The East Devon Luncheon Club thriving in its 38th year

The East Devon Luncheon Club is celebrating its 38th year.

The club, which meets at the Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth, has been a thriving social hub, attracting over 100 members annually.

Simon Card, the chairman, said: "It has been a privilege to serve as chairman of this wonderful club over recent years following in the footsteps of Suzanne and Eric Golding who founded the club nearly 40 years ago.

Simon Card, chairman of the club

"The aim of the club was to be a social and non-political group, they realised there was a need for a club with good speakers and a good lunch.

"The committee has contributed considerably to our success and I thank all of them for their support."

The club, which meets monthly from October to March, has hosted a variety of speakers from fields such as history, theatre, diplomacy, antiques, literature, and music.

A lunch with Lt-Gen Sir Andrew Ridgway KBE, CB, KStJ, DL

Last year, the club had over 100 members, with 70 to 80 attending each lunch.

This year's programme will feature talks on topics including Oman, RAF Exeter, ghostwriters, Exeter and the Empire, and sailing the Atlantic and West Indies.

Speakers will include historian Todd Gray MBE and businessman Tom Griffiths.

The club has previously welcomed speakers such as Hilary Kay, Paul Atterbury, and John Benjamin from the Antiques Roadshow.

Describing the Victoria Hotel as the "perfect venue," Mr Card praised the hotel's "excellent food" and "outstanding service".

The club is set to feature a variety of new guests, as it starts its 38th year

The club is keen to welcome new members of all ages who enjoy good food and interesting company.

Anyone interested in joining can contact membership secretary Diane Birch at kimptonbirch@btinternet.com or call 01395 513285.