[5] The Lord's Taverners also benefit from the fundraising activities of Regional Committees and its 5,000 members, many of them work in sport and entertainment.

The existence of the Lord's Taverners and the involvement of early members can be broadly summarised by the following:"We've all got professional and sporting interests in common.

"[9]By the time of the first annual dinner in September 1951, the Lord's Taverners had developed a membership programme - mirrored in much of the charity's activities today.

Within the first year, the membership included Laurence Olivier, Jack Hawkins, Trevor Howard, Tommy Trinder and Richard Attenborough from the acting world, alongside John Arlott, Brian Johnston, FR Brown, AER Gilligan, RC Roberston-Glasgow, Rex Alston and Sir Pelham Warner from cricket.

[5] The membership change and geographical expansion was accompanied by the development of the Lord's Taverners charitable remit in 1975 (beyond support for the NPFA) when money was first channelled towards providing recreation for young people with disabilities.

[6] This programme initially focused on the provision of the 'trademark' green minibuses which provide recreational opportunities for organisations looking after young people with special needs.

Every year, the Lord's Taverners donates over £3 million to help young people of all abilities and backgrounds participate in sporting activities.

[citation needed] UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was a key figure in the formation of the Lady Taverners.