The New Club Cheltenham, was 150 years old on October 31st, 2024 and it threw a Gala Dinner on the anniversary to celebrate its 1874 founding with a welcoming trumpeter, a champagne reception, indoor fireworks on the Regency curved staircase, and “Colonel Stevenson” one of the founders of the Club who appeared in a puff of smoke at the top of the staircase to tell his successors about the Club of 1874.
A magnificent four-course banquet prepared by the Club’s resident chef, accompanied by wines chosen to complement each course, followed for the 80 guests, who were entertained throughout the evening by Victorian music hall songs and light opera of the period alternating with a table magician. Most of the guests were in the beautiful new Art-Deco dining room, said to the be the most beautiful dining room in Cheltenham.
T
he evening culminated in an auction, conducted by the TV celebrity auctioneer and antiques dealer, Philip Serrell, who managed to raise £10,000 for the Club.
Marilyn Burn, the organiser, said “This magnificent occasion provided a memorable and fun evening for 80 members of the Club and with a bow to the past set the standard we intend to achieve for the next 150 years”.
The Chamber, a mere 120 years old, is delighted the New Club have been Members for many years.
