Annual Report 2006

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Golf Day - Singing Hills Golf Club, Albourne

Tuesday 9th May

On a cloudy but warm morning, 37 male and 6 female golfers met at Singing Hills to play in the first competition of the year. This was the highest number of entrants that had started since the inaugural meeting in September 2003.

Among the first members to tee off were Derek Allchorn and Graham Knight, their style is clear to see!

The course was in very good condition, albeit a little damp following the torrential rain of the day before, and the 'Island Hole' proved to be quite testing for some of our members. With various types of water birds wandering over the fairways and the occasional swan flying just over our heads, it made for an interesting round.

After the customary checking of all the scorecards by Don Semmons, Robin Frost, the Organiser, announced the winners of the men's and women's' competition. In a very close ladies match four of the six competitors all finished on 29 points, but using the 'countback' system, the winner was announced as Saimi Wright. The men's winner, again after a countback was Gavin Elliot with 38 points. With the same number of points was Mike Huggins and in third place was the evergreen David Fairs, who yet again complained that he should have won the 'Longest Drive' competition as he had driven from Colchester too take part!

A trio of winners, Gavin, Saimi and David Fairs.

The 'Longest Drive' was won by Mary Hopwood and 'Nearest the Pin' was won by Shirley Mainwood (What happened to the men?).

The other prize for closest to the pin in two shots was won by Pat Fish.

Another successful day's golf and for the record the following took part:

Derek Allchorn, Gerry Arnold, George Baty,  Mike Barrett, Bob Bennett, John Bennett, John Bishop, Graham Clark, Richard Dickens, Derek Duncanson, Gavin Elliot, Arthur Elliott, David Fairs, Patrick Fish, Brian Fitch, Robin Frost, Maureen Glynn, Jenny Heather, John Heather, Peter Hewitt, Mary Hopwood, Mike Huggins, David Kaye, Graham Knight, Harry Lilly, John Lockyer, Jim Lorimer, John Mace, Sue Mace, Shirley Mainwood, Neal McNamara, Brian Moore, Royston Price, Bob Russell, Ted Scalé, Don Semmons, Dave Skinner, Norman Tessier, Doug Thompson, Barry Watt, Maurice Watts,  Richard Wright, Saimi Wright.

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Lunch at the Coral Stadium Hove

Wednesday 24th May

On a blustery afternoon, 56 members and their guests attended a very informal lunch at the Coral Stadium Hove and were treated to an excellent lunch with the usual liquid refreshments.

The Coral Stadium is also better known locally as the Greyhound Stadium, so whilst eating and drinking, we were able to watch 14 greyhound races. As part of the arrangements, a race was named after our Club and we made the presentation to the winning trainer after the race.

The picture shows our Chairman, Buster Ashdown (far left) making the trophy presentation to the winning trainer, Roy Towner. Also in the picture, from left to right are club members  Joan Goff, Jean Lane, Don Semmons (Social Secretary), Diane Argent and Una Osmond.

As would be expected at a race meeting, betting was rife and thousands of pounds changed hands (not), and perhaps the biggest cheer of the day was when Marjorie Rawley at last picked a winner and gleefully announced she had won £6.72. A syndicate was formed prior to the day, and some of the members entrusted a very small part of their hard earned pensions to Don Semmons, the Social Secretary to place bets on their behalf during the afternoon. As luck would have it, a number of the selections came in and at the end of 12 races, the syndicate winnings just about equalled the amount invested, so everyone got back their original stake. This had at least, given them an interest in all of the races during the afternoon, and had cost them nothing!

The pictures below give a flavour of the afternoons enjoyment and everyone agreed that this should become an annual event.

Phil Webb (left) with Rosemary Singyard.              Josef and Eddy Rogalewski with Pete Rose

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Trip to The Spinnaker Tower and Isle of Wight

Wednesday 28th June

On a bright and sunny day, 42 members and their guests left Hove Town Hall at 9.00am and after making the usual pick-up at Withdean Stadium, we made our way on the short journey to Portsmouth and the Spinnaker Tower. We arrived in time to look round the new shopping precinct, "Gunwharf Quays" and some retail therapy was undertaken.

