rhythm of the Lansdowne’s described without fuss, and with these in preclude our detailing the next marriage, of gastronomic matching. An expected mind, Armando, a Venetian inclined Hugo’s Plin, a ricotta and spinach pasta, and constant? The theme of adventure and towards vinous ‘adventure’, has developed Alice’s cold Cromer crab and verjus-dressed above all, enjoyment and gustatory fun. his ‘mission’ to arouse Members’ curiosity herbs with the Südtirol-Alto Adige’s delicious about particular wines, each to be enjoyed 2010 St Magdalena pinot grigio, more with a choice of specific dishes. successful either way than New Zealand’s
PG.17 SOCIAL SCENE This year the Lansdowne Social Butterfly has transformed our Members’ social scene, introducing a variety of new events such as the festive Summer Extravaganza, ‘Mix ’n’ Mingle if you’re Single’ evenings, and a cutting edge Sabrage evening in the Ballroom. If you missed out on attending any of these events, hopefully you read about them on Twitter and Facebook, as well as on the Club website, as Social Butterfly tweeted the latest news, reminders and updates on a daily basis.
NOVEMBER 2011 – JANUARY 2012 As usual, the highlight of the Club’s social calendar was the ever-popular annual Club Ball which took us ‘Out Of Africa’. Members and their guests arrived to the rhythmic beat of African drums and the call of the wild, whilst being greeted by Alan and his concierge team dressed as colonial safari rangers. The evening kicked off with a traditional gumboot dance and guests dined on a selection of African dishes such as Potjie Pot Chowder, Springbok Steak and South African Taster (milk tart, Don Pedro and koeksisters), perfectly matched with fine South African wines. Following the tantalising three-course meal, everyone took to the dance floor, tried their hand at the casino tables or retired to the ‘Safari Bar’ in the Courtyard Brasserie. An excellent time was had by all.
PG.18 With a wide range of events hosted for Members throughout the year, here’s a peek at some of our favourites...
FEBRUARY – APRIL 2012 MAY - JULY 2012 AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 Our very first ‘Mix ‘n’ Mingle if you’re Single’ In June, once the official business of the Live at Lansdowne, bands ‘Pacifico Blues’ evening was introduced in the more informal Annual General Meeting was concluded, the and ‘Back to Bruges’ entertained Members setting of the Thirties Room. With the relaxed Courtyard Brasserie came alive with exotic with jazz and blues repertoires outside in atmosphere of a cocktail party, these evenings birds of paradise, hula-hoop girls and the beat the Courtyard Brasserie to keep the summer have proved popular with single Members of a Samba band for our first ever Summer vibe alive. of all ages. Alas, as yet I don’t think there’s Extravaganza. Our talented chefs once again a need for me to go shopping for a hat, but pulled out all the stops and gave Members a watch this space… choice of five food stalls with flavours from September saw the return of the British Food around the world. Festival, held over three Fridays in the Dining Room. Game Day was once again a sell-out, Members of the culinary persuasion enjoyed proving once more the love our Members an exclusive evening with Executive Chef, Neil July saw a visit from the Confrérie du Sabre have for good food and fine wines. Ramsey. They were welcomed with a glass of d’Or as they treated Members to an evening Champagne and mouth-watering canapés, of Sabrage; where Champagne meets sword. before enjoying a behind-the-scenes glimpse Two hundred years ago, dashing young The Arts Group, which has taken a very active of the Club kitchens. The evening included cavalry officers in the French Army would role in arranging a range of arts-related events a seven-course dinner in the Dining Room, slice the corks off Champagne bottles with over the last year, with some phenomenal complete with kitchen anecdotes and tricks of their sabres, rather than put themselves to the guest speakers and tours, organised a the trade. We will be hosting a similar event in effort of removing the wire basket and easing fascinating backstage tour of the National the near future due to high demand. the cork out. We thought this would be a fun Theatre in October to stimulate Members way to enjoy Champagne for the evening interested in the arts. And, of course, the and Members and their guests revelled at the stalwarts of the social calendar, including Champagne corks were popping in March chance to master the art of Sabrage – opening the Networking Breakfasts, the Book Club, to celebrate the completion of the 14-month Champagne bottles with a sabre’s edge below Bridge, Debating and Film nights, continued refurbishment of the Basement Area. After the cork at the weakest point of the glass seam to go from strength to strength throughout the admiring the freshly-cleaned façade of the