 | ||
The Tedder Club is a secretive private gentlemen's club based in Surrey, United Kingdom. Formerly known as the Sommerton Club, it was established in 1562 by Lord Burghley, and renamed after Marshal of the Royal Air Force Arthur William Tedder, 1st Baron Tedder, GCB (pictured) upon his death in 1967.
Due to the discreet nature of the Club, very little is known about its members, although there are reportedly around 100 at present, a number of whom are military personnel serving in HM Armed Forces. New members must be invited to join by the committee, and this happens annually in the month of May. The selection criteria are reported to be tough and stringent, and allegedly involve the testing of a candidate's physical and mental aptitude, as well as an assessment of their values and character.
All available members of the Club meet three times per year for a formal dinner, which is usually held in a private room at one of the Royal residences. Previous events have been held at Leeds Castle, Hampton Court Palace and Sunninghill Park. The Club currently has no permanent premises, although records indicate that there was a clubhouse in Cairo, Egypt. Further details can be found at The National Archives at Kew and the BBC Archives.
Besides the three annual dinners, members of the Club meet regularly for social events, sports matches and military parades. The Club is a strong supporter of many charities, most notably Help for Heroes.