Informal Dinner 2016

Spitalfields 10 September

It is always difficult when there are many other events on the same day, Heritage Open Day, Essex Trophy, Surrey University Dinner etc, but just shy of 50 people attended the Informal Dinner on Saturday 10th September. Being informal it is nice to go out for the evening without having to worry about tying a bow tie although there was one in evidence, in true Charleston style and very smart too.

Having visited Spitalfields on many occasions but never below stairs (apart from the obvious facilities) I was looking forward to the informal dinner in the Cafe in the crypt. I was not disappointed as it proved to be an excellent venue. I was greeted at the door and had my name checked off a list and once I had parked my soaking umbrella found the pre-dinner drinks and an opportunity to mingle. To avoid a mad scramble to find a seat we had been allocated to one of the three large tables and could then choose whom we sat with. The bar was well staffed with no queues and the wine reasonably priced. The food was excellent and well presented and the around table gossip was up to the usual standard which to be honest, when I don't come up to London very often, is the one of the main reasons for being there. As it was informal, there was no speech as such but the Master took the opportunity to thank Penny for organising the event.

Notable events were one couple (both senior members) arriving after most people had finished eating, I never did find out why and at the end of the evening another (different) senior member stuffing her bag as many of the flowers from the table decorations as she could cram, much to the amusement of onlookers. All above board and agreed with Penny, or so we were told.

This should be a venue we return to.

Paul Cammiade

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avatarPenelope Sharpe

Note from Penny: Yes indeed all flower arrangement souveniring was above board, and at least 3 members' homes benefited; I even received a very nice thank you card from one thoughtful recipient. As usual the evening didn't end there, and continued into the early hours in the Pride of Spitalfields. Thanks everyone for making this such a successful and enjoyable event. 21st September 2016

View photos from this event in our gallery.

Peal details on Bellboard

Peal rung for the Society’s Informal Dinner

City of London,
St Dunstan-in-the-West, Fleet Street
Saturday, 10 September 2016 in 3hrs 0mins (10-3-23)
5040 Cambridge Surprise Royal
Composed by Paul M Mason (No 71)

  1. Peter J Blight
  2. Penelope J V Sharpe
  3. Elizabeth A Hibbert
  4. Geraldine R Forster
  5. Michael H D O'Callaghan
  6. Janet E Menhinick
  7. Benjamin D Kipling
  8. Peter J Waterfield (C)
  9. Thomas B Mack
  10. Claire F Roulstone

Rung on Society Dinner Day.