Archived Newsletters
BARMARA
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
July 2010 Issue 60 Newsletter
Unfortunately, our previous Hon. Secretary, Brian Cornish has not been too well recently. We all wish Brian a quick return to good health and look forward to seeing him at the Art Group and our Meetings very soon.
We send our best wishes to Jill Tugwell for a speedy recovery after injuring her ankle during the last Ramble.
Thursday 24th June was a very warm summers day when we left Fant Lane for our coach trip to Rye and Great Dixter. After a pleasant journey through the countryside we arrived in Rye. We spent the morning wandering around the large market picking up a few bargains and then into the town for lunch. We then got back onto the coach for the short journey to Great Dixter. After some very tricky manoeuvrings by our lady coach driver we parked and then had the afternoon to explore the house and gardens. The gardens are quite naturalistic with self-seeded plants everywhere and with large areas given over to flower meadows. It was perfect weather for this trip and everyone enjoyed themselves. The coach and driver were excellent. It was another "nice one" Gloria and thanks also for the terrific photo of the House.
Monday 12th July was our Petanque morning at the Redstart pub and if you remember that far back it absolutely poured with rain all night and up to about 10.am that morning. Nevertheless, 19 intrepid members turned up to play Petanque (Boules) at the Redstart dressed in wet weather gear and umbrellas hoping to play. The "pitch" was flooded and Ken Comber worked miracles in clearing the water off the playing area. We split into teams and started what turned out to be a jolly good morning. Thankfully the rain did stop and the sun poked its nose out at just about half time when we stopped for coffee. After another couple of games later we broke for lunch. There was a lot of happy banter and chitchat between the members whilst enjoying a very nice meal. Thanks to Ken for all his hard work and in providing the equipment. Our next Petanque date is Monday 9th August.
It is sad to report that one of our members had her handbag stolen whilst shopping in a supermarket. It was taken whilst hanging on the trolley hook. I find the circumstances of this theft particularly distasteful and pass on a warning to all our ladies to take extra care. The incident was very distressing to our member and caused her a lot of grief and inconvenience.
We changed the June Quiz format to a WORDSEARCH to encourage more members to "have a go". The nine hidden garden flowers were: Daisy, Pansy, Salvia, Tulip, Lobelia, Iris, Viola, Poppy, Zinnia and of course BarmARA.
QUIZ JULY 2010 - Music . Submitted by Jen Cornish. (So she can't win this one!)
1. In which Johnny Mercer song does "Webster's Dictionary" feature? 2. Who was Gertrude Lawrence's famous partner? 3. Who wrote the lyrics to Andrew Lloyd-Weber's "Starlight Express"? 4. "He's a Tramp" features in which film? 5. What was different about Sandy Shore's performance in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967 - apart from winning? 6. Which musical was based on "The Philadelphia Story"? 7. Who wrote the "Planets Suite"? 8. What is the name of the National Anthem of Australia? 9. On which Shakespeare play is "West Side Story" based? 10. Name the song, which accompanied the strip in "The Full Monty"? 11. From whose music is the score of the musical "Kismet" taken? 12. The "Can-Can" features in which opera? 13. Name the Anthem of the European Union? 14. "Jerusalem" is traditionally sung at the Last Night of the Proms, but where else? 15. Who wrote the words of "Auld Lang Syne"?
Answers please in the box at the August 2010 Meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday before the meeting so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
We would welcome contributions for the Quiz from any Member. It could be on any subject providing it is legal and decent!!
Last month's speaker was Chris McCooey who kept us entertained and laughing by his inimitable presentation style. He really has quite a dry sense of humour. This is his second visit to BarmARA and we understand that he has another speech in the course of preparation so let us hope that we can persuade him to return to us again.
Did you know?...Hotel Room Key Cards contain personal information in the magnetic strip, such as your name, partial home address, check-in and check out dates, your credit card number and expiry date. This information can easily be read by anyone with a scanner. So do not hand them back to the hotel, as they do not overwrite them until they are re-issued to a new guest. Take them home and destroy them. Thanks to John and Lorna Grognet for this tip.
Smells in kitchen. Put a Bay Leaf in your water when cooking Sprouts or Cabbage it won't change the flavour but it will a stop the smell. This tip came from our friends in the Ramsgrave ARA in Co. Wexford, Ireland.
Q. What does the word 'benign' mean?
A. Benign is what you will be after you be eight
Q. What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A. He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held on Tuesday August 24th 2010 in Fant Hall starting at 1.00pm immediately proceeding our regular monthly Meeting.
Notice of the Annual General Meeting was published in the June Issue No. 59 of the Barming Active Retirement Association Newsletter. You are reminded that If you wish to stand for election or nominate another member, the necessary form can be obtained from the Hon. Secretary, Wendy Thorpe. The completed form must reach Wendy at least 14 days prior to the Meeting.
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Last month we advised you that we had been fortunate to secure funding to purchase our own New Age Kurling equipment. Dave Mayger has now spent it all and we now have 5 sets of our own. A set consists of 2 pushing sticks, 4 red and 4 blue kurling stones 2 targets and the essential containers. We just want a strong metal cupboard to store this equipment like the type we all are familiar with in the office. If anybody knows where we can obtain one please let Dave Mayger know (670034)
Please note that Line Dancing has now closed for the Summer Break and will restart in September.
New Age Kurling: Notwithstanding the hot weather, a goodly number of players, including a few new ones, turned up at the TA Centre in Boxley Road at 10.am for our Kurling Session. This was the first time we have used our own equipment. We stopped for coffee and biscuits at half time and then back to finish off the session. We all packed up at 12.noon and went home to enjoy the rest of the day's warm weather.
We had 21 members at the coffee morning hosted this month by Brenda Sargent and Val Mayger as Maureen Kenwright was away on holiday.
We are looking for a lady volunteer who is a regular attendee at our meetings and other events who has an interest in or who has had some training in First Aid to act as our second nominated first aider. You will be sent on a comprehensive One Day St. John's Ambulance "Emergency First Aid at Work" (HSE approved Course) Training Course. If you are interested please let Maurice Gay have your name.
A message from our Membership Secretary.
The annual Subs will be due from the AGM in August for the year 2010/2011. There will be no increase this year so the subs remain at £5.00 for full membership, £3.00 (£5.00 per couple) for associate membership. As usual full members can pay at the September meeting, and associates can send their payment to:
Peter Sargent,
84 Newbury Avenue,
Allington, ME16 0RD
Cheques should be made out to 'Barmara'. Once again, all subs must be paid by November 31st. Failure to do so by this date will mean membership will be terminated.
