The summer holidays are definitely behind us now and the last month has seen a huge amount of activity for the team and our collaborators. There is energy and optimism in the air but a big to-do list as well. With this spirit in mind, Leanne Tritton and I went to visit the Society’s president, the Duke of Gloucester, at Kensington Palace so that we could update him on our recent activities and plans for the future. He was keen to understand the ways in which we explain the workings of London to our members and non-members alike. 

I am very proud of everything that has been achieved recently. Since the start of September, we have explored the upcoming development at Earls Court with an onsite panel discussion; taken an old Routemaster bus around Barking and Dagenham; examined the impact of life sciences on key areas in London; talked about the new public realm that will be brought about thanks to the Tideway tunnel project; and launched the fourth episode of our popular podcast series, London Explained! Congratulations to Dave Hill and Andrew McGibbon for this last herculean effort with the podcast (more of a Radio 4-style programme really). A huge amount of work goes into each of these shows and it was a real joy to walk around Clerkenwell, Holborn and Tottenham Court Road while listening to the history and future of the Central District Alliance. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to praise our former programme manager, Rowena Ellims, who is on her way back to New Zealand. She has supported the charity for years and I’m sure that many of those reading this letter will have received multiple emails and updates from her while she ran our events and answered your queries. While this departure is sad, we can also welcome Jennifer Adler-Potts to the team. Jenny brings a huge wealth of experience with her and we’re excited to see how this impacts the future development of the Society and its rich array of walks, tours and talks. 

And finally, the submissions for Love Letters to London have started arriving but there is still plenty of time ahead of the deadline on 20^th December. Please pass on this writing prize to any budding writers you might know, no matter their age or background.