Annual Report 2005
Trip
to Amsterdam
14th
- 17th April
Day
One:
After several pick-ups points, we departed from Withdean and made our way to Folkestone for our mid-morning train. The tunnel trip took just 35 minutes and we are soon making our way to Amsterdam through France and Belgium. The weather forecast wasn't good, but it was quite pleasant at our afternoon stop near Antwerp. We continued on our way and arrived in Amsterdam at 5.30pm. Our hotel, the Ibis, Westcorner, was clean and comfortable and we had the evening free to do whatever we liked. A number of the party used the local bus service to go into the centre of the City. The fare was just €2.40 and took 20 minutes. Others had an evening meal at the Hotel and just relaxed in the bar.
Day Two:
It
was an early start as we
The actual auction room was computerised, but the movement of the flowers around the place was undertaken by people on electric scooters pulling trolleys full of flowers of all types. To the untrained eye it looked like complete chaos, but clearly everyone knew their jobs and the flowers were all being delivered to the correct place for onward transportation to the buyers.
After the flower auction we made our way to Keukenhof Gardens, where the beautiful tulip and other spring flower displays were truly stunning.
There were numerous cafes and restaurants and a windmill in the Gardens as well as a number of exhibitions halls. It was a thoroughly enjoyable visit.
In
the evening we all enjoyed a Meal on board the popular China Sea Palace the
floating Chinese restaurant.
Day
Three:
At a slightly more sociable time we left the hotel and made our way to a Cheese and Clog Farm where we were given a demonstration of how the products were made.
A quite amusing young man gave the demonstration of clog making and answered questions from our inquisitive members.
We then moved on to Volendam, a small town on the IJsselmeer. We had some free time here, and although the weather was not particularly nice with a few showers, there were many cafes, bars and gift shops that were visited by our members.
We then returned to Amsterdam and straight onto a canal boat for a one hour cruise. Although the weather was still a little inclement, we were undercover and enjoyed the trip with the inevitable multi-language guide.
Amsterdam is certainly different from most other European capitals and the boat trip certainly proved to be the easiest way to see some of the sights.
After the boat trip we had free time to explore the City. A number of members visited a diamond factory, whilst others went to Anne Frank's House or just wandered round the numerous museums and other attractions! In the centre of Amsterdam is the infamous 'red-light district' and this also was visited (anonymously) by most of our members.
Day
Four:
We left the hotel at 9,00am and retraced our steps to Calais. On the way, we had an unscheduled stop when the coach engine started to overheat, but after some quick action from Peter the driver and some minor adjustments, we continued on our journey without further problems.
One final stop at the Chocolate Factory for some provisions! We then made our way to the tunnel terminal at Calais.
From left to right: Pete Rose, Pat Rose, Cedric Westerman, John Stanton, Bridget Westerman, Myra Stanton (hidden), Diane Argent, Paul Osmond, Una Osmond, Marjorie Rawley, Phyl Webb, Barbara Panton, Buster Ashdown, Ellie Blows (hidden), Claude Brimelow, Robin Frost, Dorothy Frost, Derick Keates, Harry Tuckwell, Mavis Brimelow, Graham Clark, Alan Williams, Christine Clark, Toni Williams, Rose Semmons, Peter (Driver), John Lockyer, Norma Lockyer, Eileen Hamer, Doreen Antram, Don Semmons, Joan Philips, Jean Clarke, Jean Potter, Pat Jarvis, Joan Austen, Glenys Heath, Mary Powell, Valerie Scott, Bob Austen, Alan Higgins, Dennis Scott, George Heath, Paddy Higgins, Ted Powell, Anne Lomer, Bernie Lomer. (David Nott, Joyce Nott and Bobbie Plowman not in picture)
Golf
Day - Mid-Sussex Golf Club
Thursday 12th May
The first golf competition of the year was held at Mid-Sussex Golf Club, near Ditchling, and attracted 25 members and guests. It was a sunny day, but a brisk wind kept the temperature and the scores down. After the compulsory 'bacon butty' and coffee, the 22 men and 3 ladies set off to try and win one of the glittering array of prizes on offer!
