London SOS Lunch

25 April 2018

On Wednesday 25 April, we welcomed over sixty Old Stoics aged 70 and over to the Savile Club in Mayfair for our fourth ‘SOS’ (Senior Old Stoics) luncheon. 
 
More than 20 up on last year, it was our largest gathering to date, which allowed us the opportunity to dine in the Savile Club’s stunningly beautiful Ballroom – reminding us of the State Rooms at Stowe.
 
The afternoon started with a Champagne Reception in the beautiful Drawing Room, where many lapsed friendships were quickly re-established.  We then ascended the stunning staircase to the opulent luxury of the Ballroom for an exquisite three-course meal and fine wines.  The atmosphere was most jovial, with our guests reminiscing about their time at Stowe as well as swapping many memorable stories with, in many cases, newly re-made, friends.
 
As our lunch drew to a close, our host, John ‘Fingers’ Fingleton (Chatham 66), who had assembled a Chatham Table of 9 of his exact contemporaries, gave an entertaining welcome speech, to the assembled company, including, among our Lady guests, two Honorary OSs - Liz Zettl (now over 100!) and her chauffeuse for the day, Rae Matheson.  He then remembered ‘absent/departed’ friends, and was followed by Nigel Rice (Chatham 64) who said Grace. The Headmaster ended with a thoroughly entertaining report of all the good news from Stowe.
 
Throughout the afternoon, the service was exceptional with the staff at the Savile Club working very hard to ensure our guests were well looked after.
 
We were particularly thrilled with the number of SOS’s in attendance this year, with the numbers increased significantly on last year.  Our special thanks goes to John ‘Fingers’ Fingleton (Chatham 66) who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a great turnout of Chathamite Old Stoics, some of whom had not seen each other for decades, and for arranging the use of the Savile Club and kindly assisting with the planning for the occasion.
 
I would like to thank all of our guests for attending and the Savile Club for making us feel so welcome.
 
This event remains a very special occasion in the Old Stoic Calendar – we look forward to welcoming back all this year’s attendees – and the new 70+ year olds - in 2019!
 
Sasha Moss