Annual Report 2003
Golf Day at
Pyecombe Golf Club
1st May
This was the second occasion on which Brighton Spread Eagles Pensioners Club has held a Golf Day, and it must be regarded as a huge success, with 39 members taking part. The previous meeting, last September, was the forerunner to this event, and showed that there is clearly a need for this type of event in our social calendar. Several of the competitors were new to the Club and their presence was most welcome.
The weather for the day was dry, but very windy, and this made scoring very difficult for all but the experienced or 'wrongly handicapped' players!
Messrs Frost (left) and Mace showing their style!
After some careful scrutiny of the scorecards, it was clear that the old adage that a good scorer will always beat a good player, appeared to be true!!! However, the winner, after a count back was Peter Elliott who had joined us for the first time. Finishing level on points with Peter was Doug Thompson. Many other prizes were awarded in the after golf dinner, some were earned, some were awarded for more dubious reasons.
Recognise anyone?
Just for the record, the following took part in the competition:
Gerry Arnold, John Bishop, David Blatchley, Richard Box, Peter Cantwell, Graham Clark, Tony Comber, Richard Dickens, Gavin Elliot, Peter Elliott, Arthur Elliott, David Fairs,
Brian Fitch, Roy Forgham, Robin Frost, Mike Hewson, Carol Hoare,
Ron Hoare, John Jago, David Kaye, Graham Knight, Richard Lewis, Harry Lilly, John Lockyer, Alan Longley, John Mace, Shirley Mainwood, Terry Moran, Bob Russell, Ted Scalé, Don Semmons, David Skinner, Dave Stedman, Colin Stevenson, Ron Taylor,
Louise Taylor, Doug Thompson, Pat Thorogood, Richard Wright.
Tuesday 20th May
Just 24 members and guests departed from Hove Town Hall and Withdean Stadium to go just a few miles up the A23 to "The High Beeches Gardens" situated 1 mile east of Handcross.
The weather was not bad, and the sun did come out for some of the afternoon, although we did have a shower or two to cope with.
The Gardens themselves were a feast of colour, with varieties of azalea and rhododendron in full bloom. The trees provided the perfect backdrop to the scene, with hundreds of shades of green, red and yellow making up the landscape.
The numerous woodland walks around the twenty acre site ensured that members could make their own way at their own pace in whichever direction took their fancy. Below are Norma & Norman Pontin sheltering from one of the showers.
One of our members, Brian Melhuish, may shortly be returning to High Beeches to put his newly acquired skill of putting brush to canvas to the test with some of the subtle shades of green seen throughout the Gardens. Our Vice-Chairman and his wife, Graham & Christine Clark, actually disturbed a couple of old dears whilst walking along one of the winding paths near to the Gardens perimeter. (At least I think that’s what they said. Sorry, don't have a picture of that!!)
After strolling round the Gardens for a couple of hours, we all adjourned to the Tea Rooms for a splendid, if fattening, cream tea with scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream, not to mention the odd cup of tea.
Wednesday 25th
June
After a short delay, we leave Hove Town Hall at 9.30am and make our way via Withdean, Lancing and Worthing onto the M27 and head for Beaulieu. Things are going well until Rownhams Services when the Police stop the coach, as they wish to undertake a vehicle check. So we are forced to wait for 30 minutes whilst the relevant checks etc are carried out. Eventually we leave to make our way to Beaulieu where we arrive at 12.15pm, just a bit later than we would have liked.
The weather is excellent and we walk the short distance from the coach park to the entrance and the 31 members and guests start to enjoy the facilities available. Some aim straight for the famous Motor Museum, some to the Restaurants, some to the Gardens and Abbey.
In the Abbey, a reconstruction of a Victorian Kitchen probably reminded some of times gone by. All those pots and pans, and no dishwasher in sight!!
I expect some of our members may well have owned a car like this one a few years ago.
This 1943 Morris Minor is just one of the hundreds of exhibits on show, no doubt bringing back memories to those who travelled by car or Motor Cycle in earlier years.
Whilst I would guess that at least one of our members owned a Morris Minor, I would make a confident guess that none would or will own the car shown here.
This is the new Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and if you would like one, then you'll just need to find a cool £252,000.
An exhibition of James Bond's boats and other equipment was very interesting and most members then took to the air! with a ride on the Monorail. The Gardens and Abbey provided the peace and quiet for a picnic or just a sit down for a rest. To be honest the gardens were a bit disappointing with only a few flowers in bloom and more weeds than in my garden!
After spending 3 hours at Beaulieu it's time to leave, but not before some of us spotted the TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who was filming for a new show that comes onto the BBC in the New Year.
Rosemary and Karl Singyard, shown here chatting with Paddy
Higgins at our tea stop on the way home, actually spoke to Jeremy and got his
autograph (apparently for their son, but I am not so sure).
