CEDARS SPORTS TENNIS COURTS RESURFACING
You must be signed in as a member to view this information. Sign In CEDARS SPORTS TENNIS COURTS RESURFACING From Tuesday 24 March Dear Members, We are pleased to inform you that we will be resurfacing courts 4, 5 and 6 (the three nearest the Cedars Sports building) from Tuesday 24 March, with the project scheduled to run for between five and seven weeks depending upon the weather. The timing has been selected so that the work can start once (hopefully!) the weather is drier and so that it can be completed in time for the peak tennis season, allowing members to enjoy maximum court availability during our busiest period. The courts will be upgraded from their current Poraflex (tarmac) surface to match the clay surface already used on courts 1, 2 and 3. Clay-based surfaces are softer and more forgiving than hard courts, providing a more comfortable playing experience. The change will also enable all tennis tournament matches to be played on a consistent surface throughout. This change of surface has been discussed with the Cedars Sports & Racquets Committee and the Committee is very much in favour of moving to clay for all the courts. While the resurfacing is taking place courts 1, 2 and 3 will remain available for regular sessions and classes. We appreciate your patience and support as we carry out these improvements and look forward to welcoming you onto the newly resurfaced courts in time for the summer season. Regards, Daniel PereiraChief Executive & Club Secretary
LADIES’ DAY AND DERBY DAY
You must be signed in as a member to view this information. Sign In LADIES’ DAY AND DERBY DAY Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June 2026 Ladies’ Day and Derby Day will be taking place at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June respectively. Although we are unable to host the usual Derby festivities at Woodcote Park due to the clubhouse refurbishment, we are pleased to announce a range of alternative arrangements so that you can still celebrate with your guests at the Club. The normal clubhouse dress code will apply throughout. Fountain Brasserie Lunch and Cream Tea Available on Ladies’ Day and Derby Day Enjoy a glass of Club Champagne on arrival followed by a delicious four-course lunch and then a cream tea in the Fountain Brasserie. Take in the thrilling racing action on the TV screens and enjoy your table reservation for the whole of the afternoon: table reservations are from 12.00 noon until the final race of the day (approximately 5.45pm). Price: £110.00 per person, which includes a four-course lunch with a glass of Champagne and a cream tea. Normal dinner service in the Fountain Brasserie will resume from 7.00pm. Bookings for the Fountain Brasserie will open at 10.00am on Tuesday 24 February. For more information or to book, please email the Central Reservations Team or telephone 020 7747 3474 after this time. Fountain Lawn Champagne Pop-Up Available on Ladies’ Day and Derby Day A dedicated Champagne Pop-Up Bar will be serving a selection of chilled cuvées, perfect for toasting the occasion in style. For those wishing to place a bet, a Tote betting stand will also be available on the Fountain Lawn, offering a convenient way to take part in the excitement of the races. There are no bookings for this, just turn up on the day. The Lounge Derby Afternoon Tea Available on Ladies’ Day and Derby Day Indulge in a sumptuous Derby Afternoon Tea, perfectly complemented by a glass of Club Champagne, as you watch the live action from the racecourse in the comfort of the Lounge. Price: £65.00 per person, which includes Derby Afternoon Tea with a glass of Club Champagne. Bookings for the Lounge will open at 10.00am on Tuesday 24 February. For more information or to book, please email the Central Reservations Team or telephone 020 7747 3474 after this time. Car Parking Car parks at Woodcote Park will be available to members as usual. The Captain’s Drive Parking Available