In a world where Covid-19 forced us to change the way we live, work and play, innovation became the cornerstone of our adaption to the ‘new normal’. From virtual living to remote working and online delivery services, the pandemic era ushered in a wave of creativity and transformation that reshaped our daily routines and interactions.

As the East Wing refurbishment programme unfolds, one might be tempted to hunker down and wait for the renovations to be completed before resuming Club events and social activities. However, this is not the path we intend to take. Instead, we see this as an opportune moment to explore fresh ideas, test new formats and embrace change in the face of temporary constraints.

With restricted room sizes, we are presented with the unique challenge of catering to significantly smaller audience sizes. The Dining Room, Terrace Room and Polo Bar social areas become spaces to trial innovative event formats and explore creative ways to engage our member community.

So, our plan is to embrace this time of physical transformation with the following ideas simmering in our creative event pot:

• We are in touch with an external production company that specialises in recitals and musical events – classical, jazz and light popular – to host some early evening ‘mini-concerts’. These are likely to be held in the late summer where, at a low cost with a drink from the bar, you can enjoy an hour or so of live music.
• Members continue to be inspired by speakers and thought leaders who have a story to share. Throughout the winter, we will host a series of ‘Small Talks’ from external presenters, but we would like to find potential speakers from amongst Club members as well. Again, we will aim to keep ticket costs to a minimum, or possibly free, if we can attract storytellers who simply want to share their time with you.
• In Covid times we hosted a number of virtual quizzes. During the refurbishment, we would also like to experiment with a Pub Quiz in the Polo Bar to discover who might be anointed Hurlingham’s General Knowledge ‘masters’.
• For those who prefer an earlier start to the day, we are proposing some Breakfast Club meetings – where you can grab coffee and a pastry and listen to a more business-oriented talk from a commercial guru or thought leader shaping the UK marketplace
• Over the summer, we will trial a few evenings where a DJ will introduce a soulful and chilled vibe into the Polo Bar terrace. So long as the weather produces a golden sunset, we hope to enhance the unique vista with a soundtrack to match it.
• And finally, we are in early discussions about the possibility of creating a Cookery Demonstration evening. We’re still contemplating how this will work, but our resident Chefs are very keen to showcase their cooking skills.

The next year is a time for us to seize the opportunity to pioneer new ideas and lay the groundwork for a more innovative and inclusive Club experience for all.

The Member Events team have also been working to schedule all regular social activities whilst the East Wing works are ongoing. The Terrace Room and Dining Room will predominantly be used for these activities, and the team has been speaking directly with relevant committees to plan how best to use these rooms, as well as other Club spaces when necessary. If events or activities are just not possible, for example Players’ productions, the team is again working with the committees to try and stage other options, so a full calendar of events will still be on offer.

If you have any additional suggestions regarding a new event format, or would like to nominate a Club member as a potential speaker, please contact: cesca.lowery@hurlinghamclub.org.uk

LAURENCE CRONEEN, CHAIR, ME&E

Forthcoming Events

Saturday 8 June 
Fête Champêtre (sold out)

Friday 12 July 
Summer Fiesta (NEW!)

Saturday 13 July 
Family Picnic

Sunday 8 September
Hurlingham Sunday