ROSL Issue 4, December 2014-February 2015

OVERSEAS Quarterly journal of the ROSL Issue 4, December 2014-February 2015

Brave men of Canada Chef of the moment First Nations reach up Trips of a lifetime Remembering the New Head Chef Kevin How indigenous Don’t miss our incredible soldiers who became Casizzi takes us inside Canadians are creating selection of trips, from a the ‘shock troops’ for the ROSL kitchen to new opportunities for tour of the Highlands to a the Allies during WWI reveal his inspirations their communities must-see Battlefield Tour 14632_Steinway Overseas ad_Layout 1 15/01/2014 15:49 Page 1

OVERSEAS

ISSUE 4 December 2014-February 2015

The Royal Over-Seas League is a self-funded Commonwealth organisation that offers clubhouse facilities to members, organises Commonwealth art and music competitions and develops joint welfare projects with specific countries. 5 26 Overseas editorial team Editor Ms Miranda Moore of Martin Bazyl Photography courtesy Photos 2.0) BY Esther Lee via Flickr (CC Deputy Editor Ms Christine Wilde: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x205; [email protected] From the Director-General; ROSL successes in Design Ms Hannah Talmage Display advertisements Mr David Jeffries: Editor’s letter ...... 4 Edinburgh ...... 16 +44 (0)20 8674 9444; [email protected] Why it’s been a vintage year, from sell-out shows Royal Over-Seas League on the Festival Fringe to Commonwealth Strings Incorporated by Royal Charter World Patron Her Majesty The Queen Bedroom bounty ...... 16 Vice-Patron Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra KG GCVO A goal of equality ...... 5 How staying at the clubhouse can help to give a President The Rt Hon the Lord Luce KG GCVO DL Why a project to boost confidence among girls child an education or build a well in the Okavango Chairman Sir Anthony Figgis KCVO CMG* Vice-Chairman Sir Roger Carrick KCMG LVO* is scoring big ahead of the Women’s World Cup Hon Treasurer Mr Simon Ward FCA* The man behind the cuisine . 17 Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, First Nations reach for Meet ROSL’s new Head Chef Kevin Casizzi London SW1A 1LR; +44 (0)20 7408 0214; tomorrow ...... 6 Fax +44 (0)20 7499 6738; [email protected]; How young indigenous Canadians are building www.rosl.org.uk News and views ...... 18 a brighter future for their communities Over-Seas House, 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 3AB; +44 (0)131 225 1501; Fax +44 (0)131 226 3936; Bright young things ...... 20 [email protected]; A time for Canadian Why it’s been a harmonious summer for our YMs www.rosl-edinburgh.org musicians to shine ...... 8 Central Council ROSL artists reveal the effect that their roots and Branches: what’s on? ...... 22 Mr Graham Archer CMG*, Mrs Mae Barr MBE, Mr Clive Carpenter, Prof Monojit Chatterji, nationality have had on their musical approach Mr Sohail Choudhry, Prof Meryll Dean, Mr John Edwards CMG, Mr David Fall CMG*, Mrs Patricia Quality of the north ...... 9 In the UK Farrant*, Mr Simon Gimson LVO, Mr Peter Hamlyn*, Miss Maureen Howley MBE*, Mr David Jamieson, Insights into the inspirations of our art scholars Mrs Frances King, Miss Sheila MacTaggart LVO, Going underground ...... 24 Mr David Nicholson, Miss Caroline Roddis, A nation forged in fire ...... 10 Discover London’s ‘secret’ supper clubs Ms Lindsay Ross, Mrs Judith Steiner, Mrs Pamela Voice, Mr Frank Wibaut The story of the Canadian ‘rabble’ who *Executive Committee became the ‘shock troops’ of the Allied forces The British right a Director-General Maj Gen Roddy Porter MBE: British wrong ...... 25 +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x201 A heroes’ memorial ...... 11 Two new memorials to an Anglo-Australian hero Director of Admin and Finance Mr Shakil Tayub: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x209 Roddy Porter visits a moving tribute in the Somme Director of Marketing Ms Gemma Matthews: London and Edinburgh +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x204; [email protected] Director of Humanitarian and Education Projects My St John’s ...... 12 Top 10 ...... 25 Ms Margaret Adrian-Vallance MBE: Tips for a trip to the colourful Canadian city Our pick of the best attractions this winter +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x307; [email protected] Director of Arts Mr Roderick Lakin MBE: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x325; [email protected] Asst. to D-G Ms Arabella Beresford-Mitchell: ROSL news Events +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x201; [email protected] Membership Secretary Mrs Angela Farago: Spirit of the Caribbean . . . . . 13 ROSL tours and trips ...... 26 +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x214; [email protected] An inside view of Adele Todd’s latest exhibition Don’t miss out on our range of inspiring trips and Catering Operations Director Ms Louise Leighton-Rees: +44 (0)7809 322 591; clubhouse experiences for members in 2015 [email protected] Members’ benefits ...... 14 Edinburgh House Manager Mr Daniel Campbell: Why there’s never been a better time to ROSL calendar ...... 28-34 [email protected] renew your ROSL membership All of ROSL’s fantastic events, one handy calendar Print Hastings Printing Company: +44 (0)1424 720 477 A trio of talent ...... 15 Full booking information

The journal is published by the Royal Over-Seas League, Over-Seas How a UK tour helped the Trinity Trio to shine and contact details ...... 34 House, Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR. Any views For information on Steinway & Sons pianos or to arrange a private appointment to visit our London showrooms, expressed in editorial and any advertisements included are not necessarily endorsed by the Central Council. ISSN 00307424 FRONT COVER: ‘Indian War Canoe (Alert Bay)’ by Canadian artist Emily Carr (1912, oil on please call 0207 487 3391 or email [email protected] cardboard, 65 x 95.5cm). Given to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts by A Sidney Dawes

WWW.STEINWAYHALL.CO.UK December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 3 OVERSEAS WORLD

From the Director-General Editor’s his year we have taken a different the wonderful concert at the Royal letter approach to Christmas in London, Canadian Military Institute. To all our offering you a package of events, Canadian members, our grateful thanks and n 2015, we mark the T with bedrooms included in the appreciation for everything you do for centenary of Overseas, price. We are keen to welcome single ROSL. We look forward to welcoming you and I feel privileged to members, couples and family groups to back to Edinburgh and London very soon. I be Editor of this enjoy a relaxed and convivial Christmas in This is the time to update your membership wonderful publication as the clubhouse, including a range of subscription, so if you haven’t received a it celebrates its 100th activities, from the glorious Christmas Day renewal notice, please let us know. You can year. The journal archives feast, through clubhouse carols, to an now renew your subscription online, and I are a treasure trove of invigorating guided walking tour on Boxing also encourage you to set up a Direct Debit, information, not only Day. We published news about these which makes the process much easier all about the history of the packages in the last issue and offer them round. If you have family, colleagues or ROSL, but about the changing concerns and again on page 29. We hope a good number friends who are interested in becoming challenges for people across the of you will celebrate with us. members, they can now join at any time of Commonwealth, the successes of our I have had the privilege of an extended the year, with automatic renewal through musicians and artists, and the contribution of visit to Canada this October, and I would like Direct Debit. ROSL humanitarian projects, starting with its to say a big public ‘thank you’ to Liz Murray We have some exciting events for 2015, tremendous war effort. (British Columbia), Cynthia Cordery (Alberta), including a refreshed approach to the Festival We will be commemorating the anniversary Ishrani Jaikaran (Ontario) and Liz Stern Fringe in Edinburgh, more clubhouse-based throughout the year and particularly in the (Nova Scotia), not only for their dedicated performances, a wine tour to Burgundy, a December issue, so do send any memories work as chapter presidents, but also for battlefield tour, Waterloo-themed ball, you have of the journal to [email protected]. organising such a comprehensive concerts, book events and art weekends We have uncovered a lovely Overseas tradition programme. A series of lunches enabled me (see pages 26-34). And please don’t forget of members sending in pictures of themselves to meet a great many members, and with our black-tie winter ceilidh at Over-Seas reading the journal in exotic settings, which FOCUS calls on Lieutenant Governors, business House London on 30 January (page 30). we have resurrected on this page (my own © Martin Bazyl Photography with reciprocal clubs and the opportunity to Finally, I would like to pay a heartfelt picture was taken on a recent trip to Berlin). explore the countryside, Marianne and I thanks to all the staff in London and Do send in your photos for us to publish on have been well looked after. We were, as Edinburgh, to Graysons and to Cobbs, for these pages or online. ever, greatly encouraged by the affection their wonderful work throughout the year. In this issue, we take Canada as our Focus, with which ROSL is held in Canada; it was Without their dedication, we would not be following the Director-General’s successful A goal of equality there that Sir Evelyn Wrench’s ideas for the able to serve you, our members, or provide tour of the country. I was interested to discover Over-Seas Club began to crystallise. you with the rich programme of activities that the Women’s World Cup 2015 is being I am also grateful to Madeline King for that makes ROSL unique. To members and used as a springboard to increase confidence Christine Wilde discovers how the Women’s World Cup 2015 organising lunch at the Glencoe Club, staff alike, a very happy Christmas! and participation in sport for women and girls in Canada is helping women and girls to achieve their goals Maureen Milne for the reception in Toronto, (page 5); while an equally inspiring project is and Ishrani Jaikaran and Roderick Lakin for Roddy Porter helping to increase employment opportunities f I asked you to name the top football players of all for young indigenous people and their time, who would you choose? Pele, Maradona, AT THE TOWER: Roddy Porter reads Overseas with a Yeoman Warder, resurrecting an old communities (page 6). Messi? How about Fifa Player of the Century, Sun “The game here transcends gender… tradition of members posing with a copy of the journal in interesting or unusual locations ROSL supports talented musicians and I Wen or US striker Amy Wambach, who has scored artists from across the Commonwealth, more international goals than any other player? That including a number of Canadian artists who most of us haven’t heard of them is testament to the It’s about football in its entirety” have gone on to have illustrious international vast inequality that exists within the sport: media careers. I was fortunate enough to hear coverage of women’s football remains little more than a soprano Gillian Keith perform recently in a footnote in most parts of the world. But Canada is 43% of registered players are female. With the third GAINING concert of the Walthamstow Collective of beginning to buck the trend. largest number of women players in the world (behind CONFIDENCE: Baroque Musicians; we follow Gillian and other “Our Women’s Under-20 quarter-final outdrew other the traditional giants Germany and the USA), the CSA is Girls at a training successful ROSL musicians from Canada on soccer games that were on TV that weekend,” observed hoping to take the momentum from the U-20 World Cup session in Toronto page 8; and ROSL visual arts scholars from Victor Montagliani, President of the Canadian Soccer into the 2015 competition. during the Women’s Canada and beyond on pages 9 and 13. Association (CSA), following the U-20 Women’s World Fifa launched the Live Your Goals (LYG) global U-20 World Cup Finally, I do hope you will be joining me Cup in Canada this summer. “I’ve seen little boys campaign in 2011 to inspire the next generation of 2014 (above) at some of the fantastic events ROSL has wearing [Canada star] Christine Sinclair jerseys. I’m players. The initiative encourages young women to organised for the festive season (see not sure that happens anywhere else. I think the game participate in the sport, aiming to increase their pages 28-34), as well as other events close to here transcends gender… it’s really about the game in confidence while raising awareness of the social and the clubhouses. If you’re finding it hard to its entirety.” health benefits of the ‘beautiful game’. choose, have a look at our Top 10 on page 25. Hosting both the Women’s U-20 in 2014 and Women’s Featuring top players, such as Christine Sinclair, Happy Christmas! World Cup in 2015, Canada is leading the charge in Brazil’s Marta Vieira da Silva and Germany’s Kim Kulig, football equality. The country may be known for its ice the campaign highlights the barriers women continue Miranda Moore hockey, but soccer is the largest participatory sport, and to face when establishing themselves in the world of

