June 2008

Hello sweeties,

This month's highlights:

» Sunday Lunch, 8th June

1st Annual Union Golf Tournament – Many thanks to all who attended the Union’s inaugural May bank holiday golf week-ender, at Mary-Lou’s fabulous cliff top hotel in Dorset. There were a good twenty of us for dinner on Saturday with Mr. Beer and Mr. Wine right in the thick of the action. Mary-Lou was a divine spectacle of unfazed hospitality and her local hippie kitchen gang excelled themselves; the kids stayed up till way too late; the dogs ate all the ping pong balls; the boss got cut off by the tide and Michala led as we twirled dizzily under the mirror ball in a right old 1930’s country party style, until the wee hours. All agreed what a relief it was to see our poor old leader, for once back on the high ground And the golf? Week-end honours must surely go to N. Cross (70, relation) for his consistent…err… competitive play; Brian took the ‘Steady as she goes, no fireworks’ cup for a solid 3 rounds; Mr Saxon naturally grasped the honours in the ‘Style, Celebrity, Sunglasses’ department; Gordie hit it far too far (younger man, darlings), while full respek must go to Lloyd for battling the Saxon boys on his own for 18. Sadly our leader’s performance followed it’s usual rotten pattern; bright and perky at the 1st; confused by the 3rd, shouting by the 5th; persecuted by the 7th; morose at the turn; just plain nasty all the way back followed by the inevitable tears and capitulation by the last. A triumph! See you metal swingers next year we hope!

Sunday Lunch – The ship next sails on Sunday 8th June, Oh yes! All the usual form applies; canapés at 1.00p.m., followed by kid’s food and movie at 2.00. We can generally rely upon an hour or two of peace while we tuck in to some quality scran. There is the added bonus of free parking on a Sunday, sadly however, despite the spectacular success of last months raffle, we won’t be going down that path again, as the old man’s heart can’t take it. Pre booking is essential, call the office without further ado 0207 734 4113.

Club closures – We regret to inform members that the club is closed for a huge private function on the evening of Friday 30th May. Of course, most of you are already on your way to your southwest holiday cottages by then, however if anyone is tragic enough to be without a second home at the coast and stuck in town with half a mind to drop in to the ‘poor old Union’ for a scoop, I’m afraid you will have to forget it, and accept our offer of a slot elsewhere with one of our competitors. So sorry!

GV Art continue to curate the Union for us – and what a lovely job they are doing, bless! Currently on show, are some exceptionally lovely abstracts by DAVID HEATHCOTE, and very nice they are too. GV Art will also be at the Affordable Art Fair Paris, from 28th May – 1st June. Any Union members in the lover’s city wishing to attend the private view should e-mail Robert at robert@gvart.co.uk. Keep up the good work boys. info@gvart.co.uk 020 8408 9800. Many thanks.

House in Morocco – Glamorous international member and ‘waiters friend’ of some pedigree (she has form), Lisa Supple, has finally declared her fab Moroccan house ready for renting. We have seen this Essaouria, 3 bed, seaside pad, with all mod cons and just 10 mins from the beach (it says here) and declare it nothing less than ‘a triumph’! Bright and breezy, elegantly understated and with a cascade of fruity flourishes that can’t fail to please the eye – but enough of Ms Supple – the house is banging too! Naturally Union members will be most welcome: lisa@designbroker.co.uk

Spencer Hart – Savile Row uber tailors of hegemonising, Galactic force (they have dressed everyone), Spencer Hart are having a sample sale in Notting Hill. Nick Hart has long been a glittering jewel in the Union’s membership crown (even, many years ago, bunging our tragically scruffy leader a suit to get married in – but that’s another story!) and is cutting a wide swathe through the fashion firmament. It won’t last of course, and we recommend Union members get down to Lancaster House, 14-16 St. Marks Road, London W11, before Nick is inevitably reduced to naked beggary. Appointments 07768 333 086, joe@spencerhart.com

Elm Cottage – We have recently stayed ourselves in the Union’s delightful (freehold) cottage in the Cotswolds – and how lovely our little bolt hole is looking. The garden is clean and tidy (now that we have finally filled in the old pond) and the roses are a picture. The old shed is gone too and we now have a wonderfully sunny corner to doze in, between meals, while browning your berries for summer (I say!). Peace and tranquility reigns in this oh so pretty village while quite superb beer and grub are to be had a short half mile away at the ‘New Inn’. Come on missus – treat the old man!

Al Pillay – Comic Strip legend, journeyman performer and all round lovely bloke, Al Pillay, has got a new album out. As to be expected from Al, he’s got together a lively mix of covers, from ‘Putting on the Ritz’, to ‘Space Oddity’ and ‘Both Sides Now’. Apparently Joni herself name checks Al on her website – and who can blame the soppy old hippy warbler! Al is re-locating to LA soon, but hopefully not before a night of song, tears and happiness at the Union. Contact Al Pillay at alpillay.com to get all the latest.

Union upholsterer in residence – Tim Popham – continues to plough his lonely furrow – with throbbing thumbs and a mouthful of tacks – hard up against the bloody coal face of 21st century leather fiddling. Oh yes! Tim has some of the strangest friends and can find cache’s of quality leathers and other cool materials all over the East End. His work is a revelation and we thoroughly recommend him to anyone with a tired old Chesterfield in need of some alpha grade TLC. 07946 013 595 Ask for the Guv’ner!

Thank you for choosing the Union.
www.unionclub.co.uk

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