club news october 2014
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Page 1
Phyllis Court Club
Club News October 2014
CASINOROYALE NEW
YEAR’S EVE PARTY!
CLUB EVENTS
OJ’S SOUL BaNd MOTOwN TriBUTE
PrEViEw
Page 2
Club MerChandise ProduCt list exPanded - PerfeCt Gift ideas
This autumn we see the arrival
of some new products available
for Members to buy at the Club.
The first, which have already proved
to be extremely popular are the
Lauden Chocolates. These are fine
handmade chocolates produced in
England. A box of 12 is £10.00 and a
smaller box of 5 is available for £5.00.
To read more about the journey of
Lauden take a look at their website;
w w w . l a u d e n c h o c o l a t e . c o m
Finlay’s arrival is also due at the
Club very soon, he is just going
through his final fittings for his
Phyllis Court Club knitted jumper.
On arrival he will be available from
Reception for £25.00, and will make
a great addition to any family as
well as a superb Christmas present.
new MeMber welCoMes
The Club welcomes the following
Members to the Club who have
joined this year:
John Ingram
Gavin Jackson
Kevin James
Michael Jamieson
Susan Jamieson
Moira Keys
Colin Kidd
Olive Larkey
Annie Lathaen
Christopher Lawton-Smith
Edward Lemon
Alan Lindsay
Irene Lindsay
Jalal Mansour
Suzanne Mansour
Anthony Mead OBE
Donald Mitchell
Lorraine Mitchell
Kyle Monie
Oliver Myers
Malcolm Naish
Anne Naish
James Nash
Philip O’Donnell
Michael O’Shea
Sarah O’Shea
Ben Pamplin
Eva Pamplin
Sandy Paterson
Graham Pedersen
Lesley-Ann Pedersen
Sarah Pickess
Joseph Plumb
Peter Rankin
Rosalind Richards
Jennifer Sanderson
Sue Sharland
Jane Sharples
Edmund Shirley
Phillip Smith
Claire Smith
Sara Smither
Sylvia South
Ian Sparrowhawk
Paul Spelman
Richard Stanton
Elizabeth Steventon
Oliver Symons
Malcolm Talbot
Clare Talbot
Brandon Thomas
David Thomas
Richard Truelove
Jane Turner
Simon Watson
John Watson
Eileen West
Caroline Whittaker
Sarah Wright
Inside this issue
Staff Q&A
Page 4
Forthcoming Events
Page 6-7
Interest Groups
Page 9
Page 3
Miss Moneypenny at the desk
Roulette Table
Martini’s shaken not stirred
Chips down at the blackjack table
Fantastic 007 themed cabaret
Die Another Day dinner
Cool DJ
Dance amongst the scattered diamondsWE
DN
ESD
AY
31S
T D
EC
EM
BE
R
Watch out for Odd Job!!
Page 4
Club bedrooMs
Attending Club events? Save the
drive home and stay in one of our
luxury bedrooms starting from only
£175 per night on a Friday and
Saturday. Contact Reception on
01491 570500 or
check our availability.
Visit www.phylliscourt.co.uk to
view our individual
styled bedrooms.
staff - inside View
eMMa wilson
head reCePtionist
You’ll find me…. usually at the Club reception.
I can help you with...anything that you need, if I don’t
know the answer straight away I will
certainly find out for you.
My favourite Club cocktail is… a refreshing Elderflower Fizz.
Previously I have worked at…Claridge’s, Cliveden House and The
Vineyard.
On my days off you’ll find me… either with my family, at the gym or
sitting in the sun.
My favourite Orangery dish is…definitely the omelettes with salad.
I wanted to work at
Phyllis Court Club because…I wanted a change from a hotel
environment and a new challenge!
Don’t tell anyone but…I wish I could hibernate in winter as
I really dislike the cold, but strangely
love the snow!
leon Marks
CaterinG oPerations
You’ll find me… often in the Members Bar or in the
Club Lounge.
I can help you with… anything under the sun (sun you
hardly see in England)!
My favourite Club cocktail is… The Tom Collins, a refreshing gin sour
that is an excellent drink for warm
summer days .
