Welcome!

This is the journal of the London Members of the TSE. It carries details of events in and around London - and much more!
It is currently in test format; it will be launched in December 2011.

Forthcoming Events


Upcoming Events at 50 Gloucester Place W1U 8EA

Three events on Sunday 16 October
2 pm THE HEALING GIFTS OF ANGELS.

Chrissie Astell
Chrissie Astell
Those of us who are aware of angels know of the healing joy their presence brings. Anchoring the Light of the angelic vibrational energies means honouring the Divine Masculine/Feminine balance of the Heavenly order, and working through issues of forgiveness, prejudice and judgement. You can learn the different energies of the great Archangels and be available to act as a conduit, in service to the higher good. Angels are amongst us now in greater numbers than ever before and urge us to engage with them for healing ourselves and the whole planet in readiness for what lies ahead. Let’s embrace the challenge and get ready for the next whirlwind of change

The life-changing vision of an angel in 1998 inspired nurse Chrissie Astell to pursue a career of personal and spiritual development. She is now an experienced spiritual facilitator and author of several angel books.

£15, £10 concessions, £7 members of the Theosophical Society.. Arranged by the Theosophical Society in England.



4.45pm THEOSOPHY: HIGHWAY TO SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Introductory Course on the Ageless Wisdom, with Edward Archer

Sunday afternoons 18 September – 4 December, 4.45 – 5.45 pm

An informal session in which the basic teachings of the Divine Wisdom are explored and discussed. Everybody on this planet is in the Great School of Life - of spiritual development. Over the weeks we shall look at the great hidden truths which make sense of our lives and which gives them purpose. This is a basic grounding in The Eternal Mysteries, and it has absolutely no strings attached! The book The Key To Theosophy is recommended for newcomers.

Leader: Edward Archer, who has been a member of the Theosophical Society in England for 35 years.
Free admission. Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies.

6 pm OUT-OF-BODY EXPERIENCES: 25 YEARS OF EXPLORATION

Graham Nicholls
Graham Nicholls PortraitIn this talk Graham Nicholls will introduce one of the most startling experiences available to us, the out-of-body experience or OBE. He will explain how through the OBE we can directly connect with the deepest spiritual levels of peace and interconnectedness. He will also explain the scientific experiments and research he has done that have redefined his understanding of the nature of reality. Graham Nicholls is an author with nearly 25 years of personal out-of-body exploration and research experience. Over the last 15 years he has developed unique environments and techniques especially designed to induce altered states and OBEs in people with no previous knowledge or skill in the area.

£7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Consciousness & the Quantum World

London Programme of Events:
September to December 2011
50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA

SUNDAYS (courses, lectures & workshops)
All  6 pm lectures can be ordered after the event on CD or audio cassette from Barry Thompson –
books@theosoc.org.uk or 020 7563 9816

Please note: the opinions of the speakers do not necessarily represent the views of the Foundation for Theosophical Studies nor the Theosophical Society

Sunday 18 September, 2 pm

THE TRIPLE MEANS TO ENLIGHTENMENT.

Swami Yogeshwarananda Giri

Swami Yogeshwarananda states that there is a threefold process to attain Enlightenment. This seminar explores the
nature of enlightenment and outlines the three factors which come about upon attaining it. Each factor has a corresponding discipline. The Swami will explain what they are and outline the threefold process which, when sincerely adhered to with diligence and attention, will bring about the state of Enlightenment. Swami Yogeshwarananda opens out the treasury of ancient wisdom, giving us access to the knowledge therein.  He skilfully brings to light the Truth that sets us free, and shows the WAY to the liberated state. Swami Yogeshwarananda has been living the contemplative life of a hermit monk for the past 45 years, often in caves in the Himalayan mountains.  He shares the ancient teachings transmitted in the successive line of teachers in the mystic tradition of India.   £15, £10 concessions, £7 members of the Theosophical Society.. Arranged by the Theosophical Society in England.

