Saturday 12 October 1996

 The Nesbitt/Nisbet Society's London gathering was a great success. 40 people turned up, a third existing members, and two-thirds non-members who had seen our advertisments. The Naval and Military Club (better known as the "In & Out" from its imposing gateposts) made an excellent setting. We had the use of three rooms on the main floor, overlooking Piccadilly and Green Park.

As evening drew in, the gas flambeaux on the front wall were lit and made a fine sight. We heard five short talks: Peter Nisbet on the Society's activities; Mark Nesbitt on the history of the family; Ray Rolinson on N/N artists; Mrs Margaret Haswell on her historical novel "Maria", about the Dean branch of the Nisbets in South Carolina, and Nicholas Reed on the newly formed Edith Nesbit Society. This aims to promote the work and reputation of E. Nesbit, a well-known Edwardian writer of children's books (the Railway Children) and much else. Over tea and eclairs much family information was browsed and exchanged.

In the short AGM, we heard that next year's gathering will be in Dumfries (Southwest Scotland), 31 May-1 June 1997. This will be part of a giant (10,000 people) "Roots" fair, which will feature numerous clan tents, massed pipe-bands and much else. It should be good!

After the AGM and drinks, 15 of us stayed for a candlelit dinner in the club. Naturally, as the port arrived, we toasted "Nesbitts and Nisbets, past, present and future". Many thanks are due to all those who helped organise this rather special afternoon and evening, especially the club staff.

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