4 OVER SEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 5 WORLD

football and in wider culture, both socially and politically. “Living your goals doesn’t just mean football,” said LYG role model Abby Wambach. “It’s about being a powerful, strong woman. It means being in the executive boardroom.” Unsurprisingly, Canada has embraced the LYG initiative, hosting four events in the build-up to the U-20 contest. More than 750 young players aged 8-12 participated in football festivals across Canada. In Toronto, the August sun shone on 200 eager participants as they took part in matches and skills challenges before meeting Canadian soccer stars Josée Belanger and Melanie Booth, and having their picture taken with the U-20 World Cup trophy. “Live Your Goals is, for me, one of the best programmes we can have, as it centres all the attention on girls and women,” said Mayrilian Cruz Blanco, Fifa Senior Women’s Football Development Manager. “We © iStockphoto think it will be a great opportunity for them and hopefully they’ll want to continue playing.” This enthusiasm has been replicated around the world. FOCUS In September alone, LYG events took place in countries from Armenia to Panama. Supported by representatives from their national teams, the festivals have given thousands of young women the chance to play football in a safe and positive environment. “I cannot believe where First Nations reach for tomorrow women’s soccer has come,” said Sinclair. “Hopefully one day it will become as big as men’s soccer.” The project helping indigenous Canadian youth create a better future for their communities. By Hilary Duff

n a Friday morning in September, six young ONE VOICE: of the clan system, medicine wheel practices, the blanket people stand on a spread of thick wool fabric, Reach Up! North exercise and other cultural experiences. laid out on a basement floor in Ottawa. Coordinator “Indigenous youth and elders will be They are participating in the blanket exercise Gabrielle Fayant Bringing opportunities home O (above left) – a workshop illustrating the effects of European It was the pairing of entrepreneurship and culture that involved… It’s not one size fits all” settlement on indigenous territory. It’s an emotional appealed to Leland MacLeod, one of six ReachUp! North experience, and just one of the cultural exercises in a GROWING facilitators. MacLeod is Métis – a mix of First Nations and new pilot programme for young people of First Nations, OPPORTUNITY: European descent. His grandmother was from them in gaining employment, but to empower them to STANDING Métis and Inuit backgrounds. Intern Leland Newfoundland on the East Coast of Canada, but left create new networks and employment opportunities for STRONG: ReachUp! North aims to empower indigenous youth to MacLeod (above) because of a lack of employment opportunities. That’s themselves and their peers. An Inukshuk become leaders of change in the communities where is determined why he wants to bring the lessons of ReachUp! North “I think indigenous youth in Canada and young people monument on the they live. Uniquely, the programme is being run by young to increase back to Newfoundland. in other parts of the world face similar obstacles,” edge of the Ottawa indigenous people. That’s long overdue, says programme employment in “There’s a lot of opportunity for tourism there,” he explains Thomas. “DOT’s involvement means the river. These stone coordinator Gabrielle Fayant. The youth-led indigenous small communities says. “ReachUp! North will help give people the tools ReachUp! North youth become part of a global network, structures have organisation Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G), of they need to start their own businesses and to create and can talk to other young people – from Kenya and become an emblem which she is a Founder, recently partnered with Digital opportunities for themselves, so hopefully they will be from Lebanon – about their challenges and work through of Inuit culture, Opportunity Trust (DOT), an Ottawa-based international able to actually stay in those small communities and raise them together.” indigenous

Images © Martin Bazyl Photography non-profit, to deliver ReachUp! North. their families there.” DOT can also learn from ReachUp! North’s cultural traditions and wider Six college and university graduates from various Although the scheme launched in Ottawa, the aim is to programme, says Thomas. “It’s a model that can be Canadian culture indigenous backgrounds, and diverse areas of Canada, expand to other parts of Canada over the coming years. applied in other countries where DOT works, where will deliver the pilot. Over the next nine months, they will “Wherever the programme grows, indigenous youth and that sense of identity and history has led to young coach 200 of their peers through entrepreneurship, elders from those communities will be involved in people feeling disassociated from society.” For Fayant, workforce readiness, and empowerment learning adapting it for that area,” Fayant says. “It’s not one size this sense of isolation and detachment can be mitigated, experiences, so they have the skills to create new fits all, it’s about meeting people where they’re at.” in part, by providing young people with role models. opportunities for themselves and end the cycle of That’s the final goal she has for ReachUp! North. “I hope obstacles affecting indigenous youth. International links we can give indigenous youth examples of leaders who “Indigenous young people face an intersecting Created by DOT, ReachUp! is an international youth aren’t just seeing them as subjects but are actually conundrum of problems,” explains Fayant. “There are the leadership and empowerment programme operating in walking beside them,” she says. “We need to show problems faced by many youth, like lack of employment Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. The initiative in Canada and other indigenous communities that our opportunities and a shortage of resources, but there is Ottawa is the first time DOT has worked on home soil youth are really stepping up and getting things done in the added difficulty of trying to fit into the modern world since it was founded in 2002. “This is a very special a good way.” while still keeping our culture strong.” programme for us, and we’ve certainly wanted to help See www.dotrust.org/programs/reachup for further Balancing job opportunities with culture is the youth right here in Canada for a long time,” said Grant details of DOT’s Reach Up! programmes or to donate. BUILDING MOMENTUM: reason ReachUp! North integrates several traditional Thomas, DOT Vice President of Strategic Development. A Fifa Live Your Goals event at Esther Shiner teachings into the programme. In addition to covering The organisation aims to help young people to use Hilary Duff is Communications Officer at Digital Stadium in Toronto (above and top) entrepreneurship basics, the project includes discussions technology to become self-reliant; not just to support Opportunity Trust in Ottawa.

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FOCUS “They are there solely to promote you; there’s no self-interest. I’m one of thousands, and yet they care Quality of the north about every single person,” she says. Now a seasoned professional with numerous Christine Wilde talks to two ROSL artists about their international engagements, Gillian jumped at the chance inspirations and the characteristics of Canadian art A time for Canadian to support a new generation of musicians when she was asked to adjudicate for the AMC in 2011. Among the Julie Favreau finalists in the prestigious contest are Canadians Nathan ROSL 2014 Visual Berg baritone (1992), cellist Eric Han (1987) and violinist Arts Scholar Sadie Fields (2010), who are all making a name for “I work with dancers and musicians to shine themselves internationally. The promising young chamber choreographers, put them in group, the Afiara Quartet, performed at the recent ROSL relationship with sculpture, and Katy Wright talks to some of ROSL’s most talented artists to gala concert at the Royal Canadian Military Institute, as observe the connection between part of Director-General Roddy Porter’s tour of the the two to create a performance, find out what their Canadian roots have brought to their music country in October. photograph, art installation or video. I have always been An international platform interested in the relationship © Nat Gorry NATIONAL PRIDE: anadian musicians are currently enjoying a Although Gillian expresses pride in her nationality and is between choreography and visual Soprano Gillian surge of success. With the careers of pianist keen to maintain her performance links with Canada in arts; when I started in 2005, that wasn’t common Keith has had a Jan Lisiecki, conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin the future, she stresses that young musicians have to but lately, in Montreal, there’s a true interest in glowing career since and 1997 ROSL Canadian Music Scholar Karina establish their careers at an international level. “Music is dance, movement and performance. winning the Annual C Gauvin going from strength to strength, the country seems an international language, and musicians have to be able At Hospitalfield House Arts, you can imagine Music Competition to be producing a stream of world-class performers. But to go and meet other musicians across the world. It’s that someone stood in the very same spot as you just what is it that has helped them to thrive? great when you have a chance to do that, like I did. The and gazed at the landscape long ago. But in Canada Catherine Gray, winner of the 2014 ROSL Canadian Music relationships which the League helped me to form with there is so much space that you can look at a Scholarship, believes that the accomplishments of her musicians, publishers and composers have been mountain or landscape and imagine that you are compatriots can be attributed to the opportunities offered invaluable.” However, she admits: “It’s quite ironic that the first person at this place. When I went to New from a young age. “The Royal Conservatory of Music you often have to go to foreign lands to make your name. York, people said there is a quality of the ‘north’ in reaches out to communities across Canada and teaches I’ve chosen to make my career outside Canada.” my work – a kind of contemplation you find in © Julie Favreau/ Battat Contemporary © Julie Favreau/ music lessons. There are hundreds of thousands of This ethos of international collaboration is also countries where there is more nature and time; a students who enrol on these programmes,” she important to pianist Carson Becke, a winner in this year’s DANCE MOVES: slowness. If I’d been from a country that’s busier, I explains. “I was accepted into the Canadian AMC and Director of the Festival Pontiac Enchanté, a Julie Favreau (top); think the pace in my work would be totally different. National Youth Orchestra a few years ago, small festival near the Ottawa River. “I’m trying to pair and a detail of her There is a strong community of artists in Montreal, and I had some life-changing experiences as musicians from Ottawa with musicians from Europe as work ‘an entire because it’s possible to have the space to research a result. It’s a very special programme.” part of the festival, so they can collaborate with people day an entire and commit to the work. Canadian artists are also Soprano Gillian Keith, 1998 ROSL Annual that they might not usually meet. The variety of music- month’ (above) international artists: we are defined by our work in Music Competition (AMC) Gold Medallist, making that’s possible in the UK is not yet possible in our respective cities but also by our participation in agrees. “There’s a great music education Canada, and I can hopefully make some contribution to the international conversation in visual arts. We are system in Canada, which has produced that. A small-scale concert series doesn’t happen in aware of what is within and without.” some great artists.” Support from ROSL also Canada very often.” provides a tremendous boost to young Carson attributes his international career to his Jordy Hamilton musicians at the start of their careers. proactive approach. “I go out of my way to put together ROSL 2012 Visual Arts Scholar Having triumphed in the AMC, Gillian my own concerts and projects; I don’t just wait for things A lot of art that’s made in Canada relates directly to the has maintained close contact with to arrive in my lap.” In 2014, he secured funding to record landscape, such as the paintings of the ‘Group of Seven’ ROSL for more than 15 years. three CDs and put on concerts in three countries, all landscape artists – the lakes in Ontario or the mountains centred around music by Strauss. “I’m a self-motivated, in British Columbia. I’d describe myself as a reluctant self-directed musician, and that has helped me a lot,” conceptual artist who prefers to paint; my work says Carson, who is working towards an MPhil at the doesn’t deal with the landscape in an explicit way, but ESCAPE ARTIST: University of Oxford. it does deal with the idea of escape and freedom. Jordy at the last Canada is so big and there is so much open space; I Visual Arts Scholars Making a mark think contemporary Canadian art deals with the exhibition at the Oxo Education has also been important for Catherine, who landscape more in terms of the subconscious, and Tower in 2013 got involved with ROSL this year when she successfully how space and time affect daily auditioned for the Commonwealth Strings project with human lives. the Scottish Ensemble, while in her final year at Toronto’s Coming from Vancouver, I Royal College of Music. Before long, she was embarking think the most interesting work “Whether we’re in on a tour around the UK, which gave her the opportunity is coming from young artists to establish links with performers from across the world. from First Nations backgrounds. As she works towards a Masters at Yale University, new I have a friend who is of Haida Canada or out in the professional opportunities continue to appear, including descent, and the art that he and numerous recitals and a position as a reserve for the his contemporaries are making wider world, we’ve Canadian Opera Company. As Gillian puts it: “Canada about how the native identity in produces great musicians, and whether we’re in Canada Canada is changing seems

made a big mark” or out in the wider world, we’ve made a big mark.” really important. © Jules Lawrence

The colonial rabble had A heroes’ proved themselves in memorial Roddy Porter battle but at terrible cost pays tribute to the brave men who lost their lives in the Somme at the Newfoundland Memorial Park © Roddy Porter © Roddy

FOCUS pending time at the Beaumont-Hamel A MOVING Images © Library Canada. and Archives Newfoundland Memorial is a moving and EXPERIENCE: The seizing of Vimy Ridge, on 9-12 April 1917, further inspiring experience. One of only two The bronze burnished the reputation of the Canadians. King George V Canadian national memorials outside of caribou statue in S the Memorial Park. came to Vimy and knighted Arthur Currie, the Canadian Canada (the other is the Canadian National Vimy A nation forged in fire general who had played a key role in planning the attack. Memorial), the site in northern France commemorates The caribou was Currie was soon made corps commander and, for the first the men of the Dominion of Newfoundland who were the emblem of the time, the Canadians reported to one of their own. A skilled killed during the First World War. The largest regimental Newfoundland Hugh Brewster reveals the contribution made by Canadian troops in tactician, Currie led the Canadians to hard-won victories memorial in the Somme, the 74-acre battlefield park Regiment at Hill 70 and Passchendaele, and in the ‘Hundred Days’ includes the ground over which the regiment launched WWI and how the Great War shaped the identity and future of a nation offensive from August to November 1918. Allied an ill-fated assault at ‘zero hour’ on 1 July 1916, the first generalissimo Marshal Foch called the Canadians “the day of the Battle of the Somme. hey think of nothing but drinking and getting of those lost was a 22-year-old lieutenant from Ottawa BATTLEGROUND: battering ram” for their victories at Amiens, the Drocourt- They had fought hard in the Gallipoli Campaign, but into all the trouble they can,” Private Roy named Alexis Helmer, who was buried beneath a wooden Cambrai ablaze on Quéant Line, Cambrai and Valenciennes. this was their first major engagement on the Western Macfie wrote home in November 1914. A farm cross in an Ypres cemetery. The spring poppies blooming 9 October 1918 (top) Front. The assault lasted just 30 minutes, during which boy from Parry Sound, Ontario, Macfie thought between the rows of graves inspired Helmer’s close Canada is born time the regiment was all but wiped out; of the 801 men T POSTCARD HOME: that the Canadians were earning a bad reputation at their friend, an army doctor named John McCrae, to write a At 6.30am on 11 November 1918, the first Canadians who climbed out of the St John’s Road trenches at training camp in England. Only weeks before, they had poem he called ‘In Flanders Fields.’ Canadians cheer entered the Belgian town of Mons, and it was then that 9.15am, only about 110 survived unscathed, and only 68 been greeted as conquering heroes by the citizens of their victory after Currie received word that all hostilities would cease at of those were present at roll-call the following day. Plymouth, who had turned out to cheer their arrival as Shock troops the Battle of 11am. As the cheering townspeople embraced their Walking through the memorial park today, it is not hard to the first contingent from the overseas dominions to When the Somme offensive began on 1 July 1916, the Courcelette (below) liberators, the Canadians felt relief but little joy, hardly see why. The ground is not favourable, and the enemy come to the aid of the Mother Country. Canadians were spared the bloodbath on the first day, believing that the war was over and they had survived. had access to fields of unimpeded observation and fire. But not much had gone right since then. The biggest though soldiers from Newfoundland, then a separate TRAINING: The men – and women – who had served on the The memorial is a fitting tribute to these brave men problem was the unceasing rain that was turning their British dominion, were not. Of the 801 Newfoundlanders Record rainfall in the Western Front came home to a war-weary country. From from Newfoundland, which became Canada’s tenth camp on Salisbury Plain into a sea of mud. The boys from who advanced near the village of Beaumont-Hamel that winter of 1914-15 a population of eight million, Canada had lost 61,000 of province in 1949. The preserved trench lines and the Canada quickly escaped to the nearest pubs, where the day, only 68 reported for roll-call the next morning. made training on its youngest and finest citizens, and 172,000 had been pock-marked, shell-churned terrain of no man’s land strong English beer caused drunken brawls. “Ill-disciplined, The Somme would eventually claim 24,000 Canadian Salisbury Plain wounded in body and mind. To help staunch the grief, provide a sobering lesson on trench warfare, even 100 untrained, colonial rabble,” was one British officer’s casualties, many of them sustained during an assault difficult for Canadian memorialising – and myth-making – began almost years on. The park speaks of the difficulties of frontal assessment – an opinion soon echoed by others. near the village of Courcelette. recruits (top right) immediately. A new, more independent Canada had been assaults on well-defended positions with accurately sited Nonetheless, by February 1915, the War Office had “The Canadians,” forged in fire on the Western Front, it was said. Vimy machine guns. decided that the First Canadian Division was ready to be Lloyd George Ridge was hailed as ‘the hill where Canada was born’ It is now a very peaceful place, studded with small sent to France. Their training on Salisbury Plain had been would write, and plans were launched for a shining monument to be military cemeteries and memorials to individual units. spotty, but troops were needed at the Front. “played a part of built atop it. The petrified ‘Danger Tree’ – the only tree that survived in As they crouched in trenches outside Ypres on 22 April such distinction Today, the Vimy monument remains a major pilgrimage no man’s land – is a stark indicator of how short a 1915, the Canadians saw gasping, retching French that thenceforward site for Canadians and will be the scene of Canada’s distance they were able to advance: it was a landmark colonial soldiers fleeing towards them. Chlorine gas – they were marked largest Great War commemoration on 9 April 2017. Some around which the shattered regiment gathered, only to 160 tonnes of it – had been released by the Germans on out as shock decry ‘the Vimy myth’ as a glorification of war. Yet it is take further mass casualties to artillery shrapnel. the Allied lines, the first use of poison gas in the war. As troops; for the rare to meet a Canadian who has visited Vimy Ridge, and The park is professionally and sympathetically curated the deadly clouds swirled towards them, the Canadians remainder of the the graves of the young Canadians surrounding it, who by young volunteers from Canada. I have walked many of were told to urinate on their handkerchiefs and cover war they were has not been profoundly moved by the experience. the Western Front battlefields over the years, but the their faces. While other units fled, they held the line and brought in to Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is, for me, the the enemy advance was stopped. head the assault ROSL member Hugh Brewster is the author of 15 most articulate silent witness to the desperate heroism The colonial rabble had proved themselves in battle but in one great battle historical books, including From Vimy to Victory: Canada’s and muddy, bloody horror of those events a century ago, at terrible cost – 6,700 were left dead or wounded. One after another.” Fight to the Finish in World War I, published by Scholastic. which we commemorate today.

