Farringdon Ward Club Untitled page

Lord Jock Stirrup talk at Guildhall

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 15:59:50 GMT

Our President has been the Director General of the European Atlantic Group for many years and invited members of the Farringdon Ward Club to join the EAG at dinner with the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Jock Stirrup at Guildhall. Oh, what the politicians of all parties could learn from an address based on crisp, clear strategic thinking! Not to mention questions actually answered in the same way!

The EAG celebrated their 70th birthday last year and whilst it is less fashionable than in the fifties to hold dinner discussion like this, they are at capacity with a waiting list and it was good see so many younger people including FWC members, something remarked on by our guest.

On the subject of Defence you may find this article I wrote a few weeks ago following John Healey's resignation interesting.

Lord Stirrup referred several times to modern failure to learn the lessons of history.

#Coldwar #NATO #Peacedividend #Defence #strategicdefencereview #defenceinvestmentplan

Windsor Castle visit

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:38:17 GMT

It was one of those wonderfully traditionally barmy July days as we made our way to Windsor for our visit to the Castle. Our fourth oversubscribed event in succession, despite increasing our order two weeks earlier, and with the excessive heat of recent times a mere memory we comfortably strolled around the Castle in smaller groups in normal July blue skies and warm sunshine.

We initially enjoying the gardens and views and then meandering through the Castle itself one; of the most popular parts being the dolls house. 1/12^th size even down to record player and discs ( remember those?) which actually played music! It was hard to imagine that the tiny bottles in the box of wine actually amounted to a bottle full, but a dozen bottles at 1/12 size presumably did as everything is exactly one-twelfth of its original size, making it a perfect architectural replica of an Edwardian stately home. The library features original, hand-written and hand-bound tiny books by literary legends of the era, some of which are even smaller than regular miniatures. The scale was precise enough to allow for fully plumbed bathrooms with flushable toilets and operational engines in the miniature. A tribute to British engineering and craft skills.

The State Rooms are a true walk though history and whichever group folk were in they smiled at the thought of the King going through an official formal routine each morning to get up and another to retire to bed! But then he wasn’t rushing to catch the bus! A further example of great British craftsmanship was the rebuilt St George’s Hall following the fire of November 1992 which reopened in 1997.

Most of us enjoyed St George’s Chapel as it was closing for a service at 5.15 and it was not as crowded as it has been earlier in the afternoon so we had time to linger as passed our late Queen’s last resting place and it was noticeable in the area around the Choir and Chancel that all of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s flags and coats of arms had been removed. Indeed, there appeared to be no evidence anywhere that he has ever existed.

The Royal Standard was raised as we arrived and as we sat in the sun in a courtyard enjoying ice creams word reached us that the King had donned in gardening garb and was weeding! We didn’t offer to help but crossed the road to the Duchess of Cambridge for food and libations before going our sperate ways by road and rail.

Next up is rowing and then a trip to Britain’s oldest brewery and you can find details of all the events else where on the website, LinkedIn and Instagram: @farringdonwardclub.

A great afternoon out but these things don’t just happen so my thanks to Nick Dougan and Bruce and Emma de Saram for making it all happen!

The London Press Club book launch and garden party

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:15:09 GMT

Our monthly networking event for June 2026 took on a different characteristic; instead or being in the upper room of the Rising Sun, Carter Lane, a centuries old rustic pub in one of the cobbled streets of the City, we joined the London Press Club in Westminster Abbey’s College Garden for the official launch of Monarchy and Democracy: A History of Leadership on Tuesday 9 June.

Written by a team of prominent academics and bestselling authors, including royal experts Robert Jobson, Russell Myers and Katie Nicholl, the landmark publication explores the evolving roles of Crown and Parliament in the leadership of the UK and the Commonwealth.

Published by St James’s House, who hosted the event, in partnership with the History of Parliament Trust – one of the most authoritative academic research organisations in the UK – the book was unveiled to more than 500 attendees, including leading figures from parliament, industry and the media, as well as a host of special guests.

The event included a panel conversation between book contributors Robert Jobson, Russell Myers and Katie Nicholl, along with speeches and the official presentation of Monarchy and Democracy: A History of Leadership.

Featuring archival images, parliamentary documentation and striking photography, the fully illustrated, 750-page title spans the centuries, from the medieval origins of parliamentary power to the constitutional monarchy of today. Part of a wider media campaign that includes expertly produced documentary, film and digital content, as well as a free e-book edition (visit www.hoptmedia.com for details), the book also features examples of achievement and progress from across a range of social, technological, commercial and cultural spheres.

Dr Jennifer Davey, Director at the History of Parliament Trust, said, “The book not only explores the history and evolution of UK and Commonwealth governance and the shift to a constitutional monarchy, but also profiles a selection of organisations invited to join the project based on their relevance to the themes of leadership, innovation, sustainability and governance.”

Stephen van der Merwe, a Group Director at the SJH Group, said, “Through in-depth interviews with leaders from across the UK and beyond, Monarchy and Democracy provides a compelling, first-hand perspective on how pioneering organisations are shaping the future in a wide range of areas, including governance, education, charitable work, enterprise and industry.”

The afternoon book launch was followed by the London Press Club Summer Garden Party, which was attended by more than 600 guests, including senior editors, journalists and broadcasters from the UK’s leading media organisations. The event featured a tribute to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with speakers including Ailsa Anderson, former Press Secretary to the Queen, and Dickie Arbiter, former Assistant Press Secretary the Queen and rounded off with a solo performance by Beatrice Allen who then led the audience with a rousing rendition of Jerusalem!

