15^th April 2006 – House of Commons Dinner

Click here for a gallery of pictures form the House of Commons Dinner

The Palace of Westminster was the setting for Richard’s most recent function as members of his Blue Chip Club and guests were entertained to a tour and dinner within this spectacular building in the centre of London. There can be few places of such innate history and beauty to spend an Easter Saturday evening and everybody in attendance was suitably thrilled and impressed.

Entering through the security controls in place at Stephen’s Gate an initial drinks reception provided outstanding views across the River Thames. Joined by David Amess, the Member of Parliament for Richard’s home constituency of Southend West, fifty guests were then treated to a full tour of the Houses of Commons and Lords where David brought to life the fixtures of our parliamentary procedures. This included the specific seats and locations from where some famous speeches and decisions have been taken.

Beyond the Houses of Commons and Lords are the ceremonial rooms used at the State Opening of Parliament - the Queen's Robing Room and the Royal Gallery. Once again we were able to view the rooms and to see where the Queen, and past Monarchs, would have prepared themselves before entering the House of Lords to present their speech.

Before the State Opening, the cellars of the Palace of Westminster are to this day searched by the Yeomen of the Guard - a precaution dating back to the Gunpowder Plot of November 1605, a date still treasured and ‘celebrated’ by Tablers!!

David Amess proved an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide as he regaled us with stories of past and present Parliamentary activities. The refurbishment of Westminster Hall (Medieval Hall), which is the original site of Government in Westminster dating back to 1097 and houses the world’s largest Hammerbeam Roof did not detract from the visit. In fact to be able to see the work being done to maintain and renovate such an awesome part of our history was most pleasing.