It is our great pleasure to announce that after lengthy and uneasy at times preparations, on the 29th of August 2008, at about 8pm GMT, The Eccentric Club (UK) was officially launched!

The Opening Ceremony and the party were held at Pushkin House in Bloomsbury Square, London, and were attended by more than 40 people, including some well known individuals from various London clubs and organisations who supported the idea of the Eccentric Club re-launch.

Entertaining and moving speeches were made by Lyndon Yorke, a celebrated mechanical follyologist from Marlow, Buckinghamshire, voted in 2002 'The Greatest English Eccentric', and by Henry Hemming, an emerging literary star, the author of 'In Search of the English Eccentric' published in Summer 2008.

Guests were delighted by a most fascinating musical jazz/operatic performance of a witty satirical cabaret 'Kiss & Tell' featuring lyric soprano diva Melinda Hughes and superb jazz piano player Steve Corley.

The party culminated in a joyous toasting celebration followed by a charity raffle, prizes included champagne, works of art, books and films related to the 'eccentric' issues, curious objects and useful gifts.

Best wishes to the organisers' endeavours were received with thanks from HRH Prince Charles of Wales, Their Royal Highnesses Princes William and Henry of Wales, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, Lord Montagu, Lord Bath, Count Nikolai Tolstoy-Miloslavsky, Mayor of London Boris Johnson, actor David Prowse, performer Elton John, writer Peter Underwood, writer Nicholas John Storey of The Retrocentric Club.

The organisers would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the guests of the Launch and those who support the Club's renewal, even though they could not be with us on the evening.

Special thanks go to Jean-Francois Dor, members of The Handlebar Club, The Chap Magazine, John Adrian, Dr Nicola Thomas and The GIN Lady Magazine, Melinda Hughes, Steve Corley, Henry Hemming, Lyndon Yorke, Peter Golding, Julian Gallant, Asya Barskaya, Roger Askew.