SOF Essex Lunch – 11 May 2026

Simon Dougherty (G60-67) writes : Essex Suppers have not taken place for a number of years.  I sought views about these previously popular events last year and many OFs kindly responded with their thoughts.  Over 50% of those were in support of a lunch option, so we have decided to try this out!

An SOF Essex Lunch will be held in a private room at Colchester Officers’ Club on Monday 11 May 2026 and you are most welcome to attend.

Colchester Officers’ Club is the last surviving Officer’s Club in the UK, founded in 1887.  Although membership was originally restricted to serving Army Officers and their families, the privilege of membership was gradually extended to civilians who eventually became the majority.  In 2001, the Army relinquished control of the Club and in July 2010 the club members purchased the freehold site. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards the clubhouse was destroyed by fire.  The Club has since been rebuilt and reopened its doors in July 2013 almost three years to the day after the fire.  (https://www.cgoclub.co.uk/about/history/).

Colchester Officers’ Club, Londinium Road, Colchester CO2 7NU is located in the City Centre and is a 7-minute walk from Colchester Town station (it is a 10-minute drive or 33-minute walk from Colchester North Station – the mainline station).  Car Parking is available on site and, as the Abbey Gate access is closed to vehicles, it is suggested that you follow the directions given here: https://www.cgoclub.co.uk/find-us/.

We will gather from noon in the bar and lunch will be served in a private room at 12.45pm; partners will be most welcome.  The meal from a set menu will cost £26.50p for 2 courses and £32 for 3 courses (this includes a 10% tip).  Tea or Coffee to follow will be an additional £1. Drinks will be a personal expense.

Please select from the following menu choices.

STARTER

• Tomato Soup served with Crusty Bread (V)
• Classic Prawn Cocktail with Bread and Butter
• Paprika and Garlic Chicken Skewers on a bed of Salad and Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce (GF)

MAIN COURSE

• Lemon and herb Crusted Salmon Filled with Roasted New Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and Beurre Blanc Sauce
• Braised Beef Shin on Creamy Mash Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables
• Mushroom Stroganoff served with Rice (V)

PUDDING COURSE

• Chocolate and Honeycomb Cheesecake with Milk Chocolate Drizzle
• Fresh Berry Eton Mess
• Baileys Bread and Butter Pudding

Please respond to essexsupper@oldframlinghamian.com with the following details:

• Your name, House and Years at FC, Starter Choice, Main Choice, Pudding Choice, and allergies or dietary requirements.
• If applicable, your partner’s name, Starter Choice, Main Choice, Pudding Choice, and allergies or dietary requirements.

Please pay £26.50 per person for 2 courses or £32 per person for 3 courses (plus £1 per person if coffee or tea are required after the meal) to the Society of Old Framlinghamians  Sort Code 40-25-31 Account Number 72346451 Reference EL and SURNAME or pay on Debit/Credit Card via STRIPE or pay using the QR CODE.  Please confirm in your email that you have made the appropriate payment.

I very much look forward to seeing you on 11 May at Colchester Officers’ Club.