We have been fortunate to arrange a very special evening visit to Chequers the official second home of the British Prime Minister.

Chequers, the 16th century house near Wendover in Buckinghamshire, has been the official second home of the serving prime minister for more than 100 years. Apart from the prime ministerial link, Chequers is an important house in its own right. Built originally about 1565 the house has had interesting historical connections, including with Lady Jane Grey’s sister and Oliver Cromwell’s grandson. It was altered in the gothic style by Henry Rhodes in C19 but then restored to its Elizabethan origins by Reginald Blomfield and John Birch in the 1890s, with further interior work by Blomfield in 1911-12. The last private owners, Lord and Lady Lee of Fareham, gave the house to the nation under the Chequers Act of 1917. There are fine contents.

Guests should arrive at 4.30 pm.  It will be necessary to clear security before our visit can formally commence at 5.00 pm, when we will tour the house and gardens.  The tours will be followed at 7.00 pm by drinks either in the Great Hall or on the South Terrace.  This will be followed by a 3-course dinner in the Dining Room with English wines.  The dress code for the evening will be Black Tie.  Members should note that the house is not fully accessible.  Wheelchair access is available on the ground floor and ramps can be provided at the front door and the door into the garden.  However, access cannot be provided to the first floor where part of the house tour will take place.

An on line booking form is available at the bottom of this page.  Numbers are limited, so priority will be given to IWFS members.  If you wish to bring a non-member guest please let us know by email when booking, and we will confirm availability and invite you to make a booking for them as soon as possible.

Security:

You will not be surprised to know that the security requirements are very strict, and everyone will require security clearance.  Electronic devices: phones, cameras, tablets and smart watches, are not permitted on site. Personal details for all attendees must be submitted by 16^th May and they will be required to bring their passport or UK Driver’s Licence with them on the night.  A form to record their details will be sent to all attendees at the email address registered when booking.    Please return it to s.shepherd@ntlworld.com as soon as possible and not later than 16^th May.

Hotels:

For those wishing to stay overnight, The Red Lion in Wendover has been recommended.  It is part of the Bel and The Dragon group.  Their website has caused problems for some members, so we strongly suggest that you either book by phone on +44 1296 622266 or via booking.com.  If they are full, the Premier Inn at Tring and the Holiday Inn at Aylesbury are within a reasonable taxi ride.

Travel and transport:

There is a good rail service between London Marylebone and Wendover, and we expect to end our evening at Chequers in time for you to catch the 9.57 pm train.  We are planning to run a mini bus from Wendover station and from The Red Lion at an additional cost of £30.00 per person for the return journey.  Please register for this option when booking, if you wish to reserve a place on the bus.

Those arriving at Chequers in their own pre-registered car will be directed to a car park which is two minutes walk from the house.   However, those arriving by taxi will have to be dropped and picked up at the entrance which is approximately a quarter of a mile from the house.

Organiser: Stephanie Shepherd 01276 65900   s.shepherd@ntlworld.com