in the bottle. Among the crowd were official year. You can find out more about our ‘Clubs Club, over 200 lucky Members, successful in Members of the Confrérie, including: Julian within the Club’ in the next section. the ballot, were greeted in the Sports Area for White, the British Ambassador; Gerard O’Shea, the Sports Grand Opening party on the 29th Maître du Protocole; and Lansdowne Member March. With all areas open to view on the and Maître-Sabreur, David Court. Everyone night, the Sports team was on hand to guide received their own cork and a personalised Members around the new Cardio, Resistance certificate to remember the occasion. and Free Weights Areas, as well as the new Exercise Studio, Steam Room, renovated Squash Courts, Treatment Rooms and Throughout the Jubilympic summer, the Club Changing Rooms. celebrated the ‘Best of British’ with a festive Jubilee celebration, followed by the Lansdowne’s Chairman of the Council, Chris Powell, ‘Summer of Sport’ events during the London welcomed everyone with a short speech 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The toasting the success of the project, thanking Courtyard Brasserie was abuzz with Members everyone involved and ceremoniously cutting enjoying the informal festivities, al fresco dining the ribbon to declare the Sports Area officially and wonderful weather. open. Guests were treated to exhibition squash matches by world ranking players and exciting duels in the Fencing Salle as the Olympic squad trained throughout the evening.
PG.19 CLUBS WITHIN THE CLUB
PG.20 U35S ARTS GROUP With the Club’s ever-expanding younger membership, our events The Club’s active Arts Group appeals to Members with an interest in continue to be a great success. The U35s enjoyed a full diary of any of the arts. Whilst a few of our Members are practising painters, social events this year, ranging from the popular Interclub Christmas musicians or writers, most are enthusiasts rather than experts who Ball, attended by over 200 Members and guests, to the Pacifico enjoy the wide range of artistic activities available in central London. Blues evening held in the Thirties Room and three Moveable Feasts. The Group organises regular arts lunches and evening events when Particular highlights were the Monte Carlo Casino night and the we’re joined by expert speakers. In the last year, we’ve welcomed key Back to Front Dinner Party; the cause of much mirth, with guests figures from visual arts and theatre, as well as other specialists on the dressing ‘back to front’ and enjoying a three-course meal with a twist: creative scene. Several times a year we organise ‘behind the scenes’ dessert first! For more information about our events, please email tours of prominent art establishments or theatres, which have included Danielle Smith, Club Events Coordinator: the Royal Academy and the National Theatre. We are also frequently [email protected] invited to opening nights at local galleries and, in the summer, we held outdoor sketching sessions on Wednesday evenings in Berkeley Square, Andrew Robinson something we hope to repeat. Lastly, the Club’s bi-annual Decorative and Fine Arts Exhibition returns in November 2013 and is a great way to showcase your work and see a wide variety of other Members’ work. DEBATING SOCIETY All arts information is circulated via the Club’s events notices and Social It’s been another stimulating year for the thriving Debating Society. Butterfly. Our enthusiastic Arts Committee welcomes new Members, We’ve put the world to rights on topics as diverse as the London along with comments, suggestions and offers of support. If you have riots, Funny Women?, the Welfare State, Chinese morality, and the any queries, please contact Danielle Smith, Club Events Coordinator: existence of God. Regular debates occur on the last Thursday of [email protected]. every month, usually followed by drinks in the Adam Room, and Gaynor Marsh are a great way to meet other Members. In April we joined forces with G2G in a panel debate to discuss Britain’s role in a changing world, chaired by BBC Technology Correspondent, Daniel Emery, BRIDGE CLUB which attracted over 60 people and raised hundreds of pounds for The Prince’s Trust. Future events include a lunch with BBC Chief The Bridge Club has had a busy year. We continue to meet every Economics Correspondent, Hugh Pym, and another panel debate Wednesday evening for duplicate bridge, with a professional director with G2G in January: America and the World after the election. present to oversee proceedings and score the results instantly on the Dates for all debates can be found in the Social Butterfly emails, very latest Bridge Mate scorers. The standard is competitive but social tweets and on Facebook. Thank you to all Members for making and most weeks we have light refreshments before we sit down to the Society so enjoyable. If you’d like to join us, please email play. On the