It seems entirely appropriate that the Society marks the fortieth anniversary of John Betjeman’s death with a wreath laying service in Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey, a building so much loved and revered by him. Indeed his own Memorial Service was held there in 1984 and then there was the unveiling of the cartouche in Poet’s Corner in 1996 commemorating Betjeman. The Service will be conducted by the Abbey clergy who will also lay a wreath at the base of the column bearing his cartouche.

Afterwards from 7-9pm there will be wine and canapés at The Athenaeum Club. The Clubhouse is located at 107 Pall Mall, at the corner of Waterloo Place. It was designed by Club member Decimus Burton in 1830 in the Neoclassical style. A gilded statue of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, looks out from a front balcony as the Club’s spirit and guide.

Our meeting will be held in the North Library, one of several meeting rooms that evoke the atmosphere of a London Club. Betjeman was a member himself until resigning over what he thought was inappropriate redecoration of the Coffee Room.

The cost will be £25 and bookings should be made by one of the following methods detailed at the bottom of this page.

If you intend to go to the Service only please email events@betjemansociety.com or write to Betjeman Society Events, 38 Lapsley Drive, Banbury, OX16 1EW. There is no charge for this but the Abbey authorities need an idea of numbers for seating and security. The Abbey issued tickets last time so we need to ensure we can follow the protocol they choose.

***Reception at The Athenaeum now fully booked; places still available for the Westminster Abbey service***