History - The Anchor Society

Anchor Society History (1769-2019)

2019

Jan 01

250th Anniversary

This year (2019) The Anchor Society celebrates its 250th anniversary. During this time we have been supporting and raising funds for the local community. We were delighted that the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol Mrs Peaches Golding OBE was able to be part of our celebrations (Pictured with our 250th President Dr Ros Kennedy)

2018

Oct 04

Innovation

In recent years through a generous bequest from Joyce Needham Cooper (pictured right)the Anchor society has been able to develop beyond the yearly collection to become an innovator and supporter of Innovative projects. Key to the success in recent years has been a dedicated group of trustees and supporters who have committed time and energy to developing the Anchor Society to what it is today.

1969

Nov 08

200th Anniversary

In 1969, the 200th anniversary of the first dinner, when the President of the Society was His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, the dinner, a memorable occasion, was held at Badminton House. The dinner is an opportunity to hear from a speaker prominent in his or her field. The President gives an account of the current activities of the Society. Over many years the Society has been graced with the presence of many leading personalities including Roy Jenkins Director of Public Prosecutions, Bishops and many other leaders of industry and commerce.

1959

Oct 29

Winston Churchill Response

Winston Churchill’s response to a reminder of the 50th anniversary of the Dinner.

1943

Nov 12

Blackout

In 1943 the dinner was held at lunchtime to avoid the difficulties of the blackout.

1917

Oct 22

1917 Annual Dinner

In 1917 the annual dinner was held in the President’s house when the strictures of the day allowed only past Presidents to attend.

1909

Jan 04

Winston Churchill Dinner

The dinners of the pre-World War I era were very political affairs, attended by Cabinet ministers, and The Anchor Society tended towards the Whig or Liberal interest; in 1909 Winston Churchill, then President of the Board of Trade, was the guest of honour. The after dinner speeches were regarded as being significant public statements. The menu for the 1909 Dinner held in Colston Hall, including a toast to The Liberal Party and a toast to the President proposed by Winston Churchill.

1769

Dec 05

Presidents badge

Jan 04

Beginnings

The Anchor Society was formed in 1769 when it held a dinner at the Three Tuns, a tavern on the site of the present Corn Exchange in the centre of the medieval quarter of Bristol when 22 members were present. At this dinner the President, Gilbert Davies, took up a collection to benefit the poor and elderly in Bristol. Since then there is anunbroken record of Presidents’ annual appointments and personal collections. In 1769, the first Anchor Society President, Gilbert Davies has raised £12 which is over £2000 today.