The  London East India Company Walk took place on  7 September  2026 We have been fortunate to be introduced to our guide Lisa Honan, CBE, by BAFUNCS member Shahnaz Lockwood; what’s more the weather was perfect for a wonderful afternoon!  Lisa is a former diplomat who spent her career in international development, one of her roles being Governor of St Helena and hence her having an inextricable link with the East India Company which ruled St Helena for over 200 years.   Shahnaz kindly organised the tour for us.  Quite a large BAFUNCS group met up at The Monument to enjoy the fascinating walk through London’s “square mile” ending a couple of hours later at the Royal Exchange.  We learned about the history of the East India Company, since its inception in London in 1600 as recounted in great detail by Lisa, its development through the spice trade and its links to the role of the powerful British Empire.   We were indeed grateful to enhance our knowledge of British history through Lisa’s brilliant presentation and look forward to a further opportunity to benefit from her other instructive tours. Hannah Shabathai   London Regional Representative  

All Members Welcome!   SOUTH CENTRAL Autumn Lunch will take place at La Parisienne, 21 Bell St, Romsey SO51 8GY. We will meet from 12 noon with lunch served at 12h30 or earlier if everyone is present.  Please contact Claudine Pichon with menu choices by  Friday 2nd October. sclbafuncs@gmail.com CHOICE OF MENU STARTERS [a] Soup of the Day [b] Thin Leek and Cheese Tart served with Salad [c] Avocado with Tuna Flakes MAINS [d] Pan Fried Sea Bass with Champagne Sauce, New Potatoes, Green Beans and Carrots [e] Crispy Leg of Duck with Red Wine Sauce, New Potatoes, Green Beans and Carrots [f] Chicken Breast with Thyme Sauce, New Potatoes, Green Beans and Carrots [g] Pork Chop with Roquefort Sauce, New Potatoes, Green Beans and Carrots PUDDINGS [h] Crème Caramel [i] Lemon Tart [j] Sorbet OR Ice Cream (choice of flavours on the day) ADD: Americano, Espresso, Cappuccino or Tea = £3.50 Two Course = £27.- Three Course = £32 Payment on the day (cash or cheque, please) DEADLINE FOR ORDERS OCTOBER 2nd  PARKING – DON’T FORGET TO PAY & DISPLAY! 3 Newton Lane, Romsey SO51 8GZ (located behind La Parisienne, quite busy, max 4 hour stay). Directions: from the parking, take Love Lane (on the left-hand side when facing Waitrose), at the end turn right on to Alma Road, Romsey SO51 8ED (large car park with easy access to town centre). From there, take Love Lane, left hand side when facing Waitrose, at the end, turn right, walk up to the Corn Exchange, then left on Bell Street.  La Parisienne is some 200 yards on the right-hand side.  

Friends in the South-Central region enjoyed a convivial lunch together at a favourite spot La Parisienne Ramsey on 14 July. We were delighted to welcome members Susan and George Everett who have moved to the region recently. As for others who were not able to attend this time, we look forward to seeing you at our next lunch, due to be held in early October.  Watch this space! Warm Regards Claudine Pichon  

Members from all regions are  invited to join us at the house and beautiful gardens of Anglesey Abbey on Thursday 24 September.   We shall meet around 10.15 am for coffee in the restaurant and proceed at 11.00 am through the gardens via Lode Mill towards the house.  We will gather again at 1.00 for lunch in the restaurant which leaves the afternoon free to wander around other parts of the stunning all-season grounds. Please contact Nicky  Rodgers  at   rodgers.nichola@gmail.com  before 10th September if possible as we need to confirm if this is a group booking for 15  or more. National Trust or RHS members – Free entry Non-Members (15 + in group)       – £18.05 Non-Members   standard price.   – £19 The fascinating history of the house is explained throughout with the beautiful treasures collected and exhibited in the carefully designed rooms by the First Lord Fairhaven. who also developed the gardens to create stunning displays all year round. Bottisham Lode is the stretch of water below the mill, one of a number of lodes that were used as a transport link to the River Cam. Full details of the history and directions can be found on the website. Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill Accessibility- mobility scooters are available if booked at least 24 hours in advance.  You can do this yourself or contact Nicky. There is also a vehicle which drives around to pick up anyone who is tired! How to get there. If you are travelling by train, please tell us if you are planning to go to Cambridge railway station as we may be able to coordinate transport from there. By road:    If traveling via the A14, please take junction 35 and drive through the village of Stow-Cum-Quy towards Lode (on B1102), where you’ll find the entrance gate on your left. Parking:   The car park is free to use for both members and non-members. There are accessible parking spaces, as well as family parking bays. The visitor centre entrance is 50 yards from the car park. 12 EV charging points are now available. See “Facilities” on the website for more information. Drivers will require their own cables to charge. Sat Nav:   CB25 9EJ Please note that the postcode may not be accepted by some older models of Sat Nav. If you are unsure, it may be safer to enter ‘Lode’ into the Sat Nav, rather than CB25 9EJ if possible. By train:   The nearest train station is Cambridge (7.1 miles) or Newmarket (8.9 miles) and transport via taxi can be arranged. Please let one of the team at the Abbey know if you need to call a taxi to return to the train station. Or plan your car-free visit at Good Journey.