About
Where our name comes from
The Circle takes its name from the Orpington by-election of 14 March 1962, when Eric Lubbock (later Lord Avebury) won a spectacular victory that became the symbol of the post-war Liberal revival. It had been preceded four years earlier by success at Torrington in 1958, the first Liberal by-election win since 1929.
The National Liberal Club has a long connection with by-election winners, who are traditionally welcomed at a celebratory luncheon — a tradition reaching back many decades.
A brief history
13 March 2008
The Circle is founded
Almost one hundred diners attended the inaugural Orpington Dinner, on the eve of the 46th anniversary of the by-election. The Guest of Honour was Lord Avebury, the victor of Orpington himself. The new Orpington Fund was under way.
2009 to 2018
An annual tradition
The Orpington Dinner became a fixture in a packed David Lloyd George Room, with guests of honour including Charles Kennedy, Sir Menzies Campbell, Simon Hughes and Tim Farron. The Annual Dinners continued through to 2018.
10 March 2015
Celebrating Lord Steel
The 8th Annual Dinner filled the Dining Room with 120 diners to mark fifty years since Lord Steel’s by-election victory at Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles — “one of the great events in the history of the Club”.
2019
A change of format
The dinner gave way to a reception with Layla Moran, and entertainment from Fascinating Aïda.
2020 to 2023
A pause
Paul Hunt stepped down and Theo took over for 2020, but the Covid pandemic arrived before a dinner could be held. Apart from a drinks reception, Orpington events were paused.
2024
The Circle is revived
The Circle returned to an active programme and quickly delivered its fullest calendar yet, built around the In Conversation series.