If you are planning to join next year’s Annual Reunion in Norwich you can click on the two links below to get more details – and to book your place. If you want to have your choice of rooms it’s always the early bird that catches the worm. Note that the picture above is of Blickling Hall and Gardens, one of the excursions being planned for those interested. Invitation & Booking Details for AR 2025 Registration Form for AR 2025

The OVS summer lunch was held on 20 August in Divonne-les-Bains, a few kms from Geneva, on the French side of the border. It was a lovely sunny day on the terrace overlooking the Divonne Lake. Our next lunch will be during the second half of November (date and venue to be decided).  

On Tuesday 8 October, nine of us had a very pleasant lunch at The Riverside Inn, Tuckton and we discussed the forthcoming SCL Christmas Lunch.  In addition to the “usual” crowd, we were pleased to welcome a new member: David Smith (ESCAP).  Due to several members’ previous commitments, it was agreed that Tuesday 3 December would be a better choice than December 10th… I shall let you have the information on the venue and menu as soon as possible. IMPORTANT- Christmas raffle Some wondered if the traditional Christmas raffle, held as part of the Christmas Lunch, should continue or be abolished.  Therefore, I would appreciate it if you could let me know [a short email message] what you would prefer: KEEP THE TRADITIONAL RAFFLE or NOT – deadline end October – majority will prevail. Hopefully, you will decide to join us.  Best regards Claudine Left to right: in photo: Michael (Geoff’s son in law), Jenny and Michael, David, Geoff, Sue, Susan and Bary

                  BAFUNCS London was delighted to organise a visit to the Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Sikh Empire Exhibition at the prestigious Wallace Collection in Manchester Square, London. What indeed made the visit particularly interesting was a private talk in the auditorium by Guest Curator Davinder Toor, offered gratuitously by the Museum and as a special request. Davinder is a leading figure among Sikh, Indian and Islamic art collectors, and has acted as consultant to major private collectors, auction houses and institutions such as the British Museum, V&A and the Wallace Collection. Our audience was fascinated by his talk which provided a more thorough insight into the exhibition which followed. Tea and delicious scones were then served to our group in the museum’s beautiful atrium enjoyed by 26 participants from both London and the regions. Pour mémoire the Wallace Collection plans to host an exhibition of Winston Churchill’s paintings next year so we will definitely be returning.