first Wednesday of the month we hold a bridge supper; a [email protected] or for more general information and to one-course meal with wine, which proves very popular. In the autumn book, please contact Danielle Smith, Club Events Coordinator: the group goes away for an annual bridge weekend which is enjoyed by all. For anyone who would like to improve their bridge we also hold [email protected] supervised bridge on Monday evenings. If anyone wishes to come Marcus Warry along without a partner, they will always be able to play. To join, or for more information, please contact Merle Sassoon: BOOK CLUB [email protected] Merle Sasson The Book Club has had another successful year with a steady stream of Members participating in our discussions. A wide variety of authors and titles, both fiction and non-fiction, have been studied. NETWORKING BREAKFASTS The chosen title is published each month on the website and on the noticeboard in the Crush Hall allowing plenty of time for The popular monthly Networking Breakfast Club has been going Members to source and read the book before the meeting, which we strong for three years now and is held on the first Wednesday of encourage all participants to do. The Book Club meets on the second every month from 7:45am until 9:00am in the Thirties Room. The Wednesday of each month from 6:45pm to 8:15pm, usually in the breakfasts are an enjoyable and thought-provoking way to start the Sun Room, and new Members are most welcome. If you have any day and provide an excellent opportunity to meet and network with queries, please contact Danielle Smith, Club Events Coordinator: other Members. The emphasis is on informal discussion and as such we invite one or two Members to speak for three minutes on a topic [email protected] of their choice, followed by a group discussion. Alternatively we select Jenny Whitehouse a newspaper in advance and discuss the lead headline on the day. Do come and join us; there is no charge but you must book your place in advance with Danielle Smith, Club Events Coordinator: REELING GROUP [email protected] Scottish reeling is a wonderfully social way to meet and engage Please note that Members may bring one guest, so you could take the with other Members. Regular reeling evenings take place in the opportunity to introduce a friend or colleague to the Club. Ballroom; for those who wish to learn or be reminded of the reels, the beginners’ session starts at 7:00pm, followed by a light supper at Diane Banks 8.00pm and then further reeling for everyone until 10.30pm. There are eight social evenings from September through to May with balls in December and June; the dates of which can be found in the Social Scene diary and on Facebook and Twitter as posted by Social DID YOU KNOW... Morpho didius, common name Giant Blue Butterfly at The Lansdowne Club. You don’t need to come with a Morpho, is a Neotropical butterfly and has a wingspan reaching 150 millimetres (5.9 in), one of the largest size of Morpho species. The surfaces partner, or wear a kilt, so please drop by and see what it’s all about! of the wings are iridescent and metallic blue. This beautiful species can be Lucy Stuart Lee found in Peru and one of the most popular butterflies among collectors.
PG.21 AN AFRICAN ADVENTURE In this edition, we go on a ‘club safari’ in South Africa to discover some fine reciprocal clubs waiting to welcome Lansdowne Members in the Rainbow Nation.
PG.22 DURBAN CLUB One of South Africa’s oldest clubs, the Durban Club was established in 1854 by a group of the town’s gentlemen. The Durban Club is situated on Durban’s famous Victoria Embankment, adjacent to the old central business district. The building is a stately example of Edwardian architecture and the club’s history is apparent to any visitor, with some beautiful pieces of furniture, paintings and other memorabilia. With three beautifully decorated function rooms available for private hire, the club also offers a range of buffet, à la carte and table d’hôte dining from the restaurant, which boasts glorious views of Durban Bay. www.durbanclub.co.za
PG.23 KELVIN GROVE Kelvin Grove was established in 1925 in Cape Town when the company, Western Province Sports Club, was originally formed. Known for being one of the largest sports clubs in South Africa, today Kelvin Grove has approximately 7,000 members who enjoy its many facilities, which include bowls, bridge, cricket, rugby, croquet, a fitness centre, a pool, squash and tennis courts. Kelvin Grove also has a number of restaurants including a sushi and champagne bar, a fine dining restaurant, a family restaurant, a tea lounge and a number of informal cafés and bars. With 1,200 square metres of private function space, including a magnificent ballroom, the club can cater for a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings and private business meetings, to special occasions, weddings and large-scale conferences.