‘Plan B’ D-Day visit to Borough Market

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:56:44 GMT

David Selves often quotes Harold Macmillan’s famous expression, “Events dear boy events”!

How true that was for our planned beach party on Bermondsey Beach on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, the 6th of June. Well over 30 members were looking forward to this novel idea enjoying a day watching Olde Father Thames roll in and out of the City of London basking in the glorious June sunshine.

But it was not to be. Either events intervened or the meteorological office had not consulted our events programme before delivering a day when, although rarely very hard, the rain did not stop in central London. But the thing about such events is not to let them dampen your spirits or ruin your day. We did not. Plan B swung into operation and although, because there was a wedding taking place, we did not gain the anticipated access to Southwark Cathedral which was to be part of Plan B, we nonetheless had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon meeting at The Mudlark opposite Glazier's Hall in Montague Close and drifting around Borough Market sampling its highly varied food offerings with a number of the party investing in the wares that were on offer to take away.

Before leaving The Mudlark, President David Selves said he had chosen Bermondsey Beach because of fond memories sharing marmite sandwich with his Great Grandfather there in the early fifties. The date chose itself when in the early stages of planning the event the two days where the tides worked were 6th June and 20th June which meant by having the event on D-Day we would be able to raise a glass in recognition and thanks to those who 82 years earlier had been on a far less hospitable beach endangering their lives to enable us to have the freedoms we do today. A view endorsed totally endorsed by members who joined in a toast of gratitude.

After Borough Market, we reconvened in one of the upper floors of the Anchor Bankside overlooking the River,although it took a pincer movement from our experienced and skilled negotiators to persuade the staff that it was in their best interests to let us occupy empty tables which were not booked until 7pm or later that evening. It's certainly raised a few questions in the minds of our commercially-minded group as to why someone would block out tables all afternoon that weren't needed until the evening! But in the end, we tucked in heartily enjoying our food and ale and look forward to our Beach BBQ on another occasion and were pleased to welcome two new members following the event.

2026 AGM

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:24:43 GMT

On 23rd April, we held our AGM at The Club for Acts and Actors.

David Selves was presented with the Presidential chain from outgoing President, Alan Graveson. In turn, Nick Dougan was presented the Senior Vice Chairman chain and Chris Fowler, the Junior Vice President chain.

Treasurer, Andrew Hamilton and newly appointed Membership Secretary, Bruce de Saram joined the table on the stage.

David Selves describes his aims for the upcoming year:

‘Our programme is ambitious; it retains tradition while introducing change, unafraid to mimic the Starship Enterprise, while remaining loyal to our true values. We are looking to recruit corporate members, to work more closely with the Livery Companies, to recruit more residents, to play a greater role in the Farringdon community and the theme of my year is to give hope to some of the kids who don’t fit the mould but have much to offer. I am hoping to introduce a 4-day programme in the Autumn to help 16 – 18 year-old NEETs have the confidence to be ambitious, to believe in themselves for what it is that they can do, not suffocated for what they can’t do…

‘What can you do to help? Every one of you will be able to do something…. or maybe know someone who can … or maybe recruit 4 new members who can!’

Following the AGM, Chris Fowler has started a LinkedIn account. Member, Emma de Saram has started an Instagram account @farringdonwardclub and is uploading news and photos to the website.

Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney elected Aldermanic Sheriff

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 14:30:46 GMT

Many members of Farringdon Ward Club will remember Robert Hughes-Penney, who was a Common Councillor of Farringdon Within before becoming the Alderman of the Ward of Cheap.

He is also a Liveryman and Court Assistant of the Haberdashers, whose hall is situated in Farringdon Without.

Trevor Brignall is Honorary Secretary to his appeal and I attach a link to his letter here: Shrieval Chain Appeal Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney 25 July.pdf

Members may, therefore, like to contribute to his Shrieval Chain - Shrieval Chain Donation Link

Nick Dougan

JVP

Club Patron elected Sheriff of the City of London

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Farringdon Ward Club is pleased to share the news that Club Patron, Alderman Gregory Jones KC was elected to the office of Sheriff in the City of London earlier day. Greg will take up his post later in the summer and serve for a 1 year term.

The Club President has written to Alderman Jones to congratulate him on his successful election.

Our visit to the Mother of Parliaments

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 20:00:00 GMT

It would probably be an all night sitting to debate whether or not it is true to say that our visit to the Palace of Westminster took place in the midst of election fever, but the Palace being in recess made for a different, and better, tour to others I have been on. We were also lucky to have a very well informed guide who seamlessly mixed humour with historical fact making the hour and a quarter fly by. At one point we had a waiting list, but with drops outs along the way all those wanting to come did and so almost thirty members enjoyed the event, and we were joined by former Congresswoman Elaine Luria, her husband and daughter. We then adjourned to the Clarence opposite Horse Guards Parade and enjoyed both liquid and solid refreshment.

Past President Jackie Springett

Fri, 10 May 2024 08:58:00 GMT

Farringdon Ward Club is sad to report the death of Past President Jackie Springett, who was a long-time member of the Club. Jackie's City social life gave her much pleasure and she in her turn was always keen to promote it, and all it offers. She was indeed, always keen to chat and take an interest in people - such a positive influence.

A private farewell and committal will be followed by a celebration of Jackie’s life at St Mary’s Church, Chigwell, Essex IG7 6BD on Tuesday, 21^st May 2024 at 2pm.