Events Diary - List of Activities, Trips and Excursions
Monday 2nd August. Coffee Morning at Barming Parish Hall 10.00am to 12.00
Friday 6th August. Kurling 10.00am TA Hall Boxley Rd. £2.00p (D)
Monday 9th August. Petanque 10am at the Redstart Pub in North Street. Wednesday 11th August Leave Fant Hall at 11.00am for Coach trip with free time in Hythe then a ride on Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway followed by Fish & Chip Lunch at The Pilot Pub at Dungeness. Cost £30 (M)
Monday 16th August. 4 Mile Ramble in East & West Malling area. Meet and Park at the "Five Pointed Star" Pub Car Park in West Malling at 10.00am. Lunch at Five Pointed Star Pub. Pre-Order Lunch before walk starts on day. Contact (B) 721719
Monday 6th September. Coffee Morning Barming Parish Hall 10.00am to 12.00
Wednesday 22nd September. Coach trip to Olympic Site with Guide. Trip includes tea, coffee, biscuits AND Roast Beef Lunch. Please let Gloria know if a vegetarian option is required. Cost £27. Leave Fant Hall 8.45am (G)
Tuesday 19th October. A theatre trip has been arranged to see the Jersey Boys at Prince Edward Theatre. Matinee performance, leaving Fant Lane at 11.30am. Price including coach £35 for seats in the stalls. This trip is now fully booked (G)
Friday 22nd October BarmARA Autumn Quiz Night at Barming Primary School Hall at 7.00pm Tables of 6.
Friday 22nd October KentARA Supper and Race Night at Ditton Community Centre 7.30pm - 10.30pm. Entrance Cost £6.00p per person. Contact (W)
Thursday 18th November to Monday 22nd November Lunch and Christmas Spectacular at Thursford followed by weekend break at Potters 5* hotel including 4 meals a day and entertainment. £360. Contact (M)
Tuesday 14th December. BarmARA Christmas Lunch at Oakwood House. More Details follow (G or M)
Contacts: - (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen (Mo) 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771. (D) Dave 670034 (DT) Dorothy Tyler 726389
(B) Brian 721719
At our meeting today, we have a very interesting talk entitled "A Forensic Response to the Tsunami". The next meeting (August) will be our AGM. In September Susan Pope will give a talk on "Lighter than Air"; while in October, Steve Pendleton returns to talk about his world without vision. In November, Laurie Manser gives us his "Memories of a Golden Boy".
With regard to our Meetings, would you please be aware that access to the Fant Hall for the monthly Meeting is from 1.00pm. If you arrive any earlier you may be refused entry until 1.00pm, as the Committee members will be setting out the chairs and tables.
Issue No 59 June 2010.
Chairman Neil Kenwright
www.barmara.org.uk
BEST WISHES TO NEIL & MAUREEN KENWRIGHT ON THEIR
GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
On Thursday 20th May a full coach left Fant Hall for our trip to Bletchley Park. The home during WW2 of the Code Breakers who famously cracked the Enigma Machine Code and the development of "Colossus" the world's first digital computer The outbound journey was delayed by an accident that closed the M20 so we arrived a little later than planned. Nevertheless, when we did arrive, our Guide - Maurice - was waiting and showed us into the main Mansion where we had coffee and biscuits whilst he gave us some information on the history of Bletchley Park and its use during the War. Following a tour of the area, which included a visit to the Bletchley Park Post Office, we had a good lunch of Cottage Pie, which was followed by a tour of the historic huts that housed Colossus and the Enigma and Lorenz machines. Tea and cakes in the main house followed. We departed at about 4.30pm and arrived safely back in Maidstone after a very interesting day. It is sad to report that this National treasure is supported only by voluntary subscription and not by the State. Thanks once again to Gloria for organising a really great trip.
The BarmARA Petanque season started on the 14th June at the Redstart Pub thanks to Ken Comber and Dave Mayger. It was a lovely summer morning and over 20 members turned up to play. Ken reminded us of the Rules and supervised the team selection. Coffee or Tea was served mid-way and when we had all completed our games, most of us went into lunch. Ken had arranged for the meal and drink for a very reasonable £7.00p. An excellent start to the season! Our next Petanque session is at the Redstart Pub at 10.am on Monday 12th July at 10.00am and I urge you to come along and enjoy yourself.
Congratulations to Jackie Boyle on winning the April Quiz.. The answers were:
Q1. Desert Island Discs. Q2. Dick Barton Special Agent. Q3. The Billy Cotton Band Show. Q4. The Archers. Q5. Henry Hall's Guest Night. Q6. Children's Favourites. Q7. Paul Temple Q8. 2-Way Family Favourites. Q9. Top of the Pops. Q10. Down Your Way. Q11. Housewives Choice. Q12. Listen With Mother. Q13. Music While You Work. Q14. The Adventures of PC 49. Q15 The Shipping Forecast.
Commiserations to Dorothy Tyler and Jen Cornish who missed the prize by one wrong answer.
QUIZ JUNE 2010: Word Search
See if you can find nine common garden flowers and the name of our organisation
Answers please in the box at the July 2010 Meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday before the meeting so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
We would welcome contributions for the Quiz from any Member. It could be on any subject providing it is legal and decent!!
BarmARA's name spreads far and wide. RamsgrangeARA all the way from Ireland contacted us through our web site. Here is a précis of the message " Hi all, we are an Active retirement group from Ramsgrange in the south eastern area of Ireland, and our group has been up and running since 2003 and have 107 members, we are affiliated to Active Retirement Ireland. We have 487 ARA,s around Ireland and 60 groups in the South East Region, the region covers 5 counties, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford and Tipperary.
Our group is in South Wexford area 20 miles outside Wexford town. We are a rural area and cover 5 parishes. Like you we have many outings and part of the activities are Bowls, Ti-Chi, Ballroom Dancing, Tea Dances, Arts and Craft classes, Walks, Fado Fado (Story Telling) evenings, dog racing and horse racing, swimming, we have just returned from a five day holiday to Cork and Kerry. 42 of our members went and had a wonderful time.
We meet on the first Monday of every Month where we have a speaker, like you we charge 2 Euro to come in and 15 Euro for year membership, all coach trips are subsidised. We also go to the theatre both opera and musicals. Tomorrow we are all going to Tintern Abbey Saltmills where we will tour the Abbey followed by poetry reading and most importantly tea
and cakes." We have responded likewise and gave RamsgrangeARA details of BarmARA and our activities. I thought the ARA movement was limited to Kent. Fado Fado intrigues me and perhaps we should ask Dave Mayger to organise something of a like nature, as he is the biggest storyteller I know!
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting of Barming Active Retirement Association will be held at Fant Community Hall on Tuesday 28th August 2010 at 1.30pm as a preliminary to the usual monthly meeting. Matters to be dealt with at the Meeting will be the delivery of Officer's Annual Reports, presentation of audited Accounts for the year, election of Officers and Committee and the appointment of Auditor for the year 2010/2011.Below is a list of current Officers and Committee Members with their specialisations and an indication of whether they are prepared to stand for re-election:
Officers
Chairman: Neil Kenwright Yes.
Hon. Treasurer : Peter Dickenson Yes.
Hon. Secretary: Wendy Thorpe Yes.