Sunday 18 September, 6 pm

THE MYSTICAL TEACHINGS OF MEISTER ECKHART.

Swami Yogeshwarananda
Meister Eckhart’s sermons contain the essence of spiritual living and show the ‘Way to God in Practice’. They are a treasure house of spiritual knowledge which opens out the mystic content of the Bible. Swamiji claims that Eckhart's sermons were written mystically and that there is a ‘Mystic Key of Understanding’ Once you know how to use ‘the Key" it becomes clear that what Eckhart is saying in his sermons is a guide to understanding the 4 Gospels which are a perfect way to Enlightenment when also read mystically.

£7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies.

Sunday 25 September, 6 pm.

SHINTO AND THE WEB OF LIFE

Aidan Rankin

Shinto is the primal, indigenous wisdom of the Japanese people. However it draws on universal spiritual motifs and has a special relevance to today’s urban, technological societies. At the heart of Shinto is the concept of Kami, expressed exoterically through a multitude of deities and elemental forces. The esoteric meaning of Kami, however, is the ultimate source of all energy, connecting all beings and all aspects of the universe in a Web of Life. This talk will show how the Way of Kami can help one to connect better with Nature, both around you and within one, and develop a more inclusive view of the Self. Aidan Rankin has studied Shinto thought and practice at the Japanese Dutch Shinzen Foundation, Amsterdam and his new book, Shinto: A Celebration of Life is the result of this work. He has a PhD from the London School of Economics and is also author of Many-Sided Wisdom and The Jain Path: Ancient Wisdom for the West.

£7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Sunday 2 October, 6 pm

ALCHEMY AND OCCULT CHEMISTRY.

David Harvey

This talk explores the mechanisms of Alchemy with reference to physics - both conventional and fringe - and the graphical ‘shapes’ of atoms as revealed in Occult Chemistry. It also considers the underpinning philosophy and ‘the Fire’, and concludes that only spiritual ‘initiates’ are able to focus and wield the Fire that can transmute metals. David Harvey has been a member of the Theosophical Society for 45 years. He is a former National Treasurer of the TS in England and has been President of Bristol theosophical branch. He is a national lecturer of the Society and features regularly on the annual Summer School programme of the Foundation for Theosophical Studies.

£7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Sunday 9 October, 6 pm

AGNI YOGA & SHAMBHALA: THE MYSTICAL WORLD OF HELENA ROERICH.

Robert Kitto

Helena Roerich was a remarkable Russian writer, thinker and scientist . . . and the inspiration of her legendary husband - the painter and humanist Nicholas Roerich. Together they developed a system of living ethics known as Agni Yoga, which is based on Theosophy, and the writings of Helena Blavatsky. Their speculation about mystical Shambhala, Maitreya, and an occult hierarchy are ideas that resonate with many of today’s spiritually minded.

Robert Kitto, a former Information Analyst, has studied western esotericism for over twenty years; particularly the writings of H. P. Blavatsky, and Carl Jung. He is a former president of Torbay Lodge, and is a trustee of the Blavatsky Trust.

£7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Sunday 16 October, 2 pm

THE HEALING GIFTS OF ANGELS.

Chrissie Astell

Those of us who are aware of angels know of the healing joy their presence brings. Anchoring the Light of the angelic vibrational energies means honouring the Divine Masculine/Feminine balance of the Heavenly order, and working through issues of forgiveness, prejudice and judgement. You can learn the different energies of the great Archangels and be available to act as a conduit, in service to the higher good. Angels are amongst us now in greater numbers than ever before and urge us to engage with them for healing ourselves and the whole planet in readiness for what lies ahead. Let’s embrace the challenge and get ready for the next whirlwind of change

The life-changing vision of an angel in 1998 inspired nurse Chrissie Astell to pursue a career of personal and spiritual development. She is now an experienced spiritual facilitator and author of several angel books.

£15, £10 concessions, £7 members of the Theosophical Society.. Arranged by the Theosophical Society in England.

