Annual Report 2009

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62 members attended the event and enjoyed light hearted meeting and a splendid lunch.

Our Chairman, Roger Francis welcomed all our new members and proposed a vote of thanks to the committee for all their hard work during the previous year. He also gave a brief summary of the matters discussed at the 'Chairman's Briefing' that he had attended at Canary Wharf earlier in the year.

The committee were re-elected en bloc and in case you don't know who they are, here they are:-


Vice Chairman Graham Clark	Chairman Roger Francis	Secretary Jean Clarke

Tony Comber Welfare Officer	Don Semmons Treasurer and Social Secretary	Norma Pontin Assistant Social Secretary

Rosemary Singyard

Committee Member

Phyllis Webb

Committee Member

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On a lovely afternoon, 64 members and their guests attended the fourth 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.

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. In return for their investment of £10, the syndicate had an interest during the afternoon and received a return of £8 after the final betting race. This was an improvement on last year, but not quite our best performance when subscribers got all their investment back. The photographs below give a flavour of the day.

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It was a sunny, but blustery day for the first golf competition of the year at the picturesque downland course near Uckfield. Unusually it has no sand bunkers and is not particularly long, but the narrow fairways, small greens and an abundance of heather and gorse made for challenging golf.

27 members and their guests competed in a stableford competition and enjoyed the afternoon, even if some of the scores were a bit on the low side!!

Robin thanked the Piltdown Golf Club for their hospitality and Gavin Elliot for all his hard work in organising the event.

The winner was Mike Lansdall, runner up was John Lockyer and in third place was John Jago.

The longest drive was a staggering 300 yards by Chris Hudson and nearest the pin was achieved by the redoubtable John Lockyer.

The photo above (left) shows John Jago and Chris Hudson showing of their balls! On the right are Mike Lansdall, John Charlton, John Lockyer and Peter Hewitt enjoy a coffee after the meal.

Gerry Arnold, Colin Ash, Mike Barrett, John Bishop, Richard Box, John Charlton, Graham Clark, Barry Davis, Arthur Elliott, Robin Frost, Peter Hewitt, Chris Hudson, John Jago, Harry Lilly, Jim Lorimer, David Kaye, Mike Lansdall, John Lockyer, Neil McNamara, Royston Price, Tim Ruddiford, Bob Russell, Ted Scalé, Don Semmons, Mel Sims, John Tucknott and Maurice Watts

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With the unpredictable weather that we had experienced this year, it was a pleasant surprise to make this trip to Windsor on a sunny, if a little cloudy day.

47 members and guests made the short journey to Windsor, and all enjoyed an extremely interesting and full day.

We first visited Windsor Castle which is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years. We saw the magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, St George's Chapel (one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs), and Queen Mary's Dolls House, a masterpiece in miniature.

After visiting the Castle, we made the short journey to the Savill Gardens, which is described as 'one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens'.

With 35 acres of contemporary and classically designed gardens and exotic woodland, it had something of interest for everybody. Here are just a few photos to give you a flavour of this Royal Garden.

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After leaving Hove at 10.00am, the coach made two further pick ups to take 37 members and their guests to see the matinee show of CAROUSEL at the Savoy Theatre, The Strand.

We arrived in London in good time to find something to eat and drink before making our way to the theatre.

The show was fantastic, telling the story of Billy Bigelow’s romance with Julie Jordan, and on more than one occasion our members had to resort to wiping the the tears from their eyes, with such moving songs as "If I Loved You" and "You'll Never Walk Alone".

After the show we will made our way to the Aerodrome Hotel in Croydon for a 3 course ‘Carvery’ meal.

We then returned to Hove and without exception, the day had been most enjoyable.

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For the first time, the mid-summer lunch was held at the County Cricket Ground in Hove, and 82 members and their guests attended on a warm and sunny day. This was an excellent turn out, the second highest since these lunches began in 2005. Unfortunately parking was somewhat restricted mainly due to the recent success of the Sussex cricket team, who were due to appear in the Friends Provident Trophy Final on the following Saturday, and they had chosen this day for training and a media launch, so countless press and television vehicles were on site. However, everyone was able to park, thanks mainly to the Sussex County Cricket Club steward, Sam Wheeler, who managed to squeeze us all in...somehow!

Members were greeted with a glass of fruit punch and then an excellent two course meal. Following the meal, we were entertained by John Freeman, who sang a variety of songs in the style of Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond and many others.

The photo above left shows our Chairman Roger Francis with his wife Ruth, chatting to Trevor Adcock and Peter Hayes, whilst the photo on the right shows singer John Freeman, with his wife Pat holding the Friends Provident Trophy that was on show at the ground.

PS Unfortunately Sussex lost in the final of the Friends Provident Trophy on the following Saturday, so the trophy moved along the coast to the winners, Hampshire.

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On a cloudy, but warm day, we made the short journey to Loxwood, near Billingshurst to travel on the canal boats owned by the Wey and Arun Canal Trust. Some members made their way there by car, and 62 members and their guests enjoyed a tranquil cruise on the recently renovated canal.

The Trust own three boats and we cruised on the 'Zachariah Keppel' and the new electric boat called 'Wiggenholt'.

The canal is rural and runs for 23 miles between the Rivers Wey and Arun. We negotiated 3 locks in each direction and many members took picnic hampers and enjoyed the ride and the company. The more observant of our members spotted two kingfishers and a giant heron.

Following the canal trip, we popped up the road to the Loxwood Village Hall for a WI cream tea. This was superb and additionally all of the proceeds from the teas and the sale of 'doggy bags', will be sent to the Chestnut Tree House charity that looks after life limited children. I understand that with other donations made by some of our members, the total raised on the day will be approaching £400.