Previously I have worked at… Cameron House, Gleneagles and The
Queensberry in Bath.
On my days off you’ll find me…Exploring Henley as I have recently
moved here or keeping active at the
gym!
My favourite Dining Room dish is… the Beef Fillet has to be my top
choice.
I wanted to work at Phyllis Court Club because…it was love at first sight...the location
is exquisite. I believe there is a lot
of potential in the establishment. I
feel very privileged to be given the
opportunity to work at the Club.
Don’t tell anyone but… I love Chocolate Cake and I can
consume a whole cake in one sitting!!
Page 5
seCretary’s reView
This autumn edition of Club News has
once again been produced in-house
and congratulations go to Abigail
Lamb, Clare Morris and Emma Forster
for the energy and enthusiasm
which they channel into each
issue. This team, along with Shirley
Cunningham, has also devoted much
time over the summer to revising
the Club websites and the weekly
In Touch bulletins which are now
better delineated for use on tablets
and smart phones – do take a look!
As ever there is much going on
in the last quarter of the year,
culminating in the Christmas and
New Year celebrations. Details of
the key festive events are set out on
pages 6-7, including some refreshed
formats for the Club Christmas dance
and the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
My recommendation in the last
edition for Members to attend the
King’s Singers concert in October was
well heeded with a full house enjoying
a scintillating performance just for
us. In a similar vein, may I commend
to you the Motown- themed buffet
supper dance to be held in the
Ballroom on Saturday 21st December
and the Casino Royale dinner dance
party to be held on Wednesday
31st December – New Year’s Eve!
Before then, the Open Meeting
will be taking place at the Club on
Thursday 13th November to report
to Members the Club’s situation six
months on from the 2014 AGM. Into
2015, the Proposers’ Dinner will be
held on 29th January. This occasion
is to celebrate Members who have
acted as Proposers for new Members
joining in 2014, and the prize draw of
their names allows re-imbursement
of the winner’s 2015 subscription.
The big achievement for 2014 has
been the redevelopment of the
Grandstand which we now know
as The Riverside Pavilion. Since its
completion we have seen the new
facility used for numerous occasions
for Members’ private parties, Interest
Group events and by external users.
Quietly taking place at the same
time has been the less well-heralded
renovation of the Club Room. It is now
lighter and brighter, showing off the
magnificent ceiling and refurbished
oak panelling. It is also now the home
of the Club’s important paintings
and pictures, brought together for
the first time in one area where
they are part of the Club’s history.
The portraits of Sir Bulstrode and
Lady Whitelocke take centre stage
flanked by two of the Club’s Regatta
prints by Paddy Page. Captain
Finlay is now back in the heart of
the original Club house and the two
oil paintings commissioned by the
Club to mark its centenary in 2006
are in place either side of the folding
doors leading to the Dining Room.
The other recent project which
is proving useful is the meeting
room space for Members’ use on
the first floor of the Club house.
Four Committee Rooms exist.
Aston, Peppard and Sonning are
ideal for meetings, and Rotherfield
is set aside for quiet use by
Members who wish to do work
on their lap-top or tablet devices.
Bookings are co-ordinated by
the Events Office. Refreshments
can be provided in the
rooms as and when required.
The weekly e-mail bulletins
from In Touch will keep Members
informed of progress on all fronts.
PCC Charity Action Group
Christmas Fair
Saturday 8th November
10am - 3pm
FUND RAISING FOR THAMES
VALLEY AIR AMBULANCE AND
CHILTERN CENTRE FOR
THE DISABLED
So far this year the CAG has raised
£15,200. A very pleasing sum of
money for the charities.
It is hoped that the total will
exceed that of 2013.
Club Room renovation and paintings
Staff Views
Graham Owen (Club Secretary)
Page 6
Thursday 13th November
PCC Open Meeting
6pm - Open Meeting in the Ballroom
7.30pm - Dinner (if pre-booked)
Dress Code: Smart Casual
The Club’s annual Open Meeting is an opportunity to
update all Members on the running of the Club and
future plans. All Members are welcome to attend and
can book via Reception for dinner after the meeting.