At 11.30am we all met at the base of the Tower for the very quick ride on the internal lift to the first platform. Although the lift was restricted to just 10 people, it only took just a few seconds to ascend the 100 metres.

On the first platform is a 'Glass Floor' where they dare you to "Walk on Air"? and cross the glass floor, the largest in Europe. Here is Rose accepting the challenge. The second picture shows the view through the floor to the ground .

On each viewing window were signs giving you details of the landscape in front of you, including the HMS Victory, Portsmouth Harbour and the Isle of Wight, to mention but a few. A further 30 steps up and we reached the second level and finally up to the 'Crows Nest' at 130 metres, where some welcome fresh air was evident on the open top deck.

After soaking up the atmosphere for about an hour, we boarded the coach for the 5 minute ride to the ferry terminal and onto the ferry for the 45 minute 'cruise' across the Solent. The weather was superb and the outdoor seats were fully occupied. Here is the view back towards Portsmouth from the ferry.

We then make our way across the island to Cowes where we had 3 hours to explore the shops and restaurants and also soak up some more of the warm sunshine. For some it was the traditional 'Fish & Chips' while others tried some more exotic dishes. A stroll along the prom was mandatory, watching the busy shipping lanes across the harbour with ferries, yachts, speedboats and  hovercraft all appearing to just miss each other by inches!

Here's the promenade and part of the harbour.

We then get back on the coach for the return boat trip and even though it is now past 6 o'clock, the weather was still magnificent and the outside seats were again well used. We then make our way back home after another successful excursion.

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Mid-Summer Lunch

Thursday 20th July

On a warm summer's day, 83 members and their guests attended the second Mid-Summer Lunch held at Wickwoods Country Club in Albourne, near Henfield.

The picture on the left showing that now famous double act of Thompson & Freeman! and the one on the right showing John in full flow, much to the enjoyment of those others on the floor.

With an increase in numbers from last year, this event looks like becoming a popular annual event. What entertainment do you fancy next year?

If you would like to see more pictures of this event, please let me have your email address (send to donsemmo@ntlworld.com) and I will invite you to view them on the Truprint web-site.

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Trip to The New Forest and Olde Tyme Music Hall

Wednesday 16th August

After making the usual pick-ups, 35 members and their guests made their way down to the New Forest and to the 'Sir Walter Tyrrell' public house at Brook, Near Lyndhurst. There was time to consume a couple of drinks, or go for a stroll in the Forest, before we were served lunch. The meal was excellent, starting with a wonderful home made steak and ale pie, with fresh vegetables and new potatoes, followed by a very generous helping of apple crumble and custard. The tea/coffee finished the meal off nicely.

Here you can just make out Ken and Jenny Rozzier relaxing after lunch.

For those interested in history, Sir Walter Tyrrell was responsible for the death of King William and the incident is recorded on the nearby 'Rufus Stone'. The inscription on the Stone reads: "Here stood the oak tree on which an arrow shot by Sir Walter Tyrrell at a stag glanced and struck King William II surnamed Rufus on the breast of which stroke he instantly died on the second day of August anno 1100. King William thus slain was laid on a cart belonging to one Purkess and drawn from hence to Winchester, and buried in the Cathedral Church of that City."

After lunch we drove through the New Forest seeing several groups of ponies and cows etc.  In Burley the ponies in the High Street were the centre of attention for the crowds of tourists that had visited the village. A few more minutes and we arrived at Bashley Village Hall and were greeted by a gentleman dressed in typical 1940's style clothing. The show was a take on the old TV show "The Good Old Days" and gave us a fun packed two hour show that presented famous characters that walked the boards more than half a century ago. Included were Max Wall, Max Miller and numerous other comedians, singers, dancers and entertainers. Here are a couple of photos from the programme that gives you a flavour for the show.

