PRESIDENT'S EVENING 2025

Saturday, August 16th 2025

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The much anticipated President's Evening took place on August 16th - the first in 3 years. In the photo galleries below, click any image to enlarge, and if viewing on mobile phones, additionally click the button at the bottom of galleries which say "click for more" - wth apologies for anyone missed out.

Historically, the President's Evening (formerly known as the Ladies' evening) was the chance for ladies to visit the Club with their spouses / partners.

Nowadays, ladies are freely allowed into the Club and so the objective is to provide an evening of good food and entertainment as organised by the incumbent President.

More than 50 members and guests assembled in the Edwardian Lounge with the final list as shown on the table plan - with special thanks to David Trewin for the management and creation of this amid ever changing circumstances.

President Arnold Homer (proudly wearing the new Presidential chain of office) personally welcomed everyone as they proceeded to the main entrance. This was much appreciated by all the guests.

Meanwhile, Hon.Sec Alan Roden provided welcoming (hopefully) tunes on his piano accordion as the attendees proceeded inside.

President Arnold called the attendees to order and welcomed everybody, thanking them for their attendance in anticipation of an enjoyable evening.

Then it was time for the entrance of the "surprise celebrity guest" to the strains of "Hi-de -Hi Holiday Rock" - none other than the inimitable Su Pollard - star of the comedy TV series Hi-de-Hi, Oh Doctor Beeching and various song tunes.

In her accustomed manner, she quickly made her presence felt, encouraging "Ho-de-Ho" responses to her cries of "Hi-de-Hi" and very quickly everyone felt they had known her for years.

Following introductions, the attendees were led to enjoy Tim's magnificent royal buffet of fresh salmon, cold meats and all the trimmings with desserts, cheeses and then coffee.

After dinner, it was time for the celebrity speaker.

On this occasion we were honoured not only by the star celebrity, Su but also Adrian Jackson. Adrian has known President Arnold for virtually all his life and has been a key figure in the entertainment industry for many years - himself as a talented musician, in the recent past as CEO of the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, he is a broadcaster on the radio, and has embraced many music director and theatre director roles over the years. He recalled conducting a Fiddler on the Roof performance more than 30 years ago (with the Hon. Sec playing in the orchestra pit) and is well known to past President Robin Morrison who was heavily involved with Amateur Operatic Societies. He knows virtually everyone in the entertainment industry and we are indebted to him for arranging Su to visit us on this special evening.

The after dinner session took the form of Adrian interviewing Su about her life and times, supplemented by questions from the attendees. Su responded energetically and enthusiastically and entertained us all for more than half an hour. She related various "back stage" tales of her pantomime experiences including the reason why an 11 year old boy wanted to perform with other children in a show (which can not be repeated here!).

It was an absolute delight to have such auspicious VIP guests and the President should be commended on making it all happen.

To close the evening, Su led the fun in asking each table to fire their previously placed party poppers and in turn fired a monster one - showering the President .

President Arnold concluded by presenting a gift to Su, then thanking all who had made the evening possible - especially Tim for preparing the excellent food and Tracey and her staff for looking after us all so well; Su for giving us a rare and welcome opportunity to have an established star in our midst and who entertained so royally; and of course to Adrian for his considerable contribution.

Throughout the night from welcoming people as they entered to introducing himself to attendees round the tables and managing the night efficiently, the President "did an excellent job". Well done, Mr. President and could we do it all again, please?

Alan Roden (Hon.Sec)