You are cordially invited to join us at our main event of the year in the historic surroundings of Bryanston School, just outside Blandford Forum. This year we will be returning to the Sanger Building and Lecture Theatre.

We will have a short (15 minutes) AGM followed by an address by Rear Admiral Roy Clare CBE DL HonDLitt on the life of Admiral Robert FitzRoy (1805–1865). After an aperitif we will enjoy a three course lunch (with wine) prepared to the very high standards of Bryanston’s kitchens and served in the splendour of one of the staterooms of Bryanston House.

Admiral Robert FitzRoy (1805–1865) was a pioneering British naval officer, meteorologist, and hydrographer. He commanded HMS Beagle during the famous 1831 to 1836 expedition, which notably carried the young Charles Darwin. 

Admiral Clare was born in London and joined the Royal Navy as a Junior Seaman. He served at sea on the lower deck before entering Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. He passed out as a Sub Lieutenant in 1972, winning that year’s Queen’s Sword.

Menu options:

Starters

• Isle of Wight heritage tomato, winter truffle, bocconcini, Parma ham crisp and basil gel
• Apple, parsnip and coastal cheddar soup, crispy leeks and winter truffle cream

Main course

• Herb-crumbed halibut with roasted caraway and cauliflower purée, wilted spinach, baby carrots, lemon and red onion potato cake, and a hive butter sauce
• Slow roasted beetroot and haricot bean galette, with a pan seared autumnal vegetable tart

Dessert

• Baked apple crumble cheesecake with clotted cream ice cream
• Fruit salad

Coffee and petit fours to follow