Sunday 16 October, 6 pm

OUT-OF-BODY EXPERIENCES: 25 YEARS OF EXPLORATION.

Graham Nicholls
In this talk Graham Nicholls will introduce one of the most startling experiences available to us, the out-of-body experience or OBE. He will explain how through the OBE we can directly connect with the deepest spiritual levels of peace and interconnectedness. He will also explain the scientific experiments and research he has done that have redefined his understanding of the nature of reality. Graham Nicholls is an author with nearly 25 years of personal out-of-body exploration and research experience. Over the last 15 years he has developed unique environments and techniques especially designed to induce altered states and OBEs in people with no previous knowledge or skill in the area.

£7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Sunday 23 October 6 pm (to 8 pm)

THE HEALING VOICE.

Jill Purce

This experiential lecture - including chant, mantra and overtone chanting -will explore how sound and the voice have been understood and used in different traditions not only as a description of cosmic creation and resonance but as one of the most effective ways to balance the mind and body and ultimately achieve enlightenment. The voice was used to re-enchant , which literally means to make magical through chant. Jill demonstrates how we can empower our lives by using our voice to release a uniquely powerful energy which can be used for physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual healing. By freeing the voice in certain ways it is possible to find physical health and emotional joy and spiritual ecstasy. Jill Purce, international lecturer and author, pioneered the international sound healing movement through her discovery of ancient vocal techniques, the power of group chant and the spiritual potential of the voice as a magical instrument for healing and meditation.

£8, £6 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Sunday 30 October, 2 pm

SACRED SITES, DOWSING & THE EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD: THE PINEAL CONNECTION. Serena Roney-Dougal

Recent research into the pineal gland has revealed a fascinating link between physical processes in the brain and our hormones, our sensitivity to magnetic field change and our psychic awareness. It has been found that the pineal gland makes a neuromodulator called ‘pinoline’ which is chemically almost identical to the active ingredients in Ayahuasca, an hallucinogenic brew traditionally used by Amazonian peoples to induce psychic experiences. Further, the pineal gland is extremely sensitive to the earth’s magnetic field, and this could well be a link between the psychic and magnetic aspect of dowsing at sacred sites. During the afternoon we will discuss this research and practice some dowsing techniques suitable for use both in the field and using maps for the energy aspect of sacred sites. Serena Roney-Dougal is one of the first to gain a PhD in parapsychology. For more than 30 years she has studied scientific, magical and spiritual aspects of the psyche and for a number of years has been a visiting lecturer at the Bihar Yoga Bharati in India. She is author of a number of books, including Where Science and Magic Meet and the Faery Faith.

£15, £10 concessions, £7 members of the Theosophical Society.. Arranged by the Theosophical Society in England.

30 October, 6 pm

THE HOLOGRAPHIC UNIVERSE: THE LINK BETWEEN BUDDHISM & QUANTUM PHYSICS. Serena Roney-Dougal

The essence of a hologram is that the whole is contained in every part. Thus a holographic universe is one in which the universe can be found in a grain of sand – everything is interconnected, or interdependent as Buddhists say. Modern science is beginning to express many ancient Buddhist concepts in a new language, which has enormous implications for our whole world-view and way of life.

£7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

6 November, 6 pm

ASTROLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ON 2012 AND BEYOND.

Paul Barker

The world is experiencing turbulent political and geological times, and we are witnessing unusual planetary alignments. The talk will briefly review Vedic, Greek and Mayan cycles of time that have affected humanity. Conjunctions and oppositions of the chronocrator planets Saturn and Jupiter will be discussed with implications for possible developments in 2012 and 2013. Dr Paul Barker is the President of the Leeds Theosophical Society. He has been studying spiritual numerology and vedic astrology for over ten years. He is a student on the Jaimini Scholar Programme, which is a five centuries old lineage of esoteric vedic knowledge.

£7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Sunday 13 November, 2 pm

MEDITATION & THE ENERGY BODY.