Four hours and no doubt several lost balls later, they all returned to the warmth of the clubhouse to the welcome refreshments and good humoured banter.
Someone had to check all the scorecards, and drawing the short straw this year were Graham Clark, David Fairs and John Lockyer.
A splendid supper was served and then the presentations were made to the winners. Thanks went to Robin Frost, Graham Clark and Tony Comber who had combined to make the day another success.
The prizes for 'Nearest the Pin' went to John Charlton and Gerry Arnold and the 'Longest Drive' (because he came from Colchester!!!) went to David Fairs.
Second in the mens competition was David Fairs and third was Don Semmons.
The winners, John Jago and Maureen Glyn show off their prizes.
For the record the following took part in the competition:
Derek Allchorn, Gerry Arnold, John Bishop, Dave Blatchley, John Charlton, Graham Clark, Richard Dickens, Dorothy Dyer, Arthur Elliott, David Fairs, Keith Fisher, Brian Fitch, Robin Frost, Maureen Glyn, Mike Hewson, Mary Hopwood, John Jago, David Kaye, John Lockyer, John Mace, Neal McNamara, Don Semmons, Dug Simmonds, Norman Tessier and Doug Thompson.
"Float with Frank"
Thursday 26th May
The first day trip of the year saw a full coach of 49 members and their guests leave Hove Town Hall and the Withdean Stadium on their way to London. The weather was bright and sunny with just a few clouds as we arrived at the Embankment Pier on the River Thames to board the Lunch Cruise ship the 'Naticia'. We left the pier at 12.30pm for our 90 minute trip on the Thames and a two course lunch.
Interior of the 'Naticia'
The lunch supplied was excellent and after some quick negotiations a third course was added to the fayre and was appreciated by everyone. The trip took us past several well-known landmarks including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, The London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
Members at Lunch!
We docked at 2.10pm and returned to the coach for the short trip to the Strand Theatre in Aldwych and the eagerly awaited show "The Rat Pack".
The show was tremendous with just the 3 main characters of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior singing all their famous numbers, acting and performing just like the real thing! Three 'showgirls' completed the cast. The performers Stephen Triffitt, Mark Adams and George Long each bore a close resemblance to their characters and some of the comedy routines were extremely funny. They went through hit after hit, it was a Rat Pack songfest: Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Amoré .... the list was almost endless - the girls added glamour, cheek and harmony and the live band were a real treat.
Dean, Frank & Sammy
With Dean Martin getting more drunk through the show, the inevitable jokes about Sammy Davis being Jewish etc and Frank trying to be cool and sophisticated, you were made to feel you had gone back in time and were watching a show in the 60's.
We returned to the coach for the journey back home having all enjoyed another super day.
Thursday 30th June 2005
For the first time that most people could remember, we had a disappointing turn out for a London Theatre Trip. Only 29 members joined the coach to make the short trip to the Shaftesbury Theatre, London to see this highly acclaimed new musical. We arrived in good time to visit a local cafe or restaurant and this gave me a little time to try and sell some of the spare tickets that we had purchased. Unfortunately I was unable to sell any, which was a shame, but unavoidable.
The show was magnificent and it was clear to see how the production had cost millions of pounds. The sets were both stunning yet true to life. The story was easy to follow and the way it was portrayed was excellent. As usual with London shows, the cast were highly professional and the singing was of the highest quality. On more than one occasion, our members were seen to be reaching for their tissues as the love story and other sub-plots unfolded. Without exception, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show.
As usual we stopped at Fairfield Halls Croydon on the way home for our 'Fish & Chip' Supper, which was up to its usual high standard. Then back home to complete another successful day out.
This event was tried for the first time following an idea put forward by one of our members, and it proved to be a very enjoyable social occasion. We met at Wickwoods Country Club at mid-day and were greeted by a large glass of Pimms, just to start the ball rolling.
An excellent spread was served buffet style and the 54 members and guests that participated agreed that it was well worthwhile and a similar event will be organised for next year.