www.kelvingrove.co.za
THE DURBAN COUNTRY CLUB Established in 1922, Durban Country Club has a proud history that spans almost 90 years and is a place where the whole family can relax and enjoy the world-class sporting and leisure facilities. Renowned for its classic white gabled Cape Dutch style architecture, the clubhouse is in a beautiful setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, surrounded by groomed lawns and an inviting swimming pool. The Durban Country Club boasts two excellent golf courses and was recently voted one of the Top 100 golf courses of the world by Golf Magazine USA. It also offers a number of excellent bars and restaurants, including both fine and casual dining, and can accommodate functions and events for 10 to 250 people. Other amenities include tennis courts, squash and bowls.
www.dcclub.co.za
VICTORIA COUNTRY CLUB Less than five minutes from the central business district of Pietermaritzburg, the Victoria Country Club is located in scenic parklands adjoining the Queen Elizabeth Nature Reserve and, above all, boasts one of South Africa’s most picturesque golfing venues. Victoria Country Club provides world-class conference and function space, offering diverse facilities with breathtaking views from all areas of the clubhouse. The club caters for events of all types, from small private functions to large-scale conferences and special occasions such as weddings. In addition to the championship golf course, other amenities include dining, luxurious accommodation, squash, tennis, snooker and swimming.
www.victoria.co.za
PG.24 Business with pleasure...
Whether it be TEA FOR TWO, or a RECEPTION FOR 200, your Club is the perfect place to meet. From BUSINESS MEETINGS to GALA DINNERS, we have a room to suit EVERY OCCASION, each with its own individuality and atmosphere.
THE BALLROOM & LONG GALLERY THE SHELBURNE ROOM Beautiful and striking space for conferences, With a private reception area seminars, product launches, networking events for registration, coffee breaks, and gala dinner receptions for up to 200 people. networking drinks or a grand entrance to the main event; it’s a THE SUN, COMMITTEE, COUNCIL versatile space for board meetings, & THE FINDLAY ROOMS private dining and theatre style Ideal for board meetings, presentations or for presentations up to 60 people. private dining from 2 – 14 guests.
To book your next meeting, contact Inga Mikusauskiene: 020 7318 6125 | [email protected]
PG.25 SPORTS NEWS The completion of the 14-month refurbishment of the Sports Area has transformed the health & fitness facilities at the Club, introducing new and refurbished gym areas, new fitness equipment, a new Steam Room, new exercise classes and a range of physiotherapy and massage treatments. We hope you agree that it is now a fantastic destination for you to revitalise, relax and return to again and again. The AQUA Café, the Club’s sporting hub, has introduced a ‘menu to go’, as well as offering fresh food cooked to order every day to enjoy in the relaxed surroundings.
PG.26 EVERYTHING’S GOING SWIMMINGLY... Congratulations to Member, Charles Doxat, who won his eighth British Triathlon Championship at the sprint event (750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run) held at Emberton Country Park on 27th May 2012. With a strong background in swimming – he has won many National masters swim titles – he unsurprisingly led out from the swim but then increased his lead throughout the competition to win by a large margin of eight minutes Apart from the significant time Charles spends at the Lansdowne Club training, he is also an active member of other leading sports clubs including the Otter Swimming Club and the Serpentine Running Club. He was a marshall at the very exciting Olympic triathlon and the SQUASH - WINNING Olympic road and time trial bike races, and also organised the Club’s very own Swimming THE TREBLE AND STILL Olympics, The Great Lansdowne Swimfest 2012, which took place on the 23rd October GOING STRONG and was open to budding swimmers of all ages by Tim Garner, First Team Captain and abilities. Charles also played an active role in the selection process for our team that The Lansdowne Club maintained its position be found on the squash noticeboard, on our competed in the Annual 4-Club Gala. as ‘the Club to beat’ in the prestigious Bath website, or by contacting Humberto directly at & Cumberland Cups, winning a second [email protected]. Humberto is successive ‘treble’. Both the 1st and 2nd also available every Monday and Wednesday LANSDOWNE teams won the prestigious Bath Cup in for squash coaching, so whether you are their respective divisions and the 1st team looking to join the ladder, improve your game SWIMMING CLUB successfully defended the Cumberland Cup. or simply to get fitter, why not book a session If you would like to get involved with with him? swimming at the Club, why not consider As with all defending champions, the joining the Swimming Club every Tuesday at Lansdowne Club was targeted by many of 6.45pm, which is now run by our swimming the opposition clubs, however our players held MARATHON SUCCESS instructor, Rob Anderson. The squad continues