The Rag’s Showcase
Unlock your Membership
Wednesday 13th October | Pall Mall Room
Something rather special took place in the newly renovated Pall Mall Room last month with the launch of our very first Rag Showcase Event.
Members old and new were invited to “unlock their membership” by the leaders of the club’s special interest groups – the very people who truly are at the club’s beating heart. Representatives from Choir, Pilates, Chess, Shooting, Book Club, Fishing and Wellness transformed the room into a fair, with individually decorated stands that showcased the various groups open to members to join.
Choral Master Calum Fraser, who put together the choir’s virtual rendition of “Carol of the Bells” to lift spirits during lockdown, was delighted to meet new members of his ever-expanding choir in real life for the first time after months of online rehearsals, as well as to sign-up new singers.
Also making the transition from screen to real life were members of the Pilates group. Their instructor, Emily Altneu, hosted a talk on how Pilates techniques can improve posture when working long hours at a desk, and this sparked many conversations with members interested to learn more.
In keeping with the wellness theme, Head of Performance, Gareth Cole, from neighbouring sports club COACH London, gave an insightful talk on health and wellbeing. Located just across the square from the Rag, COACH offers expert coaching in a state-of-the-art gym and specialist classes.
The West London Shooting School – the latest edition to the Club’s reciprocal list – were there in person to share news of the exclusive discounts and special packages available to Rag members keen to enjoy shooting lessons, game days and simulated events at their club in Northolt. Member Richard Munro’s table was the most intriguing of all with piles of books, fishing rods and outdoor gear on show to entice members to join the Book Club and Fly Fishers’ Association, both of which he heads up voluntarily. Collections Manager Amy Plewis sat beside Percy the penguin for the afternoon as she provided insight about our extensive and diverse collection of arts & artefacts. The Chess Club were also pleased to speak to members, many of whom have been inspired to learn how to play following the recent Netflix sensation, “The Queen’s Gambit”.
Following the two talks and an afternoon of introductions, members were invited to continue the conversation over cocktails in the Smoking Room accompanied by live music from pianist Ben Socrates and Chef Hart’s delicious canapés. Toasts were made to all the leaders who supported the club and en-riched members via Zoom during lock-down, and glasses were raised in celebration of being back together in person at the Rag.
All were in agreement that the event should take place on an annual basis, so if you missed the chance to join us this year, we look forward to welcoming you to an even more diverse Rag Showcase in October 2022!
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