A Liddle haven of freedom

Rod Liddle's Got Issues: The Smoking Ban (2011)Delighted to announce that Rod Liddle, associate editor of The Spectator, is the special guest speaker at the fifth Freedom Dinner in July.

A controversial figure who was once described – a little unfairly – as a "wind up merchant", Rod was editor of BBC Radio 4's Today programme from 1998-2002.

His entertaining opinions can be found in the weekly columns he writes for The Spectator, The Sun and Sunday Times.

Books include The Best of Liddle Britain (2007) and Selfish Whining Monkeys: How We Ended Up Greedy, Narcissistic and Unhappy (2014).

An unrepentant smoker, Rod has been an outspoken opponent of the smoking ban and other anti-tobacco measures.

He was one of 400 guests when Forest organised a special dinner - Revolt In Style - at The Savoy six days before the smoking ban was introduced in England in 2007.

Writing in The Times after that event Rod declared, 'Spent a wonderful valedictory evening chain-smoking at a bash organised by Forest on Monday night.'

Our paths crossed again in 2011 when I appeared in a short video, Rod Liddle's Got Issues: The Smoking Ban.

He's been on our wish list for several years so I'm thrilled he's agreed to join us and, better still, speak.

Early bird tickets for The Freedom Dinner on Tuesday July 12th are available now for just £50 (great value). From May 1st they will cost £75. After that the price rises to a non-subsidised £110.

The price includes a cocktail drinks reception on the smoking terrace overlooking the fountains at Cabot Square followed by a three-course dinner with wine in the main restaurant.

To book email events@boisdale-cw.org.uk or telephone Boisdale Events on 020 7730 6922. Quote 'Freedom Dinner'.

Smokers and vapers welcome.