The Chairman, Charles Aldous, welcomed members and guests and announced that, subject to members’ approval, he had asked Jeremy Hill to take on the position of President, which had been vacant since the death of Malcolm Jones. Jeremy Hill was duly appointed.

The President, Jeremy Hill, then introduced Lord Phillips of Sudbury (Andrew Phillips). Lord Phillips opened by saying that he had considered talking about Reforming the House of Lords, but had instead, decided to talk about the Barnadiston family, who had been very influential, in ages past, in this area. His talk was wide ranging and very interesting.