Just to add to the excitement, we had a General Knowledge Quiz that everyone joined in and which helped make the event such a success.
Trip to Greenwich Market and the "Nelson & Napoleon" Exhibition.
Thursday 25th August 2005
On a cloudy but warm day, a full coach of 49 members left Sussex for the 100 minute trip to Greenwich.
All of the attractions we were visiting were within a few hundred yards of each other and members were left to their own devices and a wide variety of visits were made.
We were dropped off close to the Market with lots of stalls selling all sorts of goods ranging from hand made jewelry, old post cards, military uniforms and food to antiques of all sorts. A few members spent a few pounds!!
Just round the corner was the old tea clipper the "Cutty Sark". A wonderful ship that brings history back to life with its massive masts and riggings
.
After our members had visited various hostelries, pubs and cafes, we made our way to the National Maritime Museum for our visit to the "Nelson & Napoleon" Exhibition that commemorates the 200th anniversary of the 'Battle of Trafalgar.'
The visit was greatly enhanced by the use of small 'Audio Devices' that allowed you to individually get all of the information relevant to each exhibit. Amongst the exhibits was the uniform Nelson was wearing when he was killed on board HMS Victory, with the rather dramatic musket ball hole in the left shoulder, blood-stained trousers and stockings. A computerised re-enactment of the battle gave us a greater insight into how Nelson managed to win the battle that was fought off the Spanish coast, when he was heavily outnumbered by the combined French & Spanish Fleet. A tremendous number of artifacts and pictures told the whole story and completed the wonderful exhibition.
Portraits of Napoleon & Nelson
At 5.30 we returned to the coach and Peter, our wonderful driver got us safely home to our respective drop-off points.
Trip to Newbury
Thursday 22nd September 2005
On a misty morning, 30 members and their guests boarded the coach to take us on the 2 hour journey to Newbury in Berkshire. By the time we arrived, the sun was out and it was a very warm pleasant autumn day. A visit to the market in the Town Centre was quickly followed by some more retail therapy in the many shops and cafes.
There are many waterways in Newbury, including the Kennet and Avon Canal, and the nice weather encouraged a number of our members to eat out alongside the canal.
After lunch we are taken by coach for the 15 minute ride to Kintbury Lock where we boarded the Canal Boat, "Kennet Valley" for a 2 hour cruise.
This boat, which has no engine, was then pulled along the canal by 'Freddie' a three year old Welsh Cob Cross Shire horse.
We then indulged in a rather splendid cream tea, with scones and butter, jam and three of the most enormous sponge cakes you have ever seen. Here are Barbara, Judy, June and Rosemary enjoying a refreshing cup of tea on board the boat.
The weather was amazing, with warm sunshine and no wind, it was hard to believe that this was the end of September, it was more like July!
It was then time to return home and our replacement driver, Paul (Dave from Pavilion was unwell) took us on a very pleasant country route along the A272 back to Hove. Another enjoyable and successful day out.
Golf Day - Lewes Golf Club
Wednesday 28th September 2005
This was the first occasion that the Society had played at Lewes Golf Club, and the first difficulty to be overcome was finding the course. Limited signage and a rather narrow one-way track up a steep hill didn't help, but the 26 members and guests all arrived in good time for the usual 'Bacon Butty' and coffee before the first group teed-off at 12.30pm.
The weather was looking a bit iffy and during the afternoon a particularly strong wind and intermittent showers did little to help the scoring. Lewes Golf Club is on the top of the Cliffe above the Cuilfail Tunnel and open to all the elements. The views, however, were still stunning looking across the South Downs and the Weald.
The weather did little to help the scoring, but a number of excellent rounds were played given the conditions and congratulations went to John Charlton for the men and Mary Hopwood for the ladies. John scored an impressive 39 points, that was equalled by David Kaye, but John won on count back.
John Charlton, Mary Hopwood and David Kaye with their prizes.