on Derby Day only The top of the Captain’s Drive will be transformed into a lively hub for race-day celebrations. Gather your family and friends and settle in for a fun-filled day. Feel free to bring your own picnic and garden games to enjoy on the lawns. Throughout the day, there will be a barbecue, a bouncy castle for the children, an ice cream bicycle and a retail buggy serving Pimms, wine, Champagne and soft drinks. Altogether, it promises to be a wonderful day out for the whole family. Price: £30.00 per car, which includes a parking permit for the Captain’s Drive. Please note, food and drinks can be purchased on the day and are not included in the price. Parking at the top of the Captain’s Drive is by permit only. Bookings for the Captain’s Drive Parking for Derby Day 2026 will open at 10.00am on Tuesday 21 April via the Events section on the Club website. Please note: Members are not permitted to drive onto the Captain’s Drive from Langley Vale Road. Access to the Captain’s Drive Parking Permit Area will be through the main clubhouse gates and up the Captain’s Drive. Cars are parked at your own risk and must not be left overnight. Club Classic Picnic Hamper Available on Derby Day only For Derby Day, pre-order one of our Club Classic Picnic Hampers to enjoy in the Club grounds. Alternatively, you can take your picnic away to a location of your choice. Price: £90.00 for two people. Picnic hampers can be pre-ordered from 10.00am on Saturday 30 May. To place your order, please contact the Stirling’s Team at stirlingsreservations@royalautomobileclub.co.uk after this time. A collection time will be arranged with a member of the Stirling’s Team. Picnic hampers will need to be returned to the Lounge by 9.00pm that evening where a member of the team will be able to check if the basket is complete. Please note that an extra charge of up to £60.00 will apply if the basket is damaged or if items are missing. Epsom Racecourse Booking Discounts Admission Tickets Royal Automobile Club members can enjoy a 10% discount when booking QEII Stand general admission tickets for Ladies’ Day or Derby Day, directly via the Jockey Club’s website. To redeem your discount, please visit the Jockey Club website and use the following codes at the checkout: Ladies Day, Friday 5 June (Normal price: £135.00| Discounted price: £121.50) – use code RACLD26 Derby Day, Saturday 6 June (Normal price: £149.00 | Discounted price: £134.10) – use code RACDD26 This offer is available now and will remain valid until Thursday 30 April 2026. Terms and conditions apply and is subject to availability. We hope you will take advantage of this special opportunity. Hospitality Package at Epsom Racecourse Royal Automobile Club members can enjoy up to 20% off hospitality packages on Ladies’ Day and Derby Day. To book a hospitality package, please email Jamie Rossi at The Jockey Club or telephone 01372 477 747. This offer is available now and will remain valid until Thursday 30 April 2026. Jamie will talk you through the various hospitality options available. For general admission tickets to the racecourse, please visit thejockeyclub.co.uk. FURTHER INFORMATON ABOUT WOODCOTE PARK ON DERBY WEEKEND Golf Both courses will be open as usual on Ladies’ Day. Due to car parking and picnic arrangements for Derby Day, there will be some slight changes to the Old Course on Saturday 6 June: the 7th hole
PALL MALL SPORTS DROP-IN SESSIONS
PALL MALL SPORTS DROP-IN SESSIONS Throughout 2026, the Pall Mall Resident Manager and the Pall Mall Sports Manager will be holding quarterly drop-in sessions for members to discuss any feedback or suggestions they have related to Pall Mall Sports. There is no need to pre-book, just turn up on the day. The next sessions will be held on Thursday 21 May, at 10.00-11.00am and 6.00-7.00pm, in the Simms Business Centre. Further sessions are scheduled for Thursday 24 September and Thursday 26 November – the details of which will be announced nearer to the time.