10 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 11 WORLD ROSL NEWS Spirit of the JOHN PERLIN’S Caribbean Director of CCA Francis McKee on the gallery’s relationship with artist Adele Todd

St John’s, © Alan Dimmick / CCA n July, the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) in Glasgow opened an exhibition of work by Remy Jungerman, originally from Surinam, Tony Cruz from IPuerto Rico, and Adele Todd from Trinidad. We had Newfoundland 2.0) BY via Flickr (CC Nfld | Panoramio / Karen 2.0) BY-SA / Piknic via Flickr (CC John Perlin selected Adele for a ROSL Visual Arts Scholarship, through which she had completed a residency at St John’s is considered to be North The architecture is very distinctive. DRAMATIC Hospitalfield House, Arbroath in 2013. RESONANCE: America’s oldest city. What can you What is your favourite feature? LANDSCAPE: This was a valuable opportunity for us to learn more Adele Todd’s work in tell us about its history? St John’s architecture is interesting as most residences Newfoundland’s about art in the Caribbean. Adele’s work seemed very the ‘Spirit Levels’ Newfoundland was discovered by John Cabot in 1497. In downtown are of wooden construction. These homes East Coast Trail interesting, but curating and establishing long-term exhibition at CCA © Alan Dimmick / CCA 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert arrived to take possession of are painted in vibrant colours and have become a (above); and (inset) international networks depends on conversation, Glasgow (above); Newfoundland as the first colony in what became the signature of St John’s, which has been destroyed by fire St John’s harbour face-to-face contact and human chemistry. During her embroidery series, Police an’ Tief, and now we could and embroideries British Empire. Even at that time, St John’s harbour was on several occasions, the last in 1892. As a result, the and lighthouse in month in Hospitalfield, CCA staff got to know the artist follow the development of her new textile-based works, from her Police an’ crowded with fishing boats from European countries downtown buildings principally date from that period. the Fort Amherst and to understand the wider context in which she was focusing on words and language as traps and constraints. Tief series (left) seeking their share of the cod that abounded there. The Anglican Cathedral was designed by Sir George neighbourhood working, as she developed new directions in her practice. From there it became much easier to see how Remy and Newfoundland was recognised as a dominion in 1919, Gilbert Scott and is considered to be the finest example From that human contact, there was a real basis to Tony could complement her work, and to create an and the people voted to become Canada’s tenth of ecclesiastical gothic architecture in North America. CITY OF COLOUR: conduct more research and to begin to construct an exhibition full of resonances and echoes. The exhibition, province in 1949. St John’s has always been the capital There is also a fine Roman Catholic Basilica, dating from Colourful wooden exhibition for July 2014. We had wanted to exhibit Adele’s which closed in September, was a great success. city, and it is now also the oil capital of Eastern Canada. 1855. Indeed, St John’s is known as the city of churches. houses in St John’s, nicknamed Jelly What do you like most about living Where is the best place to enjoy the Bean Row (below) in St John’s? scenery and wildlife? A new approach The size of St John’s makes it easy to get around. It is The Avalon Peninsula is home to all kinds of natural also possible to enjoy all of the performing arts, beauty and there are many hiking trails, such as the East George Harwood-Smith reveals some exciting changes to the Visual Arts Scholarship programme including many major artists from across the continent. Coast Trail, that offer spectacular scenery. Newfoundland It is a place where people enjoy entertaining in their own will take your breath away wherever you go. ince 2000, ROSL ARTS has offered annual Visual Meet the 2014 scholars homes, and the warm welcome extended to visitors is Arts Scholarships to enable talented young Song-Ming Ang makes work about how Québécois artist Julie Favreau’s an added reason for visiting this friendly city. A ROSL member for 19 years, John Perlin CM CVO ONL artists from across the Commonwealth to we relate to music and what it means to practice lies in the domain between LLO is a philanthropist and former Canadian Secretary S undertake a residency at Hospitalfield Arts in us. “I didn’t study fine art, so my work visual art and choreography. She If you are in St John’s for just a couple to The Queen. He was Newfoundland’s first Provincial Arbroath, Scotland. In 2013, the programme evolved. tends to be made from the perspective creates pieces that heighten the of days, what should you see or do? Director of Cultural Affairs and is a patron of the arts. ROSL ARTS and Hospitalfield Arts have established fresh of an amateur and fan of music,” he told viewers’ sensory awareness through During the summer, a trolley bus takes visitors around, Interview by Christine Wilde. relationships with some of Britain’s most exciting galleries, the online media platform art4d. “I look installation, video, performance, giving an overview of the city. The performing and visual including Iniva in London and Generator Projects in at specific instances in which music is sculpture and photography. arts make for a lively cultural scene, with performances Dundee, collaborating with them to choose the scholars. produced or consumed, and highlight Julie was one of the artists in in the Arts and Culture Centre, Holy Heart Theatre, the In early 2014, we invited Jenni Lomax, Director of the interesting aspects of this. For example, residence at the Darling Foundry and LSPU Hall, and many of the city’s churches, several of Camden Arts Centre, and Sorcha Carey, Director of the what does it mean when someone featured in the 2011 MACM Quebec which are home to magnificent Casavant organs. Edinburgh Art Festival, to each select a Commonwealth smashes an electric guitar, or when it’s Triennial. She was selected for the The spectacular Rooms complex houses the provincial artist to take part in the residency and return to exhibit in played with your teeth?” 2014 ROSL Visual Arts Scholarship by museum, art gallery, archives, and a café with panoramic London and Edinburgh in 2015. Song-Ming is from Singapore and Sorcha Carey of the Edinburgh Art views of the harbour. There are also numerous private art studied art at Goldsmiths, University of Festival and completed the residency galleries, which display works by many of the province’s London. He has exhibited internationally at Hospitalfield Arts in September. best-known artists. Cabot Tower and Signal Hill should in Singapore, Hong Kong, New York, She currently lives in Montreal and be one of the first stops, as well as Cape Spear – the Sydney and Berlin, and was selected will return to the UK in August 2015 most easterly point in North America. for the ROSL scholarship by Jenni to exhibit her recent works as part Lomax of the Camden Arts Centre. He of the prestigious and dynamic What is the best time of year to visit? will return to the UK to complete a festival. She is represented by From late May to October, with July and August offering project with the gallery in 2015. Battat Contemporary. the best weather and opportunities to see whales and seabird colonies. Winter sports are best enjoyed in YOUNG TALENT: Julie Favreau, For a short interview with Julie about February and March. My advice to first-time visitors is to Director of Hospitalfield Arts Lucy the influence of her Canadian identity Kenny Louie via Flickr (CC BY 2.0) BY via Flickr (CC Louie Kenny plan to stay longer than you had originally intended! © Song Ming Ang Byatt and Song-Ming Ang (l-r) on her practice, see page 9.

12 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 13 ROSL NEWS ROSL NEWS

A military connection A trio of talent The Royal Canadian Military Institute Members’ benefits (RCMI) was founded in 1890 by the Tina Kim reflects on her musical and personal development, officers of the Toronto Garrison, with the following a UK tour with the Trinity Trio as Pettman/ROSL scholars ROSL’s successful Open House London weekend was a perfect reminder of Governor General of Canada as their the many reasons to renew your membership, says Gemma Matthews Patron. Following a four-year s a trio, the Pettman/ROSL redevelopment, the building at 426 scholarship tour was the biggest e were proud to open our University Avenue has now been restored. project of our musical lives. doors and welcome visitors to The Edwardian façade, with its iconic Personally, I had been struggling nine-pounder guns flanking the entrance, A the clubhouse during London’s with motivation issues and with finding a Open House weekend in is a city landmark. Inside, the newly purpose in my work, and the tour gave me W developed quarters offer sumptuous September. More than 140 visitors came to a different perspective and a deeper find out about the history of the buildings accommodation and dining rooms for understanding of how to find joy in my that comprise Over-Seas House, and all were members and guests. The club has a music. The preparation was long and curious to find out more about ROSL. We 15,000-volume research library, with tough, but with such enthusiastic friends could see that the visitors were impressed books detailing Canada’s military history, – sisters Stella and Sally Kim – as trio with the diversity of our club, as we spoke and a museum displaying exhibits from members, it was a satisfying journey. We about our ethos and all the wonderful things the RCMI’s extensive collections. prepared nine works to performance that make ROSL stand apart from other The institute invites ROSL members to standard, hiring a venue at our own private members’ clubs in St James’s and enjoy its comfortable facilities and expense, so that we could perform all of Edinburgh – from the fact that we have accommodation. In fact, it was the them twice before leaving for the UK. LEARNING TO GROW: Sally, Tina and accepted women members since the start venue for our ROSL gala concert in Roderick Lakin, ROSL Director of Arts, Stella Kim with Barrie and Maureen Pettman (and that our membership still has an equal October, at which Toronto Branch was our father in the UK: he arranged at the Friends of ROSL ARTS Garden party split across the sexes), to our proud members met with the Director-General transport, timetables, food, schedules, Commonwealth connections, humanitarian for a performance by the Afiara Quartet. accommodation, venues and so much more. remain calm, but this experience helped us programmes and not-for-profit status. See www.rcmi.org for more details, We went to concerts every day; and visited put that into practice more effectively. While the rooms and facilities drew or email [email protected] schools, such as the Royal Academy of A major impetus for our growth was that admiring comments, it was the opportunity to request a letter of introduction. Music, which will help me when I audition to we were treated as professional musicians to hear pianist Somi Kim rehearse in Princess further my studies in London. It was great throughout. I was inspired by the passion for SUMPTUOUS: Fine dining at the RCMI to meet and get advice from experienced music and teaching of the many teachers who BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER: From (below); and the stunning façade (bottom) musicians at the Lake District International coached us. They gave us new ideas, new concerts by top ROSL musicians (right) to Music Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. ways for thinking, and new ways to practise. glamorous Younger Members events (below) We now have a better idea of the festivals Many told us that, to reach another level, we Alexandra Hall that provided an insight into and our cultural programme that makes and competitions we want to be involved in, need to find more colours in our playing. One the club’s real USP: bringing people together ROSL such a vibrant organisation. We hope and a much clearer understanding of how said that we play as if we never take risks, so for enjoyable social, cultural and learning that you continue to be part of that in 2015. to plan and manage the next few years as a it sounds like there is a limit to our music. activities. Each year we endeavour to make Membership renewal packs have been sent trio and as individual musicians. This was a huge challenge for us: something sure that our events programme offers a to all members, detailing the new subscription The countless performances we gave that could not be taught – that we had to wide range of activities and opportunities for rates. If you haven’t already done so, you may helped us to feel more comfortable on discover and develop for ourselves. We you to meet with fellow members in the like to set up a Direct Debit; you can even opt stage and trained us to become better at realised that we have to rehearse in a clubhouse and beyond. Over the coming to pay in monthly instalments – spreading the looking confident, even in the scary different way – we need a different level of year, we aim to deliver a calendar of cost of your annual membership. For more moments. We always knew that, no matter energy and more concentration to express affordable events, concerts, trips and tours information on renewing your membership, what happens in a performance, we had to what we want to say with the music. catering for all members, regardless of location. contact [email protected] or It is your passionate support of the club +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x214/216. Trinity on tour Friends with benefits The Pettman/ROSL Scholarship is and major venues, including the BBC The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) have three magnificent sites in Edinburgh, each awarded annually to a chamber group Proms, Royal Opera House and London home to major works from Scotland’s world-renowned national collection of fine art. As in from New Zealand. The 2013 winners, Coliseum. They had prepared piano trios many organisations, the Friends of the NGS are vital to its continuing success, providing the Trinity Trio from Auckland University, by Mozart, Dvorak, Beethoven, Brahms, support for an extensive programme of exhibitions, free displays, and education and came to the UK this summer for an Mendelssohn and New Zealand composer conservation work. In return for this support, Friends have unlimited access to exhibitions intensive five-week study/performance Gareth Farr, which they performed over and a host of benefits, giving incomparable insight into the galleries’ collections. tour. In addition to performances in five days as part of ROSL’s annual Forthcoming exhibitions include ‘The Two Roberts: Robert Colquhoun and Robert London and Edinburgh for ROSL, and at Edinburgh Festival Fringe series. MacBryde’ at Modern Two, the BP Portrait Award at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, regional festivals, they participated in Every teacher who coached the and the landmark ‘Bailey’s Stardust’ at the Scottish National Gallery. the Summer Academy of the Lake trio gave positive feedback on the As a partner of ROSL, the NGS offers our members 15 months membership for the District Music Festival and received quality of their playing, musicality and price of 12*, starting at £15 for a student and rising to £55 for two adults. So if you live in © National Galleries of Scotland coaching from leading teachers. professionalism. By the end of the tour, Edinburgh or visit regularly, find out more about joining by calling +44 (0)131 624 6459 or WORLD-RENOWNED: ROSL arranged for the trio – Tina Kim the benefits of the extensive programme visiting www.nationalgalleries.org/friends. ‘Three Tahitians’ by Paul Gauguin, on piano and sisters Sally cello and Stella were evident in performances of greater display at the Scottish National Gallery Kim violin – to attend events at festivals ambition and maturity. *Offer valid for new NGS members only; please quote ROSL14. Canadian Military Institute © Royal Pictures:

