On Monday 19th January we were "In Conversation With .. " the two political journalists, Andrew Pierce, then Assistant Editor of the Daily Telegraph and now Consultant Editor to the Daily Mail, and Jackie Ashley of the Guardian on the topic “What do we expect from our next Government?”. The room was packed with Club members and their guests who listened intently to the witty and insightful comments from these two key insiders on the political scene – and many stayed on to continue the debate over dinner.

"Where's the Influence: Google, or Murdoch?" was the subject of our debate on Monday 9th November before a packed audience at the Royal Society. Chairman Andrew Neil kept our panel in order - Peter Barron (Director of Communications & Public Affairs, North & Central Europe, Google), Adam Boulton (Sky News), Brent Hoberman (Co-Founder, lastminute.com), David Elstein (Chairman, DCD Media plc), Julie Meyer (Chief Executive, Ariadne Capital Ltd) and Richard Sambrook (Director BBC Global News).

Stephan Shakespeare (Co-Founder YouGov) reported on the findings of the YouGovStone survey: "68% saying they thought that Rupert Murdoch and his companies were more influential than Google at present while 20% thought that Google wielded more influence. However, most thought Google had a more positive influence on people's lives and, if they had to choose between the two, would prefer Google to be the more influential. Looking ahead 10 years, 68% expected Google and its companies to be the more influential, with only 13% expecting Rupert Murdoch (or his successor) and their companies to stay on top. These views were largely echoed by the YouGov survey with the general public." Following a feisty discussion, leading to simultaneous Twitter contributions, the vote at the end largely echoed the findings of the YouGovStone survey.

For details on the upcoming programme of TheStoneClub click here. For past events, click here.

To see photographs and the video from our 18th May launch party, when Rory Bremner welcomed Club members, see below.

TheStoneClub is a private members' club. We have two tiers of membership.

Silver (£500 pa +VAT)

Membership is for those who want a regular monthly 'salon' - wine and conversation sparked off by a controversial topical speaker We call it: In Conversation With ... Silver members are invited to two debates a year, backed by YouGovStone research, on major issues that affect us all. And there are Summer drinks and a Christmas party for all TheStoneClub members.

Gold (£1,000 pa +VAT)

Members have all the benefits of Silver but membership is more business focused. There is a monthly Breakfast when TheStoneClub members are briefed by experts from the worlds of business, politics and the media. We will be' taking the temperature' on topical issues of concern to us all.

If you are interested in more information about the Club please click here.

Carole Stone, Founder