Kay Baxter 

In this workshop we will explore meditation and the movement of energy that surrounds the physical body. These practices enable us to slow down and connect to ourselves in a deeper and more meaningful way. They are helpful for all those who are interested in working on personal growth and development. Over time these practices encourage an unfolding of greater awareness, sensitivity and self-knowledge. Kay has been involved in meditation and energy work for many years, especially, with the healer and teacher Hilmar Schohauer. She works with both individuals and groups, teaching and sharing her understanding of yoga, meditation, awareness and life management.  

£15, £10 concessions, £7 members of the Theosophical Society.. Arranged by the Theosophical Society in England.

Sunday 13 November, 6 pm

TOWARDS A SUPER PARADIGM.

Patrick Dixon

This talk explores the future living relationship between the deepest dissecting outer approach to knowledge and the highest inner, integrating method - the one being more associated with the West, the other with the East. Only out of these and other influences can the germination of the Super-Paradigm begin. The material world’s concept of the present has the same relationship to the Super-Paradigm, as an acorn has to a fully grown oak tree. Patrick Dixon is a highly talented writer and actor – who has recently given a one man performance of Milton’s Paradise Lost. A free-thinking soul, he sees theatre as a vehicle for nurturing new perspectives on the human quest for self-knowledge.

£7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Sunday 20 November, 6 pm

BROTHERHOOD AS A LIVING REALITY IN DAILY LIFE.

Wayne Gatfield

There is much talk nowadays about ‘Brotherhood; but it is mainly of a political or social nature. True Brotherhood arises from Soul Solidarity and the dissolving of the sense of Separateness that keeps us apart from our fellow human beings. Spiritual ideas of Brotherhood are based upon the essential Oneness of ALL living things and the fact that not a thought or action can be done without affecting others. This talk looks at ways we can try to activate True Brotherhood in our day to day lives. Wayne Gatfield is President of Bolton Lodge and the editor of the North Western Federation Journal of the Theosophical Society in England. He is a national lecturer for the Foundation for Theosophical Studies and contributes articles and poetry for the Theosophist and other publications.

£7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Sunday 27 November, 6 pm

MUSIC & CONSCIOUSNESS: 'WINGS TO THE MIND’.

Karen Ralls

What is the connection between music and sound and the ancient belief that sound can serve as a powerful catalyst for the alteration of human consciousness? Why did many early civilisations value certain musical intervals, specific rhythms, places, and acoustic properties? What have modern scientists and medical experts discovered about the effects of sound and music? This talk explores the history of sound in the ancient world, the healing powers of music, geometry and proportion and the connection with historical places like early megalithic sites and temples, and Rosslyn Chapel. It also examines current scientific and medical research into the power and effects of music and sound. Dr Karen Ralls is an Oxford-based historian and musicologist, and author of Music and the Celtic Otherworld and The Templars and the Grail.

 £7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Sunday 4 December, 6 pm

THE PRESENCE OF THE PAST: MORPHIC RESONANCE & MEMORY BEYOND THE BRAIN. Rupert Sheldrake

According to the hypothesis of morphic resonance, there is an inherent memory in nature, and the ‘laws of nature’ are more like habits. All human beings draw upon a collective human memory, and in turn contribute to it. Even individual memory depends on morphic resonance rather than on physical memory traces. Rupert Sheldrake will discuss some of the many implications of this hypothesis. Rupert Sheldrake, Ph.D. is a biologist and author of more than 80 scientific papers and several books, including The Presence of the Past. He was a Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge and Research Fellow of the Royal Society. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the Institute of Noetic Sciences in California .

 £7, £5 concessions. Arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies

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Introductory Course on the Ageless Wisdom: 4.45 – 5.45 pm
Sunday afternoons with Edward Archer

THEOSOPHY: HIGHWAY TO SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

18 September – 4 December

An informal session in which the basic teachings of the Divine Wisdom are explored and discussed. Everybody on this planet is in the Great School of Life - of spiritual development. Over the weeks we shall look at the great hidden truths which make sense of our lives and which gives them purpose. This is a basic grounding in The Eternal Mysteries, and it has absolutely no strings attached! The book The Key To Theosophy is recommended for newcomers.