Hon. Membership Secretary: Peter Sargent Yes
Committee Members
Maurice Gay (Newsletter) Yes
Maureen Kenwright (Catering) Yes
Dave Mayger (Activities) Yes
Gloria Rayment (Outings) Yes
Maureen Smith (Outings) Yes
Judy Thompson (Raffles) Yes
Brian Wade (Speakers) Yes
You may nominate members to compete for any of the Officer or Committee posts using the appropriate form available from the Hon. Secretary. Any nomination should reach the Secretary at least 14 days before the Meeting. A nomination may be entered at the Meeting provided that the Nominee is present. In the event of more than one nomination being received, an election will be held.
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We have managed to secure funding from Grassroots Grants Kent Community Foundation in order to purchase our own New Age Kurling Equipment thanks to the efforts of our Vice-Chairman Gloria Rayment. Thanks to Gloria for all her hard work connected with this project. Our own Vic Jefferys was in the Kent Messenger news again when they printed a photograph of the residents of Dover Street at the time of the VE Day celebrations. A young handsome 16-year-old Vic can be seen. He was able to recognise most of the other people in the photograph. The Speaker at our May Meeting was Jackie Aviolet. Jackie runs a local plant nursery and she used her expertise and knowledge to relate our Christian names to flowers, shrubs, trees and vegetables. Some of our members and their names did match the type of flower, but Peter Sargent our Membership Secretary as a Sweet Pea..... I think not. It was a fun and interesting talk.
Please note that Line Dancing has now closed for the Summer Break and will restart in September.
Shakespeare went into a pub and the Landlord said "You're Bard".
Events Diary - List of Activities, Trips and Excursions
Thursday 24th June. Coach Trip to Rye Market with time to shop and have lunch in this lovely town then in afternoon on to visit the Great Dixter Gardens at Northiam . Leave Fant Lane at 9.00am. Cost including Coach £16. (G)
Monday 5th July Coffee Morning at Barming Parish Hall 10.00am to 12.00
Friday 9th July. Kurling 10.00am TA Hall Boxley Rd. £2.00p (D)
Monday 12th July Petanque 10.00am Redstart Pub. North Street, Barming (D)
Friday 16th July Rehearsals for Musical Spectacular Parish Hall 2.30pm
Monday 19th July. Ramble. 4 miles circular walk with some stiles via Boxley, Boxley Abbey ruins and Cuckoo Wood. Meet 10.00am Penenden Heath Car Park. (Take care of Height Barrier) Lunch afterwards at The Bull Penenden Heath. (DT)
Thursday 22nd July. Coach trip to R.H.S Gardens at WISLEY. Leave Fant Lane at 9.00am. Cost £10.00 plus Coach. (M)
Tuesday 27th July. BarmARA Meeting at Fant Hall 1.00pm
Monday 2nd August. Coffee Morning at Barming Parish Hall 10.00am to 12.00
Friday 6th August. Kurling 10.00am TA Hall Boxley Rd. £2.00p (D)
Wednesday 11th August Leave Fant Hall at 11.00am for Coach trip with free time in Hythe then a ride on Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway followed by Fish & Chip Lunch at The Pilot Pub at Dungerness. Cost £30 (M)
Monday 6th September. Coffee Morning Barming Parish Hall 10.00am to 12.00
Wednesday 22nd September. Coach trip to Olympic Site with Guide. Trip includes tea, coffee, biscuits AND Roast Beef Lunch. Please let Gloria know if a vegetarian option is required. Cost £27. Leave Fant Hall 8.45am (G)
Tuesday 19th October. A theatre trip has been arranged to see the Jersey Boys at Prince Edward Theatre. Matinee performance, leaving Fant Lane at 11.30am. Price including coach £35 for seats in the stalls. This trip is now fully booked (G)
Friday 22nd October KentARA Supper and Race Night at Ditton Community Centre 7.30pm - 10.30pm. Entrance Cost £6.00p per person. Contact (W)
Thursday 18th November to Monday 22nd November Lunch and Christmas Spectacular at Thursford followed by weekend break at Potters 5* hotel including 4 meals a day and entertainment. £360. Contact (M)
Tuesday 14th December. BarmARA Christmas Lunch at Oakwood House. More Details follow (G or M)
Contacts: - (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen (Mo) 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771. (D) Dave 670034 (DT) Dorothy Tyler 726389
At our meeting today, we have the pleasure of Chris McCooey to give us his new Talk called Birds, Beasts and Bacchanalia of Kent & Sussex. On a more serious note we have a very interesting talk planned for July entitled "A Forensic Response to the Tsunami" .Our AGM will be held at our August Meeting.
With regard to our Meetings, would you please be aware that access to the Fant Hall for the monthly Meeting is from 1.00pm. If you arrive any earlier you may be refused entry until 1.00pm, as the Committee members will be setting out the chairs and tables.
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 58 May 2010.
Chairman Neil Kenwright
www.barmara.org.uk
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MAUREEN KENWRIGHT
who celebrates her birthday today
On the 22nd April, we visited Burghley House. (See the report inside from Brian Wade.) Saturday 24th April a large crowd of BarmARAns attended our very first Barn Dance. The venue at Barming Primary School Hall proved to be an excellent choice. Our regular Meeting at Fant Hall on 27th April was also well attended and Steve Erickson who sung his way through very many popular songs provided entertainment. A very fine cream tea was also provided which was most enjoyable. Neil took a sizeable crowd off to Warner's Holme Lacey for the Spring Holiday. Our Kurling session took place on the 14th May and we had a coach trip to Bletchley Park on the 20th; and don't forget we also had a General Election. All in all it was a very busy month.
And chaos reigned - no, not the volcanic ash cloud - but the Barn Dance at Barming Primary School. Sixty of us turned up for the first Barmara Barn Dance. Our caller, Margaret, was superb with a great sense of humour and loads of patience. Not everybody knew the dances but that did not deter from the enjoyment that we all had, in fact, it helped make the evening when going wrong and trying to catch up and put things right. It was even fun for those not taking part, just watching everybody else making a mess of things!! The food laid on by Maureen was good, as usual. With all the exercise and laughter that took place it must have done us all good. Well done, Dave, for organising the first, but hopefully, not the last Barn Dance. (And thanks to Peter Sargent for this Report)
There was another good turnout including a couple of first time members for our Kurling session on Friday 14th May. It is such good value for £2.00p each, for which you get a bundle of fun and also coffee and biscuits. If you haven't been come along on 11th June as you will definitely enjoy it.
Our own "Brain Box" Jen Cornish once again proved that she has an IQ of about 300 by winning the 11+ Arithmetic questions. :and the answers were:
Q1.12,012 Q2. 21 1/2 Q3. 18.02 Q4.30 Q5. 1hr 45 mins Q6. 2 minutes Fast.
QUIZ MAY 2010:
Q1 Where can you see the following inscription "Decus et Tutamen"? Q2 What does that inscription mean? Q3 What is a Ragged Robin? Q4 Convert £1.65p into pre-decimal £SD Q5 We all know what BarmARA means, but what is SYNARA? Q6 "I am a weakfish speller" is an anagram of what famous person? Q7 In France he is called Étienne but what is he known as in England? Q8 Why was Gillian Duffy in the news recently? Q9 We have recently heard of Eyjafjallajökull but what is the name of the world's largest one? Q10 What was the name of Billy Cotton's Band lead female singer?
