Annual Report 2014
AGM and Lunch
Thursday 6th March 2014
The Club's 36th Annual General Meeting was held in the Spen Cama Pavilion at Sussex County Cricket Club in Hove and was attended by 48 members.
At the AGM, our Chairman Roger Francis, lead the proceedings and mentioned in his annual report that in November last, three members of the Committee attended the Pensioners' Briefing and National Forum at Canary Wharf, the proceedings of which have been fully reported in the Winter edition of Connection Magazine.
Membership of the Brighton Club has increased from 396 to 397 over the past year, 275 of whom are in receipt of a Barclays pension and 195 attended at least one Club function. Our twin aims are social and welfare, although our duties regarding welfare are not as onerous as it would appear as they seem to affect other clubs in the U.K.
With regard to the Social aspect of the Club, Roger thanked and congratulated Don and Norma for their tremendous programme of events during the year and asked that members support them during the coming year. Roger then thanked Graham Clark as Vice Chairman for his moral support and encouragement; to Tony Comber for his Welfare commitment; Committee members Buster, Rosemary and newcomers Gill Hill and Justine Hamilton. for their support; Don wearing his hat as Treasurer, and Jean as Secretary and host of our committee meetings. These thanks concluded his report.
The committee were re-elected en-bloc.
The AGM was followed by a splendid buffet lunch that was thoroughly enjoyed by all the attendees and many commented on how lovely the venue was and the friendliness and efficiency of the staff who looked after us so well.
As usual a few photographs from the day.
Visit to Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst
Wednesday 9th April 2014
It was an early start for the 40 members and their guests as we boarded the coach for the 90 minute journey to Camberley in Surrey and the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy.
We were greeted by a number of Gurkhas and needed to go through a couple of security checks before being allowed to progress towards the parade ground and coach park. We made our way towards the parade ground and were handed a programme of events for the morning Commandant's Parade. We were shown to our seats in the stand and waited then watched in amazement at the precision and organisation of over 600 officer cadets marching across the large parade ground ably assisted by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. The Sovereign's Banner and the Brigade Colours were marched on Parade.
The reviewing Officer was Major General S R Skeates CBE and he later inspected the parade and presented Swords of Honour to the best Officer Cadets from the Senior Division of that years intake.
After the Parade, that lasted for 90 minutes, we made our way to a local hostelry and were treated to an excellent two course pub lunch and coffee. We returned to Sandhurst for a guided tour of the Academy and Chapel and finally a refreshing cup of tea or coffee at the end of the afternoon. Our guides for the day, Bernard Allen and David Wilson were both excellent and extremely knowledgeable and helped to make the day an enormous success.
This visit was so full of interesting facts and artefacts, it is impossible to type a report that would give you a true picture of the whole visit, but as always the few photos below will help to show why we had such an enjoyable day.
In the photograph below, please take special note of Tony Wilson, on the left hand side standing next to the well dressed lady in purple, who actually attended the Royal Military Academy in 1943 and passed out as a Second Lieutenant, before being made a Captain in the Hampshire Regiment during the war before being transferred as a Reinforcement Officer in the 2nd Essex Regiment.
Tony remembers that the parade wasn't quite so grand 71 years ago, with fewer cadets, but still with the military precision and ceremony.
Spring Golf Meeting at Mid-Sussex Golf Club, Ditchling.
Tuesday 29th April 2014
28 members and 2 guests arrived at the lovely Mid-Sussex Golf Club, near Ditchling in warm sunshine, and although rain was forecast, it remained dry throughout the afternoon.
So all 30 set out to enjoy the conditions and hopefully get loads of points in the stableford competition. Well the conditions were enjoyed, but the scoring was not the best we had seen with an average score of just 22 stableford points.
After the golf, we all enjoyed a two course meal and then listened to the joint organiser, Robin Frost announce the winners of the competition and the nearest the pin prizes. Before that Robin thanked Graham Clark for his assistance in organising the event and Don Semmons for his part in helping with the administration and the scoring. Most folks agreed that the standard of the presentations was just slightly better than the standard of the golf!!!
The winner of the competition and the R.T.Box Memorial Cup was Peter Elliott, with runner up Don Semmons. Best scores for each for each half of the round went to Harry Lilly and Mel Sims.
Nearest the pin in two, a new competition, was won by Ted Scalé and Peter Elliott and nearest the pin was again won by Ted.
Pictures below show Peter Elliott receiving the R.T. Box Trophy from organiser Robin Frost and the other winners, Harry Lilly, Mel Sims, Don Semmons and Ted Scalé.
Lunch at the Coral Greyhound Stadium
Wednesday 14th May 2014
On a sunny and pleasantly warm afternoon, this years lunch attracted 42 members and guests to this popular venue.