We return to Hove after stopping for a superb cream tea at the WI at Chidham, where the table decorations were given to those lucky members with a cross stuck underneath their plates!!
All in all a very enjoyable day and thanks to Peter the driver, whose maneuver into the Car Park at Chidham, was something to behold. Thanks to Norma for arranging the tea stop and thanks to all those who came along.
Tuesday 21st July
An early departure didn't deter 49 members and guests from setting out for a day trip to France via the Euro Tunnel. Everyone arrived at the pick-up points in time and we make our way to Folkestone and the train terminal, only to be told that due to technical problems, there would be a delay of 1 hour before our train departed. With nothing better to do, we go into the terminal and look round the shops and drink some coffee until the call came to return to the coach for loading.
As our time in France was now going to be fairly short, we decide not to take the longer journey to Le Touquet (90 mins), but go to Boulogne instead.
The weather was sunny, although a little breezy, but not enough to stop most members enjoying a meal outside in one of the many restaurants on the promenade.
I expect you may recognise some of the above members enjoying their 'déjeuner'. In all we spend 2 and a half hours in Boulogne and those who chose not to eat were able to have a good look round the shops and local sights, or visit the beach. The picture below shows the Marina on the seafront.
We make the short journey to the Hypermarket and the coach springs were fully tested with numerous crates of all sorts of 'vin', cheeses and various other French goodies! We leave Boulogne and make our way back to Calais and the Eurotunnel terminal. Those who need a regular dose of nicotine made a few more purchases. Luckily we pass through customs without incident and return to Hove after a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Trip to Hever Castle
Tuesday 19th August 2003
On a bright morning, it was a pity that only 19 members chose to turn up for the trip to Hever Castle. Leaving Hove at 9.50 am and calling at Withdean Stadium, the gallant few made their way towards East Grinstead and to Hever Castle. Passing through Ashdown Forest, we soon arrive and after a short wait while our regular driver, Peter, collected the tickets for us to go into the Castle. As there were only a few people attending this trip, we were able to subsidise lunch and many had a splendid meal in one of the two restaurants on the site.
The sun was hiding behind a few clouds as our members looked around the grounds, especially the Rose Gardens and the Castle itself.
The castle, shown above, was the childhood home to Anne Boleyn dating back to the year 1270 and included in the exhibitions were figures of Henry VIII and his other five wives. The rooms inside the Castle have been restored to there former glory and gave you an intriguing insight into life as it was several centuries ago.
The Castle's Gardens were created about 100 years ago by the Aster Family and includes The Italian Gardens, Rose Garden and The Tudor Garden. The photo to the left shows just a small selection of roses from the Rose Garden, that had over 20 varieties of rose on show.
To the right is another photo of a single rose, this time with a bee just leaving to try another bloom.
There were other exhibitions to keep our members interested with the "From Castles to Country Homes" being a unique collection of one-twelfth scale model houses which depicted life through the ages. The photo below shows just one of the many rooms that have been recreated in this amazing exhibition.
After nearly 4 hours at Hever Castle, we take a short trip on the coach to the Village Hall at Withyham for our usual tea supplied by the local W.I. Vast amounts of sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea were quickly consumed and following a raffle and visit to the local produce table, we make our way back to Hove to complete another successful day.
It was disappointing that only 19 members and their guests came on this excursion, but it was thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended.
Boat Trip on the
Thames and visit to Royal Chelsea Hospital.
Friday 19th September
A full coach of 49 members and guests headed towards London on a bright but sometimes cloudy September morning. (We nearly had 50 people on board when a Lady got on the coach at Withdean and only after questioning did she realise she was on the wrong coach). Time was tight as we needed to be at Westminster Pier by 10.40 am in time for the 11 am sailing to Greenwich.
Peter our usual driver made quick time in the London traffic and got us to the Pier at 10.50 and I had to "run" across the road to buy the tickets, closely followed by 48 others. The last member stepped onto the boat and off we go for the 2-hour return trip to Greenwich. One of the crew gives a splendid commentary on the landmarks in a near Cockney Accent and this added to the enjoyment of the trip.
The above pictures show a number of our members enjoying the fresh air on
the return journey. We were also lucky enough to see Tower Bridge opening for a
training barge to pass underneath. Apart from the usual buildings and
monuments, that idiot/magician David Blaine was clearly visible lying in his
Perspex box!!
The sun was coming out nicely as we docked back at Westminster Pier and back onto the coach for the short ride to the Royal Chelsea Hospital. After Peter had undertaken another of his now legendry manoeuvres, we arrive at The Chelsea Hospital where we are greeted by Sergeant William Fox, a 70-year-old Pensioner, originally from Ireland, who made us feel very welcome indeed.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea was founded by King Charles II in 1682 as a retreat for veterans of the regular army who had become unfit for duty, either after 20 years service or as a result of wounds.