Incidentally, the insect shown below right is a 'Banded Damoiselle', photographed by one of the locks.

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It was quite sunny when 33 members and their guests left Brighton for the short coach journey to Dorking in Surrey, where the National Trust property at Polesden Lacey is located on the North Downs.

On arrival we had a two course meal in the restaurant, which was excellent, followed by tea or coffee. We then took the short walk down to the House and Gardens, where we had an introductory talk from one of the many stewards who were a mine of information in each of the wonderful rooms. This was the home of legendary Edwardian hostess the Hon. Mrs Greville, and King George VI and the Queen Mother honeymooned there. Some of the items on display were of great interest and many of our members spent a few hours looking round.

Unfortunately, during the afternoon, it did rain a little which made walking around the gardens a bit difficult, especially for those, like me, who didn't go prepared for rain. Luckily, it did ease up enough to allow us to see the wonderful array of plants and trees in the well manicured gardens.

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Just when we were all wondering where the British Summer had gone, it arrived at Willingdon near Eastbourne for this years autumn golf competition. It was truly summer weather when the 29 gents and 1 lady teed off at this very attractive downland course on the South Downs with spectacular views across Eastbourne and the English Channel. it was nice to welcome some new members to the Society, namely Brian Phillips, Bernard Walters and Patricia Walters.

The weather also bought the best out of the golfers with some tremendous scoring in this stableford competition, with over half of the scores in excess of 30 points. In fact there were 6 scores all within just a few points of the winner.

Gerry Arnold and Robin Frost standing by the 12th Green. A Green Woodpecker spotted by Gerry by the 13th fairway.

The competition was won by Chris Hudson, with the evergreen John Lockyer in second place and Mel Sims close behind in third. There were 3 nearest the pin challenges and these were won by Royston Price, Brian Austin and Peter Elliott.

John Lockyer, Mike Lansdall and the winner of the October Competition, Chris Hudson

For the second season, the Bob Russell Cup was played for with the winner being the best combined score from the Spring and Autumn meetings. Again the scoring was very close and by just a single point, the winner was Mike Lansdall and here is Robin presenting Mike with his trophy.

Gerry Arnold, Colin Ash, Brian Austin, Richard Box, Graham Clark, Barry Davis, Arthur Elliott, Gavin Elliot, Peter Elliott, David Fairs, Keith Fisher, Robin Frost, John Heather, Chris Hudson, John Jago, David Kaye, Mike Lansdall, John Lockyer, Jim Lorrimer, Brian Phillips, Royston Price, Bob Russell, Dave Saunders, Ted Scalé, Don Semmons, Mel Sims, Doug Thompson, Bernard Walters, Patricia Walters and Richard Wright.

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This photograph was taken at our coffee morning at Langfords Hotel on Thursday 1st October 2009

They are (from left to right) Marjorie Rawley, Ena Choulat, Hilda Bacon and Joyce Fanshawe.

Without giving away too many secrets, the ages of the four ladies added together comes to the grand total of 369 years.

These ladies are regulars at the coffee mornings and also attend many other social events.

I wonder if any other Pensioners Club can boast such a quartet of active members?

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On what turned out to be the wettest day of the year, 32 members and their guests took the short coach ride to Eastbourne and the Devonshire Park Theatre for the comedy play, The Grass is Greener.

Starring Liza Goddard and Christopher Cazenove, this Hugh and Margaret William Classic Comedy Hit, was very well acted and enjoyed by everyone. It told the story of Victor and Hilary Rhyall, two members of the British aristocracy, who were facing financial ruin. To get themselves back on track they decided to allow tourists into their stately home for guided tours. When Charles Delacro, an obnoxious American oil tycoon, came to visit their house with Victor’s ex-girlfriend Hattie – he took a liking to more than just the estate. Before long a love triangle developed where jealousy ran deep…
There were only 5 actors in the play and Jack Ellis was recognisable from his appearances in 'Bad Girls' as Jim Fenner the villainous prison warder and Sophie Ward from numerous TV and theatre shows.

As usual the play was followed by a wonderful cream tea at the Pavilion Tea Rooms. Our chairman Roger Francis thanked Don for running this event and for all the other successful trips during the year.

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Although the sun was shining when the coach picked the first passengers at Hove Town Hall, by the time it arrived at Withdean, the heavens opened and a few members and their guests got a bit damp!

We arrived in London in good time for a cup of coffee and a sandwich before making our way to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane to see the matinee performance of the musical 'Oliver'. The show, tagged by the press as 'The Best Show in Town', didn't disappoint. Even Terry Wogan was quoted as saying "The finest production I’ve ever seen on the West End stage. Beg, borrow, or steal a ticket - it’s worth it!’

We all agreed, It was a magnificent show from start to finish with some outstanding performances. The role of 'Fagin' played by Omid Djalili, was fantastic and with support from Jodie Prenger as 'Nancy' and Steven Hartley as 'Bill Sykes' it was easy to see why the show has been so successful. Fagin's rendition of 'Reviewing the Situation' was simply brilliant.

Unfortunately all good things come to an end, so we had to leave the theatre and make our way to Croydon where a three course carvery meal was waiting for us. The Courtyard Restaurant, which forms part of the Aerodrome Hotel in Purley Way, served the meal that rounded off what was a wonderful excursion.

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Another year has gone by, and as usual, we saved the best event for last and 129 members and their guests enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Dean's Place Hotel in Alfriston. This is the fourth year that we have been to this venue and they certainly did us proud.

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 flying across the room and onto unsuspecting victims. The meal was excellent and the service was even better. 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 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 9th December 2010