Friday 28th November
Classical Concert & Dinner with the Ensemble of St
John’s Smith Square with the OSJ Voices
7pm for 7.30pm
In the Ballroom
Dress Code: Black Tie
A popular event last year and the final classical dinner
concert of the year is The Ensemble of St John’s Smith
Square together with the OSJ Voices who have
returned for a special Christmas concert. Comprised
of highly experienced chamber musicians who have
performed both nationally and internationally, their
Chamber orchestra was founded 45 years ago by
conductor John Lubbock and boasts some of the
most exceptional musicians in the country. They have
performed all over the world including Carnegie Hall in
New York, the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, the Royal Albert
Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Royal Festival Hall.
Saturday 6th December
Chairman & Council Christmas Drinks
12pm Reception
Dress Code: Jacket and Tie
The Chairman invites Members to join him and the Club’s
Council for a festive reception in the lead up to Christmas.
Sunday 7th December
Winter Afternoon Tea followed by a performance of
‘Swan Lake’ at the Kenton Theatre
Afternoon Tea in the Balloom at 3.30pm
Swan Lake at the Kenton Theatre at 5.30pm
Dress Code: Smart Casual
A very special Winter Afternoon Tea based on the
classical ballet ‘Swan Lake’ a tale of pure magic. Members
and their guest will then stroll over to the Kenton
Theatre to watch the fantastical production by Ballet
Theatre UK. With over 120 costumes this is set to be a
spectacular treat!
eVent PreViews - saVe the date
All events can be booked from 6 weeks in
advance at Reception:
Tel: 01491 570500
Email: [email protected]
Page 7
Saturday 20th December
Children’s Pantomine Red Riding Hood
2.30pm in the Finlay Suite
Dress Code: Smart Casual
A fun filled Chaplin’s pantomime of Little Red Riding
Hood where children will be transported to the magical
wood to meet Little Red Riding Hood and all her friends.
There will be sing-a-long songs, adventure and audience
participation. Hear the children roar with laughter and
shout as they warn Little Red Riding Hood not to enter
the woods alone!
There will be a visit from Father Christmas too!
Saturday 20th December
OJ’s Soul Band Motown Tribute Dinner and Dance
7.30pm for 8pm
In the Ballroom & Finlay Suite
Dress Code: Smart Casual
The UK’s finest Soul and Motown Band will be treating
Members and their guests to a fun night with tunes from
artists and bands such as the Four Tops, The Supremes,
Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Big
hits from Jackson 5 and The Commodores will get
everyone up and on the dancefloor!
Wednesday 24th December
Christmas Eve Carols and Supper
7pm for Carols in the Ballroom followed by supper in
the Dining Room, Thames Room and Orangery.
Festive Christmas Carols and Supper with the PCC
Singers. Enter into the festive spirit and come along to
this much loved event in the Christmas calendar. Enjoy
hot mince pies and a glass of mulled wine to firmly
embrace the Christmas atmosphere!
Thursday 25th December
Christmas Day Lunch (two options available)
Christmas is creeping upon us once again. Family feast
to organise? Feed and delight your family at Phyllis
Court Club. Our chefs will do all the hard work whilst
you relax and enjoy getting into the festive spirit.
1. Family Christmas Day Lunch in the Ballroom, sittings
at 12.30pm, 1pm and 1.30pm.
Dress Code: Smart Casual
A festive lunch ideal for families hosted in the Ballroom.
The Finlay Suite will be transformed into a children
friendly festive space with games and screening of
Christmas films. Activity sheets will also be available.
2. Dining Room sittings at 12.30pm, 1pm and 1.30pm.
Dress Code: Jacket and Tie.
Alternatively Members can enjoy treating guests to a
wonderful Christmas experience with all the trimmings
in the elegant Dining Room.
Thursday 1st January
New Year’s Day Brunch
Sittings from 11am - 2pm in the Ballroom
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Come and enjoy a super New Year’s Day Brunch at the
Club to welcome in the first day of the year whilst you
relax and ponder on your resolutions for the year ahead.
eVent PreViews - saVe the dateForthcoming Events
Page 8
ProGressinG onwards
In his article the Club Secretary has
referred to the important events
happening in the Club year and the
major projects completed and in train.
