The history of the St James Lunch Club
The St James’ Ladies Luncheon Club was founded in 1985 in the small village of St James under the hill south of Shaftesbury, the oldest part of the town. It began when a group of bridge players met informally in each other’s homes for companionship and conversation away from the card table. It grew by word of mouth and since its inception has welcomed several hundred members, not just bridge players but artists, writers, women with professional lives, carers, gardeners, craftswomen, services personnel, golfers and tennis players and many more from different walks of life.
Who we are today
Women with lots of experience, lots of opinions, lots of fun and lots of laughter.
We are a friendly, supportive women’s social club who appreciate the opportunity to come together over a good lunch, meet people with interesting life experiences and make new lasting friendships. We offer members companionship and mutual support in an enjoyable and stimulating environment.
How our club works
The St James Lunch Club, as we are known today, is run by an enthusiastic committee whose membership and roles change in rotation. They are responsible for planning and arranging events and visits, the AGM in November, our Christmas celebration and approving applications for membership.
Members use the members’area of this website to book for lunches, choose their menu from two options and check payments details. They can also see details of speakers, events and outings and the list of members.
If you are interested in finding out more about Club please go to our membership page
What we do
We meet for lunch on the second Wednesday of each month throughout the year, except for during the summertime, at a restaurant or pub with a private room, conveniently located in our catchment area so that it is convenient for members to access and park. We meet at 12.15pm for a two-course light lunch at 12.45pm with a speaker to follow. We allow time for questions and finish at 3.00pm.
We have a varied and interesting range of speakers, topical and informative but invariably entertaining too. For 2024 we look forward to hearing about subjects including the Mary Rose, the Houses of Fonthill and Asian Adventures. Favourite past talks have included a fabulous stunt performer, the driving force behind The National Memorial Aboretum and The Birth of The International Cheese Fair.
In June we organise a Club outing to a place of interest and invite family and friends. Past outings have included a trip with lunch on a narrow boat on the Kennet and Avon canal, visits to outstanding historic houses and gardens and a cruise down the Thames.
In July we don our posh frocks for a grand summer lunch party at a different venue each year carefully chosen by our Events Secretary for its attractive setting and delicious food.
‘I really value the new friends that I have made since I joined the Club.‘