Hurlingham Book Groups

It is now more than thirteen years ago that I started the first Hurlingham book group (under the aegis of Silver Screen). There are currently four monthly groups, together with a fifth specialising in ‘classic’ works. This group meets three times a year to ensure there is enough time to read the books chosen in greater depth.

We read a great variety of books, including novels old and new, biographies, auto-biographies and ones on the natural world, travel and history. All of our groups now have some spaces available, and we would be happy to welcome new members.

Our discussions are always lively and interesting – offering opportunities to make new friends and read books that we may not have otherwise chosen. All ages are welcome, so please contact me on the email below if you would be interested in joining one of the groups.

WENDY THORNTON-FELL
wendytfell@hotmail.com

GET INVOLVED

MONDAYS

First Monday of the month, led by Shelley Chester at 6.30pm
Please email Wendy Thornton-Fell for details

TUESDAYS

First Tuesday of the month, led by Frances Gordon at 11am in the Polo Bar
Second Tuesday of the month, led by Wendy Thornton-Fell at 2pm in the Drawing Room or Polo Bar
Third Tuesday of the month, led by Mari Myerscough at 11.30am in the Drawing Room

THURSDAYS

Third or fourth Thursday of the month, led by Rayne Hield at 12 noon
in the Drawing Room or Polo Bar

CLASSIC GROUP

This group meets three times a year when mutually convenient. Most members usually belong to other groups as well, but this is not necessary.

SILVER SCREEN

Something for all tastes

Baroness Catherine Meyer and Sue Lawley were part of a busy season of events for our Silver Screeners

Never let it be said that Silver Screen does not provide variety in its programme and, recently, we have shown a lovely selection of films, thanks to our brilliant curator, Peter Evans. Members saw The Heiress, on 11 March, followed on 22 April by Wings of the Dove, which was all the more enjoyable because the film’s director, Iain Softley, took part in a Q&A session afterwards. Members will have seen the film Dead Poet’s Society and on Monday 17 June, we are delighted to present Becoming Jane with a Q&A session with Scottish film producer and director, Douglas Rae.

On Thursday 18 April, we welcomed Baroness Catherine Meyer, widow of the late Sir Christopher Meyer. After a simply delicious lunch, she was interviewed by her friend, the mellifluously-voiced Sue Lawley, on her fascinating and complicated life. This included the trauma of losing her boys to her ex-husband in Germany. She met Sir Christopher during her fight to get her boys back and there followed a whirlwind romance. Sir Christopher was invited to become British Ambassador in Washington and they married before he took up his post.

Catherine wanted to promote her husband’s book, finished posthumously, which was a loosely fictional account of her mother’s life. There was so much to cover but I think maybe the audience would have liked to hear a little more about her struggle to get her boys back, when she had amazing support from some very high-profile people.

On Wednesday 5 June, we welcome author, Jay Prosser, to the Club, when he introduces his highly acclaimed family memoir, Loving Strangers, a bridge across the terribles divides of our time.

Series 3 of Discovering Opera has sold out once again, and we will be starting another lecture series about Classical Music in the autumn term.

At a recent Silver Screen committee meeting, there was much discussion about how we could adapt our programme during the time when there is less available space, owing to the Masterplan renovations. Everyone is trying to be imaginative with the type of events that we will be able to hold when the East Wing closes on Monday 1 July. There will be huge demand from all interest groups who will want to use the available spaces, but the Executive is doing its best to make sure that we make the most of what is there. Do keep your eye on the weekly emails for more information.

Meanwhile, enjoy the summer months to come and let’s all hope for warm weather so that we can enjoy alfresco eating.

JAYNI BEECROFT, CHAIR, SILVER SCREEN