We will give full details of these at the
Open Meeting on 13th November.
Now that we have received planning
permission for the Health Club we
have started work on Phase II. This
involves a complete re-appraisal of the
commercial and financial viability of
the project in preparation for putting
to Members at a Special Meeting a
proposal to build the facility. I must
emphasise again that Council will
not put any proposal to Members
unless confident of its financial
viability and that it is in the best long-
term interest of Phyllis Court Club.
You may recall that earlier this year
new membership cards were made
available to all Members. These are
smart proximity cards which can
be used for a number of different
purposes. Initially they were used
as a direct replacement for the old
cards in paying for purchases in the
Club house. Once the majority of
Members had collected their new
cards we moved on to the next phase
– access control to the Club house.
This meant that initially, at certain
times of the day, access via the main
door and the disabled entrance was
gained only by using a membership
card. The times when this system
is operative will gradually be
extended. I do not feel this will cause
inconvenience to Members since the
Club Rules require Members to carry
their membership card at all times,
and it will eliminate the perception
that non-members can simply walk
into the Club and use the facilities.
Albeit somewhat early (although the
cards are in the shops) may I wish all
Members a very happy Christmas
and a prosperous new year!
reCiProCal Clubs - at hoMe & abroad
The New York Athletic Club
The New York Athletic Club was
founded in 1868 in order to bring
structure to the nascent world of
amateur sport. In its journey through
the ensuing decades, the NYAC
has evolved to become an athletic
powerhouse, globally renowned in
sports such as wrestling, fencing,
judo, water polo, rowing and track
and field. The Club has magnificent
dining room facilities and offers
guests 187 overnight rooms, many
with breath-taking views of Central
Park and midtown Manhattan.
The Carlton Club
The Carlton Club was founded
in 1832 and continues today in a
beautiful Georgian clubhouse in the
exclusive St James’s area of London.
It is an attractive and exclusive venue
for lunches, dinners, receptions,
meetings and conferences with
twenty four bedrooms.
PCC Charity Action
Group
Murder Mystery
Evening
Wednesday 26th
November
7pm start
Can you solve
the mystery?
Limited
availability
BOOK TICKETS AT RECEPTION
Barry Hardman (Club Chairman)
Page 9
Interest Groups
understandinG your interest GrouPs
Wine CircleWe would like to encourage you to
come and join our friendly interest
group dedicated to the light-hearted
pursuit of the pleasures of wine!
We aim to:
• Expand members’ knowledge of
wine and wine making.
• Increase members’ confidence
when buying or choosing wines.
• Enjoy good food and company
while exploring new wines.
The annual subscription is £10,
and we offer members a variety of
wine-related activities, including:
• Wine Tasting Dinners at PCC,
often presented by Masters of
Wine.
• Annual themed Gourmet Dinner
with special wine tasting.
• Visits to popular wine regions in
the UK and overseas.
Computer Section We promote involvement and
understanding of Information
Technology. Presentations, training
courses, computers, tablets, iPads
and visits are all in our programme.
Main Meetings consist of monthly
non-technical presentations in the
Ballroom where topics have included,
Fusion power – is it possible?; You
Tube; Social Media and Computer
memories.
We run interactive meetings on
topics such as iTunes and also
training courses for Beginniners
and Intermediates on a range of
IT software. Visits have included
Culham Fusion reactor and
Harwell and Bletchley Park.
Fee: £10 (all events, except visits,
are free to section members).
Please visit www.pcccs.co.uk for
more information.
Rowing Club This is the premier recreational
rowing club in the Henley area.
Our aim is to create fun and
build friendship by rowing on
this most beautiful reach of the
Thames, which includes The
Henley Royal Regatta Course.
About half of our members learned
to row as novices here, thanks
to the free coaching provided by
experienced members. The other
half rowed a decade or 3 ago and
have refreshed their latent skills.
The majority prefer sculling (with an
oar in each hand), a minority sweep
rowing. We have an elite competitive
squad who row at local events.
Our boats include quads, doubles,
and single sculls and training boats
for novices.
The considerable benefits of rowing
include fun, creating friendships,
improving aerobic fitness, posture
and emotional well-being.
