Latest News
A Debut Novel
Bren Gosling’s debut novel STREET SWEEPER is published on 28th March by Troubador and is available from Waterstones, Hatchards, T G Jones, Blackwells, Amazon and independent retailers. Info www.brengosling.com.
“Really beautiful and vivid detailing in the storytelling.” – Chris Gribble, Former Head of The National Centre for Writing
London, 2002. When Almir, a twenty-one-year-old Kosovan ex-boy soldier, is relocated to London with a new identity, flashbacks undermine his ability to keep his job as a street sweeper. Then he meets Roland, a forty-year-old British Jamaican, a Council surveyor trying to escape his Pentecostal upbringing, and failed relationship with Shirl with whom he has a fifteen-year-old son.
Roland and Almir become closer as Roland offers first friendship, then sex, yet Almir remains secretive about his past, and struggles to identify as gay, forcing Roland to question their relationship. And who is Muzzafer, the name Almir repeatedly shouts out during frequent nightmares? As tension builds, Almir confronts his involvement in a war atrocity, which threatens to destabilise his sanity and his new UK life.
But, against all these powerful obstacles, Almir and Roland’s love for each other continues to grow. Is it strong enough to last?
Club AGM 2026
SUNDAY 29th MARCH 2026
Timetable of events
3.30pm CLUB OPENS
(Bar not open until 5.30pm)
4pm ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
5.30pm (approx) BAR OPENS
(Food available 5.30pm to 7pm)
7.30pm CABARET
Followed by election results.
10.15pm BAR CLOSES
10.30pm CLUB CLOSES
ELECTION OF CLUB COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2026/27
We have 12 candidates for the ten places on the committee..
Election papers are being sent out to A, B and C members
and must be returned to the club office by 4pm on
Sunday 29th March 2026
(Update) ELECTION RESULTS AS BELOW…
Elected committee for 2026/2027
NICHOLAS ROBINSON, SIMON BASHFORD, CHRISTOPHER HARE, MICHAEL MCMANUS,
PAUL BOYD, PETER BULL, MICHAEL KENNARD, ADRIAN GUMMER, TIM MCARTHUR, LUCY PICKFORD.
Judi, Gyles and our Roy!
Following the wonderful evening at the club with Dame Judi Dench and Giles Brandreth, we have this charming clip of them chatting to long standing club member Roy Pyke.
An upcoming “Rosebud Podcast” is being recorded live at the CAA, see below. To visit the “Rosebud Podcast” page on Instagram please click/tap here.
2nd Annual Garden Party
CAA GARDEN PARTY – THE ACTOR’S CHURCH – SATURDAY 26th JULY 2025
Well over 200 members and their guests attended our second Garden Party and a truly marvellous time was had by all. Hosted by Chairman Nicholas Robinson and Su Pollard, it was Nicholas who masterminded the event and we thank him for his amazing work. The sun mostly shone on the righteous again. Rain did threaten but in the end it didn’t dare fall!
Pets were petted; the Mardi Gras Band brought New Orleans to Covent Garden; Games were played; Our in house choir sang their hearts out under Robert Hazle’s excellent Musical Direction; We were treated to marvellous performances from Katie Milton and a sensational finale from Katy Baker.
Everyone was fed at the BBQ. Thanks to Jo, Graham, Denise and Julian for their culinary expertise. At the end Nicholas thanked the committee; in particular Michael McManus and Si Bashford for their sterling work as Gatekeepers: Paul Boyd for running the raffle and merchandise; Su Pollard for not only supporting the event so enthusiastically but also flogging record amounts of merchandise and raffle tickets. Also Chris Hare for keeping the band and artists running smoothly.
Aside from all the attractions, it was great just to soak up the atmosphere of such a joyous occasion where friends met and laughter and conversation filled the garden. Afterwards many came back to the club to continue the fun. Both bar and hall were full. What a day!


