firm to complete a clean sweep. Playing for to grow and we encourage Members of all the 1st team were Tim Garner (captain), Paul Many congratulations to Paul Aldrich, 47, a abilities to attend. We would really like to see Boyle, Jim Bristow, Rags Gupta and Richard Club Member since 2003 and now an overseas more women join the squad to help strengthen Balfour. The 2nd team players for the Bath Cup Member based in Hong Kong, who finished our Club teams for various competitions Division 2 were Paul Robbins (captain), Andy this year’s London Marathon in an impressive throughout the year. Moore, Graham Lind, David Adams and 3 hours and 59 minutes. Thomas Petzing. Congratulations to them all Last year’s Annual 4-Club Gala doubled as for a remarkable achievement and long may Paul is Managing Partner and Head of part of the Royal Automobile’s centenary event it continue! We’d also like to welcome new Financial Services, APAC, for CT Partners, and was followed by a magnificent dinner. The players, Andrew Widdison and Neil Steedman, a global retained search firm. He travels Lansdowne squad came a close second to the who have joined us in time to kick off the extensively and uses a personal trainer and Royal Automobile Club but quickly got revenge Bath Club Cup competition 2012/2013. Muay Thai kickboxing coach at the Hong over our “arch rivals” with a very convincing Kong Football Club (the HKFC is one of win (6-1) at our pool in April. The new Squash Courts A and B and the Lansdowne’s reciprocal clubs), an ex-US refurbished Bruce Court were officially opened Marine at the Harvard Club in New York, A summer programme of open water events in March as part of the Sports Grand Opening and one of the Club’s personal trainers, James, was unfortunately curtailed because the early at the Club. Exhibition matches were played when based here at the Lansdowne. season floods led to cancellations, but will by World no.6 Peter Barker, World no.18 be revived in 2013 to capitalise on the huge Tom Richards, World no.35 Lauren Selby When he lived in London, Paul was a increase in interest in open water swimming. and ex-World no.16 Dom Lloyd-Walter to telephone counsellor for Childline and ran the mark the occasion. Thanks to these first class London Marathon in 2011 for the NSPCC. As previously mentioned, the Club His wife, Tina, who was trained by Gillian, Championships took place on 23rd October, squash facilities and the arrival of Club Coach Humberto Henrique, the sport has seen a big another of the Club’s personal trainers, ran the followed by the Annual 4-Club Gala on London Marathon a year earlier for the same 6th November at our pool. uptake at the Club. Over 100 players now take part in the Club’s squash ladder and matches charity. However, since Paul was accepted to The charge for Swimming Club is £2.50, are held each week, as well as personal and run the Marathon again for the NSPCC in which is payable at Health & Fitness Reception competitive games. 2012, Tina was sadly diagnosed with Acute when you arrive. To perfect your stroke and Myloid Leukaemia, so for every pound raised optimise your technique, Rob, our swimming Squash is a fantastic sport, ideal for those who for Childline, Paul matched it and donated instructor is also available for private lessons, like a fast-paced, competitive game that is a the additional money in equal measure to so there is no excuse not to be in tip-top shape great workout, but equally for people who Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and for the next gala. enjoy a more sociable way to exercise. More Macmillan Cancer Support. Well done Paul! information on how to join the ladder can
PG.27 THE FENCING CLUB THE JUNIOR FENCING CLUB by Paul Abrahams by Rupert Davies-Cooke
The Lansdowne remains the pre-eminent The popular beginners’ fencing course The Lansdowne Junior Fencing Club is going fencing club in the capital, with membership currently takes place on Sunday afternoons, from strength to strength, with three of our currently standing at 210 fencers and with a waiting list of interested individuals. fencers achieving some particularly notable outstanding coaching provided by Prof. Plans for 2013 include a course on Friday results: Eleanor Blackwood won the Brixton Ziemek Wojciechowski, Prof. Steven Paul and evenings and the possibility of an intermediate Leon Paul Junior Series Under 15 Women’s Maître Jeremy Parkins, who cover different course as well. Épée; Matthew Abrahams won the U14 evening sessions every week. All Members of British Prep School Foil Championship in the Lansdowne Fencing Club are welcome to If you are interested in joining, please contact May; and Allegra Blu Bernstorff won a gold our sessions which take place every evening our Membership team: medal in her age category, as well as coming and on Tuesday mornings. They are well- third for both boys and girls in the Leon Pauls attended by fencers of all abilities and while 020 7318 6160 U10 competition. Our congratulations! all three weapons are fenced, foil and épée [email protected] The children are taught foil by Professor continue to dominate. Wojciechowski, the current British Team It has been a