Half way through the show we were served with tea and cake and everyone enjoyed the show, especially Al Hall who found himself being the centre of attention of the female singers and he did well to retain his composure whilst a young lady sat on his lap and serenaded him. Unlike a gentleman, not in our group, sitting across the aisle from Al, who was woken up when the lady put her fingers through his hair.....his face was a picture.

Talking of pictures here's a couple more showing our members enjoying themselves.

After the show, we drove back through the New Forest, then back to Hove with thanks to Peter from Pavilion Travel who had taken good care of us as always.

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Golf Day - Royal Eastbourne Golf Club

Wednesday 27th September

On a breezy, but warm and sunny morning, 23 men and 6 lady golfers met at Royal Eastbourne Golf Club to play in the second competition of the year. This was our second visit to this lovely course, the previous time being in May 2004.

Bacon butties and coffee were served before the golf to ensure we had enough sustenance to complete the course!

The picture above shows John Jago and Derek Duncanson approaching the third tee.

The weather stayed fine all afternoon and the course was in excellent condition. As always the competition was fierce and points were being grabbed at every opportunity.

Those lucky enough to have finished first soon found there way to the outdoor terrace and were able to sit and watch the others coming back to the Clubhouse. After everyone had finished playing, a splendid meal of Ham n' Eggs followed by Apple Crumble, was served up, not to mention the coffee and mints!

After the usual checking of the cards by Don Semmons, ably assisted by Derek Duncanson, our organiser, Robin Frost announced the winners. Before the presentations, Robin thanked a number of people for their help in arranging the day, including Graham Clark, Don Semmons and the Golf Club. Robin also mentioned that Royston Price had intended to play, but his wife had been involved in an accident and had damaged her shoulder, we wish her a speedy recovery. Robin greeted those who were playing for the first time with the "Spreadeagles". Robin also thanked the Club Chairman, Buster Ashdown for turning up to present the prizes.

The winner of the Men's competition was George Baty and the Ladies winner was Shirley Mainwood.

Here are George and Shirley, holding their prizes, with Buster.

Finishing second in the men's competition was Graham Clark with Don Semmons in third place.

Additional prizes were given for the longest drives - Peter Elliot and Mary Hopwood, closest to the pin on the 15th - John Bishop and closest to the pin in two on the 9th - John Lockyer.

Several other smaller prizes were thrown to the recipients by Robin, and somehow this included a prize for himself which he threw to himself, as seen below.

Another successful day's golf and for the record the following took part:

Derek Allchorn, Gerry Arnold, Barbara Barrett, Mike Barrett, George Baty, John Bishop, Graham Clark, Derek Duncanson, Peter Elliot, Robin Frost, Jenny Heather, John Heather, Mary Hopwood, John Jago, Robin Johnston, David Kaye, John Lockyer, Jim Lorrimer, John Mace, Sue Mace, Shirley Mainwood, Don Semmons, Mel Simms, Dave Skinner, Doug Thompson, John Tucknott, Maurice Watts, Peter Wright, Saimi Wright.

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Trip to Congress Theatre and Pavilion Tea Rooms in Eastbourne.

Wednesday 8th November

After the usual pick ups at Hove Town Hall and Withdean Stadium, 38 members and their guests made the short journey to Eastbourne on a bright and sunny November day. We arrived in good time and had a short break for a coffee before the 2.30 pm matinee performance of "Rebecca" commenced. 

Nigel Havers was the star of the  show and he didn't disappoint with a marvellous display as the ruthless Maxim De Winter in the play taken from the Daphne du Maurier novel. Although the sound was a little on the low side in the first Act, the plot soon unfolded and we were all (apart from those who had read the book, seen the film or been to an earlier production of the play) on the edge of our seats trying to unravel the ever thickening plot.  At one point in the second Act, a distant ship was in distress and sent up two or three distress rockets, the noise was ear shattering and was enough to wake those of us who may have been dosing at the time! It was somewhat amusing that the next line to come from the stage was something along the lines of "Did you hear the rockets?"