Answers please in the box at the June 2010 Meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday before the meeting so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
Thanks to Brian Wade for this interesting report on the recent visit to Burghley House.
"For some years now I have made visits to Stanford mainly due to the fact that my Son and Daughter-in-law live in the East Midlands. It was on a visit to Stilton village with the family to acquire and see Stilton cheese produced, which we found out to our surprise is not produced there.( To be able to call cheese, Stilton cheese it has to be made within a twenty mile radius of Stilton,) After a nice Lunch of Stilton Cheese we decided to head for Stanford, the road to Stanford took us past Burghley House and I said to myself that's a place I must visit in the future. So I was more than pleased when Barmara laid on a visit soon after.
Burghley House is not on our doorstep but the three-hour journey is well worth it, I am sure the company of Barmara members eased the journey. The Elizabethan house built between 1555—1587 is truly magnificent, the décor and furnishings are very interesting and in excellent condition. We were lucky on the day of our visit as the number of visitors was small which allowed us to spend more time looking and talking to the very friendly and informative guides. I must mention the Orangery Restaurant where most of us had lunch, this must be one of the most delightful and relaxing places to have a meal anywhere.
As it was a nice sunny day the gardens were a delight, and we were allowed access to the private South garden to see the spring bulbs. One garden which was different was the Garden of Surprise, many water features, where our Chairman, Mo and myself worked hard turning pump handles to pump a ball up a glass tube, they say little things please little minds, but it was hard work and we had to retire to the café for more refreshments. We must say thanks to Mo for organising a long but delightful day, and Mo it didn't RAIN"
At the April Meeting, Steve Erikson entertained us by singing a range of pre-punk era popular songs. Steve had a fine Irish voice and when he was singing certain songs I thought we had booked Val Doonican. He managed to get us all singing when he went into a medley of Al Jolson's songs. My favourite however was Steve's version of "The Fields of Athenry" It's a great song for the Harmonica in the key of Eb!
The Raffle at the last monthly meeting was enhanced by a prize that the Committee won when attending the KentARA AGM.. Quite unselfishly, Gloria and the rest of the Committee decided to pass on this good fortune to you all by including the bottles of wine and box of chocolates in our raffle.
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of these activities.
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing On the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Ten Pin Bowling See the Events Calendar ( Dave Mayger 670034 )
Kurling . See the Events Calendar (Dave Mayger 670034)
Petanque. See Events Calendar (Dave Mayger 670034)
Rambles. See Events Calendar
Handicrafts The meetings at St. Andrew's Church Hall have now been cancelled but the Handicrafts Group will continue to meet at member's houses on the 3rd Friday of each month. Please contact Mo Smith 661498 for more information.
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events.
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The spring holiday this year was at Holme Lacy House, a 14th Century manor house set in 52 acres of Herefordshire countryside. The house was well preserved and we took our meals in a tall ceilinged wood panelled room, which used to be the ballroom. As usual the food was good and plentiful. BARMARA members enjoyed pistol shooting, Croquet, Putting Green and Petanque to name but a few. We even enjoyed New Age Kurling in the Pavilion the evening entertainment venue. The shows were very good. For excursions out we went to the Black Country Museum in Dudley nr Birmingham. This is a recreated canal-side village in Victorian times and even had a fish and chip shop that did the cooking in beef dripping. Some of us enjoyed a trip into a drift coalmine, all donned in helmets and torches to one candle. The next day a half-day trip to Hereford which by chance had a festival going on with attractions in the centre. One or two of our members took themselves off to the Cathedral see the very famous "Mappa Mundi". This featured in a television programme recently and is about 700 hundred years old and depicts the then known world and shows Jerusalem at it's centre On the final day we had a lovely trip around the local area and the Forest of Dean with a lovely guide (Leigh). She fitted in with our group very well and showed us the best place to watch the "Severn Bore".. We even encountered a 71-year-old forest wood carver who entertained us with stories and a song. I might add that this was not planned he was just a man selling his wares. Due to a late change to the coach driver we all enjoyed Peter and you know how he can add to a holiday. We all came home to Maidstone by 2.30pm happy but tired. Here's to next year.
Events Diary - List of Activities, Trips and Excursions
Thursday 27th May. 10-Pin Bowling 10.00am AMF Bowl King St Maidstone (D)
Friday 11th June. Kurling 10.00am TA Hall Boxley Rd. £2.00p (D)
Monday 14th June. Petanque. Our first session of the Season at the Redstart Pub, North Street Barming. Meet 10.00am. Meals available at the Redstart. Contact (D)
Monday 21st June. Ramble from Staplehurst Church. Meet and park in Kings Head Pub car park at 10.00am. Lunch at Kings Head Pub. Choose menu before walk starts. Cost £10 for 2. Contact (P)
Thursday 24th June. Coach Trip to Rye Market with time to shop and have lunch in this lovely town then in afternoon on to visit the Great Dixter Gardens at Northiam . Leave Fant Lane at 9.00am. Cost including Coach £16. (G)
Friday 9th July. Kurling 10.00am TA Hall Boxley Rd. £2.00p (D)
Thursday 22nd July. Coach trip to R.H.S Gardens at WISLEY. Leave Fant Lane at 9.00am. Cost £10.00 plus Coach. (M)
Friday 6th August. Kurling 10.00am TA Hall Boxley Rd. £2.00p (D)
Wednesday 22nd September. Coach trip to Olympic Site with Guide. Trip includes tea, coffee, biscuits AND Roast Beef Lunch. Cost £27. Leave Fant Hall 8.45am (G)
Tuesday 19th October. A theatre trip has been arranged to see the Jersey Boys at Prince Edward Theatre. Matinee performance, leaving Fant Lane at 11.30am. Price including coach £35 for seats in the stalls. Must request payment at time of booking. (G)
Friday 22nd October KentARA Supper and Race Night at Ditton Community Centre 7.30pm - 10.30pm. Entrance Cost £6.00p per person. Contact (W)
Thursday 18th November to Monday 22nd November Lunch and Christmas Spectacular at Thursford followed by weekend break at Potters 5* hotel including 4 meals a day and entertainment. £360. Contact (M)
Tuesday 14th December. BarmARA Christmas Lunch at Oakwood House. More Details follow (G or M)
Contacts: - (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen (Mo) 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771. (D) Dave 670034 (P) Pauline Comber 720476
(A) Ann Barfoot 738762
At our meeting today, Jackie Aviolet's talk is entitled "I am a Tulip what are you?"
For the June Meeting we have the pleasure of Chris McCooey to give us his new Talk called Birds, Beasts and Bacchanalia of Kent & Sussex. On a more serious note we have a very interesting talk planned for July entitled "A Forensic Response to the Tsunami" With regard to our Meetings, would you please be aware that access to the Fant Hall for the monthly Meeting is from 1.00pm. If you arrive any earlier you may be refused entry until 1.00pm, as the Committee members will be setting out the chairs and tables.
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates are always welcome.