For more information please see
www.pcrowingclub.net, contact our
Membership Secretary, Dawn Plant
at [email protected] or pop
along for a coffee at 10.30am on a
Saturday and say hello!
For more information on all the Club’s Interest Groups please visit www.pccmembers.org/membership_interest_groups or visit the ‘Member Login Area.’
Charles Tollitt drone photo with Computer Section Members
Computer Section Presentation
Rowing Club enjoying coffee
Page 10
CounCil MeMber Profile: dr Peter read
Dr Read was brought up in Surrey
but has lived in Berkshire since 1971.
A medic by training, he met his wife
in hospital when she was training
as a Theatre Sister. Dr Read spent
a lot of his working life in industry,
mainly the pharmaceutical industry,
clinical research, and then general
management.
He brings to Council a broad
experience of different businesses,
both from the health industry and
public sector, an understanding of
what makes people tick, knowledge
of the local area and in his own
words, “I’m a people’s person. A
club is about the people, Members
and the people that run it. I have a
strong commitment to that and a
strong commitment to staff training.
A club is only as good as its staff.”
What made you decide to become a
Member of Phyllis Court Club?
My wife and I have been Members
for 15 years, we decided to join
because of the wonderful position
the club had. We were living in the
area and it offered superb facilities.
It certainly has not disappointed us.
What Interest Groups are you a
member of and what do you get out
of them?
We both belong to a wide range of
interest groups including Probus
which I was chairman of and most
actively invovled in. Other groups
are classical music, jazz, theatre,
arts appreciation, computer section,
wine society, and the golf society.
What has your role on Council
involved?
Mainly the responsibility for the
strategy of the Club. The long term
view and goals that we want to
achieve in maintaining this Club as a
successful thriving organisation that
delights its Members and makes the
most of the wonderful facilities we
have. This has involved the Health
Club as we believe the success of the
Club will come from the continuity of
its activities but also from refreshing
its Membership by providing the
sort of facilities that the Members
want and require to attract them
to join the Club. The Riverside
Pavilion was part of the strategy to
optimise the Club’s facilities. Being
able to use it all year round and use
both floors was an important part
of utilisation of the facility here.
What do you enjoy doing whilst at
the Club?
I enjoy the Club
for its wonderful
s e t t i n g ,
a t m o s p h e r e
and ambience.
Interest Group
activity also
enables travel
away from the
Club particularly with the Theatre
Group which is very enjoyable. I
love sitting in the wonderful Club
Bar overlooking the river or on
the Terrace if it’s a lovely day, (the
Club provides newspapers and
other reading material) If I were
here for the day and the timing
were right I would have breakfast
in the Orangery and lunch in the
Orangery is also very good. In more
recent times since the new Riverside
Pavilion has opened we have come
here in the evening for Dining on
Thames and have been very proud to
bring guests here for evening meals.
Gladly they have been as impressed
as both myself and wife have been.
How have you contributed to the
Club whilst on Council?
Continuing success of the Club, both
in terms of the wonderful facilities
and the attention that is paid to the
grounds is very pleasing. Planning
permission and the completion of
the Riverside Pavilion provided great
satisfaction and we finally managed
to secure the freehold to the
Paddock which was something the
Club had been trying to do for almost
30 years so that was a highlight too.
Please tell us three reasons why a
Member should join Council.
1. Commonality & Purpose - We
all have a common interest
in maintaining this Club.
2. Very enjoyably to engage
with a group of people with
Page 11
Member Profile
commonality and purpose with
a positive view of what can be
done and what can be achieved.
3. Finally for me it’s been fun and I
have enjoyed working with fellow
members of Council to provide
a sounding board for the Club
Secretary, the staff and Members.
Have you visited any of our
Reciprocal Clubs and if so which
ones?
I have visited many in London
such as The Hurlingham Club and
Lansdowne Club. This was as part of
the working group researching clubs
with similar facilities to those we
would be looking to provide for our
Members in terms of the Health and
Leisure facility. They were extremely
helpful and co-operative. We have
an extremely good relationship
with a number of our reciprocal
clubs which we value greatly.
What is your
favourite Club
event of the
year?