14 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 15 ROSL NEWS ROSL NEWS The man behind the cuisine ROSL successes Head Chef Kevin Casizzi tells Christine Wilde about his inspirations, what he loves about ROSL and how in Edinburgh a childhood diet of fried food inspired him to cook Tell us a bit about yourself… 11.30am, so I make sure they’re all set for I always wanted to be a chef so I left school service before we start cooking. I stand on Director of Arts Roderick Lakin at 16 to work in a kitchen. I’m not sure the pass, making sure the food goes out where I got my passion for cooking; I think correctly. Then, before the 7-9.30pm evening reflects on a vintage year it’s because I’m one of seven and my mum service, I order for the next day. Everything is had two jobs to support us, so her dinners cooked and prepared to order so it’s as fresh OSL prizewinning musicians from Australia, REFINED: were awful: fried food with chips and beans. as possible. It’s a busy club; I get through a calf’s liver and bacon or a tasty salad. Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa ROSL prizewinning I started working in Covent Garden, then lot of coffee! Sitting in the ROSL Garden on a nice day, and the UK converged on Edinburgh for ROSL’s musicians rehearse travelled on the cruise ships before you can imagine having a garden salad and 15th annual series of concerts on the Festival with the Scottish working at The Connaught with Gordon Which ingredient a glass of sauvignon blanc. It’s all about the R Ensemble for their Fringe, and for a unique partnership with the Scottish Bedroom Ramsay and Angela Hartnett, and at Wine expert do you love basics: a perfect soup or the best apple Ensemble and Edinburgh International Festival, under the sensational the Lansdowne Club. recommends working with? crumble. It’s good, simple cooking done banner ‘Commonwealth Strings’. The Fringe series, ‘Music performances as Try the walnut and Vanilla: it goes in really well, no hiding. @ 100 Princes Street’, attracted audiences to 30 concerts Commonwealth bounty What attracted you cranberry tart with a every one of my The Brabourne Room is traditional, so it over 12 days. The daily Bach and Beethoven for Breakfast, Strings (above) to ROSL? Chateau d’Orignac Pineau desserts – even my needs that British feel, but I would like the Chopin After Lunch and Mozart at Teatime, played to How a good night’s sleep at ROSL is It’s a prestigious international des Charentes, with intense walnut and cranberry fine dining Restaurant and banqueting to be capacity audiences, while late-night concerts at 10.30pm A PERFECT helping to fund wells in the Okavango club with lots of cultures, people notes of apricot, peach, tart with cranberry more international in the future. attracted an equally large following and glowing reviews. COMBINATION: and classrooms in marginalised areas and events to cater for, so we’re honey, almonds sorbet. It’s like salt for In celebration of Scotland hosting the Commonwealth Robin Green of the always doing different types of and Cognac.* me: even if it’s not the Could you Games, Commonwealth Strings brought 14 outstanding Francoise-Green he voluntary £1 add-on to bedroom bills for food – for example, at the reception most obvious flavour, it recommend a Wine expert young musicians from across the Commonwealth Piano Duo, violinist ROSL humanitarian projects is now in its for the Commonwealth Games seasons the dish. ROSL dish for recommends together with the 14-strong Scottish Ensemble. The Michael Foyle and second year and, due to the generosity of Opening Ceremony. this quarter? The rich Cotes du Rhone prestigious concert, on 26 August at the Queen’s Hall, pianists Somi Kim members, around £8,000 will be raised by the How do you plan the menus? Fillet of beef with Chateau des Roques 2011, and Sophia Dee in T with nuances of dark fruits, was part of the Edinburgh International Festival and end of the year. John K Adams, the well-known American Tell us about your typical What inspires you? roasted parsnips, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. It was followed by a tour Edinburgh for pianist, is a ROSL member and generous donor to ROSL working day… I look through previous menus, past chestnut and herbs and leather, perfectly to Inverness, Dundee and Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh. ROSL ARTS’ projects in Namibia. “I like the idea of belonging to a club I get in at 7.30am, read the customer history and comment cards to see what bacon puree. complements the rich The Commonwealth Strings performance at the Fringe series which also helps those who are most in need, whether comment cards from the day before, greet the works and find out what members want. fillet of beef and salty Queen’s Hall ranks among the highest artistic (below) it’s food, water, shelter or getting an education,” he says. chefs, and make sure the food for the day’s With a lot of chefs, it’s all about them, but * Wines from the ROSL bacon.* achievements with which ROSL has been involved. The Also supporting education in Namibia is ROSL’s building functions is ready. The Restaurant kitchen I think more about what I would want to cellar, recommended by 5-star review by Michael Tumelty, veteran music critic of contractor Jack Varnava and his wife Maria, who have opens at 12pm and the Brabourne at eat, not what I want to serve – a good Davy’s wine expert Francis Flavin. The Glasgow Herald, captured the occasion perfectly: recently raised funds to build a splendid new classroom at ‘RIGHT: pens down, hats off and hands together. In Uirab Primary School. 30 years of this business… I have heard the Scottish In Botswana, we are lucky to have ROSL member Sarah Ensemble in great form, routine form and, very Ward, who keeps in touch with a school for the disabled Kevin’s white chocolate and cranberry cookies occasionally, slightly off form. But I never expect to hear and a day care centre that ROSL supports near Gaborone. If you can’t make it to the clubhouse this season, why not try this ROSL recipe at home? them again as I did yesterday morning at the Edinburgh In the Okavango, where isolated villages face food and INGREDIENTS METHOD Festival, where they were sensational in the best water insecurity, Galefele Maokeng updates us on the ● 150g butter 1 Preheat oven to 180oc/gas mark 4. performance I have ever heard them deliver at home or progress of elephant-proof wells and other projects. ● 150g plain flour 2 Melt the butter and allow to cool. away… This was a double sized In Kenya, ROSL’s bursary recipients Antony Waweru and ● 1/2tsp bicarbonate of soda 3 Sift flour and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl. Scottish Ensemble of 28 players, Beatrice Kinuthia are excellent correspondents, sending ● 50g ground almond 4 Add ground almonds, oats, dried fruit, soft brown 14 of whom were young virtuosi reports of the all-important maize harvest in the Gilgil area, ● 50g porridge oats sugar, caster sugar and chocolate chunks. Mix well. from Commonwealth countries, as well as their latest school news and exam results. ● 50g dried cranberries, 5 Mix butter and egg yolk, and stir into dry ingredients. joined in near miraculous ROSL humanitarian projects are almost entirely funded raisins or sultanas 6 With your hands, form mixture into walnut-sized indivisibility of sound and style by donations and the £1 bedroom add-ons, so if you ● 50g brown sugar balls and arrange slightly apart on two baking trays. with Jonathan Morton’s elite would like to make your donation go further, please ● 50g caster sugar 7 Flatten the biscuits slightly and place in preheated group, producing collectively, request a Gift Aid form from [email protected]. ● 100g white chocolate chunks oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden. performances so gutsy, so meaty, ● 1 large egg yolk 8 Cool a little on trays before moving to a wire rack. so refined and so robust that it PROGRESS: Building a new elephant-proof well was impossible not to be gripped.’ in the Okavango (above)

16 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 17 ROSL NEWS ROSL NEWS

Rioja tour Visit to the In September, oenophile Armourers’ Hall members set out on a four-day It was the Armourers’ time to tour of some of the finest shine in ROSL’s latest visit to a News and views vineyards and restaurants in livery hall in the City. The Rioja; the bodegas de la gleaming polished metal could The latest from the clubhouses in London and Edinburgh Marquesa, Miguel Merino only be surpassed by the and Ochoa were much enjoyed. riches of knowledge displayed Fine wine, food, and a tour of by the new company clerk, as Commonwealth Games celebrations Special exhibition Pamplona were rounded off guests were given a riveting With two inspiring and heartfelt speeches by Lord Luce, Following her successful show at with a visit to Bilbao and a tour of the history and ROSL President, and Lord Howell, President of the Royal Over-Seas House Edinburgh, private guided tour of the contemporary activity of this Commonwealth Society, and a lively performance by ACD Scottish painter and textile Guggenheim Museum. ancient establishment. Most Arts Adungu, the London clubhouse celebrated the designer Hatti Pattisson brought spectacular of all was the Lee opening of the Commonwealth Games. Members her collection of vivid landscapes Armour, worn by Elizabeth I’s enjoyed whisky cocktails and Commonwealth-themed and bright fabrics to Over-Seas Battlefield tour Our WWI centenary commemorations began Champion, Sir Henry Lee, to foods in the verdant ROSL Garden on one of the House London from July to with an insightful tour of the Aisne and fight her adversaries. The hottest days of the year, before heading inside to September. Her ‘Caledonia’ series Marne battlefields, led by military historian state-of-the-art suit was made in watch the ceremony. Members in Scotland watched proved popular with members at Michael Orr. Among the multitude of 1561, weighs about 35kg, and the Opening and Closing ceremonies at two the packed private view and thought-provoking visits, the Caverne du is so flexible that the wearer Commonwealth-inspired dinners. continued to garner praise Dragon, in the notorious Chemin des Dames can do forward rolls in it. throughout the exhibition. fighting ground, stood out. A cold, damp cave network, occupied simultaneously by Allied and German troops, the cavern was an otherworldly place, where battle sometimes raged as fiercely below ground as above. Today, the Marne region is better known for its champagne, and ROSL members enjoyed a lavish evening at the famous champagne house Maison Gardet. Sounds of the summer ROSL ARTS hosted a plethora of popular performances over the summer. Past Annual Music Competition winners Mark Walton clarinet, Ann Beilby viola and David Miller piano played a selection from their new CD, Clarinet Hidden Treasures from England. At Wigmore Hall, 2013 winners Morgan Pearse baritone, James Baillieu piano and the Francoise-Green Piano Duo impressed the capacity audience. At the Friends of ROSL ARTS Garden Parties (pictured), there were performances by the Trinity Trio, Ferio Saxophone Quartet, Thomas Atkins tenor, Huw Wiggin saxophone, Michael Foyle violin, Ruben Palma cello and pianists Peter Foggitt and Somi Kim.

