A grand send-off

This was the scene in one of the private dining rooms at the Garrick Club this evening. The table is laid for the dinner held to thank and bid farewell to the outgoing Chairman of the Trust for which I am the Secretary. All the current trustees were present and it was an enjoyable and celebratory occasion, a fitting way to express our appreciation of Geoffrey's leadership of the Trust since its inception 12 years ago. Geoffrey is a member of the Garrick Club which is in the heart of London's theatre land and named after the 18th century actor, David Garrick. It has members drawn in large part from the dramatic arts, media and legal profession. You can tell a member by the distinct blue and salmon pink diagonally striped tie. The club tie identification is a clue to the fact that it is 'a gentleman's club". Ladies cannot be members but are welcome on club premises as guests. This is a matter of some contention these days and it appears that there will be another vote for club members soon on whether to admit lady members. I think, on the basis of other recent votes, the members may decide the time has come to join the 21st century as far as their membership rules are concerned.