Reform, Reform!

This morning, in connection with my day job, I visited the Reform Club in London's Pall Mall. Currently shrouded in scaffolding, the interior of the club is a wonder to behold: the art decorating the walls is exquisite, the architecture and furniture, a tribute to the visual creativity and ambition of the Victorians.

Opened in 1841, membership was originally restricted to those who pledged support to the Great Reform Act of 1832. There is a small but fascinating permanent exhibition about the various reform acts which were the focus of member's efforts a century and a half ago. The Reform Club was the first of London's clubs to admit female members in 1981. The club has a long history and supporting progessive causes and also reflecting changes in wider society.

As we lunched in the - slightly less plush - buffet dining room I was struck by the profile of the membership today. The Club is no longer aligned to any political party (membership of the Liberal Party used to be a pre-condition of admission) but it apparently attracts civil servants from the nearby Treasury, whereas their collegues from the Foreign Office generally patronise the Traveller's Club.

Looking aroud the dining room, it was difficut to imagine the Reform Club any longer providing a debating forum for progressive ideals or social reform. Perhaps, in the minds of today's members, enough has already been achieved. I'd like to imagine, however, that as the struggle for social justice continues, some of those who spend their time in the hallowed room of the Reform Club might follow the example of their forebears and join the struggle. Many of these people have considerable power: if change is to come, they will have an important role to play.