ROSL West seeks new Secretary Sally Roberts, Secretary of ROSL West, is hoping to retire soon and we are now looking for Summer wine tasting London milestone someone to take on the baton of coordinating the branches in Taunton, Exeter and Bath. The ROSL cellar ventured into the In September, the London Group Responsibilities include organising a series of ROSL Garden to give members an held its 700th Executive atmospheric tasting of the best of Committee meeting. Established lunches for each branch and the popular annual the club’s summer wines. Master more than 75 years ago, the visit to the London clubhouse. It is essential that of Wine, Martin Everett, and group has become a key part of applicants have excellent people skills and are sommelier-in-the-making, Sarka ROSL’s events programme, computer literate. Sally will be retiring from the Art weekend Krumlova, served white, red and thanks to the dedication of Taunton Branch first and handing over the Members threw themselves into a weekend of intensive drawing and painting rosé vintages, with illuminating volunteers who organise regular responsibilities for the other branches at a later this August. Guided by Tom Davies, Director of the London School of Drawing explanations. The balmy garden talks and trips for members. See date. If you are interested in finding out more and Painting, participants of all levels produced beautiful artworks in the excellent provided the perfect setting, pages 28-34 for details of their about the role and what’s involved, please light of Princess Alexandra Hall. Between intensive periods of study, members enriched by the backdrop of latest events, including a visit to contact Sally on [email protected] enjoyed delicious lunches and refreshments in the Brabourne Room, as well as classical guitarist Laura Snowden’s the Westminster Archives Centre or +44 (0)1823 661148. post-workshop drinks in the Bar and luxury accommodation in the clubhouse. The exquisite playing. and a talk on the Royal Maundy. weekend ended with a guided visit to the sold-out Matisse exhibition at Tate Modern.

18 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 19 ROSL NEWS

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR: YMs enjoy a night of opera at the London clubhouse Open House Over-Seas House was proud to join the ranks of architecturally significant buildings that opened their doors to the public for Open House London, 20-21 September. Over the course of the weekend, the Marketing team gave tours of Vernon and Rutland House to more than 140 visitors, highlighting the beautiful period features that make the buildings unique. If you are interested in learning more about your clubhouse, the ROSL History is available from the ROSL Shop.

Dinners in the Tower The Director-General hosted two popular dinners in the Tower of London in September. ROSL members were joined by guests from the MSJA at the second Bright young of the month’s black-tie events. A champagne reception in the Fusiliers’ things Museum was followed by a three-course silver service meal in the It was a sparklingly busy summer Officers’ Mess, and the opportunity to witness the for YMs, says Jackie Lam centuries-old Ceremony othing I have ever experienced captured 1950s of the Keys. Hollywood glamour like our own Inter-Club ‘A Night at the Opera’ extravaganza. The magical Prized writing evening included a scrumptious, Glyndebourne- ROSL was pleased to N style picnic with Pimms. Guests went to town on their welcome the finalists of dress – it looked like we were going to the Oscars. The the Caine Prize for African opera itself, L’elisir d’amore, was witty, the singing Writing to the London sensational and the ending really touched my heart. clubhouse. Members A band finished off the evening in style with 1950s jazz. listened intently as Diane As a Canadian, the polo game at the Ham Polo Club was Awerbuck, Billy Kahora, my first. It was a lovely summer’s day, the match was Efemia Chela, Tendai chivalrous and spectacular, and we all enjoyed the Pretty Huchu (pictured) and Woman moment, stomping divots during the intervals. Okwiri Oduor read extracts Thanks to YM Samantha Pickett for organising the event. from their stories. Okwiri I am proud to be part of ROSL Younger Members. We was later announced as are such a diverse and dynamic group, bringing innovation the winner at a celebratory and creativity to our organisation. ROSL is about breaking dinner at the Bodleian boundaries and trying new things; I continue to look Library, Oxford. Visit forward to the bright future of our club. www.caineprize.com to read their stories.

20 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 21 ROSL NEWS ROSL NEWS

Meet Cynthia Cordery Branches: The Alberta Chapter President explains her role in providing a fantastic programme of events for branch members Two branches were founded in Alberta when Sir Evelyn Wrench visited Canada around 1954. As far as I can determine, what’s on? Edmonton registered six founder members and Calgary was inaugurated at the same time. When I moved to Edmonton in Details of forthcoming events 1976, ROSL was the first organisation I looked up: I found a lead in Phoenix, Arizona, which led to a local contact and I soon ROSL branches provide an opportunity for members in all parts of joined the branch. Later, I became branch President and, in the world and across the UK to enjoy a range of social events close 2005, I was asked to take on the presidency of the whole to home. To find out more about getting involved, simply contact province, which became the Alberta Chapter. your local representative. © Bill Barr We usually hold five major events a year and promote the arts through annual music and arts scholarships. Most are at the Thursday 23 April 2015 CLUBHOUSE VISITS: Wednesday 21 January 2015 Saturday 7 March Royal Glenora, a reciprocal club in the River Valley. I enjoy meeting Australia New Zealand Spring lunch During their annual trips to ‘Windmills in Art and Design’ Coffee morning our wonderful members and the Tuesday 2 December Members and friends are Bath and County Club; 11:30am Over-Seas House London, Church House, Grafton Road, Over-Seas House; 12pm many friends I have made in South Australia Branch welcome at all ROSL NZ events; Two-course lunch with talk. ROSL West members are given Cheltenham; 2.30pm Talk on ‘The Greatness of London and around the world. Christmas dinner for details see below or email Guests welcome. To register your a tour of the clubhouse (right); Illustrated talk by Amy Woollacott, Mahatma Gandhi’. £3. In 2005, I was privileged to meet The Public Schools Club, [email protected]. interest call +44 (0)1823 661148. and Edinburgh and Glasgow followed by refreshments. £2. The Queen when she came to Adelaide; 6pm branch members enjoy the Exeter Edmonton for the 100th Two-course dinner with talk by Wednesday 3 December Bournemouth ROSL Garden (above) Wednesday 18 February Guests welcome at all events; for anniversary of the province. Rev Dr Lynn Arnold on his Southland Branch morning tea Thursday 4, 18 December ‘First Overland’ details, call +44 (0)1823 661148. I received the Anniversary transition from politician to priest. Cheeky Lama, Invercargill; 10am 8, 15, 22, 29 January Wednesday 11 February 2015 Church House, Grafton Road, Medal on that occasion and Bring donations of children’s gifts 5, 19, 26 February New Year’s lunch Cheltenham; 2.30pm Friday 30 January 2015 the Diamond Jubilee Medal or food for the Magdalene Centre Wednesday 10 December Weekly coffee morning Marriott Highcliff Hotel; 12.30pm Illustrated talk on the 1955 Oxford ‘France, the End of an Era’ in 2013, both for services to hamper. Guests welcome. Christchurch Branch Marriott Highcliff Hotel; 10.30am Two-course dinner with coffee. and Cambridge Far Eastern Venue tba; 11:30am the Edmonton Community. Email [email protected] to Christmas lunch Guests and English-Speaking Guests welcome. For details, call Expedition, with refreshments. £2. Talk by Donald Ruffell with lunch. attend. $35. Elms Hotel; 12pm. Union members welcome. £2.90. +44 (0)1258 480887. £23. Monday 9 March Friday 27 February Wednesday 4 February 2015 Thursday 19 February Thursday 11 December Wednesday 10 December Thursday 11 December Cheltenham Commonwealth Day Lunch ‘My Days of National Service’ ‘Lady Hamilton: Saint ‘The Kruzenshtern’ South Australia Branch concert South Canterbury Branch Christmas lunch and raffle Wednesday 17 December The Red Pepper, Regent Street, Venue tba; 11:30am or Sinner?’ Carbis Bay Hotel; 2.45pm Grainger Studio, Adelaide; Christmas dinner Marriott Highcliff Hotel; 12.30pm Christmas Lunch Cheltenham; 12pm Talk by Brian Wood with lunch. Somerset College; 11am Film and talk with Cornish cream 7.30pm Seven Oaks, Timaru; 6pm Two-course Christmas dinner The Red Pepper, Regent Street, Two or three-course meal. Guests Two-course lunch with talk by tea. Call +44 (0)1736 333460 by Mark Walton clarinet, Ann Beilby with coffee and mince pies, plus Cheltenham; 12pm welcome. For details or to book, Friday 27 March Captain Alex Morrice RN. Guests 17 February to attend. £6 viola and Clemens Leske piano Tuesday 10 February 2015 a fundraising raffle for the Delicious two or three-course call +44 (0)1452 813373. ‘The Challenges of welcome. £14.50. perform Mozart and Schumann, Christchurch Branch AGM branch’s chosen charity, meal. Guests welcome. Peacekeeping’ Thursday 19 March with complimentary wine and Holly Lea Retirement Village; ‘A Touch of Light’. For details, For details or to book, call Wednesday 18 March Venue tba; 11:30am Wednesday 4 March Annual lunch cheese. Guests welcome. Email 10am call +44 (0)1258 480887. £23. +44 (0)1452 813373. ‘Bygone Cheltenham’ Talk by Major-General Roddy ‘Chateau Generals: Carbis Bay Hotel;12.30pm [email protected] to attend. $25 Church House, Grafton Road, Porter with lunch. A myth of WWI examined’ Three-course lunch with guests . Wednesday 4 February 2015 Cheltenham; 2.30pm Somerset College; 11am of honour Sir Anthony and Lady Tuesday 3 February 2015 Southland Branch morning tea Peter Underwood, 1937-2014 Illustrated talk exploring the Glasgow Talk by Michael Orr with two- Figgis. Call +44 (0)1736 333 460 South Australia Branch lunch Southland Club; 10am We were deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of changing views of Cheltenham. £2. For meeting details, call course lunch. Guests welcome. for details. The Public Schools Club, Talk by speaker Dorothy Horrell. Peter Underwood, Governor of Tasmania and Patron of ROSL +44 (0)141 884 6342. £14.50. Adelaide; 12pm Edinburgh West Sussex Tasmania. Peter was only 76 and a fine Governor, following a Talk by branch Hon Secretary, Wednesday 4 March 2015 Friday 5 December Taunton West Cornwall Wednesday 3 December brilliant legal career, which saw him appointed a Supreme Michael Kent, on the Lusaka Hash Southland Branch Bridge Club Christmas lunch Wednesday 3 December Guests welcome at all events. Christmas lunch Court Judge in 1984 and Chief Justice in 2004. Appointed House Harriers’ annual wheelchair Commonwealth Day lunch Over-Seas House Edinburgh; Christmas lunch Windsor Hotel, Windsor Road, fundraiser in Zambia. Southland Club; 12pm Governor of Tasmania in 2008, he was made a Companion of 12pm Somerset College; 11am Thursday 18 December Worthing; 12.30pm Email [email protected] to Talk by speaker Shirley Kean. the Order of Australia in 2009. Bridge Club members and guests Talk by Roddy Porter on ‘ROSL ‘India: The Ganges Three courses with fundraising attend. $30. Peter’s contribution to Tasmanian life included a passionate only. Members £17; guests £20. worldwide’, followed by two- and Hooghly’ raffle. Guests welcome. Call engagement with the arts, including service on the Board of course lunch. ROSL members Carbis Bay Hotel; 2.45pm +44 (0)1444 458 853 for details. UK the Tasmania Symphony Orchestra. He and his wife, Frances, Saturday 3 January 2015 only. £18.50. Illustrated talk with Cornish cream Canada Bath were strong supporters of ROSL ARTS, and spoke of their Coffee morning tea. Call +44 (0)1736 333460 by Wednesday 4 March Christmas in British Columbia Wednesday 10 December, desire to further assist ROSL’s music programme in Tasmania Over-Seas House Edinburgh; Wednesday 10, 17 December 16 December to attend. £5.50. AGM and lunch British Columbia members will 14 January, 11 February, when they very generously hosted Marianne and me on our 12pm 7, 14, 21, 28 January Windsor Hotel, Windsor Road, receive details of Royal 11 March visit in 2013. Peter is sorely missed as a Governor, a ROSL Talk on ‘Prime Ministers’. £3. 11, 18, 25 February Thursday 29 January 2015 Worthing; 12.30pm Commonwealth Society events in Monthly coffee morning Weekly coffee morning ‘Japan’ Guests welcome at two-course Patron and as a husband and father. We send our deep Vancouver and Vancouver Island, Pratt’s Hotel; 10.30am Saturday 7 February Miles at the Riverside; 10.30am Carbis Bay Hotel; 2.45 pm lunch only. AGM follows. Call condolences to Frances and their children. including Christmas festivities. Meet-up every second Wednesday Coffee morning For members, guests and those Illustrated talk with Cornish cream +44 (0)1444 458 853 for details. Director-General Roddy Porter Contact [email protected] for of the month. Guests welcome. Over-Seas House; 12pm interested in joining. Please buy tea. Call +44 (0)1736 333460 by details or to join the mailing list. Participants buy their own drinks. ‘The History of Gibraltar’ talk. £3. your refreshments downstairs. 27 January to attend. £6 For contact details, see page 24.