A 3 course meal was served and with all drinks included in the price, the afternoon provided both great entertainment with 14 live dog races and good company with some members trying their hand at betting for the first time - some doing slightly better than others!!!
The food and the service were excellent and everyone enjoyed the afternoon.
Don again offered his betting skills to those members who wished to participate, but unfortunately, not for the first time, we ended up with a 'nil return' on the betting dividend. Although we did win a small amount, it was 'reinvested' in the last race, to no avail. Still us rich pensioners can afford to lose a pound or two here and there eh!!!!!
Here are some photos early on in the proceedings whilst people were still sober!! Hehe!!
Visit to Kew Gardens
Tuesday 24th June 2014
On a bright and sunny morning, 35 of our members and their guests boarded the coach for the short trip up to Richmond and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.
After a quick comfort break, we split into three groups for a 1 hour guided tour during which we learnt about the history of Kew Gardens. It was created in 1759 by Lord Capel John of Tewkesbury and subsequently enlarged and extended by Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales. It covers 300 acres and is now a primarily an internationally important botanical research and education institution. It is home to over 30,000 different species of plants.
Lunch was provided and then we went our own ways around the site visiting the places of greatest interest in the time we had available. Most will have to return as the site is vast and the number of attractions too many to take in on one visit.
We used the Kew Explorer (land train) to help us move around the gardens, as can be seen in one of the photos below.
The weather stayed fine all day and everyone agreed the is was a splendid day out.
As always, photos tell a better story, so here are a few:
Mid Summer Lunch
Tuesday 23rd July 2014
On a warm and sunny day, 68 members and their guests made the short trip up to Albourne and Wickwoods Country Club for the annual Mid Summer Lunch.
A refreshing glass of Pimms was waiting for us as we entered the gardens where finding somewhere cool was order of the day. The parasol covered patio was favourite as well as some deck chairs under the many pine trees.
We were then treated to a splendid 2 course buffet lunch with varieties of meats, salmon, new potatoes and salad. A selection of mouth-watering desserts and then tea or coffee with mints finished off a lovely meal.
We were then entertained by a professional soprano, Sharon Elizabeth, accompanied by her husband Paul Lewis, who sang a variety of songs from her programme 'Cabaret Nostalgique'. Among the songs were treated to were 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the Mid-day Sun' by Noel Coward and 'Volare' by Dean Martin. Her performance was excellent and she was warmly applauded at the end of her programme.
Here are some photos:
Visit to Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth
Thursday 28th August 2014
It was a warm yet cloudy day when 46 members and their guests boarded the coach for the short journey to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Mary Rose Museum.
There were a number of attractions to visit during the day including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the National Royal Navy Museum and a harbour tour. Members were left to visit the displays as they wished and the new Mary Rose Museum gave everyone the opportunity to look back into the past with stunning visual displays and artefacts. Just by coincidence, during the morning was the ceremony for the de-commissioning of the HMS Illustrious, that added colour and aerial displays from the ships helicopters.
Boathouse 7 was the venue for lunch and the quality of the food was superb, with fish and chips being the favourite option.
On the return journey, we stopped of at Kinsley's Coffee Shop in Ferring for a wonderful cream tea.
As always, pictures talk louder than words, so here are a few:
On Board HMS Victory On board HMS Warrior
On Board HMS Warrior Mary Rose
Surgeon's Artefacts - Mary Rose Cannon and ammunition - Mary Rose
Members enjoying Lunch
HMS Illustious HMS Warrior
Spinnaker Tower Cream Tea!
Visit to Highclere Castle, Newbury
Wednesday 11th September 2014
After waiting for nearly three years to be able to visit Highclere Castle, it was somewhat surprising that only 38 members and their guests climbed aboard the coach for the journey down to Berkshire and to Highclere Castle. The weather was kind to us and it was warm and sunny when we arrived to be given an introductory talk from a very knowledgeable lady who set the scene for our day long visit.
Highclere Castle, is of course, better known to most of us as 'Downton Abbey' the very popular TV series that comes back to our screens in a couple of weeks time. The castle is the home of the present Earl of Carnarvon and is surrounded by over 1,000 acres of beautify woodland and gardens. The castle was designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1842. Barry was also the architect of the Houses of Parliament and many similarities can be seen.
Apart from looking round the castle, there was also an Egyptian Exhibition in the basement. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who 100 years ago, with his colleague Howard Carter, discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun.
The gardens and park have been in existence since medieval times and were also influence by Capability Brown in the 18th century.
Here are a few photos:
Autumn Golf Meeting at Dyke Golf Club, Brighton.
Wednesday 1st October 2014
The weather couldn't have been better as the Brighton Spread Eagles Golfing Society met for their Autumn Meeting at the Dyke Golf Club near Brighton.