After the show we got back onto the coach and travelled to the Pavilion Tea Rooms on the seafront for a 'Sussex Cream Tea'. Large pots of tea (made with tea leaves) and scrumptious sandwiches were soon being devoured and when the scones with cream and jam arrived, not to mention a splendid selection of cakes, everyone was incredulous as to the quality and quantity of the fayre on offer.

We staggered back to the coach for the return trip to Hove in time to get home to watch Coronation Street! This was the first local theatre trip for some while and it was nice to see Hilda Bacon and Ena Choulat making the effort to attend.

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Trip to "Mary Poppins" 

Thursday 23rd November 

Our final trip of the year took us up to London to see this wonderful musical at the Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street.

For the first time, certainly since I have been Social Secretary, we hired two coaches so that all of those members who had applied for tickets could go on the trip. Everyone was on time as 67 members (including two grandchildren) and guests left Hove Town Hall and then the Withdean Stadium to make the trip up to London. Both coaches arrived in plenty of time to get a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. The weather, that had been atrocious for the previous few days, was kind to us and enabled us to walk round the many shops and cafes that were already festooned with Christmas decorations.

The show was fantastic, with some of the scenery changes quite remarkable. The flying sequences were amazing and seeing 'Bert' the chimney sweep walk up one side of the stage, dance on the ceiling, then walk down the other side was terrific. The story line was easy to follow and the acting superb and performed with such enthusiasm. Mary Poppins, played by Lisa O'Hare was superb and her appearance was just how you imagined Mary Poppins to be. Mr. Banks was played by Aden Gillett, an actor that has appeared in numerous TV programmes. The children were also magnificent.

After 2 ½ hours of wonderful entertainment, we returned to the coaches and made the short journey to the Hotel Rembrandt in Knightsbridge, where we had an excellent 3 course Carvery meal. This journey took us passed Harrods department store, with all its grand Xmas decorations.

We got back to Hove just after 9pm after another successful excursion.

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Christmas Lunch

Thursday 7th December

The final event of the year again took us to Deans Place in Alfriston  and 120 members and their guests enjoyed the seasonal food and activities. We also had the pleasure of the company of 3 guests from Pavilion Travel, Peter the driver with Marla and Sue who run the office. Pavilion do a lot of work for us and it was nice to see them attending our function.

 There was, as always, a wonderful party atmosphere and the food served was of the highest quality. Thanks to the generosity of some committee members, and the members who purchased raffle tickets, the prizes that were on offer were fantastic. Added to this were two cash prizes totalling £150 for the winners of the “Irish Bingo”, Roger Crichton and Rae Titcomb.

We also had a game of 'Deal or No Deal, which ended up with Roger Francis doing a 'deal' at £45. Afterwards Roger told us that he would be donating the money to his favourite charity.

Here are a few photos which hopefully capture the joyful atmosphere.

Summary: 

This is the 6th Annual Report that Norma and I have written and during the year, we organised 8 social events. 

Unfortunately the proposed trip to Brussels had to be cancelled due to lack of support, which was most disappointing following the success of the trip to Amsterdam the previous year. However, not to be deterred, in 2007 we are going to Dublin. We have 34 members ‘signed up’ for the trip, but would like a few more members to come along.

 Once again the weather was especially kind to us and the trip to the Isle of Wight and the Spinnaker Tower was magnificent. For the first time for a while we arranged a local theatre trip to Eastbourne, but as usual the London Theatre trip, this time to see ‘Mary Poppins’ was well supported and we had to book extra tickets and hired 2 coaches to take the 68 members and guests. The golf days go from strength to strength and the mid-summer lunch again attracted a good number of members, with entertainment being provided for the first time. As usual the Christmas Lunch proved to be the most popular event and Deans Place is proving to be a very well-liked venue.

Thank you very much to all of you for your support.