NOVEMBER - The final outing of the year in many ways turned out to be the best, with every detail of the planned day working like clockwork. It was an early start and the weather was mild though overcast. The first port of call was the Garrick Club in Garrick Street, the centre of the theatre world. The club founded in memory of David Garrick is for the exclusive use of gentlemen mainly from the entertainment world, and with a membership of 1300, there is a permanent waiting list. Members have to be nominated, but this in no way guarantees acceptance, as the process includes the possibility that applicants could be "black-balled".

The group was conducted round the club by two most interesting and well-informed ladies who spoke of the traditions of the club. Ladies were only permitted as guests of members and there was a strict dress code (gentlemen were expected to wear ties and jackets). Displayed throughout the Club is a collection of works of art representing the history of the theatre. There are over 1000 paintings, drawings and sculptures mostly of actors and actresses in costumes from productions past and present plus, a huge selection of theatrical memorabilia, and prints. A bequest from the estate of club member A. A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh), made it possible for the club to be refurbished and for the paintings on display to be restored to their original condition (every one of which is now remarkable for the brightness of their colours).

After a coffee break the group continued the tour with a visit to the library where the young man in charge had kindly selected some extraordinary posters and letters from the earliest days of the club. These included one from Charles Dickens, resigning from the club (he later rejoined), and bill posters announcing an "entertainment" with elephants, horses, and camels, at the Drury Lane Theatre! It was a better informed group of members who left the Garrick Club.

The next venue was Barnabas House, off Soho Square, which is a charitable refuge for homeless women and has helped more than 300,000 people. The house was built in 1746 and has a fine little chapel for the use of residents. Charles Dickens used the house and gardens as a model for the London lodgings of Dr Manette and Lucy in Tale of Two Cities. There has been some debate about when and how he came to know the house. It might be that he visited the house while the Board of Works occupied it. Another version has him staying there for a while after he broke up with his wife, and that he wrote some of Tale of Two Cities while there. (Report: Brian Leith)