successful year for fencing Coach. Professor Wojciechowski has been very and there are a number of achievements to busy this year preparing his Olympians for the celebrate within the Club. Congratulations to London 2012 Olympics and we are delighted Richard Kruse, Lawrence Halsted and Sophie that he now has the help of Assistant Coach, Troiano, who competed in the London 2012 Alex Tofalides. Alex is one of Britain’s top ten Olympics; a wonderful showcase for fencing in CONGRATULATIONS! foilists and in January 2011, he won gold at the London this summer. In October, Liz Ng won Junior World Cup in Modling, Austria. gold in the foil at the British Championships In October 2012, Fencing is a great sport which builds for the first time; an outstanding achievement confidence, poise and dexterity. It’s an excellent and recognition for all her hard work with Rupert Davies-Cooke discipline for all types of children, even those Ziemek. Georgina Usher won the épée who don’t seem to be natural at sport. title; her tenth in total and, in the annual received the Award of Club weapon competitions, Hugo Veryzer The Club meets twice a week: every Monday won the épée title, Julian Ghosh, the sabre Merit from the British Fencing and Friday afternoon from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. and Cedric Anen, the foil. John Troiano We take children as young as eight up to their Association in recognition th won gold in the British Veterans’ 50-59 age 16 birthday when they can join the Senior group championships, and at the Singapore of his contribution to fencing Fencing Club. One parent must be a Member Commonwealth Games, Julian Ghosh won of the Lansdowne Club for their children to a team gold competing for Scotland in sabre, and to British fencing join. Membership is limited by the size of whilst three of the last eight in the foil were in particular. the Salle d’Armes and we have a waiting list from the Lansdowne Club, including Richard which is overseen by the Junior Club Secretary, Sage who won gold in the 50-59 category and Charlotte Sandorff-Linney. a silver medal overall. Richard also won a team If you would like your son or daughter to join, silver in the foil representing England, together please contact Charlotte by email to put their with Tony Bartlett and Paul Abrahams. name down: [email protected] Places do regularly come up as children focus on their exams or move schools.
Our highly experienced Sports Team is here to help you make the best possible use of the first class facilities. For more information on personal training, swimming lessons, squash coaching, massage treatments or physiotherapy, please contact the Sports Team on 020 7318 6177 | [email protected].
PG.28 MEMBERS’ NEWS Your Club; for the everyday and exceptional moments in your life.
Jack and Naomi Ladenburg Dame Margaret Seward and Gordon Seward James Chambers
SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS ENGAGEMENTS PUBLISHING SUCCESS! Laura McVitty celebrated her 21st Suzanne Owen celebrated her engagement Congratulations to George Cornelius on birthday with a party in the Ballroom to Alexander Korff with a Florentine the launch of his first book entitled From on 14th October 2011. afternoon tea party in the Thirties Room Ziggurats to Algebra – the Civilising of Western on 10th December 2011. Europe which was published on 1st February th Denzil Jacobs celebrated his 90 2012. George is a long-time accountant who birthday with a lunch in the Ballroom somehow found the time to write about his on 23rd October 2011. MARRIAGES deep fascination with the origins of Western Ian Williamson celebrated his 80th birthday Piers and Ellen (née Ferrara) Bencard civilisation. This fascinating 380-page book explores the tenuous thread of Near Eastern with a dinner in the Shelburne Room on 28th celebrated their marriage with a reception and European history from the earliest times November 2011. in the Ballroom on 15th September 2011. up to the start of the Renaissance. Janet Digby-Baker, a Member since Steve and Fulvia (née Cagnetti) Wallace 1984, celebrated her OBE with a lunch held their wedding ceremony in the Adam in the Shelburne Room on 22nd March Room, followed by a reception in the OBITUARIES nd 2012. The OBE was in recognition of her Ballroom on 22 October 2011. George Refsum tragically passed away “Services to children and to families”. Jack and Naomi (née Kerbel) Ladenburg in June 2012 just before his 25th birthday. David Collins celebrated the First Holy held their wedding reception in the Ballroom Although a Member for only a short time, th George was well-known and liked by his Communion of his son Matthew and on 10 December 2011. fellow Members. daughter Aisling with a lunch in the Findlay Hugh Morrison married Melinda Makai th Room on 26 May 2012. at a bilingual Anglican ceremony in James Chambers sadly passed away on 3rd May 2012. As well as being a lynchpin Peter Hedderwick celebrated his 80th Vajdahunyad Castle in Hungary on th of the Fencing Club and a long-standing birthday with a dinner in the Findlay Room 28 April 2012. th Member of the Lansdowne, having first on 26 May 2012. joined in 1967, James was a past President Tom Mitcheson celebrated his 40th birthday BIRTHS of the British Fencing Association, an with a dinner in the Ballroom on 16th June international referee and television Congratulations to Graham Lind and his commentator on fencing. 