Background notes for Journalists

The Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) was founded in 1910 by Sir Evelyn Wrench to encourage international friendship and understanding.

The ROSL's hallmarks are clubhouse hospitality for members and development of its own Commonwealth art, music, literature and welfare projects. ROSL is an officially recognised Commonwealth NGO and is entirely self-funded.

Membership has been open to men and women on equal terms since 1910.

The League has over 17,000 members worldwide. There are honorary representatives, branches or reciprocal clubs in over 90 countries.

ROSL's flagship is its London clubhouse which has 80 quality bedrooms, private garden, restaurant, buttery and bar (both with al fresco dining in summer), drawing room and seven conference and private dining rooms.

The club organises a varied cultural and social events programme, wine tastings, visits to places of historical interest, receptions, concerts, art exhibitions and literary lectures.

ROSL has a sister clubhouse at 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh with 20 bedrooms, bar, restaurant, conference and private dining facilities.

ROSL holds Annual Art Exhibitions for Commonwealth artists.

ROSL holds Annual Classical Music Competitions in the UK. The final is held each year at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Since 1995 ROSL has developed joint welfare projects in Sri Lanka (eye care camps in association with Colombo Eye Bank and Singapore), Namibia (local school bursaries for San and farm children in association with the Ministary of Education) and has recently extended to bursaries to Botswana and Kenya.

Members of all Commonwealth organisations and some professional associations qualify for a 50% reduction in the entrance fees.

ROSL is a not for profit organisation so prices for the area are economical.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact:

ROSL PR Department
Tel: +44 (0)20 7408 0214
Fax +44 (0)20 7499 6738

Email: mvallance@rosl.org.uk