Art with the other half

The Other Half Club, a social group for the 'other halves' of actuaries, has had a busy spring. Not only did we hold one of our triannual dinners at Café du Marché, Charterhouse Square, but we have enjoyed visits to Kenwood House, Highgate Cemetery, The Royal School of Needlework and Grange Park Opera.

The guided tour of Kenwood House proved very popular with our members, their friends and partners. The house reopened in 2013, following extensive restoration, and it is worth visiting for its architecture and historic interiors alone. The fact that it is home to an internationally renowned collection of paintings - part of the Iveagh Bequest, plus its setting on Hampstead Heath, make it truly special. A walk across the heath took us to Highgate's West Cemetery. Our private guide explained the history of the cemetery and showed us the famous Egyptian Avenue and Terrace Catacombs. The absolute tranquillity, and overwhelming sense of dilapidation and decay, made for a very atmospheric visit.

Our visit to the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court to see its 'Peacocks and Pomegranates' exhibition was much more colourful and lighthearted. It featured beautiful examples of work from its extensive collection. However, for many of us, the highlight was our visit to the studio, where tutors and students were working on new commissions or carrying out intricate repairs. Their skills were astonishing.

We are now taking bookings for outings arranged for the autumn. A return trip to the Chelsea Physic Garden with a tour of Thomas Carlyle's house and a private tour of Angels Costumes, supplier of costumes for stage and screen, are planned.

We are always keen to welcome new members. If you feel you would like to join us or to find out more, please contact me or Lesley Birse at [email protected]