2012. wife, Susie, on the arrival of their identical th Cecile Sealy held a dinner for her son twin boys, Lewis and Murray, who were Major Basil Heaton died on 30 March th rd Charles Edward’s 18th birthday in the born on 27 April at St Thomas’ Hospital. 2012 at the age of 88. Born on 23 Ballroom on 24th June 2012. Mother and father are doing well but still December 1923, he joined the Club in struggling to tell them apart! As part of the 1976, enjoying over 35 years of membership. Dame Margaret Seward Sports Committee and a budding member He was among the first troops to land & Gordon Seward celebrated their Golden of the Lansdowne squash team, Graham in Normandy on D-Day and was later Wedding Anniversary at the Club on the 5th still manages to find time to join the other decorated for his skill in handling artillery May 2012. Over 80 guests were treated to players on court to compete in the Bath Club in the Battle of the Hook in the Korean War. a sit-down lunch in the grand surroundings Cup and Cumberland Cup competitions. of the Ballroom to mark this happy occasion. Dame Margaret commented, “the cake was delicious and not too much strength was needed to cut it or to eat it!”
PG.29 STAFF NEWS Your Club; for the everyday and exceptional moments in your life.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR OUR OLYMPIC STAR! LONG SERVICE AWARDS Congratulations to Elias Mazzucco on Steve Ronan, also known as ‘The The Staff Long Service Awards lunch was being awarded Employee of the Year. We Barber’, traded his scissors for a microphone held on 4th October 2012 in the Shelburne regret to report that Elias has since left the to form part of the 4,000-strong cast of the Room, in recognition of the long and loyal Club to embark on a new venture, but we Olympics’ Closing Ceremony as part of service of the following Club employees, would like to thank him for his hard work the London Welsh Rugby Choir and the with invited guests from the Council, David and wish him all the best. London Welsh Male Voice Choir, on the Whitehouse, Penny Dussek and Erik Brown: 12th August 2012 in the Olympic stadium. Michael Wyn Jones, fellow Member of The • Steve Ronan CONGRATULATIONS TO Lansdowne Club, conducts the London Welsh Barber 24 years Rugby Choir and was also involved in this • Richard Chatterley Club Concierge Antonio Ferreira and his spectacular event. Sous Chef, 19 years wife Marcela who became the proud parents Steve endured 38 hours of rehearsals, of Julia, who was born on 29th May 2012. • Eunice Kahira including a 7-hour dress rehearsal on the Executive Housekeeper, 19 years Club Concierge Dawit Negash and his Thursday before the big day, where he had wife Tiru on the arrival of their baby boy, the chance to mix and mingle with the Spice • Richard Anson Solomon, who was born on 3rd September Girls and Jesse J. Unfortunately for Steve, the Kitchen, 16 years 2012 at St Thomas’ Hospital. Solomon is dress rehearsal was just that, as he and his • Isaak Frimpong the baby brother of the couple’s daughters, fellow singers in the London Welsh Rugby Housekeeping, 16 years Tsion age 10 and Kebron age 9. Choir donned their costumes – the female traditional Welsh national dress – which they • Alan Bush Marius & Inga (née Trimailova) wore to perform ‘Always look on the bright Head Concierge, 15 years Mikusauskiene who married on 26th May side of life’. His next number was a more • Natasha Gouseinov 2012 at the lovely Shakespeare Hotel in sombre affair in black tie, singing ‘The Housekeeping, 13 years Vilnius, Lithuania, in the company of an Olympic Hymn’ with the London Welsh intimate group of close friends and family. Male Voice Choir, just before the flags were • Mark Anderson Inga is the Club’s Functions & Events handed over. Club Secretary & CEO, 12 years Co-ordinator. On the big day, Steve was at the Olympic • Viorel Rupa Executive Chef Neil Ramsey, who Stadium by 10.45am and remained there, Banqueting, 11 years represented The Lansdowne Club in a charity prepared and ready, until he finally went on • Peter Baran boxing match in support of Galvin’s Chance, stage at 11.10pm. Despite these gruelling Banqueting, 10 years held at the Royal Automobile Club on 20th hours, when asked to sum up the experience September 2012. His dedicated training and in a few words, Steve commented: “Absolutely tenacious spirit on the night unfortunately amazing…despite having to wear a frock!” did not lead to a win, although he was a mere point or two away from victory and he most If you haven’t met Steve yet, pop down for definitely did the Club proud. the very best short back and sides in Mayfair, or reach for a copy of the Closing Ceremony Sarah Blaizeau, Assistant Reception programme where his photo and name Manager and Arnaud Hébrard, who got appear in the list of all performers on engaged in Cape Town after being together the night. for 10 years. Their wedding is being planned for 2014 in Morocco.