29 members, with tee shirts and sun glasses went out to compete for the new autumn cup, the Mike Barrett Trophy, in perfect golfing conditions. Some excellent scores were handed in to the administrators after their rounds and after the usual scrutiny by the judges, Ted Scalé was pronounced the winner, with David Oliver coming a close second with Keith Pike third.
As usual the day started with coffee and bacon rolls and a catch up with each other, many of whom only meet up each year at these golf meetings. It was again nice to see Brian Haite, Roger Tugwell and Keith Pike who regularly travel down from Peterborough to play. Brian didn't play due to a minor health issue and we wish him well for a speedy recovery.
Roger's trip down proved to be memorable as he scored a HOLE-IN-ONE on the fifth hole. Several members witnessed the event and Chris Hudson was on hand to take this photo of Roger taking his ball out of the hole (you may have to look closely!):
The Bob Russell Cup is awarded to the player with the highest aggregate score for both the spring and autumn meetings and this years winner was David Oliver with a total of 66 points, closely followed by Don Semmons on 64 points.
After the splendid 2 course meal, for which Robin thanked the catering staff at the Dyke, the awards were handed out by Robin and Graham Clark at this, the 25th meeting of the Society. There were additional awards made to Brian Fitch, Keith Pike and Brian Phillips for nearest the pin.
Here are some photos showing Robin Frost and Mike Barrett in action, the evening event and the winners:
The organisers. The winners (L > R) Keith Pike, David Oliver, Ted Scalé and Roger Tugwell
Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre, London
Thursday 23rd October 2014
48 members and their guests set off to see the matinee show of the Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre in the Haymarket; after leaving Hove at 10.30am, the coach made two further pick ups and we arrived in London in good time to find something to eat and drink before making our way to the theatre.
The show is now in it's 28th year in London and it was still spellbinding and mysterious in spite of not having well known actors or actresses in the lead roles. The entire show was fabulous and enjoyed by all our members. The scenery changes were amazing and the music made the hair on the back of your neck stand-up!!! The theatre was packed and it was clear to see why.
After the show, we hopped back on the coach and made the short journey, via Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square to the Strand Palace Hotel, where we were treated to a 2 course carvery meal followed by coffee or tea. Everyone agreed it was well worth waiting for.
We then returned to the coach after another successful excursion. There was a minor hiccough on the way home when we were delayed by a tree that had fallen across the road near Pyecombe Golf Club and we had to wait a few minutes whilst the police cleared the road. We soon carried on our way to get back to Hove by 9.30am
'The Small Hand' at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
Wednesday 12th November 2014
On a showery and windy November afternoon, 30 members and their guests made the short coach trip across to Eastbourne to see this thriller written by Susan Hill at the Devonshire Park Theatre.
We arrived in good time to have a drink and a bite to eat before making our way to the theatre and taking our seats waiting for the play that had been described as "A spine-chilling tale from the author of The Woman in Black...From the million selling author, and writer of the most terrifying play ever staged, Susan Hill’s The Small Hand takes you on a new journey that is the stuff of nightmares.."
Well I am not certain if any of our members would have had nightmares after the show, but whilst it was creepy and mysterious at times, it was also a little confusing and sometimes hard to follow. With just three actors on stage, two of them each playing about four different roles and in different times and places, but with the scenery remaining the same.....need I say more?? Having said that, it was very well acted and did keep you in suspense until the end. The sound effects and lighting were excellent.
After the show, we walked across to a local coffee shop for a fabulous cream tea, that everyone enjoyed.
I think on this occasion, the 'creams' were better than the 'screams'
We then boarded the coach for the short trip back to Hove.
Christmas Lunch
Thursday 4th December 2014
We again went to Deans Place Hotel in Alfriston for our annual Christmas Lunch and 118 members and their guests enjoyed another wonderful occasion. Believe it or not, this is the tenth year that we have been welcomed at Deans Place and it still gets better every year.
The main room was beautifully decorated with festive adornments, screaming balloons again filled the air as our youthful members let there hair down (sort of!) Yet again the food was excellent and the service was even better. There was certainly plenty of food and it was well cooked. The free wine probably also played it's part in making the event so enjoyable.
The afternoon continued with the usual games of 'Irish Bingo', with a rather amusing battle between the 'Frosts' to try and win the cash prize that ended in an honourable draw! The much awaited raffle caused a little confusion with various numbers being called out, but this just added to the sense of fun that was apparent during the afternoon. Everyone agreed it was a wonderful event and we will be back at Deans Place next year on Thursday 10th December.
After the meal, our Chairman, Roger Francis made a short speech, mentioning that it was nice to see some 'new faces' at the lunch and also referred to a few members who had been unable to attend through illness, but had sent their best wishes to all the other members. Roger concluded by thanking me (Don) for all the hard work undertaken to organise the events during this year and previous years and on behalf of the Club, presented a glass bowl to Don & Rose as a token of their appreciation.
Here are some photos for you to enjoy.
