February 14, 2011

TCC-UK’s annual reception to mark WSC’s birthday was due to take place on 1st December. But, at very short notice, severe snow and ice – making travel very difficult – led to a postponement. The event eventually took place in London on 8th February: the venue was St Stephen’s Club and 85 members and their guests attended.

Allen Packwood, TCC-UK’s newly appointed Executive Director, opened the proceedings and then handed over to the Hon Celia Sandys, who introduced the first speaker, Robert Hardy – recognized by all as the most authentic of all WSC’s impersonators; he gave an amusing account of how he trained himself to play the role and then proposed the toast to the heroic memory of Sir Winston. Lady Soames responded and then introduced Sir Martin Gilbert; he had selected six important events in the life of WSC which had occurred on 8th February in various years, opening the door to some little known nooks and crannies.

The occasion was highly successful and many plaudits were received from those present.

Image: Portrait of Sir Winston Churchill and Wife Clementine

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London, England, UK, November 26, 1954. British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and Lady Churchill admire the illuminated address, bound in a blue and gold leather cover, presented by the British Legion to commemorate the Prime Minister’s 80th birthday. The gift was presented personally by Captain S.H. Hampson, National Chairman of the Legion, accompanied by officers of the Legion and of the women’s auxiliary, at 10 Downing Street. The Prime Minister’s birthday is November 30th.

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