Another one bites the dust

While the passing of my mother signified the end of an era, news reached us today that Shell are looking to offload their conference centre and members club at The Lensbury in Teddington.

This facility has been like a second London home to me and my friends and family for nigh on 35 years and it would be the end of another era if it where to be passed over to a faceless hotel chain or fitness club. It is an interesting combination of facilities. There are conference rooms, hotel rooms, treatment rooms and dining rooms as well as a health club, spa and numerous children oriented spaces.

There are two rugby pitches, a dozen tennis courts, squash courts and sailing facilities as well as a serious weights room, a gym and two swimming pools. It does not fit easily into any organisations portfolio so one can see why Shell are looking to offload it.

We have used it as our base for rugby weekends ever since we sold Silver Crescent, and even before that we would always take the children whenever we could. It was 50p per day per child, and we are still only paying £20 a month for membership.

I await developments with interest but fear the worst for this little home from home we have made such good use of for all those years.