22 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 23 IN THE UK

BRANCHES: The British right Top 10 London CONTACT DETAILS a British wrong and Edinburgh Alberta: Cynthia Cordery, Sir Roger Carrick, ROSL Vice-Chairman, [email protected], Treasures from the Michael Bublé +1 780 477 0001 on an Anglo-Australian hero Royal Archive The charismatic Canadian jazz Bath, Exeter, Taunton, This collection at Windsor Castle singer performs at London’s 02. Torbay: Sally Roberts, n Over-Seas House in July, Australian accents abounded: it provides a fascinating insight into 15-16 December. Tickets [email protected], would have been unsurprising (and delightful) had the chef the lives of British monarchs. £57-£85. www.theo2.co.uk/ +44 (0)1823 661148 put kangaroo on the menu. Australian ROSL members came Until 21 January 2015. Tickets events/detail/michael-buble Bournemouth: for a serious purpose. They well know of the founder of modern £18.50. www.royalcollection.org.uk

© Andreas Grieger, ag-photography.de Grieger, © Andreas I Gordon Irving, Australia, Commander of the ‘First Fleet’; a truly great Englishman, Treasure Island [email protected], Arthur Phillip, Royal Navy. There are multiple commemorations of Stan Douglas Robert Louis +44 (0)1258 480887 and memorials to Governor Phillip down under. This extraordinarily The Canadian artist exhibits video Stevenson’s British Columbia: Liz Murray, Going underground courageous and successful sailor; this wise, visionary and and image works at Edinburgh’s classic [email protected], humanitarian governor, however, was not honoured in his lifetime Fruitmarket Gallery, including ‘Der adventure +1 604 922 1564 From a Soho tour to a 5-course dinner, Christine Wilde by his own country, beyond hard-earned naval promotions. Sandmann’ and ‘Hotel Vancouver’. comes to life Cheltenham: Barbara Snell, A Captain RN when he led his convoy 15,063 nautical miles of the Until 15 February 2015. Free. at the National +44 (0)1452 813373 discovers how supper clubs have revolutionised dining healthiest convict voyage ever, to found and nurture a far-distant fruitmarket.co.uk/exhibitions/ Theatre on the Edinburgh: Mae Barr, colony, Phillip eventually became a full Admiral. His contemporary forward-programme Southbank.

[email protected], here has been a quiet revolution in the world of fine dining SOCIABLE DINING: and admirer Lord Nelson, and other veterans of bloody sea battles, 11 December © National Theatre +44 (0)131 334 3005 over the last decade, with passionate foodies opening their Guests enjoy a lavish were copiously honoured by a grateful British nation. Phillip’s equally From the Forest to - 8 April 2015. Tickets £15-£50. Glasgow: Bill Agnew, homes to offer quality, home-cooked food to strangers. dinner at the elegant important and enduring achievements against huge obstacles were the Sea: Emily Carr www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ +44 (0)141 884 6342 Essentially fee-paying dinner parties at temporary White Room Supper not the stuff of popular or political acclaim. They should have been. in British Columbia shows/treasure-island T Club (above); and luxury New South Wales: locations, supper clubs provide a homely, sociable environment in Phillip saw and proved that convicts in a decent regime could The Dulwich Lily Murray, which guests can sample different types of food and make new chocolates on the foodies become new men and women in a new world; and that the colony Picture Banff Mountain Film [email protected] friends – if only for the night. Since supper club pioneer Ms tour of Soho (below) he founded, New South Wales (NSW), would “hereafter be a most Gallery hosts Festival World Tour New Zealand: Lyn Milne, Marmite Lover launched her Underground Restaurant in London in valuable acquisition to Great Britain”. The close ally Australia is the first UK Showcase of the year’s best films www.roslnz.org.nz, 2009, the movement has exploded, and now covers cuisine from today reflects and reinforces the prescience of that prediction. exhibition of celebrating mountain culture and [email protected] all over the world, as well as themed nights, such as literary and Commemorations to Phillip in England are few. The City of work by the the outdoors at the Festival Nova Scotia: Liz Stern, arts dinners, and quirky locations, including a disused Tube carriage. London at St Mary-le-Bow and Guildhall, and St Nicholas church, esteemed Theatre, Edinburgh. [email protected], Chef and former restaurateur Michelle Francis has been running Bathampton, where Phillip lies buried, have tributes. But Australians Canadian 24 January. Tickets £13.50.

+1 902 678 1975 Scratch Secret Suppers twice a month since 2012, and has now financed most of those, and funded a 1937 tablet in Bath Abbey. ‘Big Eagle’, 1930, Art GalleryVictoria of Greater Carr, Emily artist. www.banff-uk.com Ontario: Ishrani Jaikaran, taken the experience a step further, with her food tours of Soho This summer, 200 years after he died, we British finally paid Until 8 March. Tickets £11. www.rosl-ontario-canada.ca, and Marylebone. I joined four intrepid food explorers as Michelle Admiral Phillip proper national honour. In a service at Westminster www.dulwichpicturegallery Scottish Ensemble [email protected], led us briskly but expertly through a maze of Soho streets, Abbey, the Dean (a ROSL Vice-President) dedicated an important .org.uk/whats-on with Amy Dickson +1 416 760 0309 stopping to savour the area’s diverse cultural and gastronomic carved stone in the floor of the Nave. HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, Works by Queensland: Sharon Morgan, highlights. Over three hours, our taste buds travelled from Italy to an admirer of Phillip, there laid a wreath, as did the First Fleeters The Edinburgh Glazunov [email protected] Vietnam, via Elizabethan England and present-day Lebanon, as we from Australia. The present, 37th, Governor of NSW spoke, most Christmas Tree Festival and Kancheli South Australia: Michael Kent, tucked into a ten-course taster menu based on the five chefs movingly. Three days later, an iconic memorial sculpture was Explore this festive forest, from ROSL [email protected] Michelle feels have had the biggest impact on Soho’s current ceremonially unveiled in the grounds of the Assembly Rooms in decorated by local charities and Gold Switzerland: Jo Brown, culinary climate. The eye-opening and mouth-watering experience Bath, just across from Phillip’s house. Many Australians attended. businesses at St Andrew’s and Medallist +334 5040 6631 takes in a variety of popular restaurants and family-run delis; groups Other ROSL members may wish to visit these two fine national St George’s West, with live music Amy Tasmania: Robert Dick, are small, to keep it personal, and all food is included in the £59 price. tributes. One leg of the tripod of legacy remains: funding for enduring and yuletide refreshments. Dickson [email protected] A week later, I headed to the White Room Supper Club in Arthur Phillip Anglo-Australian apprenticeships and scholarships. 6-24 December. Free. saxophone

Thailand: Vincent Swift, Islington. Bringing my own wine, as instructed, I was welcomed by Healy © Paul Email Dale Eaton at [email protected] for details. www.stagw.org.uk/event/ at the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh. www.roslthailand.com, host Claudia Stachelhaus, who served refreshing berry punch and edinburgh-christmas-tree-festival/ 21 February 2015. Tickets £15. [email protected] delicate canapés while I introduced myself to the other guests. Useful links HONOUR: Prince Philip lays a wreath at the service in www.scottishensemble.co.uk Victoria: Coral Strahan, Looking around the pristine, open-plan reception room, it was easy • The White Room Supper Westminster Abbey in July. The Dean is also pictured The Nutcracker www.rosl.org.au, to see how the club got its name. The minimalist elegance was Club: www.whiteroom The English National Ballet To Kill a Mockingbird [email protected], also reflected in the presentation of the delicious five-course meal. supperclub.com; performs Tchaikovsky’s festive Imaginative +61 (0)3 9654 8338 Influenced by Claudia’s German roots, the ‘Game Season: Venison’ whiteroomsupperclub classic at the London Coliseum. retelling of West Cornwall: Ian Wood, menu was well worth the recommended £35 donation, starting @hotmail.co.uk 11 December - 4 January 2015. Harper Lee’s +44 (0)1736 333460 with a mouthful of fig in prosciutto – a highlight of the evening. The • London From Scratch: Tickets £10-£79. www.eno.org/ story of the West Sussex: creamy, celeriac soup had a surprising kick, and was followed by a www.londonfromscratch. whats-on/other/nutcracker-1415 search for Marilyn Archbold, rich game terrine with homemade chutney. As promised, the main co.uk/soho-food-tour; justice, at +44 (0)1444 458853 course was a beautifully tender loin of venison with a tangy berry londonfromscratch the King’s Western Australia: sauce and hazelnut spätzle. Sadly, my culinary adventure ended @gmail.com Theatre,

Anthony Abbott, halfway through the velvety chocolate tart with praline ice-cream, • Find a club near you: Edinburgh. © Johan Persson [email protected], as I was so replete that I had to admit defeat. www.londonpopups.com/ 9-14 February 2015. Tickets +61 (0)8 9368 0379 ROSL members receive a 5% discount on London From Scratch p/london-supper-clubs.html £14-£29.50. www.edtheatres © Annabel Moeller tours booked by the end of 2014. Dunsmore / Andrew Partnership Picture by © Picture .com/mockingbird

24 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 25 EVENTS EVENTS

SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME AT YOUR HOME-AWAY-FROM HOME ROSL tours and trips From art weekends to Easter, and from summer balls to Christmas take advatage of our clubhouse getaways Valentine’s Day weekend Art weekend Saturday 14 - Saturday 15 - Get your 2015 schedule in order and take your pick of our wonderful selection Sunday 15 February 2015 Sunday 16 August 2015 of events – from trips overseas to unique experiences at the clubhouse Take a guided walking tour of the amorous Back by popular demand, this history of London, then warm the cockles creative escape caters to all skill with afternoon tea in the Brabourne levels. Director of the London MEMBERS’ EVENTS HITS THE ROAD Room. In the evening, sample the local School of Painting and Drawing, With a custom tour of the Highlands and our annual Battlefield tour, gastronomical scene or try the ROSL Tom Davies, once again leads the discover where the Members’ events programme could take you Restaurant’s delicious Valentine’s menu. two-day programme, focusing

What’s not to love? in City of sculpture ‘Love Romazur, 3.0) BY-SA via Flickr (CC London’ on painting and drawing lessons Eka Shoniya via Flickr (CC BY 2.0) BY Eka Shoniya via Flickr (CC Tickets £37.50; with Saturday night accommodation £220pp (double), with a life model, with a guided visit to a Scottish Highlands tour: £225pp (twin), or contact Reservations for room-only price. Book major summer exhibition, quality dining and accommodation. In the Footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie through [email protected] or +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x217. £180pp; package with Saturday night accommodation from £252.50pp Friday 13 - Sunday 15 March 2015 Guests welcome. (double), £270pp (single). Friday and Sunday accomodation also A stunning tour of the Scottish country, retracing the adventures of available at special rates. Includes two full days of tuition, materials, Bonnie Prince Charlie after his disastrous defeat at Culloden. Our Easter holiday life model, refreshments, two-course lunch each day and exhibition experienced tour guide, Willie Cameron, is Highland born and Friday 3 - Monday 6 April 2015 entry. Excludes evening drinks, dinner and travel. Book online at

bred, and was elected Highland Tourism Ambassador for his 2.0) BY via Flickr (CC Thomas Quine, ‘Brussels panorama’ Take advantage of our wonderful clubhouse facilities, and all the www.rosl.org.uk/events, email [email protected] or call knowledgeable and passionate advocacy of the region and its activities put on by museums and galleries during the holiday period, +44 (0)20 7016 6906. history. On Friday the group will leave for the Highlands by luxury with our accommodation and catering offers for adults and family coach, with stops at Queen’s View Pitlochry and Ruthven Battlefield tour of groups, as well as ROSL’s travel writing and photography workshops. Christmas holiday 2015 Barracks, and a trip up CairnGorm Mountain. There will be a talk Waterloo and Mons Contact Reservations for special rates: [email protected] or Friday 24 - Sunday 26 December 2015 by the Drumnadrochit Heritage Society at dinner, preceded by Friday 10 - Monday 13 July 2015 +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x217. Stay at the London clubhouse for one, two or three nights at drinks and canapés. Over the last two years, the ROSL Christmas and New Year, and enjoy special rates for catering, On Saturday, we will drive to Loch Ness, following the escape Battlefield Tours have marked the Summer Ball accommodation and events. The three-night offer includes a route of the Prince to the Isle of Skye, with a lunch visit to the Clan centenary of WWI, but in 2015 we Saturday 27 June 2015 mulled wine and mince pies drinks reception, film screening, Donald Centre, and Scottish entertainment at dinner. The final day will go back 200 years, when it Our Summer Ball is back, and sparkling drinks reception, three-course Christmas dinner with includes a visit to the Culloden Battlefield and lunch at Fort William, seemed that victory or defeat in this time themed to the Battle wine, refreshments, a visit from Santa and board games on under the shadow of Ben Nevis. We will travel back through the ‘Great War’ of the time would be settled in the ‘Cockpit of of Waterloo. Enjoy an evening Christmas Day, and Boxing Glencoe and Stirling Castle, arriving in Edinburgh in the evening. Europe’, the area of modern Belgium. of fine dining, musical Day brunch and guided Participants are advised to book travel home for the following day. On the coach from Over-Seas House, we will pick up the story at performance and quadrille walking tour. Edinburgh £295pp; single supplement £70. Includes accommodation on the Oudenarde battlefield before arriving at our Brussels hotel. On dancing. Whether you are a clubhouse offer tba. Friday and Saturday, breakfast and lunch, and travel around the Saturday, we will tour the famous battlefields of Quatre Bras and Younger Member, book a From £380pp (double/twin) Highlands by luxury coach. To book, contact +44 (0)131 225 1501 Ligny, returning to Brussels for lunch and a free afternoon to table for a group, or come by yourself, our special offer on to £430pp (single). or [email protected] by 15 January 2015. Book your explore, with a special group activity in the evening. Sunday will be accommodation will enable you to retire from the ball in style. Package elements can accommodation at the clubhouse on Thursday and Sunday, and/or a devoted to the battlefield of Waterloo, in the year of its bi-centenary, Tickets £110; tickets with Saturday night accommodation £187.50pp be booked separately; clubhouse group dinner on Thursday, separately. starting at the Waterloo Panorama and Visitor Centre, then climbing (double), £220pp (single). Friday and Sunday accomodation also please inquire. Book via the Lion Mound and touring critical points on the battlefield. available at special rates. Book online at rosl.org.uk/events, email reservations @rosl.org.uk or On the last day we will explore Mons, where the first British [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 7016 6906. +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x217. battle of the First World War took place, and visit St Symphorien, 2.0) BY-ND ‘Christmas via Flickr (CC Brenn, tree’ Moyan where the first and last British casualties of the war are buried, returning to London in the early evening. ROSL RECOMMENDS Amsterdam’s cultural highlights, £695; single supplement £100. Includes three nights 4-star You know you’ll be in good hands with these tailormade trips, set up for 16-21 November 2015 b&b, all meals in Belgium except dinner on day 3, travel by members through ROSL’s partnership network with specialist travel agents Amsterdam’s great trio of art museums – the executive coach, specialist Battlefield Guide throughout. To book, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk and Van Gogh – are contact +44 (0)20 7016 6906 or [email protected] by Thailand tour, March 2015 tour, with Experience Travel contributing 5% open after lengthy renovations, and will be at 1 February 2015. Alternatively book via www.rosl.org.uk/events. From idyllic beaches to exquisite temples, of bookings to ROSL humanitarian projects. the centre of this six-day trip. Kirker donates Graeme Law ‘The Northern Face’ via Flickr (CC BY 2.0) Law ‘TheGraeme BY via Flickr (CC Northern Face’ this exclusive 16-day tour covers a host of Call Experience Travel, quoting your ROSL 5% of bookings to ROSL ARTS projects. must-see attractions, with Experience membership number: +44 (0)203 468 4524. £1,423; single supplement £245. Call Kelly Battlefield tour of Gallipoli Travel contributing 5% of bookings to ROSL on +44 (0)20 7593 2283, quoting GRO. humanitarian projects. May 2016 Burgundy wine tour, Call Experience Travel, quoting your ROSL It is said that Australia was born on the shores of Gallipoli. In nine 23-27 September 2015 Palaces and galleries of membership number: +44 (0)203 468 4524. ROSL’s third custom-made wine tour led by months, hundreds of thousands of casualties were sustained and St Petersburg, 12-18 May 2016 the Director-General includes a guided tour of Monumental buildings of state, great more than 11,000 ANZAC soldiers lost their lives. ROSL is organising Travel © Experience a trip for members to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign, Sri Lanka tour, Beaune and tastings galore. churches, ornate theatres and legendary visiting the sites where the action took place, and paying respect to March 2015 £899pp; single supplement £198. Includes art collections come together to create a those killed and injured between April 1915 and January 1916. An incredible variety of culture, luxury coach from London, 4 nights b&b, tours very rewarding experience. Kirker donates For further information, or to register your interest, contact wildlife and scenic highlights and tastings, two lunches, and two dinners with 5% of bookings to ROSL ARTS projects. Members’ Events at [email protected] or on have been handpicked for drinks. Contact Grape Escapes: +44 (0)1763 £2,492; single supplement £357. Call Kelly ROSL members on this 16-day 273 373 or [email protected]. on +44 (0)20 7593 2283, quoting GRO. + 44 (0)20 7016 6906. 2.0) BY at Gallipoli’ via Flickr (CC ‘Grave Ilyes, Laszlo