WOODCOTE PARK CLUBHOUSE – JANUARY TO JUNE 2026
WOODCOTE PARK CLUBHOUSE – JANUARY TO JUNE 2026 LATEST NEWS Noisy work is taking place at various times during daytime hours, which is affecting the clubhouse Lounge. The Pavilion Lounge is open, with drinks and light refreshments available. A major refurbishment of the clubhouse at Woodcote Park is taking place throughout the first half of 2026, which will result in a range of improvements. These include a completely new arrival area and fully refurbished bedrooms. Most of Woodcote Park continues to operate as normal. We have also constructed a temporary building – the ‘Pavilion’ – to provide alternative lounge and event facilities. Further updates on progress and information about any changes to the arrangements described below will be provided on this page and in The Club Wire. The work The Work A number of improvements are being implemented at the same time, as they are all linked together in one way or another. This means that much of the clubhouse is closed until the end of June 2026. All the bedrooms are being refurbished, with air conditioning installed throughout and sound insulation improvements in the rooms overlooking the car park and at the rear of the clubhouse. An extension is being constructed on the side of the clubhouse to provide a new entrance and larger reception area, which will be more practical and of a standard befitting the Club. The main kitchen, located in the heart of the ground floor, is being refurbished with new equipment which will be more practical, reliable and efficient. The clubhouse car park is being relandscaped, also to provide a smarter and more welcoming arrival to the clubhouse. This includes moving the delivery area away from the clubhouse to the far end of the car park by the administration block. The Hurricane Bar is being extended and refurbished, but very much in the same character as it is now. This is possible because of the relocation of the existing reception and back office to the new extension. Extensive behind-the-scenes upgrades are also taking place in utilities such as water, electrics and heating. Finally, repairs are being undertaken to the external fabric of the clubhouse including the brickwork, stonework, windows and roof. What is closed? What is closed? The following areas are closed until the end of June: the clubhouse car park the main clubhouse entrance the clubhouse reception area, ground floor cloakroom (including the cash machine) and WCs everything on the first floor and above of the clubhouse (including the bedrooms, snooker room, syndicate room and first floor banqueting rooms) the Hurricane Bar Stirling’s restaurant and bar. What is open? What is open? Other areas of Woodcote Park All other areas of Woodcote Park are operating completely as normal including: Cedars Sports the Walled Garden the 19th Hole the Spike Bar and terrace all golf facilities the Club Shop (although access will be via the lower floor only) the Junior Club Room. Within the clubhouse The Fountain Brasserie is operating as normal, providing a full menu and with no change in opening hours. This will include the Fountain Terrace when the summer starts. Please note, however, that the square alcove area at the rear of the restaurant is not available as it will be used for other purposes during the project. The Lounge remains open except when the refurbishment work is too noisy or causing other disruption. This is only likely to be on weekdays and, if possible, members will be advised via this section of the website if the Lounge is going to be closed. Snacks and refreshments are available but with a reduced menu. The Cedar Room is available for planned activities, meetings and events, including some private events arranged by members. Catering options are limited until the replacement main kitchen opens in April, when the normal full food and beverage range will become available again. Please look out for special dining events which will be announced in The Club Wire. Sunday Lunch in the Cedar Room continues to be available (from Sunday 18 January) but with a slightly reduced number of places. The Pavilion A temporary 500 sq m pavilion has been constructed on the Cedar Lawn, adjacent to the Cedar Room, and will be available throughout the project. It is connected to the clubhouse via a short, covered walkway to the clubhouse’s Cedar Lawn entrance. The main area is the ‘Pavilion Lounge’. Comfortably furnished, it is open from 8.00am to 11.00pm, seven days a week. Newspapers, bridge tables and a menu of drinks and light refreshments are available. The Pavilion building also includes a room for members to work in (to replace the syndicate room in the clubhouse) and storage for the Activity Groups’ equipment. There is heating and air conditioning throughout the Pavilion to control the temperature. WCs and cloakrrom WCs and Cloakroom The Pavilion includes high quality, fully plumbed-in and accessible WCs. These are available from 8.00am to 11.00pm, seven days a week. The WCs in the Fountain Brasserie are available as normal. Rails for coats are available in the Pavilion. Reception and post box