My favourite
without doubt
is the Classical
Concerts and the
Yehudi Menuhin School earlier in the
year is a real highlight for me.
What event are you looking forward
to the most in the next few months?
I love the atmosphere around
Christmas and the New Year Season
and will be attending the Carol
Concert at the Club with the PCC
Singers.
When you are not at Phyllis Court,
what do you do outside of the Club?
I have a large family along with a
big garden which occupies my time!
What would you say to anyone
thinking of joining the Club?
I would recommend it very
strongly. I think the health and
leisure facility would make a huge
difference to the attraction to
the Club including my own family.
Also the Interest Groups provide
a very special and, as far as I know,
unique opportunity for people joining
the Club to participate actively in
such a huge variety of interests that
they might have. In doing so they not
only satisfy their own interest but
also meet other people who have
similar ideas and thoughts. That in
itself generates a great atmosphere
which we all enjoy. IG groups are
such a success for us. A fantastic
example of this is the Rowing Club
where many Members have joined
PCC purely because of the wonderful
Rowing Club. It is magnificent that
the Interest Groups are run by
the Members for the Members.
MeMber Gets MeMber!
Don’t forget any Members who propose new Members to the Club will be invited to the exclusive Proposers Dinner this coming January 2015.
At the dinner there will be a prize draw for all the proposers and the lucky winner will have his/her Membership re-imbursed for 2015!
If you know anybody who might like to join Phylls Court Club, don’t delay, start proposing today!
To obtain a Membership pack please contact the Membership department:01491 570510 or email [email protected]
Page 12
kitChen bake off - try this at hoMe
Head Chef Tarik Ramjaun’s Butternut Squash and Orange
Loaf Cake with Orange Frosting
The arrival of large and heavy
butternut squash in the kitchen
is a gentle reminder despite the
warmth of the September days, the
nights will soon be closing in and the
days becomming noticably shorter.
Squashes, which are a member of
the gourd family (including marrows,
melons and courgettes) are native to
the Americas, taking their name from
an Indian word meaning ‘something
green.’ Here is a quick and easy recipe
to make an autumnal treat making use
of a much loved seasonal ingredient,
the butternut squash. The recipe
requires no mixing machine and just
a few basic pieces of equipment.
Look out for this cake as part of the
afternoon tea cakes this autumn.
Cake Ingredients: • 150g of self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 0.75-1 tablespoon of ground
mixed spice
• 0.5 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 120g of caster sugar (preferably
golden caster sugar)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 130ml sunflower oil
• 150g of baked and mashed
butternut squash
• 1 orange (juiced and zest)
Frosting Ingredients:• 100g icing sugar
• 30g of orange juice
• zest of one orange for extra
flavour and punch
Method
1. Prepare the butternut by cutting in
half and removing the seeds. Sprinkle
the halves with a little brown sugar
and wrap in foil then roast on a
baking tray in an oven at around 180c
for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
When soft remove from the oven and
scoop out the flesh, mash with the
back of a fork.
2. Sift together the flour, spices and
baking powder in a large bowl, stir in
the sugar.
Make a well in the middle and add
the eggs, orange juice, zest and
oil. Stir until the mix resembles a
smooth homogenous batter. Add the
butternut and mix well.
3. Spoon the batter into a lined loaf
tin approximately 7cm x 20 cm x 9 cm
(or another cake tin but remember
to adjust cooking times) and bake for
35-45 minutes until a knife inserted
into the centre of the cake comes out
clean. Allow the cake to cool for 15
minutes and turn out onto a wire rack
to cool before icing the cake.
4. For the frosting mix all ingredients
together adding more icing sugar if
the liquid is too runny. Spread over
the cake.
Phyllis Court Club
Club News is produced and
published by Phyllis Court Club,
Marlow Road, Henley-on-Thames,
Oxfordshire, RG9 2HT
T:01491 570500
www.phylliscourt.co.uk
Editorial Contact for Club News is
Emma Forster
Marketing Executive
T: 01491 570514
Prepared mix ready to be placed in the oven
Cake cooling for 15 minutes pre icing
Icing spread over cake and orange zest sprinkled over the top
Cake ready to be enjoyed!!