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Welcome to the February edition of our newsletter which is full of useful information for our members. Thank you all for your wonderful support, and I very much look forward to seeing you all at our future events.

Sue Hughes, Chairman, FOSKD

Forthcoming social events

Drinks in the Copperfield Bar of the Dickens Inn

On Monday 3rd February please join us for drinks from 6.30pm in the Copperfield Bar of the Dickens Inn which is on the ground floor to the right of the main bar. This is a great opportunity to invite other friends and neighbours who you think might be interested in joining our group. We now have 250 members who are enjoying the benefits of being part of our thriving community!

Early morning tour of the Palace of Westminster

On Monday 24th March we will have an early morning tour of the Palace of Westminster as guests of Jim Fitzpatrick MP. Our previous visit was oversubscribed as only 20 guests are allowed on each visit. Those who applied for places on that occasion, but were unsuccessful, will be given priority if they would like to join the group in March. Booking details will be emailed to members in early February.

Other events currently being planned by your Committee

A day at the Brooklands Museum for a private "De Luxe Concorde Experience"

The day will start with a reception in the Members Bar and lunch in the Blue Bird Room hosted by former Concorde Chief Pilot Mike Bannister. There will be time to visit the Museum with its extensive display of historic vehicles and aircraft - see www.brooklandsmuseum.com.

Return visit to The Royal Foundation of St Katharines in Limehouse

We hope to have a return visit to The Royal Foundation of St Katharines in Limehouse where last summer we enjoyed a fascinating tour with the Master, Mark Aitken (now a FOSKD member!). Some of our members were unable to make the date last time so we will let you know as soon as the date is fixed - hopefully the sun will shine again and we can look forward to a glass or two of Pimms!

Other events to look forward to

A visit to Tower Bridge for a "behind the scenes" tour is also being planned, so there is much to look forward to in our forthcoming calendar of events. In addition to our own events, in July St Katharine Docks will welcome back the Clipper Race for the exciting finish of this epic round the world yacht race. The estimated arrival date for the boats is currently 14th July, but we will keep you posted as we hear more. September sees the return of the ever popular Classic Boat Rally as part of the Thames Festival on the weekend of the 13th & 14th and for those who really like to plan ahead the date of the FOSKD Christmas Dinner this year is Monday 1st December at the Guoman Tower Hotel! Last year members enjoyed a delicious meal in the company of our invited guests Cdr Nick Chatwin OBE, Head of Special Projects for The Royal Navy and Cdr Eugene Morgan, Commanding Officer of the RNR at HMS President. During the evening £295 was raised for the Tower Hamlets Foodbank Appeal.

News

Cheapside Hoard visit

The visit to the Cheapside Hoard at the Museum of London in January was enjoyed by some 44 members of FOSKD who were treated to a fascinating talk by Assistant Curator of the Hoard, and Archaeologist Jackie Keiley. This set the scene wonderfully for viewing the priceless exhibition of some 500 pieces of jewellery and gem stones. The exhibition is on at the Museum until 27th April after which it is likely that the Hoard will go on a world tour - do not miss it whilst it is on your doorstep!

BRAVAS Tapas Bar

Other news from around the Dock includes the much anticipated opening of the BRAVAS Tapas Bar in Ivory House. Owner Bal Thind, who previously operated the Riverside Café on the site anticipates his new venture will be "open shortly" for business.

Commodity Quay building works

The building works at Commodity Quay are due to complete at the end of March at which point celebrity Chef Tom Aitken will begin the fit out of "Tom's Kitchen" in one of the two designated restaurant units on the ground floor of the building.

Network Wapping planning decision

We were informed by Tower Hamlets Council Planning Officer, Peter Farnham that the decision on whether or not to designate Network Wapping as a Neighbourhood Planning Forum was deferred at the Cabinet meeting on the 8th January until the 5th February. So we still await the final decision in this long running saga!

Gallery opens

ARTOPIA a new Art Gallery www.artopialondon.com is opening on Friday 31st January in Ivory House.

Owners Kieron & Eloise cordially invite you to a private view from 6-10pm. The inaugural exhibition features work by graduates of Falmouth University.

Concessions

Café Rouge have increased the discount they give to members, with effect from 1st February it will be 30% off food only.

St Katharine Docks Café in Ivory House (next to John Harding Hairdressers) now give members 10% off the total bill.

Contact us

Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact us at contactus@foskd.org