Friday, July 25, 7.00-9.00 p.m.

The Third US Alumni Summer Reception

Savile Club, 69 Brook Street, London W1

nearest underground station: Bond Street

The past 2 years' summer reception at the Savile Club were such successes that we're repeating the event. The Ballroom at the Savile Club provides a very special elegant atmosphere for socializing and networking.

The Savile is a Club like no other. This was the deliberate intention of the founders, in 1868, who sought to escape from the oppressive atmosphere of the traditional Victorian clubs. It was established first as the Eclectic Club but in 1871 the members chose the name Savile as they made a move to 15 Savile Row. Nobody has suggested changing the name since. In November 1927 the Club moved to 69 Brook Street for more space to suit the aspirations of an increasing membership. The Club motto "Sodalitas Convivium" was adopted to underline the essential guideline to the style and atmosphere; that of conviviality where the principle of the "long table" was paramount. The Savile has no political affiliations and is a social club in every way. The membership embraces all professions today; it is much more a question of "what kind of person" is a prospective member rather than "what he is or does". Despite this the Club remains largely "artistic" with many authors, scriptwriters, musicians, journalists, actors, television producers and scientists forming the backbone of the membership. Former members included Sir Charles Darwin, Lord Rutherford, Robert Louis Stevenson, Thomas Hardy, H.G. Wells, Rudyard Kipling, W.B. Yeats, A.A. Milne, Henry James, C.P. Snow, Sir Edward Elgar, and Sir William Walton.

The reception will be held in the Ballroom with its imperial staircase unusually conceived as a single majestic sweep of space, uniting the ground and first floors. It was adorned with a lighthearted manifestation of the Louis XVI style, which had become so popular in the 1880's. The room floods with daylight from tall windows at both ends and at night the venerable chandeliers glitter in the profusion of mirrors. Such was the impact of this extravagant room on the Savilians of the 1920's that it was immediately painted brown in an attempt to render it more masculine. It was gloriously restored in blue and white gold by eminent architect member, Dennis Lennon.

Cost: £29 per person to include hors d'oeuvres and wine through the evening.

Dress code: Smart; men must wear jackets and ties.

To book, send your payment (cheque or postal money order) payable to "Cornell Club of London" to: Cornell Club - Events, 4 Fountain Mews, London N5 2QH. Sorry, but we cannot handle credit card payments or direct electronic payments at this time. Include your name, address, phone, email address, name of guest(s), and US alumni club affiliation. Your booking will be acknowledged by email and tickets will be sent out at the end of June.

Deadline for booking: July 18. Payment must be received by that date. It will be a tickets-only affair, and no tickets will be available at the door. Refunds will be made if cancellations are notified by July 21; after that, we shall try to arrange for a refund if we can find a replacement from the waiting list. Further information from Natalie (nmt4@cornell.edu).

Co-hosted by The Cornell Club of London and The Brown Club of the UK