Programme
Chester is one of England’s beautiful historic cities on the border of Wales and England. Its origins can be traced back to the founding of the Roman fortress of Dewa in 70AD.After the Romans Chester developed into a busy port with trade from Dublin. But when the river Dee silted up trade declined and the city's development was frozen. The city possesses the most complete circuit of Roman, Saxon and Medieval city walls in Britain and today is a major tourist attraction and shopping location.
| Thursday 11 September | ||
| All | ||
| pm evening |
Check into Chester Grosvenor & Spa Drinks reception and networking buffet supper, Westminster Suite, Grosvenor Hotel |
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| Friday 12 September | ||
| Members | Partners | |
| am | Meeting in Belgrave Suite, Chester Grosvenor Followed by journey to Liverpool by coach |
Lady Lever Gallery & Port Sunlight Village - A coach tour of this Victorian listed village built by William Lever for his factory workers. Followed by a visit to the Lady Lever Art Gallery which houses an exquisite exhibition of British watercolours and drawings. Or Tate Liverpool  A guided tour of one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London, housed in a converted warehouse, which is part of Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock. |
| lunch | Light lunch at the restaurant ‘60 Hope Street’ in Liverpool’s Creative Quarter | |
| pm | Liverpool One - starts with a talk around the model of Liverpool One, followed by a walk around Phase 1, opening end May, and Phase 2 opening end of September (primarily for members although partners welcome) Or 
Liverpool City Tour - A coach tour taking in the World Heritage sites, Chinese Quarter, sites associated with the Beatles and lots of fun and traditional sculpture.Or Cathedral Walking Tour Walk down the Georgian Rodney Street before visiting the Anglican Liverpool Cathedral, then up Hope Street to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Private cruise on the world famous Ferry across the Mersey from Liverpool Pier to Woodend before travelling back to Chester by coach. |
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| dinner | Dinner at Eaton Hall, the country seat of the 6th Duke of Westminster. – The Family has been at Eaton since the 15th Century, and the evening will begin with a short tour of the private Chapel and History room, followed by drinks in the Long Room and, weather permitting, dinner in the courtyard. | |
| Saturday 13 September | ||
| Members | Partners | |
| am | Meeting in Belgrave Suite, Chester Grosvenor  |
Chester Grosvenor Museum including a talk by the Keeper of Art and Architecture at the Museum. The Museum is famous for an internationally important collection of Roman Stones but also has collections of Art, Silver, Social & Natural History. Or Chester Cathedral - Originally a Saxon Minster, then rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey, the Cathedral houses one of the most complete Medieval monastic complexes in the country. The tour also includes a tour of the library and private chapel. |
| lunch | A short riverboat trip to the Red House Restaurant for lunch |
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| pm |  Guided Tour of Historic Chester The tour includes the main highlights of historic Chester including the unique two-tiered shopping galleries ‘The Rows’, the city walls, the beautiful River Dee and the Roman Amphitheatre.Or Chester Rows The Rows are two-tiered shopping galleries dating from the Middle Ages that help give the City its distinctive and unrivalled image. The tour takes you closer to the unique rows, walking in and out of the shops from the cellars to the upper floor - unearthing their hidden heritage. Or Secret Chester Discover the Chester not usually open to the public, including Bonewaldesthorne's Tower and the Water Tower on the City Walls, as well as the Agricola Tower at Chester Castle which dates from the Norman invasion of Britain. |
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| dinner | Gala dinner at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel, prepared by Michelin Star Chef Simon Radley | |
| Sunday 14 September | ||
| Members | Partners | |
| am | Governors’ Meeting AGM |
Boodles Jewellery: One of the very few British family companies to compete in the premier league of fine jewellery. Diamonds will be available to try on, followed by an informative talk on gems and their care. Michelin Star Chef Food Demo by Simon Radley followed by a talk and tasting from Peter Papprill, the Cheese Detective. Peter shot to fame when he appeared on Gary Rhode’s cookery programme. |
| lunch | Lunch at the Chester Grosvenor & Spa, Aldford Room | |
| pm |  Depart at leisure or an exclusive tour of Arley Hall Gardens by Viscount Ashbrook and family as well as an historical tour of the Arley Estate finishing with a traditional tea in Arley Hall dining room. |
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The programme and booking form below can be downloaded here.