Reception and Post Box A temporary reception desk is located in the clubhouse Lounge. If you have any queries or need any assistance, please ask a member of the reception team. The post box which is usually by the clubhouse reception desk is temporarily located inside the ground floor entrance to Golf Reception. Post may be put into the box or handed to the team at Golf Reception. Activities Activities The Activity Groups’ programmes are continuing with very little change. Most activities will take place in the Cedar Room, including Chess and Bridge, Book Club meetings and Photography, Film, Choir, Gardening & Nature and Golf events. Further details are available on the Club website (in the ‘Activity Groups’ area) and will be provided in Activity Group information emails. A snooker table is temporarily located in Stirling’s. Events Events The Club events programme at Woodcote Park has been reduced during the first half of
PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP OF THE CLUB CONCOURS
PALL MALL SPORTS AREA REFURBISHMENT
Pall Mall Sports Area Refurbishment Dear Member, PALL MALL SPORTS AREA REFURBISHMENT As promised, I am writing to update you on the refurbishment of the Pall Mall sports area, which was scheduled to take place this year but has had to be postponed until 2026. Firstly, I am pleased to be able to confirm that that the Club has now received the listed building consent which was required before any work could start on site. If you would like to see the detailed plans which have been approved they are available on the Westminster City Council planning portal (reference 25-01371-LBC) The project will now take place next summer and early autumn, which is the quietest part of the year for these facilities and for matches and competitions. We will, as previously announced, be arranging a range of alternative facilities for members while those in Pall Mall are closed. We will be able to confirm the exact dates for the work and the detail of the alternative arrangements later this year and we will of course keep the website fully up to date. We have carefully considered whether any of the work could be undertaken in advance of the main project. Unfortunately there is very little which can be done without the widespread and prolonged closure of facilities, which we are keen to avoid given the closure taking place next year. However, I would like you to note the following: As is usual each summer, the Turkish Baths will be closed for two weeks for maintenance – this year from Monday 18 August until Sunday 31 August inclusive. We will use this period to complete as much work as possible. For three weeks from Monday 18 August the treatment rooms and exercise studio will be closed to enable some of the behind-the-scenes work to be undertaken. Treatments and classes will still be available throughout this period, although they will take place in Pall Mall bedrooms and banqueting rooms respectively. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to address the concerns some members have raised again recently about the impact on the Frigidarium. To clarify, the size, shape and décor of the central open area of the Frigidarium will not be affected, other than some historically appropriate redecoration. The number of cots will be reduced – but only by two. This will be as a result of the cots on the right hand side as you enter the Frigidarium being reorientated to allow the neighbouring changing room to be extended. I am very much looking forward to seeing the Pall Mall sports area restored to the condition it deserves, as I am sure you are also, to the benefit of the thousands of members who use it each year. Daniel PereiraChief Executive & Club Secretary
REFURBISHMENT OF THE WOODCOTE PARK CLUBHOUSE
CLUB CONCOURS 2025
Club Concours 2025 Over 200 of the world’s finest road and track cars were showcased, spanning pioneering models to modern-day supercars and Formula 1 legends. The inaugural Royal Automobile Club Concours, held on Wednesday 9 July, has been widely celebrated as a resounding success and a welcome addition to the Club’s prestigious motoring event portfolio. This portfolio also includes London Motor Week, the St James’s Motoring Spectacle on Pall Mall, the Club’s Historic Awards and the world-famous RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Set against a backdrop of glorious summer sunshine, this brand new motoring event took place in the stunning grounds of the Club’s historic Woodcote Park estate, adjacent to Epsom Downs in Surrey. In a first for the Club, members of select car clubs were invited to the picturesque parkland estate, enjoying a truly wonderful garden party atmosphere alongside Club members. With gleaming paintwork and shining chrome under clear blue skies, the elegant new festival was officially opened by Club Chairman Duncan Wiltshire and event hosts Amanda Stretton and Will Smith. The centrepiece of the event was the prestigious Club Concours, accompanied by six stunning Feature Displays, the dazzling RM Sotheby’s Supercar Boulevard, and the eclectic Lockton Members’ Paddock – a spectacular motor show treasure trove in its