Serpie Talks are back in 2026!  After the successful episodes last year with some of our distinguished members, and as the world’s best winter sports athletes gather in Italy for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February, we are inviting a former winter Olympian to tell us what it was like to be in the Games!

Episode 5 – From Luge to Marathon with Avril Riddell – Fri 27^th Feb 2026

Many Serpies have met Avril through our club events such as cross country, track sessions, and club championship races, and it is well known to us how active she is in her 70s. What may be less well known is she represented Team GB in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, US, in the luge event.

We are honoured to have her tell us about her experience in winter sports, then later on how she picked up running, and how she has kept active and athletic well into her senior years. Join us that evening at St Mary’s School for what promises to be a fascinating conversation.

Event Details

• Date: Friday 27^th February 2026
• Time: Doors open at 18:30, event begins at 19:00 and finishes approx. 20:00
• Venue: St Mary’s Bryanston Square Primary School, Enford Street, London W1H 1DL (Same place as our Wednesday Runs. Closest Tube: Marylebone). Note that the entrance is now at the York Street side, adjacent to the Royal Oak Pub.
• Entry fee: Free – this is a free event for all Serpies and guests. Feel free to invite a friend or family member who is not a Serpentine member.

Register for the event

Although it is free to come, please register via this event page, as this will allow us to plan for the event and have expectation of numbers. Those who are present in the evening can join us for some socialising afterwards – location to be decided.

We will endeavour to set up livestreaming for the event. If you can help on the night, please contact me.

If you have signed up but can no longer make it at a later date, or if you have any questions about the event, please contact me.

Hans Ho

Serpie Talks