London
Welcome to the London, UK, Branch of the OMRS.
The branch meets on the last Monday of the month that is not a Bank Holiday, of the odd numbered months plus April and October and we meet in the London premises of Spink, the world famous dealers and auctioneers; 69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 4ET
We start to gather at 18:00 for tea and biscuits and to exchange stories of new research, new purchases, and outrageous medal prices! This leads us nicely into a relaxed 18:30 meeting start time, usually concluding by 20:00. Please note that for security reasons the doors are locked at 18:30. We usually adjourn post meeting for drinks afterwards at ‘The Queen’s Larder’, 1 Queen’s Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 3AR
There is no car parking at Spink’s premises but the area is well served by bus and tube links, the nearest station being Russell Square.
Our programme of speakers and topics for 2024 are as follows:
| January 29th | AGM & Peter Helmore | ‘Second World War BEM’s’ |
| March 25th | Graham Pitchfork | “The Airforce Medal” |
| April 29th | Bob Barltrop | “The fighting Barltrops (and not a Manchester man among them – almost) |
| May 20th | Christopher Mellor-Hill | An African Theme (TBC) |
| July 29th | Members’ Own | All |
| September 30th | Jon Toohey | “The South African Border War – a unique SA special forces gallantry group” |
| October 28th | Robert Wilde-Evans: | “The adventurous life of Lieutenant J.L. White – from the Peninsular War to Windsor Castle” |
| November 25th | Mark Smith | “Hearts of Oak.” |
In addition to our Branch meetings we additionally undertake one or two excursions which in recent years have included: The London Blitz Walk, The Guards Museum, and the Royal Artillery Museum at Woolwich.
If you would like further information about the London Branch of the OMRS, please contact Robert Barltrop, Membership Secretary, via email at: robert.barltrop@btinternet.com.