26 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 27 EVENTS EVENTS

Thursday Friday 26 December 25 December Boxing Day walk: ROSL CALENDAR Christmas Day lunch Charles Dickens’ London Hall of India and Pakistan, Over-Seas House London, 12pm DECEMBER page 27 for details of ROSL’s Friday 5 December – Tuesday 9 December A sparkling drinks reception and forthcoming trip to St Petersburg. Friday 23 January Kitty Whately mezzo soprano traditional four-course Christmas Until Sunday Tickets £14. To book, contact the Edinburgh Printmakers Joseph Middleton piano meal, including half a bottle of 14 December Art Fund on +44 (0)844 415 4100. exhibition Princess Alexandra Hall, wine, coffee and mince pies. Mehreen Murtaza: Includes tea and coffee, served Over-Seas House London, 7pm Lunch will be followed by a visit To Sail Beyond the Sunset before the lecture. Kitty Whately, ROSL prizewinner from Father Christmas, with gifts Generator Projects, Dundee, and BBC New Generation for all, as well as an opportunity Over-Seas House London, 2pm daily, 12-5pm Tuesday 2 December Artist 2013-2015, performs to watch The Queen’s Speech at Gently walk off the excesses of The 2013 ROSL Visual Arts London Group works by Schumann, with pianist 3pm. Also available as part of our the Christmas festivities while Scholar exhibits her latest work Christmas lunch Joseph Middleton. one, two and three-night London learning about Dickens’ life and at Generator Projects (www. Princess Alexandra Hall, Over- Tickets £15; £12 Friends of ROSL Christmas packages. See box-out Christmas tradition. Oliver Twist, generatorprojects.co.uk). Read Seas House London, 12.30pm ARTS. Includes wine. (left) or email reservations@rosl. David Copperfield and Pickwick

our interview with Mehreen in Annual three-course lunch with Murray © Nicola org.uk for details. all make appearances, as well as the September-November issue wine and coffee, live music and a Over-Seas House London, daily Wednesday Tickets £82.50. For lunch London’s finest Georgian alleyway (page 9). For details, contact free prize draw. To attend, apply Exhibition of prints by prestigious 10 December bookings only, contact rosldining and the sole surviving piece of the [email protected] or to Celia Goh, London Group, c/o and well-known Scottish Carol singing @graysonsrestaurants.com or Victorian underworld. Also +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x213. Porters’ Desk, Over-Seas House printmakers. In association with +44 (0)20 7629 3881. available as one of our one, Free. London, enclosing a stamped, Edinburgh Printmakers. Contact Over-Seas House Edinburgh, two and three-night packages; addressed envelope, and noting +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x219 or 3-4pm Thursday see box-out (left). Until Sunday dietary requirements and seating [email protected] to Tea, coffee, mulled wine, mince Christmas at the clubhouses 25 December Tickets £15. Guests welcome. 25 January requests. If you have any queries, attend the Private View on pies and carol singing with Celebrate Christmas and New Year at your home-away-from- Christmas Day lunch The Grand Tour exhibition please call +44 (0)20 8567 1525. Thursday 4 December, 6-8pm. Brigitte Harris, Choirmaster of St home with our festive packages in London and Edinburgh. Wednesday Tickets £53; LG members £48. Free. Andrews and St George’s West. For full details of these offers, see page 31 of the September- Over-Seas House Edinburgh, 31 December Over-Seas House Edinburgh, Tickets £8. November 2014 issue (www.rosl.org.uk/magazine.php). 12pm Hogmanay dinner daily Wednesday Sunday 7 December Celebrate with a fantastic and dance New works by Liesel Thomas, who 3 December Festival of Carols and Saturday 13 December London Christmas dinner at the Over-Seas House Edinburgh, 7pm has exhibited in Berlin, London and Edinburgh film night Readings Inter-Club Christmas Ball Choose to stay for one, two or three nights and enjoy our Edinburgh clubhouse, including Watch the fireworks from the Edinburgh, and Tim Le Breuilly, St James’s Church and Over- special rates for catering, accommodation and events, Kir Royale and canapés on arrival, finest viewpoint in Edinburgh, with who has been shortlisted for the Over-Seas House Edinburgh, Seas House London, 3.30pm including sparkling receptions, festive meals and a visit from a three-course meal with coffee reception cocktails, a three-course John Moores Painting Prize. 5pm The annual ROSL Christmas Father Christmas: and mince pies, and gifts for all meal with wine and champagne, Free. Watch a seasonal classic, with service, followed by a delicious Double/twin Single the family. This event is also and black bun and shortbread at coffee, popcorn and ice-cream. festive tea in the Hall of India and Christmas Eve-Boxing Day available as part of our three-night midnight. Also available as part of Monday 1 December Tickets for entry and refreshments Pakistan with a visit from Father (three-night offer) £518-£593 £383-£413 Edinburgh Christmas package. a three-night Hogmanay package. C19th Russian Music and Art: £7.50. Christmas himself. Christmas Eve-Christmas Day £348-£398 £258-£278 See box-out (left), or email See box-out (left) or email The search for national identity Tickets £22.50. Guests welcome Christmas Day-Boxing Day £372.50- £282.50- [email protected] [email protected]. Thursday 4 December £422.50 £302.50 for details. Tickets £125; guests £150; YM Christmas mince pies Monday 8 December See the listings on this page for details of our Christmas Day Tickets £75. children (under 14) £105. and mulled wine Britain, Northern Rhodesia Royal Automobile Club, lunch and Boxing Day walk. To book, contact reservations@ and the Great War time tba rosl.org.uk or +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x217. The Inter-Club Christmas Ball will QUICK BOOKING INFORMATION come around before you know it, Edinburgh For full booking and and this year it’s taking place in Christmas is one of the best times of year to visit Edinburgh, the roaring RAC. so why not take the opportunity to join in with the festivities, contact details, see page 34 Visit www.inter-club.co.uk for with our great clubhouse offers: Over-Seas House London, 3pm details and booking information. Double/twin Single ROSL ARTS ROSL Scotland In association with the Art Fund. Two-night Christmas £139pp £119pp +44 (0)20 7408 0214 ext 219; +44 (0)131 225 1501; After the Crimean War, Russian Tuesday 16 December shopping break (Sun-Thur) [email protected] www.rosl-edinburgh.org.uk artists began to investigate and Duke of York Bar and Central Clubhouse carols Two-night Christmas £199pp £139pp define ‘Russianness’. Art schools Lounge, Over-Seas House Over-Seas House London, shopping break (Fri-Sat) Members’ events London Group such as the Wanderers focused London, from 6pm 7-8.30pm Central Lounge, Over-Seas Three-night Christmas package £249pp £199pp Book online at www.rosl.org.uk; Clive Carpenter; on the countryside, while The last First Thursdays of the year Dr Edmund Yorke, Senior House London, 6.30pm Three-night Hogmanay treat £449pp £549pp +44 (0)20 7016 6906; +44 (0)7798 824193; clivedavid composers, including Borodin brings mince pies, mulled wine Lecturer in the Department of As the club community gets into The superior suite is also available for the three-night [email protected] [email protected]. and Balakirev, incorporated folk and obligatory Christmas jumpers. War Studies at Sandhurst, the festive spirit, you will be spoilt Hogmanay treat at £499pp. See the listings on this page for For outside visits: Maureen Howley; tunes in their music. In this A special turkey curry buffet will explores the East Africa with mulled wine and a feast of details of our Christmas Day lunch and Hogmanay dinner Younger Members [email protected] lecture, Roderick Swanston will complete the seasonal celebration. Campaign, which lasted for the home-baked mince pies. So start and dance. To book, contact [email protected] Book online at www.rosl.org.uk; explore the interconnections Tickets £12.50; no ticket required duration of the First World War, dusting off those vocal chords! or +44 (0)131 225 1501. [email protected] Discussion Group between these developments. for drinks. Pre-book dinner by at this Discussion Group talk. Free. Guests welcome, drop-in, No advanced booking required. Russophiles should also see 15 November. Guests welcome. Free. no booking required.

28 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 29 EVENTS

Edinburgh Burns Night supper Thursday 5 February Wednesday First Thursdays drinks 11 February Saturday 31 January, Over- with pianist Peter Foggitt Visit to the City of Westminster Seas House Edinburgh, 7pm Archives Centre Celebrate the life and work of St Ann’s Street, SW1P, 1.45pm the great Scottish bard in style The Archives Centre houses at the Edinburgh clubhouse. extensive collections relating to After a welcome drink, tuck Westminster, but this London into the traditional three-course Group visit will focus on the meal, including wine and a St James’s area, including the glass of whisky, with the archives of Liberty & Co, Fortnum Immortal Memory proposed & Mason catalogues and parish by Rt Rev Brian Smith, former Ireland, Pat Bourne, and the Princess Alexandra Hall, Over- registers of the Piccadilly area. Bishop of Edinburgh. The reply by Consul General of the Seas House London, 7pm Tickets £18; LG members £16. Toast to the Lassies will be USA, Zoja D Bazarnic. The ROSL Annual Music Includes entry and refreshments given by the Consul General of Tickets £35; guests £40. Competition has begun, and at the end of the tour. what with auditions, section final performances and on-the-spot Friday 13 February JANUARY FEBRUARY decision-making from our Yehudi Menhuin School distinguished judging panel, you Concert Thursday 1 January Tuesday 3 February could call this the X Factor of NO First Thursdays Tour of the Dulwich Picture classical music. One of our most Gallery permanent exhibition engaging past winners, Peter There will be no First Thursdays Dulwich, London, 2pm Foggitt, speaks at February’s drinks in January because The world’s first purpose-designed monthly Younger Members everyone will still be recovering gallery, the Dulwich Picture Gallery, drinks night, to give an insight from NYE! We’ll see you in Feb! sits on extensive lawns and, into the competition. lugubriously, holds a mausoleum Tickets £6. Includes welcome

Thursday 8 January at its heart, with the tombs of its drink. Guests welcome. © Bill Barr Edinburgh film night founders. The lion’s share of the Over-Seas House Edinburgh, collection was amassed in 1795 Tuesday 10 February 6.30pm Over-Seas House Edinburgh, for the King of Poland, and Annual music competition Students from the Yehudi 5pm contains works by 17th- and section final: Singers Menhuin School return for their Comedy about a group of British 18th-century European Old Princess Alexandra Hall, annual ROSL concert. pensioners who embark on an Masters Rubens, Claude, Van Over-Seas House London, 7pm Tickets £12; Friends of ROSL Indian adventure. With coffee, Dyck, Cuyp and, the stars of the Finalists of the singing auditions ARTS £10. popcorn and ice-cream. collection, Poussin and Rembrandt. compete in the section finals for Tickets for entry and refreshments The temporary exhibition of work the £5,000 prize, and the chance Saturday 14 February £7.50. by Canadian artist Emily Carr to win the Gold Medal at the Valentine’s Day event (whose work features on our competition Final on 1 June. Thursday 15 January cover) can be viewed separately. Tickets £15; Friends of ROSL Over-Seas House London, 7pm Chaplains in the First Tickets £15. Guests welcome. ARTS £12. Includes wine. See box-out on page 32 for details. World War Over-Seas House London, 6pm Tuesday 3 February Black-tie dinner and ceilidh London Group talk with Dr Mike Music competition section Snape, examining the role of final: Wind and percussion Friday 30 January, Over- chaplains within the military and Seas House London, 7pm the significance of their work Book your place at this special during WWI. club event now to avoid Free. LG members and overnight disappointment. We will warm guests at Over-Seas House only. the chill January night with our Burns Night celebration, with a Friday 30 January lively dinner, traditional dance Black-tie dinner and ceilidh and music. Members and

© Jules Lawrence guests will be welcomed at a Over-Seas House London, 7pm Princess Alexandra Hall, drinks reception in one of our See box-out (right) for details. Over-Seas House London, 7pm beautiful function rooms, The finalists of the wind and before enjoying a sumptuous Saturday 31 January percussion auditions compete in three-course meal, including Edinburgh Burns Night the section finals for the £5,000 haggis and whisky. Afterwards supper prize, and the chance to win the a folk band and caller will lead Over-Seas House Edinburgh, Gold Medal at the Final on 1 June. the crowd in a ceilidh.

