Annual Socials

The Annual Socials

Attendance at our London annual reunions have been on the decline for several years. For that reason, for 2023 we decided to trial a northern and a southern social (Lancaster and Winchester) to see if there was an appetite for such events away from London. The answer was a clear no, so we will not be repeating the socials. Instead via the use of Contrail, e-mailings, and the new website we want to support our branch-based events so that they are advertised more widely.

Despite best planning, sometimes things go wrong and the Southern social in Winchester was one of them.

We would like to apologise for the catering provided, this was not what was arranged and couldn’t be fixed on the day.

Between the venue and the RSA we are refunding all the £20 buffet costs and Matthew will arrange for the refund to be made directly to your bank account. If Matthew doesn't have your bank details then could you please provide your account number and sort code to Matthew at treasurer@caa-rsa.org.uk for your refund.

On the positive side, it was great to catch up with old friends.

North Venue - Lancaster

Thursday 5th October 2023

Unfortunately, the northern event was cancelled.

South Venue - Winchester

Thursday 26th October 2023

The King Alfred, 11 Saxon Road, Winchester, SO23 7DJ

Past Social

After an enforced 2 year Covid break, we were pleased to have arranged this popular get-together at a new venue: The Swan.

The Swan, London

The Swan is a historic London pub that actually dates back several centuries. Records trace The Swan back to 1721 - the first date written in the licensed victualler's register - but it's widely believed to have been an inn for much longer.

A traditional coaching inn, The Swan is reputed to have been the final drinking place for the victims of the Gibbet at Tyburn Gallows - now known as Marble Arch. Notorious highwayman Claude Duval, active on the London to Uxbridge road, is also alleged to have had his final drink in our pub before being hanged at Tyburn in 1670.

Indeed, it has been suggested that the terms “one for the road” and “on the wagon” were first coined here under such circumstances. The local jailer would often draw up with the prisoner’s cage outside and request “one for the road” - a final beer for the prisoner. After the horses had pulled them away, men at the bar would say, ”he's on the wagon” - alluding to the fact that the prisoner would never drink again…