Editor: Maurice Gay. 21, Howard Drive. ME16 0QG
Tel: 01622 669421. Email: secondfiddle1@btinternet.com
BARMARA
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 57 APRIL 2010.
Chairman Neil Kenwright
www.barmara.org.uk
Alma Baker, a long-term member of our Committee, has decided to move to other parts to be closer to her family. We
are sorry to lose her but thank her for all her hard work as a BarmARA Committee member and hope she will be very happy in her new home.
I apologise for the lack of Newsletters at the March Meeting, I reduced the print run on the basis of the last couple of month's take up. I'll make sure we have adequate copies this month. Quite a lot has happened since our last meeting. We had a group visiting the Tower of London, 10-pin bowling, Kurling, Auditions for the August Meeting, A Riverside Ramble, a coach trip to Burleigh House, KentARA Tea Dance and the Barn Dance. With regard to the forthcoming Bletchley Park visit, if you require the vegetarian option (Vegetable Lasagne) for lunch please let Gloria (720515) know right away.
Our second Kurling session brought out 20plus members on a lovely bright warm sunshiny day to the TA Centre in Boxley Road. Once again it was a very successful morning and everybody enjoyed themselves. I believe that MaidARA will be challenging us to a match! If you haven't tried Kurling yet come along. It is not too strenuous but it is good fun. Thanks to Val Mayger for providing teas, coffees and biscuits. See the events diary for the next session date
We have been in touch with the new landlord of the new refurbished Redstart Pub regarding starting the new season for Petanque. They will welcome us back and look forward to our first session of the year. Keep a look out on the Newsletter Events and Activities Diary and the web site Events Calendar
A goodly number of BarmARAn's turned up on the 9th April for the first planning meeting for the August Music Experience and from what I've heard it looks like being a terrific "entertainment". Don't forget that next Monday - 3rd May - is the Spring Bank Holiday and that the Coffee Morning has been moved to the following Monday 10th May.
We had three winners of the February Quiz Jean, Wells, Jen Cornish and Jackie Boyle. But as we can have only one winner of the £5.00p prize, Jean's name came out of the hat first, :and the answers were:
Q1.High Tide Q2. Town Hall Q3. Queen Victoria Statue Q4.Samuel PepysQ5. 1sr Floor above 89-90 Bank Street Q6. Sir Thomas Wyatt Q7. The Russian Gun 13th Q8. Century stone bridge seen from Palace Gardens Q9. Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake Q10. Sir Joseph Bazelgatte. Q11 Fairmeadow. Q12. Corpus Christi Hall. Q13. Maidstone Museum and Bentiff Art Gallery. Q14. 55-57, Week Street. Q15. Sir Joseph Banks.
QUIZ APRIL 2010: Radio Memories: What programmes did the following tunes introduce?
Q1 " By the Sleepy Lagoon" Q2. "The Devil's Gallop" Q3. "Somebody Stole My Girl" Q4. "Barwick Green" Q5. "Its Just The Time For Dancing "Q6. "Puffing Billy" Q7. "Coronation Scot" Q8. "With a Song In MY Heart" Q9. "At the Sign of the Swinging Cymbal" Q10. "Horseguards - Whitehall" Q11. "In the Party Mood" Q12. "Bercuese from the Faure's Dolly Suite Q13. "Calling All Workers" Q14. "Changing Moods" Q15. "Sailing By"
Answers please in the box at the May 25 th 2010 Meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 24h May 2010 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
Thanks to Brian Wade for submitting this interesting report of the visit to the Tower of London
"When it was announced that Barmara had organised a trip to the Tower of London Joan and I knew this was one trip we could not miss. I had been to the Tower many times in my youth with my parents but Joan had never been and all through our married life Joan kept on to me to take her, now was her chance. On arrival at the Tower we were met by our guide for the day Owen, and what a great guide he turned out to be, with a fountain of knowledge he had about the Tower and surrounding area. Before we could enter the Tower we seemed to have gained an extra member, Owen soon sorted this minor problem out and into the Tower we went. Our guided tour included The Traitors Gate, White Tower, Bloody Tower, and of course the Crown Jewels. The Crown Jewels are very impressive and well displayed, a bit different to the last time I viewed them in my youth, they were then in a dark cold room in one of the towers in small display cabinets. After lunch we toured the Tower precincts, which included the execution site, The Merchant Seamen's Memorial and St Olave Church one of just eight city churches to have survived the Great fire of London. Above the gates to the church Memento Mori skulls still greet visitors and Charles Dickens called this church St Ghastly Grim, I think it must have changed a great deal since Dickens day I didn't find Ghastly. I am sure we all had a very interesting and enjoyable day, so many thanks to Mo for organising another great BarmARA outing."
Truisms??
Money isn't everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch.
Bills travel through the post at twice the speed of cheques.
If you think nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of mortgage payments
Love may be blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener.
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of these activities.
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing On the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Ten Pin Bowling See the Events Calendar ( Dave Mayger 670034 )
Kurling . See the Events Calendar (Dave Mayger 670034)
Petanque. See Events Calendar (Dave Mayger 670034)
Rambles. See Events Calendar
Handicrafts The meetings at St. Andrew's Church Hall have now been cancelled but the Handicrafts Group will continue to meet at member's houses on the 3rd Friday of each month. Please contact Mo Smith 661498 for more information.
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events.
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Because of the Bank Holidays, the Coffee Morning scheduled for 5th April was moved to Monday 12th April and similarly, the Monday 3rd May Coffee Morning will now be on Monday May 10th. Please put a note in your diary.
Our Speaker at the March Meeting was Andrew Clarke brought back a lot of memories for our members when he presented his talk and showed photographs about Long Lost Maidstone. He provided the following poem about Maidstone 1945.
Hail Maidstone, Noble Medway's bride Thy suave and fruitful atmosphere
Kent's citadel of civic pride! Embalmed with toffee, gas and beer.
Hail stately County Hall, and hail They meditate how affluence dwells
Thou formidable County Jail! Amid the reek of caramels,
Majestic buildings line thy stream And turns their noble Medway's flood
Where red sails match the sunset gleam - Into a multi-coloured mud:
Though these be slender consolations Their High Street, they observe with thanks
To strangers at thy Railway Stations Is lined with shops and bulging Banks:
Who stagger, hot and unimpressed, With fumes internally combusted
From Maidstone East to Maidstone West Their lungs are seared, their nose disgusted -
Thy burgers in St. Peter's Street But who should such effluvia mind
Lift their proud noses high to greet If affluence be unconfined?
(From Kentish Rhymes By John Alden 1945)
Jokes to amuse your grandchildren:
What do you get if you cross an elephant and a kangaroo? Big holes all over Australia!
What is the best thing to do if you find a gorilla in your bed? Sleep somewhere else.
What lies on its back, one hundred feet in the air? A dead centipede.
