I had friend who were members of Phyllis Court and used to go there quite often.  It was very pleasant sitting next to the river of a summer's evening with a Pimms in hand. If you lived locally it wasn't that difficult to become a member. The regatta used to raise enough money from events companies to keep them going for the rest of the year and were a bit of a scrum. I remember one year it was so hot (probably high 70's) that you were allowed to remove your blazer, but not your tie.