7pm Tickets £15; Friends of ROSL Tickets £70. Guests welcome. 2.0) BY Neil Inglis, ‘Ceilidh dancing’ via Flickr (CC See box-out (above) for details. ARTS £12. Includes wine.

30 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk EVENTS

Monday 16 February Thursday 19 February Wednesday Thursday 5 March Scottish Highlands tour: ‘Wine and the Vine in Art’ ‘Into the Heart of Darkness: 25 February Edinburgh film night In the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie lecture and wine tasting Joseph Conrad and the East’ Black-tie Dinner in the Tower Over-Seas House London, Over-Seas House Edinburgh, Friday 13 - Sunday 15 March 7-8.30pm 5pm Retrace the dramatic adventures of Bonnie Prince Charlie Join art historian Hilary Guise for Oscar-winning drama about a through the Highlands after his disastrous defeat at Culloden. an exploration of wine in art, monarch’s quest to find his voice. Led by Highland Tourism Ambassador and experienced guide, before sampling some of the most Tickets for entry and refreshments Willie Cameron, the tour will take in Queen’s View Pitlochry, famous varieties at an informal £7.50. Ruthven Barrack, a trip up CairnGorm Mountain, Loch Ness, tasting. The language of wine and Culloden Battlefield and lunch at Fort William, under the art share the same poetic Thursday 5 March shadow of Ben Nevis, before travelling back to Edinburgh resonances, and wine, vines and First Thursdays drinks via Glencoe and Stirling Castle on Sunday. Participants are

wine drinking have been illustrated Over-Seas House London, 6pm 2.0) BY-ND (CC silouette’ guard of London van Mourik, ‘Tower Robin advised to book travel back from Edinburgh for the following in the arts of all centuries, from Bishop Stephen Platten explores Tower of London, 7pm Duke of York Bar, Over-Seas day. For full details of the trip, see p26. Assyrian reliefs to Impressionist the origins and themes of Enjoy a champagne reception in House London, from 6pm Tickets £295pp; single supplement £70. Includes accommodation picnics. This Discussion Group Conrad’s powerful and enduring the Fusiliers’ Museum followed by Monthly Younger Members on Friday and Saturday, breakfast and lunch, and travel round the lecture is full of surprises, and novel Heart of Darkness at this a three-course dinner with wine drinks. We want all our YMs Highlands by luxury coach. To book your place, contact characters including Templars, London Group talk. and port in the Fusiliers’ Mess, to feel at home in our clubhouses [email protected] or +44 (0)131 225 1501 by apostles and French courtesans. Free. LG members and overnight amid the historic surroundings of and to use them as spaces to 15 January 2015. Please book accommodation at the clubhouse Free. guests at Over-Seas House only. the Tower of London. Then watch relax, bring friends, engage in on Thursday and Sunday separately, using the same contacts. the Yeoman Warders perform the culture, and form new Tuesday 17 February Thursday 19 February Ceremony of the Keys, ensuring connections. So come and join Annual Music Competition Edinburgh film night the gates of the Tower are secure us at our monthly social. See section final: Strings for the night. you there! Over-Seas House Edinburgh, 5pm Tickets £79. Guests welcome. Free. Guests welcome. Enjoy this 1954 crime thriller from ‘The Master of Suspense’, with Friday 27 February Monday 9 March coffee, popcorn and ice-cream. YM Moveable Feast Commonwealth Day service Tickets for entry and refreshments £7.50. Over-Seas House London, 7pm

Enjoy a sumptuous sit-down 2.0) www.shearings.com BY (CC Tuesday 24 February dinner with a twist – it’s our

© Jules Lawrence Annual Music Competition club’s very own Moveable Feast, Princess Alexandra Hall, section final: Keyboard allowing you to meet fellow YMs Monday 9 March Tuesday 10 March Over-Seas House London, 7pm Princess Alexandra Hall, to the max. A three-course menu Commonwealth Day lunch Annual Music Competition Finalists of the strings auditions Over-Seas House London, 7pm will give you the chance to savour section final: Ensembles B compete in the section finals for The keyboard finalists compete delicious dishes and excellent Over-Seas House Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra Hall, the £5,000 prize, and the chance for the £5,000 prize, and the conversation in equal measure. 12pm Over-Seas House London, 7pm to win the First Prize at the chance to win the Gold Medal at Tickets £36.50. Includes three- Westminster Abbey, tba Celebrate Commonwealth Day The wind, percussion, vocal and competition Final on 1 June. the competition Final on 1 June. course meal and wine. It’s the celebration of a remarkable at ROSL Edinburgh with a mixed ensemble finalists Tickets £15; Friends of ROSL Tickets £15; Friends of ROSL association of 53 countries, delicious two-course lunch, compete for the £10,000 prize. ARTS £12. Includes wine. ARTS £12. Includes wine. MARCH 2.2 billion citizens, and some of including wine. Tickets £15; Friends of ROSL the largest, smallest, richest and Tickets £20; guests £25. ARTS £12. Includes wine. Valentine’s Day weekend Tuesday 3 March poorest nations in the world. As Annual Music Competition we mark Commonwealth Day, Over-Seas House London, Saturday 14 February section final: Ensembles A ROSL members can once again QUICK BOOKING INFORMATION Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so ROSL has gone apply for a limited number of the whole hog with a champagne afternoon tea, romance-themed tickets to the exceptional For full booking and walking tour of London, and accommodation offer for a very service in Westminster Abbey, contact details, see page 34 special weekend at your home-away-from-home. Starting with a customarily attended by the Blue Badge guided walk through the atmospheric winter streets Head of the Commonwealth, ROSL ARTS ROSL Scotland of London, you will then warm the cockles of your heart in the HM The Queen. +44 (0)20 7408 0214 ext 219; +44 (0)131 225 1501; beautiful Brabourne Room with a Tickets £8.50. One per member. [email protected] www.rosl-edinburgh.org.uk sumptuous tea. The Restaurant

is providing a Valentine’s meal © Jules Lawrence Monday 9 March Members’ events London Group for those wishing to dine at the Princess Alexandra Hall, Commonwealth Day Book online at www.rosl.org.uk; Clive Carpenter; clubhouse, and afterwards simply Over-Seas House London, 7pm reception +44 (0)20 7016 6906; +44 (0)7798 824193; clivedavid check into our comfortable Finalists of the Ensembles A Over-Seas House London, [email protected] [email protected]. clubhouse accommodation. auditions (strings; strings and time tba For outside visits: Maureen Howley; Tickets £37.50; £220-£225pp piano; piano duo/duet) compete ROSL has plans in the pipeline Younger Members [email protected] with bedroom, or contact for the £10,000 prize, and the for an evening celebration of Book online at www.rosl.org.uk; Reservations for room-only chance to perform at the Final. Commonwealth Day. Watch this [email protected] Discussion Group prices. Guests welcome. Tickets £15; Friends of ROSL space for further developments. No advanced booking required. ARTS £12. Includes wine. Tickets tba. Guests welcome.

32 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk December 2014-February 2015 OVER SEAS 33 EVENTS

Wednesday 11 March Thursday 19 March John Julius Norwich: Cities The Royal Maundy FULL BOOKING that shaped the ancient world Princess Alexandra Hall, Over-Seas House London, 6pm INFORMATION & Over-Seas House London, 7pm A London Group talk by Peter In association with the Art Fund. Hartley about the history of this From the world’s first true cities Church of England service, during CONTACT DETAILS in Mesopotamia to the urban which the British Monarch centres of the Maya in Central distributes small silver coins as ROSL ARTS House London on Thursday America, the places described in symbolic alms to elderly recipients. For bookings contact: evenings at 6pm. John Julius Norwich’s latest book Free. LG members and overnight +44 (0)20 7408 0214 ext 219; Outside visits can be booked represent almost three millennia guests at Over-Seas House only. [email protected] by sending a cheque payable to of human history, society and ‘London Group, Royal Over-Seas culture. The author has written Wednesday 25 March ROSL Scotland League’ and a stamped, addressed widely on history, architecture British Food Feast in the For bookings contact: envelope to Maureen Howley, and music, and presented 30 ROSL Restaurant Over-Seas House Edinburgh; London Group, c/o Porters’ Desk, BBC historical documentaries. +44 (0)131 225 1501; Over-Seas House, Park Place, St Tickets £16. Includes wine. [email protected] James’s Street, London SW1A To book, contact the Art Fund 1LR. Cancellations and refund on + 44 (0)844 415 4100. Members’ events requests must be made at least Book online at www.rosl.org.uk two weeks before the event. Friday 13 March Booking confirmations will be sent Outside visit inquiries: Maureen Tour of Marlborough House within 14 days of payment. To Howley, +44 (0)20 8789 8506; reserve a ticket for popular events [email protected]. or if you have trouble booking Please note that the London Over-Seas House London, 7pm online, contact Sara Brouwer. To Group is a voluntary organisation We are giving the gastronomic pay by cheque, please send and cannot take outside visit prowess our new Head Chef, separate cheques (sterling) for bookings by email or telephone, Kevin Casizzi, free reign in a each event, payable to ‘ROSL’, to only by post. Tickets are sent magnificent four-course tasting Members’ events, Marketing approximately 10 days in advance. evening that will put a spotlight Department, Over-Seas House, on our talented team. Guided by Park Place, St James’s Street, Discussion Group Kevin, with two junior chefs from London SW1A 1LR. Meetings are held monthly at Westminster, 11am the River Cottage showcasing Contact: Sara Brouwer, Over-Seas House London on A walking tour of the Grade I listed dishes of their own, the menu will [email protected]; Monday evenings. There is no mansion on The Mall, designed by feature ROSL suppliers and +44 (0)20 7016 6906. charge, no need to book and Sir Christopher Wren and his son. producers, and be matched by all ROSL members and guests The London residence of the choice vintages from the club Younger Members are welcome. Dukes of Marlborough for more cellar, illustrated by a wine expert. For members aged 35 and under. For talk details: please visit than a century, the building is now If you love fine dining, love your Book online at www.rosl.org.uk/ www.rosl.org.uk. the Commonwealth Secretariat club and want an expert insight events HQ, executing the mandates into our food production, don’t Inter-Club events must be Visit www.rosl.org.uk/events for agreed by Commonwealth Heads miss this one-off event. See booked independently; visit more information on the full of Government through technical page 17 for our Q&A with Kevin. www.inter-club.co.uk for details. programme of events. assistance, advice and policy Tickets £59. Guests welcome. For information about the development. Additionally it is To reserve a seat or table, contact ROSL YM programme join the home of the Commonwealth rosldining@graysonsrestaurants. the YM Facebook page at Foundation, which helps civil com or +44 (0)20 7629 3881. facebook.com/groups/roslym or society organisations promote contact: Sara Brouwer, democracy, development and Canada House tour [email protected]; or cultural understanding. Ross Lima, [email protected] Tickets £15. Guests welcome. Over-Seas House London, February/March (tbc) London Group Tuesday 17 March ROSL is planning an Talks and outside visits are open Annual Music Competition: exclusive visit to Canada to London Group members, their Overseas Award House, once their extensive guests and ROSL members Princess Alexandra Hall, refurbishment works are staying at Over-Seas House Over-Seas House London, 7pm completed. To register London. To become a member, Gifted young musicians from the your interest, email request an application form from 2015 solo section finals compete membersevents@ Clive Carpenter at clivedavid for the award for outstanding rosl.org.uk, and we will [email protected] or Commonwealth musician. contact you when the visit +44 (0)7798 824193. Tickets £15; Friends of ROSL has been arranged. Talks are drop-in and held ARTS £12. Includes wine. once a month at Over-Seas

34 OVERSEAS www.rosl.org.uk