The First Class CW Operators’ Club
2025 Annual General Meeting & International Gala Dinner
Saturday, 13th September 2025
The Caledonian Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Download a copy of the full PDF agenda for the weekend. ( to be available soon )
The Occasion:
The First Class CW Operators’ Club warmly invites Members and their guests to the 2025 Annual AGM & International Gala Dinner, along with a weekend of social events in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, Scotland. We are pulling out all the stops to make this the largest and most unforgettable FOC event in decades.
When: Saturday, 13th September 2025.
Where: The Caledonian Hotel, Princes Street, Edinburgh. EH1 2AB
Suggested Program:
Friday 12th September:
Members arrive and check in at their hotel of choice (Thursday eve/Friday day time).
Members and guests settle in to life in Edinburgh. .
7.00 pm – Meet for a FOC Social supper at a local restaurant – details TBD.
Saturday 13th September:
Morning:
Free time to explore the beautiful historic city of Edinburgh or socialise at the Hotel.
Our rooms for lectures and presentations will be available late morning at the Caledonia Hotel after breakfast.
For those venturing out, be sure to be back at the at the Caledonian Hotel by 2:00pm when our FOC activities will commence.
Afternoon:
Presentations and speakers are planned from 2:00pm in the Boardroom Suite
The AGM will commence at 4:00pm and is expected to conclude at 5:30pm.
All members will be able join the AGM and speakers sessions by Zoom.
Evening:
The evening will be hosted by our President – Bob Beebe GU4YOX.
7:30pm assemble for a celebratory drinks reception in the Castle Lounge at the Caledonian Hotel.
Dinner will be served at 8:00 pm in the main Castle Suite. This is a 3 course dinner with a wonderful choice of starters, mains and desserts with coffee, tea and shortbread to follow. A vegetarian option is available for each course. You can select your menu choices when placing your booking and you can preview the whole menu Here
There will also be a special FOC raffle with some wonderful prizes and we hope a single item auction item. Proceeds will go towards supporting FOC .
Before dinner, we will conduct our FOC Award presentations.
A bar service will be available until approximately midnight for hotel guests. Carriages will be at 11:30pm.
Dress Code:
The dress code for the dinner is “Dress to Impress”.
There are no formal dress requirements but we look forward to seeing everyone making a special effort to celebrate this wonderful event.
Bookings and costs:
All Bookings can be made and paid for online. Don’t worry it’s really quick and easy. The cost of the 2025 AGM and Gala Dinner is £85 per person.
Location:
The Caledonian Hotel, affectionately known as “The Caley,” is a landmark of luxury and elegance in the heart of Edinburgh. Originally built in 1903 as part of the old Princes Street Railway Station, this iconic building has a rich history, blending Edwardian grandeur with modern sophistication.
Today, the Caledonian Hotel operates as a premium 5-star Waldorf Astoria property, operated by the Hilton group offering world-class hospitality while preserving its historic charm. Guests can still admire original architectural features, such as the grand sandstone facade, which hints at its railway heritage.
Nestled at the west end of Princes Street, the hotel boasts breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle and offers convenient access to the city’s main attractions. From here, you can explore:
• Princes Street Gardens, a tranquil green space just steps away.
• Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city and steeped in history.
• The Royal Mile, a bustling historic street leading to Holyrood Palace.
Inside the hotel, guests enjoy refined dining experiences, including. The Caledonian also features luxurious spa and leisure facilities, offering a serene retreat after a day of sightseeing.
The Caledonian Hotel is holding some rooms for FOC members until May 16th. Rates are £445 for a single and £470 for a double, inclusive of a full Scottish buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi, and access to leisure facilities.
The Hotel has provided a page where you can directly book these rooms they have allocated for our event Here
For more budget-friendly options, there are plenty of alternatives nearby, particularly around Princes Street, where all the action is. Premier Inn for example offers rooms starting around £150 for a double, and there are also numerous AirBnB options available. Booking.com would be a good place to review potential options.
Travelling to Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland’s vibrant capital, is well-connected and easy to reach:
• By Air: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) welcomes flights from many major cities worldwide and is just 20 minutes from the city centre by tram, bus, or taxi.
• By Train: Trains from across the UK arrive at Waverley Station, located in the heart of the city, with scenic routes from London, Glasgow, and beyond.
• By Car: Edinburgh is accessible via major motorways like the A1, M8, and M9.
• By Bus: Long-distance buses and coaches connect Edinburgh to key cities and towns across the UK.
Once in Edinburgh, the city’s compact size and excellent public transport make it easy to explore its historic charm and attractions.