Events Diary - List of Activities, Trips and Excursions
Monday 3rd May until 7th May. Spring Holiday at Warners Holme Lacey. Cost £299. Contact Neil for more information. (N)
Thursday 13th May. August Musical Extravaganza Meeting. 10.00am Barming Parish Hall (D)
Friday 14th May. Kurling 10.00am TA Hall Boxley Rd. £2.00p (D)
Monday 17th May. Ramble. Meet at Holy Cross Church Car Park Bearsted at 10.00am for ramble around Bearsted and Otham. Lunch at Newnham Court. (A)
Thursday 20th May. Coach Trip to Bletchley Park, a Splendid Victorian Mansion and during WW2 home of the Code Breakers of the Enigma Machine. Guided Tour with coffee and biscuits on arrival, Lunch then Tea and Muffins. Leave Fant Hall 9.00am. Cost £20 plus coach cost. There is currently a waiting list for this trip (G)
Thursday 27th May. 10-Pin Bowling 10.00am AMF Bowl King St Maidstone (D)
Friday 11th June. Kurling 10.00am TA Hall Boxley Rd. £2.00p (D)
Thursday 24th June. Coach Trip to Rye Market with time to shop and have lunch in this lovely town then in afternoon on to the Great Dixter Gardens at Northiam . Leave Fant Lane at 9.00am. Cost including Coach £16. (G)
Friday 9th July. Kurling 10.00am TA Hall Boxley Rd. £2.00p (D)
Thursday 22nd July. Coach trip to R.H.S Gardens at WISLEY. Leave Fant Lane at 9.00am. Cost £10.00 plus Coach. (M)
Friday 6th August. Kurling 10.00am TA Hall Boxley Rd. £2.00p (D)
Tuesday 19th October. A theatre trip has been arranged to see the Jersey Boys at Prince Edward Theatre. Matinee performance, leaving Fant Lane at 11.30am. Price including coach £35 for seats in the stalls. Must request payment at time of booking. (G)
Thursday 18th November to Monday 22nd November Lunch and Christmas Spectacular at Thursford followed by weekend break at Potters 5* hotel including 4 meals a day and entertainment. £360. Contact (M)
Contacts: - (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771. (D) Dave 670034 (K) Ken Comber 720476
(A) Ann Barfoot 738762
At our Meeting today, we welcome Steve Erikson for "Songs and Entertainment" and a Cream Tea. At our May Meeting, Jackie Aviolet's talk is entitled "I am a Tulip what are you?" The June Meeting we have the pleasure of TBA. On a more serious note we have a very interesting talk planned for July entitled "A Forensic Response to the Tsunami"
With regard to our Meetings, would you please be aware that access to the Fant Hall for the monthly Meeting is from 1.15pm. If you arrive any earlier you may be refused entry, as the Committee members will be setting out the chairs and tables.
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates are always welcome.
Editor: Maurice Gay. 21, Howard Drive. ME16 0QG
Tel: 01622 669421. Email: secondfiddle1@btinternet.com
BARMARA
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 56 MARCH 2010.
Chairman Neil Kenwright
www.barmara.org.uk
Congratulations to John & Irene Cornell who were married 50 years ago on Friday 12th March and I'm sure you would all like to join the Committee in hoping that that it brought back lots of cherished memories and they had a very happy GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Our last 10-pin bowling session on February 25th, turned out to be a gender battle with supporters on both sides cheering the bowlers. Neil Kenwright narrowly pipped Marion to clinch the highest score of the day. Our next session is booked for Thursday March 25th so come along and enjoy the game, the exercise and the company. You will have noticed from our web site events calendar that we have organised Curling or Kurling sessions at the TA Hall in Boxley Road on Friday 12th March and Friday 9th April.. New age Kurling is a form of the original curling game, but adapted so that it can be played indoors on any smooth, flat surface, such as a sports hall, rather than on ice. Importantly, the game can be played by both able-bodied and disabled people of all ages alike. If you have access to the Internet check this Kent Sports web site as it gives much more information; or speak to Dave Mayger the organiser.
http://www.kentsport.org/pdfs/new_age_kurling_factsheet.pdf
On the 12th March session, 32 members turned up at the TA Centre in Boxley Road for our first taste of New Age Kurling. Only a few had played before so most of us were rookies. It didn't take long to understand the rules of the game supplied by Ron Harman of MaidARA.. The stones (?) slid easy over the floor surface either by pushing direct onto the stones or using a very handy broomstick for those less able to bend . Towards the end of three games everyone was using the sticks. The teams were made up from a random selection of playing cards given out by Neil, the idea being that we all played with different members each game. An excellent way to mix and meet members. The most strenuous task was holding the cups of tea and coffee ably supplied by Max. All in all a great time was had by all. Can't wait until next time (Friday 9th April). Our thanks to Dave and Val Mayger for setting it all up.
OThe winner of the January - Quiz of the Decade was won by Joan Wade. The runners up were; Betty Webb, Dorothy Tyler and Jackie Boyle and the ANSWERS to January 2010 Quiz of the Decade are:
Q1. Year 2000 - Millennium. Q2. 9/11 Twin Towers World Trade Centre NY
Q3. World Cup Rugby final. Q4. Brendan Cole. Q5. Hurricane Katrina
Q6. John Prerscott. Q7. An Earthquake. Q8. Terminal 5, Heathrow. Q9. Swine Flu. Q10. April 2006
QUIZ MARCH 2010 - 11 Plus.
How would you cope with some questions from today's 11 plus Maths examination?
Q1. Write in figures twelve thousand and twelve. Q2. 6 ¾ of 4 2/3- 10 5/6 divided by 1 ½ = ?Q3 1.06 x 2.04 divided by 0.123. Q4 Find the sum of all the numbers between 1 and 13 that are divisible exactly by 3. Q5 The road from a town "A" to another town "B" is uphill for the first 2 miles, level for the next 3 miles, and downhill for the last 2 miles. If I can walk at the rate of 4 miles an hour on the level, 5 miles an hour down hill and 3 miles an hour uphill, how long shall I take to go from "A " to "B"? Q6. A clock is 12 minutes slow, but is gaining 5 seconds per hour. A watch is 20 minutes fast, but is losing 7 ½ seconds per hour. How many minutes fast will the watch be when the clock shows the right time?
Answers please in the box at the April 27th 2010 Meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 26th April 2010 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
A LETTER TO MY FRIEND
Just a line to say I'm living and sometimes when its night time
That I'm not among the dead with my nightcap on my head,
Though I'm getting more forgetful I'm not sure if I'm retiring
And mixed up in my head. Or just getting out of bed.
I've got used to my arthritis, If its my turn to write dear
To my dentures I'm resigned. I hope you wont get sore,
I can manage my bifocals; I may think that I have written,
But, Oh God, I miss my mind. And don't wont to be a bore.
At times I can't remember, So remember I do miss you
When I'm standing by the stair, And wish that you lived near,
If I'm going up for something but its time to post this letter
Or I've just come down from there, and say goodbye my dear.
And beside the Fridge so often BLAST
My mind is filled with doubt; I stood beside the Post Box
Now did I put some food away? And my face is really red,
Or come to take it out? Instead of posting this to you
I've opened it instead!
My thanks to Brenda Sargent for submitting this lovely poem. It certainly ticks a few of my boxes!
