Chief Executive’s Message
Dear Member,
Art Exhibition 2019
It was an honour to open the 2019 Art Group Exhibition this week as it must have been one of the best exhibitions for high-quality art that the Members have produced. To see the exhibition develop and widen its remit over the last ten years is a tribute to the whole Art Group Committee led by Keith Tottem previously and for the last two years by Sian Goddard. Her team have done a superb job as has Charles Carne who has led the development of the PhotoClub and he was honoured at the Art Group Dinner for his ten years’ of hard work. The exhibition runs through to 22nd November in the Clubhouse and Health Club so please take a look and vote for your favourite three works of art.
Catering Compliments
Members have been telling me how the standard of catering across the Club has improved over the last few weeks. This is down to the new in-house team, led by Ray Thompson and Nicki Davis, raising standards and preparation and presentation. We have in effect taken back control of the contract early and embarked upon a new hospitality training programme to reinforce the new standards expected. All the compliments from Members have been passed on directly to the team which inspires them to perform better so please keep them coming.
John Bercow Speech
We have hosted a number of excellent events recently – there is another chance to listen to John Bercow’s memorable talk here on his last day as Speaker. Monday 25th November at 8pm is the date to grab some supper beforehand in the Club Café before listening to his entertaining speech with a glass of wine.
Joe Salisbury
Members have been going to the O2 Arena to watch Joe Salisbury play in the ATP Tennis Finals this week. To be the only Brit playing in the top eight doubles pairs in the world is a wonderful achievement. Joe will be here at the Club on 28th November when we celebrate all our Club tennis teams victories across the National and Surrey Divisions. If you are part of those teams please join Dan Lott and Nik Snapes for a fun evening hosted by the Club.
I recently also attended the Golf and Croquet Section Annual Meetings and prizegivings. It’s wonderful to see how much it means to everyone to win a competition or to represent the Club whatever your age or ability. We have developed such a supportive culture at the Club to encourage everyone to play at their best and I must pay tribute to all our coaches and teaching professionals in that regard. The quality of tuition across all sports and activities across the Club is first class.
Tribute also must be paid to Peter Honey who has just stepped down as Chair of the Croquet section. He led the section with aplomb, wit and with full respect for everyone he dealt with. Please read his farewell speech as that sums him up perfectly – a true gentlemen.
Best wishes,
Marc