Leader: Edward Archer, who has been a member of the Theosophical Society in England for 35 years. Free admission. Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

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WEEKNIGHT COURSE

THE SECRET DOCTRINE

TUESDAYS 7.00 – 8.30 pm.

4 October – 13 December

Leader: Victor Hangya

In the midst of today’s materialism and the ruins of old religions join us in our ‘mining’ of the perennial wisdom. Our sourcebook is the Secret Doctrine, which claims ‘logical coherence and consistency’ and should be treated as a ‘working hypothesis’. The SD sheds light on some of life’s greatest mysteries.

Leader: Victor Hangya has been exploring the Ageless Wisdom for more than 20 years. Arranged by The Foundation for Theosophical Studies. Free admission.

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WEEKNIGHT THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY MEETINGS

CARL JUNG - THE RED BOOK Study Group

MONDAYS 7.00 – 9.00 pm.

5, 19 September; 3, 17, 31 October; 14, 28 November; 12 December

Carl Jung considered The Red Book to be his most important work. However only a handful of people had ever seen it before its first publication in 2009. This study group systematically read and discusses The Red Book – a truly numinous spiritual magnum opus of gnostic wisdom.

Leader: George Wood is a former teacher of Religious Education who has regularly led courses on Gnostic Christianity. Admission: £5, £4 concessions


ISIS UNVEILED Study & Discussion Group

MONDAYS 7.00 – 9.00 pm.

12, 26 September; 10, 24 October; 7, 21 November; 5, 19 December

Isis Unveiled, published in 1877, is H.P.Blavatsky's first major work on Theosophy, examining religion and science in the light of Western and Oriental ancient wisdom and occult and spiritualistic phenomena. This study group will systematically read and discuss Isis Unveiled - a key text for all those who are seeking spiritual knowledge. Leader: George Wood

(co-director of Gnostic Centre of T.S.)

Admission: No charge – donations welcomed

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Dhyana Centre of The Theosophical Society

THE JOY OF MEDITATION 

Tuesdays 7 - 9 pm:

26 July – 6 September, 13 September – 25 October; 1 November – 13 December

Sunday Intensives 11 am - 4 pm: 14 August, 2 October, 20 November

The Dhyana Centre holds regular introductory courses for beginners on weekdays, dovetailing with weekend intensives that cover the same ground in a truncated form. Courses teach the theory and practice of meditation as a spiritual discipline.

Leader: Alan Perry. Admission free, donations welcome.

For details of retreats and other events, go to www.dhyanacentre.org or info@dhyanacentre.org .

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Blavatsky Lodge of the Theosophical Society

7.00 pm Thursdays

6 October

THE SACRED LOGOS & THE KABALAH IN ISIS UNVEILED             

Barry Thompson

At a time when issues such as ‘Intelligent Design’ versus ‘Darwinism’ exercises the minds of the chattering classes, tonight’s talk examines the teachings of Esotericism on the inner significance of meaning, order and evolution in the divine economy.                                  .

3 November          

THE DUALITY IN MAN AND THE CALL TO THE HIGHER LIFE

David Cole

The eternal fullness is inviolate, manifesting forth in veritable fulfilment of all creation and creatures. Contemporary man however does not share in this, for he has cut himself off and thus experiences a great nostalgia. It is man's task to repair this breach and return to the unity of the all, which requires an inner revolution - the renewal of consciousness and life, which we would like to approach this evening.                                  