own right. The Club Concours featured seven distinctive classes: Grand Tourers, Riviera, Coachbuilder’s Art, Limousines, Mille Miglia, Pioneers, and Motorcycles. A panel of expert judges – including five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell MBE, esteemed car designer Peter Stevens, and beloved television presenter and classic car enthusiast Alan Titchmarsh CBE – selected winners for each category, as well as the highly coveted Best in Show. The top honour was awarded in front of the imposing Clubhouse to a unique 1927 Bentley 3-litre Boat-Tail Speed Model, owned by the Jaques family. Adorned with its exquisite Martin Walter body, the car is well known to the Royal Automobile Club, having previously taken joint first prize in the Restoration category at the Club’s Historic Awards last year. “I’m absolutely delighted with the jury’s decision,” said Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Judges. “This is a stunning example of 1920s coachbuilding, when owners would purchase a chassis, engine and gearbox, and then choose a body style. Bentleys of the era are usually associated with Le Mans, yet this boat-tail body – complete with ensign flying at the stern and sculpted wings – is very different. “The car also carries a powerful family story: it underwent nearly a decade of restoration, during which time its owner Chris Jacques passed away. His son has seen the project through to completion. I’m sure Chris is looking down on us all today, smiling.” Other notable winners included the iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom V once owned by John Lennon, Carl Fogarty’s 2000 Ducati 996 F00 Superbike, and the extraordinary 1936 Packard Twelve by LeBaron – featured in The Godfather movies. A full list of winners appears below. Several Feature Displays paid tribute to the Club’s key contributions to motoring and motorsport history. In 1900 – 125 years ago – the Club organised the 1000 Mile Trial, a pioneering event traversing the UK. This allowed early manufacturers to demonstrate their innovations and gave many spectators their first glimpse of motor vehicles. Among those early cars was an 1899 Wolseley 3.5hp Voiturette cherished by the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, proudly shown among the other Victorian and Edwardian vehicles at Woodcote Park. Five years after the ground-breaking 1000 Mile Trial, the Club launched the first Tourist Trophy road race in the Isle of Man. In 1950, it oversaw the first points-scoring Formula 1 World Championship race at Silverstone. Both milestones were honoured with dedicated displays, including the iconic Tourist Trophy and the golden British Grand Prix Trophy – newly engraved with Lando Norris’s name following his stirring win last Sunday. Additional displays celebrated the 75th anniversaries of both British Motoring and BRM. The British Motoring showcase featured exquisite Aston Martins and Jaguars. The BRM tribute included the notorious BRM V16 F1 from the 1950s, Graham Hill OBE’s 1962 title-winning ‘Old Faithful’ BRM P578, and the gas-turbine Rover-BRM that raced at Le Mans in 1965 with Hill and Sir Jackie Stewart OBE. To mark 100 years of the Phantom – the longest-used model name in automotive history – a breath-taking assembly of these illustrious Rolls-Royces was also on display. This included the one-of-a-kind 1928 17EX Phantom prototype, complete with its original boat-tail design. For lovers of modern exotica, the RM Sotheby’s Supercar Boulevard offered a rare chance to admire limited-edition Ferrari Monza SP1, SP2, and Daytona SP3 models – all showcased together in resplendent style. “I could not be prouder of what’s been achieved here at Woodcote Park,” said Club Chairman Duncan Wiltshire as the event concluded. “The fabulous grounds lend themselves perfectly to an occasion like this, and everyone embraced the spirit of the event magnificently. That includes our enthusiastic partners, the groundskeepers, banqueting staff, the owners of these incredible cars, our brilliant judges and, perhaps most of all, the Motoring Committee and team here at Woodcote Park. I thank and congratulate them all.” Royal Automobile Club Concours Winners Grand Tourers: There and BackJudges: Vanessa Marçais & Andrew Hall Winner: 1958 Bristol 406S owned by Gale Barton Riviera: Great Rays of SunshineJudges: Michael Squire & Alan Titchmarsh CBE Winner: 1938 Talbot Lago T15 cabriolet owned by Felix & Toby Ross Mille Miglia: 1000 Miles on the ClockJudges: Katarina Kyvalova & Marc Newson CBE RDI Winner: Ferrari 166 MM/53 Spider owned by Lord Anthony Bamford Coachbuilder’s Art: Handmade PerfectionJudges: Georgina Wood & Derek Bell MBE Winner: 1932 Bentley 8-litre by HJ Mulliner owned by Mihai Negrescu Limousines: The ‘Being Driven’ Big BeastsJudges: Georgina Wood & Derek Bell MBE Winner: Rolls-Royce Phantom V owned by Jody Klein Pioneers: RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran CarsJudges: Allan Winn & Peter Stevens Winner: 1902 Napier D45 Tonneau owned by Clive Boothman Motorcycles: Looks a Pillion DollarsJudges: Maria Costello MBE & Michael Quinn Winner: 2000 Ducati 996 F00 Superbike