Following the AGM this coming August, your Committee is planning to entertain you with a Musical Extravaganza using "home grown" talent. So if you would like to join in as a singer or you can play an instrument then turn up at Barming Parish Hall on Friday 9th April at 2.00pm to learn more.
ur Book Club is looking for members. If you like reading and discussing the merits of otherwise of the Book with other like-minded members then contact Dave Mayger. (670034)
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of these activities.
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing On the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Ten Pin Bowling ( Dave Mayger 670034 )
Handicrafts The meetings at St. Andrew's Church Hall have now been cancelled but the Handicrafts Group will continue to meet at member's houses on the 3rd Friday of each month. Please contact Mo Smith 661498 for more information.
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events.
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Because of the Bank Holidays, the Coffee Morning scheduled for Monday 5th April has been moved to Monday 12th April and similarly, the Monday 3rd May Coffee Morning will now be on Monday May 10th. Please put a note in your diary.
If you didn't make the February Meeting, you missed a very humorous and entertaining talk by Ann Chance. At the age of 64, having been influenced by the "Western" films of her childhood, she decided that she would go on a cowboy cattle drive in Montana USA even though she could not ride a horse. For eight months she took riding lessons from Patrick. There followed many funny and adventurous stories about horses that couldn't spell Canter, about being caught up by her knickers. She did get to Montana was given a horse called Houdini and learnt of the dangers of Ticks and that Rattlesnakes couldn't strike above 18". The temperature regularly reached 105 degrees. She was posted to the riding position of "Drag". This is at the rear of the herd and had to sweep up the loose and wayward cattle. After a variety of lively horses she was give one called Cherokee. Her riding ability improved and as she was able to stay in the saddle she was nicknamed as Bostic. Story upon story came about Pommels, bull whips, lassoes, beans, camp fires, Jacuzzis and sing songs like "Amazing Grace" which at the end of her talk we all joined in. - Ye Ha!.
On Monday 15th March, with beautiful weather the Rambling Group led by Ken Comber went on a four-mile walk over level ground with no stiles. The walkers started from Tonbridge Castle and took in Haysden Park and then took lunch at Weatherspoons. If you are interested in joining in future rambles, Phone Ken on 720476. or Dave Mayger 670034
I literally bumped into Peter Franklin in the Library the other day, me with my walking stick and Peter driving his hi-speed walking frame. Peter used to be Editor of this fine Newsletter and is waiting for a new hip. We wish him well and a speedy recovery.
We were sorry to hear of the death of Cyril Mayhew who passed away on the 4th March and we send our condolences to his family and friends
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries
Thursday 25th March 10-pin Bowling. Meet 10.00am at the Maidstone AMF Bowl in King Street Maidstone. (D)
Friday 9th April Kurling at TA Centre Boxley Road, Maidstone 10.00am Cost £2.00p (D)
Friday 9th April We are holding Auditions for the BarmARA Spectaclular. 2.00pm at Barming Parish Hall. We want Singers and Musicians. Contact (D)
Friday 16th April KentARA Tea Dance at Ditton Community Centre, 2pm - 5pm (Doors open 1.30pm). Dancing to Stephens Dance Music. Cost £3 (W)
Monday 19th April Ramble. Meet 10.00am at Waitrose Car Park (Newbury Ave., Allington) 2 hrs River Walk to Whatman Millennium Park and back. Lunch (optional) at the Thomas Wyatt Pub. (D)
Thursday 22nd April Coach trip to Burleigh House and Stamford. Cost £22. Coach leaves Fant Hall at 8.00am (M)
Saturday 24th April Barn Dance to be held at Barming Primary School Hall, Belmont Close. 7.00pm to 10.00pm Dancing to professional Caller Cost £5 includes Ploughman's Supper. (D)
Monday 3rd May until 7th May. Spring Holiday at Warners Holme Lacey. Cost £299. Contact Neil for more information. (N)
Thursday 20th May Coach Trip to Bletchley Park, a Splendid Victorian Mansion and during WW2 home of the Enigma Machine. Guided Tour with coffee and biscuits on arrival, Lunch then Tea and Muffins. Leave Fant Hall 9.00am. Cost £20 plus coach cost. There is currently a waiting list for this trip (G)
Thursday 24th June. Coach Trip to Rye Market with time to shop and have lunch in this lovely town then in afternoon on to the Great Dixter Gardens at Northiam . Leave Fant Lane at 9.00am. Cost including Coach £16. (G)
Thursday 22nd July. Coach trip to R.H.S Gardens at WISLEY. Leave Fant Lane at 9.00am. Cost £10.00 plus Coach. (M)
Thursday 18th November to Monday 22nd November Lunch and Christmas Spectacular at Thursford followed by weekend break at Potters 5* hotel including 4 meals a day and entertainment. £360. Contact (M)
Contacts: - (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771. (D) Dave 670034 (K) Ken Comber 720476.
Andrew Clarke will be talking to us today about "Old Maidstone". In April (Easter Meeting) there is "Songs and Entertainment" with Steve Erickson and a Cream Tea. At our May Meeting Jackie Aviolet's talk is entitled "I am a Tulip what are you?"
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates are always welcome.
Editor: Maurice Gay. 21, Howard Drive. ME16 0QG
Tel: 01622 669421. Email: secondfiddle1@btinternet.com
February Issue 55
Chairman Neil Kenwright
www.barmara.org.uk
Sadly, Nora Harvey passed away during her sleep at Maidstone Hospital on Saturday 30th January. She was a gentle kindly lady and a good member of the Art Group. We will miss her and send our condolences to all her friends and family
The BarmARA Committee meet once a month under the Chairmanship of Neil in the Barming Parish Hall generally two weeks before the main Monthly Meeting at Fant Hall. It is at these meetings that matters pertaining to the efficient running and strategic direction of the club are discussed. An Agenda of matters to be discussed is drawn up by our Secretary - Wendy Thorpe - under various headings such as; Treasurer's Report, Membership Secretary's Report, Outings Organiser's Reports, discussions about existing or new activities for the Members. We review the Draft Newsletter, Hear about KentARA and our Area 4 Matters and deal with anything else that affects or is relevant to BarmARA.. To use a naval simile, this is like the engine room, bridge, wheelhouse and Chart Room all rolled into one. This month, details of Speakers for the forthcoming months were discussed as was Beechwood Hall and the Closing of Fant Lane and local roads for essential road works. So if you would like anything brought to the Committee's notice just let us know.
Our website is still attracting a lot of visits and the statistics show that on average we have about 300 visitors a month - and they are not all me. Talking about websites, KentARA has a web page - www.kentara.co.uk - that also has a link to our site and we have had several enquiries about membership via that link and I believe that one or two new members have joined us via that source.
Are you plagued with Junk Mail? Maidstone Borough Council is looking into this issue and is keen to hear the views of local residents. If you have a view then write to Ester Bell, Overview and Scrutiny Officer at the Council Offices or telephone her on 01622 602463.