PG.30 KEY CONTACTS Chairman of the Council Chris Powell | 020 7318 6160 [email protected] Chief Executive & Club Secretary Mark Anderson | 020 7318 6161 [email protected] Secretary’s Office Belinda Brett | 020 7318 6160 F 020 7318 6170 [email protected] Financial Controller Anthony Cunha | 020 7318 6146 [email protected] Membership & Subscriptions 020 7318 6165 [email protected] Marketing Helen Patmore | 020 7318 6167 [email protected] Events Manager Lucy Mannering | 020 7318 6117 [email protected] Events Coordinator Inga Mikusauskiene | 020 7318 6125 [email protected] THE COUNCIL 2012/2013 Club Events Co-ordinator Danielle Smith | 020 7318 6115 From left to right: [email protected] David Whitehouse, Melissa Longley, Marc Corbett, Fred Robinson, Marina Palomba, Chris Powell (Chairman), Pamela Campbell-Johnston, Reception Manager Amine Hailoul | 020 7318 6150 Fraser Tennant (Treasurer), Erik Brown, Penny Dussek, Diane Banks, [email protected] Andrew Robinson. IT Manager Rick Buckner | 020 7318 6169 [email protected] Executive Head Chef CHAIRMEN OF COUNCIL Neil Ramsey | 020 7318 6118 [email protected] & COMMITTEES Dining Room Manager Council - Chris Powell Eike Bosche | 020 7318 6119 Arts - Gaynor Marsh [email protected] Bridge - Merle Sassoon Club Concierge Alan Bush | T 020 7318 6152 Fencing - Geraldine Dooley F 020 7318 6154 Finance - Fraser Tennant [email protected] Members - Michael Dixon Sports Manager Carlos Urrutigoity | 020 7318 6176 Social - Diane Banks [email protected] Sports - Tim Vallance Sports Reception | 020 7318 6177 U35s - Andrew Robinson [email protected] Executive Housekeeper Eunice Kahira | 020 7318 6130 The Lansdowne Club [email protected] 9 Fitzmaurice Place Maintenance Manager Mayfair, London W1J 5JD Stephen Kirby | 020 7318 6133 United Kingdom [email protected] The Barber T. 020 7629 7200 Steve Ronan | 020 7318 6179 F. 020 7408 0246 Journal Editor Anne Wright | 01582 629 172 [email protected] [email protected] www.LansdowneClub.com Journal Design Crumpled Dog Design | 020 7739 5553 [email protected]
Printed by Willsons | www.willsons.com
PG.31 FRONT COVER:
Sarah Watkinson-Yull Member of the Club for just under a year, Sarah is a budding young entrepreneur and founder of Yull shoes: www.Yull.co.uk
Nicole Manier Member of the Club for over 12 years, Nicole is an experienced couture designer with her own successful business: www.nicolemanier.com
Tim Garner Member of the Club for 3 years, Tim is the Captain of The Lansdowne First Squash Team and works as a Director of Events at Eventis. www.Eventis-sports.com
Photographer: Kevin McGarry [email protected]
STAY IN TOUCH:
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