The above pictures show the main square called Figure Court, with the gold
leafed statue of King Charles II. and on the right William is closely followed
by a group eagerly awaiting his next anecdote or snippet of information.
William proved to be a tremendous host and was the most jovial and interesting
of characters.
There is space for approximately 400 In-Pensioners who are drawn from Out-Pensioners of good character and who are at least sixty-five years of age. Younger men may be admitted if it is certified that they are unable to earn their living as the result of a disability caused by service. At present they have 329 residents.
This picture shows the Great Hall where the Pensioners have their meals and
is also used for meetings and other gatherings. William showed us the menu for
the day that confirmed his comments as to just how well they are fed at the
Hospital. The three course High Tea that evening sounded most mouth
watering. The other picture above shows yours truly thanking William for
his services and the Spread Eagles Club made a donation of £150 to the Hospital
to show our appreciation of an enjoyable and informative afternoon.
Peter then masters the London rush hour traffic and we were back in Hove in time to see Coronation Street!!
Trip to Congress
Theatre Eastbourne.
Wednesday 22nd
October
Despite it being the first wet day in a long time, 45 members joined the coach, for the journey to Eastbourne. On arrival a bit later than planned, the staff were waiting for us all in the restaurant, where we all tucked in to a very good lunch.
The show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, was a lively, very visual show. The colours were superb, as were the costumes, and the singing. That was the first time I had realised that the Pharaoh, was also Elvis Presley in another life, and that Joseph could ride a large motorbike. Many of our members joined in with the standing up and swaying and clapping, along with the school children in the audience. They only had coffee to drink at lunch too!!.
Finally we all made our way back to the coach and the journey home, still with the weather keeping dry for us.
Golf Day at
Mid-Sussex Golf Club
Thursday 16th
October
This was the third golf day organised by the Spread Eagles Pensioners Club and was attended by 28 members, with a few new faces to add to the 'old faces' that have played in the other competitions.
Thanks to Robin Frost, Tony Comber and Graham Clark for organising this well run and increasingly popular Golf Day that was played on a perfect day, with some excellent scores and it perhaps appropriate that the overall winner was one of the "New Boys" and the runner up, one of the "Old Boys!"
Played on a Stableford Points system, the winning players were: -
Trevor Franklin with 34 points, David Fairs 33pts, Richard Dickens, Harry Lilly, Doug Thompson and Brian Moore 31pts.
Just for the record, the following also took part in the competition:
Gerry Arnold, John Bishop, David Blatchley, Richard Box, Trevor Clapp,
Graham Clark, David Coleman, Tony Comber, Richard Dickens, Arthur Elliott,
Brian Fitch, Robin Frost, Mike Hewson, David Kaye, Richard Lewis, Harry Lilly,
Alan Longley, John Mace, Shirley Mainwood, Neil McNamara, Dave Stedman,
Norman Tessier, Doug Thompson, Pat Thorogood and Richard Wright.
Trip to
Les
Miserables
Thursday 27th November 2003
The much awaited day arrives and a full coach of 49 members and guests leave Sussex for the annual London Theatre Trip. Just a quick mention at this point to Mr & Mrs Bernie Lomer and Mr & Mrs Mike Eldridge, who were unable to go at the last minute through illness.
The usual London traffic only gives us enough time for a quick cup of coffee before the show is due to start and we are all in our seats by 2.30. The seats were in the stalls and gave everyone an excellent view. The show, that lasted for 3 hours was awesome. The energy and enthusiasm shown by the cast soon made the audience sit up and take note. The opening scenes were loud, but powerful and although at times the plot was hard to follow, especially for those of us seeing the production for the first time, the overall storyline was straightforward.
Some of the scenes made a few tears well up in the eyes, whilst others, particularly the "Master of The House" scene made us roar with laughter. In all it was stirring stuff and everyone agreed that it was a terrific show. The 3 hours seemed to fly by and we are soon making our way back to Croydon for a fish and chip supper finished off with a rather large helping of Gateaux.
So, the final trip of the year turned out to be one of the best and as the Organisor, I would like to thank all of our members that have supported the trips during the year.
25th Anniversary
Christmas Lunch
11th December 2003
Another year goes by, and as usual, we save the best event for last and 127 members and their guests enjoy another wonderful lunch at Wickwoods Country Club, Albourne.
After having their free welcome drink at the door, our members and their guests made their way to the beautifully decorated tables and soon the balloons were 'raspberrying' their way across the ceilings and onto unsuspecting victims. The meal was excellent and better than last years, which in turn was better than the year before. The service was good and thanks to some creative accounting, the cost was well subsidised and considered by all to be really good value.
The raffle and two games of "Irish Lottery" finished the lunch of 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.
Here's just a couple of piccies of some of our members.
