Brief History continued

In March 1966, H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh visited New York, in whose honor a reception was held by the Consul-General - attended by BS & UC president Cyril Sanger.

The annual dinner in November 1968 recognized the late Thomas Ward, Sr., a two-term president of the BS & UC and a founder of the BS & UC Foundation. The guest speaker was The Hon. A.G.R. Rouse, British Consul-General (later Sir Anthony).

In 1968 we hosted a Club Tuesday to a group from B.O.A.C. and later in the year the R.A.F. Association of New York - president Norman B. Bentley. And in that year we made a major contribution to a fund to enable Mr. F.A. Jefferson V.C. (Lancashire Fusiliers, WWII) to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace for the holders of this most famous decoration.

In October 1969 the Club hosted to a buffet luncheon at The Williams Club a visiting 'Field Hockey XI from the Bermuda Police, and also entertained the Trinidad Casuals Hockey XI.

In August 1971 H.M.S. Jupiter visited New York (Commander R.A.F. Laughton R.N.), and the Club took 80-tickets to Radio City Music Hall - arrangements being made by Gerard Hacquebard M.B.E. In February 1972 H.M.S. Ark Royal visited New York under the command of Rear Admiral John Treacher R.N., and we secured 250-tickets for Radio City. And in 1974, we provided hospitality upon the visit to New York of HMS Hermes.

For some years, the Club held most enjoyable dinner dances in December at the Sky Garden Roof of The St. Moritz Hotel on Central Park South, until the hotel changed ownership. It is difficult to remember that an evening on December 17, 1971, organized by B. Peter J. Andrews, cost $15.50 with a cash bar!

In July 1974, under the presidency of the late W.C.W. James O.B.E., the Club changed its affiliation from the Williams Club to the Salmagundi Club at 47 Fifth Avenue. The move (strongly opposed by a small number of senior members) was due to the escalating fees of Williams. This was a difficult time for all clubs, but the move to Salmagundi was not a success. Under the presidency of the late John Brebner, the BS & UC returned to Williams in 1977 where all members of the staff (under the direction of Ms Doris Humphries) gave us a great welcome.

For the Annual Dinner in 1984 under the presidency of Clarence Modeste, a message of loyal greetings was sent to Buckingham Palace for the first time in many years. The reply "Please convey sincere thanks of The Queen to the directors and members." For their loyal greetings upon the occasion of their 89th annual dinner was received to much applause. The tradition has been continued.

In October 1984, a questionnaire was mailed to all members regarding the admission of ladies to membership of the Club. Replies indicated strong support for the change. At the A.G.M. held in the Williams Club on June 17, 1985 under the presidency of Clarence Modeste, a motion was presented on behalf of the Board that " . . . Article II of the Constitution be amended . . . that the Club exists for . . . good fellowship among men and women of British education" and was passed with overwhelming approval!

Enid Harper was the first lady member elected to the BS & UC. Today, lady members account for approximately 26% of the total membership.

In 1986 the first Gilbert & Sullivan evening was held in the music salon of the apartment of member Robert Dewar ('78). The productions have been directed by member Murray Nesbitt ('81) to always high professional standards.

In February, a most successful Indian Brunch was held in the Nirvana Restaurant on Central Park South. The event has recently been held in the Jewel of India.

In May 1988 Wilfred Greenway ('80) organized a Day at the Races at Belmont Park. The event has been revived my member Jane Owens ('93), a keen supporter of the Turf.

In January 1989 we celebrated our 10th Bangers & Mash evening! Organized by member Richard Clowes ('64), the evening remains very popular and well attended.

The annual Cricket Match against Staten Island Cricket Club was revived in 1988, and has been held without miss since that year under the leadership of member Clarence Modeste ('68). It is a lovely afternoon with tea and refreshments for all.

For several years a delightful Spring event has been a brunch, hosted by member B. Peter J. Andrews ('63) at the distinguished Knickerbocker Country Club in Tenafly, New Jersey.

Another delightful afternoon has been the Croquet Challenge held at the Victoria Home, Ossining, and hosted by the King Edward VII Chapter of the D.B.E. Arrangements have been made by member Andrew and Jean Waud, regent of King Edward VII Chapter.

The opening event in September has been held for some years in the fine Penthouse at Central Park West and 84th Street of member Marguerite Yates ('87). We have generally had good weather to enjoy the marvelous view of Central Park.

The reception to honor the British Commonwealth is held on or about May 24 and has been held in recent years at the Williams Club, English Speaking Union, Princeton Club, etc. The tradition has been maintained whereby the Consuls-General are invited from the Commonwealth countries.

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