The golf was followed by a rather splendid meal of Ham n' Eggs and the presentation of the prizes. The longest drive and one of the 'nearest the pin' prizes went to Shirley Mainwood and the other 'nearest the pin' award went to Peter Cantwell.
Some members, namely Peter Elliot and Alan Longley, chose the relaxing atmosphere after the meal to discuss the merits and finer points of the contents of one of the prizes.
The competition was again well organised by Robin Frost, with a little help from Graham Clark and Don Semmons.
Just for the record the following took part in the competition:
Gerry Arnold, George Baty, John Bishop, Peter Cantwell, John Charlton, Graham Clark, Arthur Elliot,
Peter Elliott, Brian Fitch, Robin Frost, Carol Hoare, Ron Hoare, Mary Hopwood, John Jago, Brian Jeffries, David Kaye, Alan Longley, John Mace, Shirley Mainwood, John Mitchell, Don Semmons, David Skinner,
Doug Thompson, Pat Thorogood, Maurice Watts, Richard Wright.
Trip to "Woman in White"
Wednesday 23rd November
On a chilly, but dry November Wednesday, our final trip of the year took us up to London to see this wonderful musical at the Palace Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue. Everyone was on time at their relevant pick-up points as we made our way on the short trip up to London. We arrived in plenty of time to get a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.
The show was the most amazing show that any of us had ever seen, in the way the scenery changed by video projection and the rotating stage was awesome. In one particular scene near the end of the production, it looked for all the world that an express train was coming right out of the stage and into the audience. The cast were excellent, the storyline, with its twists and intrigue was spellbinding. Some comedy moments, especially with Count Rosco (Simon Callow) were hilarious. Also the performance of the leading lady, Marian Halcombe (Ruthie Henshall) was wonderful.
Simon Callow Ruthie Henshall
After 2 ¾ hours of wonderful
entertainment, we returned to the coach and made the 20 minute journey to the
Rembrandt Hotel in Knightsbridge, where we had a superb 3 course Carvery meal.
This in spite of Peter the driver's insistence that were going to McDonalds!!! .
We got back to Hove just after 9pm after another
very successful excursion.
Christmas Lunch
Thursday 8th December 2005
Another year has gone by, and as usual, we saved the best event for last and 122 members and their guests enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Deans Place Hotel in Alfriston.
The free coach that started in Lancing and made its way across the County through Hove and Brighton was full, and an additional mini-bus had to be hired to get all our members and their guests to Alfriston.
In the main room the tables and surroundings were beautifully decorated with festive adornments and soon the balloons were 'raspberrying' their way across the ceilings and onto unsuspecting victims. The meal was excellent and the service was good. There was certainly plenty of food and it was well cooked.
The raffle and two games of "Irish Lottery" finished the lunch off in party mood and with nearly £400 worth of prizes distributed amongst the congregation, everyone left either clutching a prize or just a happy memory of the day.
It was agreed we should go there again next year and we have provisionally booked Thursday 7th December 2006.
Here's some piccies of some of our members.
Graham & Christine Clark with Peter Pannett Mary Dier and Doris Oxley
Eddy Rogalewski with Balloon!!
This is the 5th Annual Report that Norma and I have written and during that time we have organized no fewer than 33 excursions to places far and wide. This year as appears to be the norm for some reason, the weather was especially kind to us and the trips to Amsterdam and The Kennet and Avon Canal were magnificent. The London Theatre trips showed that we have a discerning audience, with ‘The Far Pavilions’ being not very well supported, whereas for the ‘Woman in White’ we had a dozen members unable to go as we were oversubscribed. The golf days go from strength to strength and the new style mid-summer lunch attracted a good number of members. As usual the Christmas Lunch proved to be the most popular event and the new venue was a great success.
We have 233 pensioners in our club and during this year, 135 attended at least one event. So over 50% of our pensioners play an active part in the club; this is excellent. This does, of course, mean that there are about 100 of our club pensioners who do not participate, so if you know any of these, have a word! With spouses and partners, we have over 330 members of which almost 200 participated. Thank you very much to all of you for your support.