Admission: £4, £3 concessions, £2 members of Blavatsky Lodge

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Gnostic Centre of the Theosophical Society

Wednesdays 7.00 pm

7 September

THE GNOSTIC SACRAMENTS AND THE MYSTERY OF THE BRIDAL CHAMBER

Ron Wallwork


21 September

ALCHEMICAL WEDDING OF SOUL AND SPIRIT

George Wood  


5 October

RUDOLF STEINER’S TEACHINGS ON LIFE AFTER DEATH

Philip Martyn


19 October

SHAKESPEARE AND SELF-KNOWLEDGE (Part Two)

Elizabeth Crofts


2 November

ROSYCROSS AND GNOSIS: PHILOSOPHY AND REALITY OF LIFE

David Cole


16 November

SEEING IN THE DARK (Stage Performance)

Patrick Dixon


30 November

GNOSIS OF THE MATURITY OF THE SOUL

Joseph MacDermott


14 December

CHARACTERS OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS FROM 19TH CENTURY BALLET

Margaret Fleming

Admission: £5, £4 concessions, £3 TS members

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THEOSOPHICAL TEA PARTY

Wednesday 3.00 to 5.30 pm 26 October. Theme: Adyar - Our International HQ

See our elegant Georgian building, including the lending library . . . Meet fellow members, guests and friends  . . . Share your interests (do networking!) and have tea or coffee and cake

There is no entry charge but we would appreciate a donation to the Theosophical Order of Service.

Further information from George McNamara at the above address or by e-mail: george@whatever-will.be
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THEOSOPHICAL GALLERY TOURS:

Tuesdays at 2 pm

Many of London’s Galleries & Museums have meaning from a theosophical perspective.

20th September British Museum. GODS AND GODDESSES OF MANY CULTURES

11th October Natural History Museum. THEOSOPHY, FOSSIL RECORD AND EARLY MAN

15th November – Tate Britain, Millbank. BLAKE AND TURNER – COLOUR AND FORM

6th December  Victoria + Albert Museum. WORLD RELIGIONS

Visits will start from relevant main entrances.

Details from George on 078 8181 3242  or  george@whatever-will.be

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THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT

The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City in 1875 and today has its world headquarters at Adyar, Chennai, India. Its three principal founders were H. P. Blavatsky, a Russian noblewoman, H. S. Olcott, a retired Civil War Colonel, and William Q. Judge, an Irish lawyer.

Membership is open to all accepting the Society’s three declared objects, namely

1. To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour

2. To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science

3. To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in man The annual subscription in the English Section of the Society is £40 (£20 students, pensioners & the unemployed.) Financial hardship shall not be a barrier to membership.

Branches: There are 39 branches belonging to The Theosophical Society in England. Regular meetings are organized at
50 Gloucester Place, by Blavatsky Lodge (alternate Thursdays at 7.00 pm), Dhyana Centre Lodge (Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7.00 pm) and Gnostic Christianity Centre (alternate Wednesdays at 7.00 pm)

Library: We have a large collection of books for loan covering topics such as Theosophy, Astrology, Mythology, Comparative Religion and Western Occultism. Subscriptions from £12; postal lending is available.
Open: Mondays - Thursdays 2.00 - 6.30 pm and on Sundays, 4.00 - 8.30 pm when there is an evening lecture.
Contact the librarian on 020 7563 9816

Bookshop: On the first floor there is a selection of theosophical works by authors such as H. P. Blavatsky, W. Q. Judge, Annie Besant and G. de Purucker. Open Mondays - Thursdays 2.00 - 6.30 pm and on Sundays, 4.00 - 8.30 pm when there is an evening lecture.

Reception: During term time our building opens on Sundays at 4 pm and when there is a workshop doors open at 1.00 pm. We regret that admission for workshops may not be granted after 2.15 pm

Holidays: We close on Thursday 22 December at 7 pm and re-open on Monday 9 January 2012

Cassette Tapes: Sunday evening talks are generally recorded and may be purchased from the Tapes Department. Please note that private recording is not permitted

Location: We are situated on the east side of Gloucester Place between Blandford and Dorset Streets. Baker Street and Marble Arch are the nearest underground train stations.

If you would like to receive future programmes, or information on membership please telephone us on 020 7563 9817.    E-mail: office@theosoc.org.uk  www.theosoc.org.uk