The winners of our November and December Quizzes were Jen Cornish and Dorothy Tyler. This is the first time that either of them has won so CONGRATULATIONS to you both. It will be a surprise for Dot as she was in Australia on the day of our last meeting.
QUIZ February 2010 - How well do you know Maidstone
Q1. What leaves Chatham and arrives 27 minutes later at Allington? Q2. In 1793, where would you have found Maidstone Gaol? Q3. What did Alexander Randell give to Maidstone in 1862?. Q4 Who wrote in his diary, " ...having walked all round the town and found it very pretty"? Q5 Where do Lord Avebury, Sir Lawrence Washington, William Caxton and an Archbishop of Canterbury now stand? Q6. Who caused Maidstone to lose it's Royal Charter? Q7. What did Lord Pamure give to Maidstone in 1858? Q8. What is one of Maidstone's oldest structures now hidden under a modern road junction? Q9. Who was 12 times Mayor of Maidstone? Q10. What do the London Sewage system and a Maidstone Bridge have in common? Q11. Where are seven Protestant martyrs commemorated? Q12. Where until 1871 did Maidstone Grammar School stand for the previous 322 years? Q13. What is Chillington Manor now known as? Q14 If you were a Pargeter in 1680 where can your work still be seen? Q15. Who donated the almshouses in St. Faith's Street?
Answers please in the box at the March 23rd 2010 Meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 22nd March 2010 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
Answers to the January Quiz
Q1. The mnemonic for the Millennium Year 2000 Q2. The date of the attack on the World Trade Centre in New York 9th November 2001.Q3. World Cup Rugby final. He kicked the winning Goal. Q4 Brendan Cole was the first Professional Dancer to win. He was partnered by Natasha Kaplinski Q5. Hurricane Katrina. There are the names given to Hurricanes in the Gulf. Q6. John Prescott. He was photographed playing Croquet when as Deputy Prime Minister he was running the Country acting as PM.Q7. An Earthquake measuring 4.3 in the Richter Scale.Q8.Terminal 5 Heathrow was not ready when opened to Flights, chaos reigned. Q9. The first reported case of Swine Flu. Q10. The first reported case of Bird Flu during April 2006 in the UK
On Thursday 21st January 11 members met at the Maidstone Bowl for a 10-pin bowling session. This was the first session this year after all the over indulgence at Christmas and it showed. That is all except for Freda Pearce. Freda must have spent the whole holiday period practising as she managed to attain the highest score of the day. We also welcomed Marie Everett (an Associate Member) for the first time. For those who have not been with us, it is great fun and a very enjoyable way of taking a little easy exercise. The cost £5.75p for three games, which also includes coffee and biscuits. We usually start at 10.00am and are finished by lunchtime.
Our Chairman Neil and Dave Mayger have been looking for other activities that might interest members and they tried out "Curling". The trial practice session proved to be very enjoyable so the Committee are looking into the possibilities for BarmARA.
I dream of a better tomorrow.. where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives. I was standing in the park one day wondering why Frisbees get bigger the closer they get,; and then it hit me!
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of these activities.
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing On the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Ten Pin Bowling ( Dave Mayger 670034 )
Handicrafts The meetings at St. Andrew's Church Hall have now been cancelled but the Handicrafts Group will continue to meet at member's houses on the 3rd Friday of each month. Please contact Mo Smith 661498 for more information.
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events.
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Bob the January Meeting speaker took us on a voyage down the Medway, from Allington Lock to Sea Buoy No. 1 at the confluence of the River Thames and River Medway off Sheerness where the remains of the "Richard Montgomery" awaits! What was once a mighty trading River is now almost all recreational. This very interesting talk was illustrated with many photographs and was well received.
This is not strictly BarmARA business, although I suspect it could interest or affect many of our members. Earlier this month I was scheduled for elective surgery, a Total Knee Replacement, at Maidstone General Hospital. I was naturally apprehensive considering the adverse publicity the local NHS Trust has received recently. I need not have been anxious for I can now report that the care, compassion, respect and professional treatment I received from every Department in the Hospital was well beyond my expectation and can only tell you that if you are due to be admitted for treatment you will be in the hands of some truly special people.
The Chinese New Year was on February 14th and this year, 2010, is known as the year of the Tiger or more formally as Geng Yin. In Chinese calendar terms, 2010 is the year 4707. Their year zero was equivalent to our 2698 BC. If the Chinese have New Year, we have St. Valentine's Day. This day has now become a day when your love for someone can be declared. The following quotation seems to me to be quite appropriate.
"Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age"
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Because of the Bank Holidays, the Coffee Morning scheduled for Monday 5th April has been moved to Monday 12th April and similarly, the Monday 3rd May Coffee Morning will now be on Monday May 10th. Please put a note in your diary.
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries
Thursday 25th February 10-Pin Bowling. Meet 10.00am at the Maidstone AMF Bowl in King Street, Maidstone (D)
Thursday 18th March Coach trip to the Tower of London. Cost £34. Coach leaves Fant Hall at 9.00am. (M)
Thursday 25th March 10-pin Bowling. Meet 10.00am at the Maidstone AMF Bowl in King Street Maidstone. (D)
Friday 16th April KentARA Tea Dance at Ditton Community Centre, 2pm - 5pm (Doors open 1.30pm). Dancing to Stephens Dance Music. Cost £3 (FREE to first 4 to apply) Contact Wendy (W)
Thursday 22nd April Coach trip to Burleigh House and Stamford. Cost £22. Coach leaves Fant Hall at 8.00am (M)
Saturday 24th April Barn Dance to be held at Barming Primary School Hall, Belmont Close. 7.00pm to 10.00pm Dancing to professional Caller Cost £5 includes Ploughman's Supper. Contact Dave for more information (D)
Monday 3rd May until 7th May. Spring Holiday at Warners Holme Lacey. Cost £299. Contact Neil for more information.(N)
Thursday 20th May Coach Trip to Bletchley Park, a Splendid Victorian Mansion and during WW2 home of the Enigma Machine. Guided Tour with coffee and biscuits on arrival, Lunch then Tea and Muffins. Leave Fant Hall 9.00am. Cost £20 plus coach cost. There is currently a waiting list for this trip (G)
Thursday 24th June. Coach Trip to Rye Market with time to shop and have lunch in this lovely town then in afternoon on to the Great Dixter Gardens at Northiam . Leave Fant Lane at 9.00am. Cost including Coach £16. Contact (G)
Monday 15th November to Friday 19th November "Turkey and Tinsel" at Potters, Great Yarmouth. Cost £385. Full Board plus Suppers, Cabaret and includes trip to see the magnificent THURSFORD SPECTACULAR and use of all Potters facilities. These details may change Contact (M) for more information
Contacts: - (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771. (D) Dave 670034
The Speaker today is Ann Chance whose talk is intriguingly entitled "Saddle Sore in Montana".
In March, we will be closer to home for Andrew Clarke's talk on "Old Maidstone." In April (Easter Meeting) there is "Songs and Entertainment" with Steve Erickson and a Cream Tea. At our May Meeting Jackie Aviolet's talk is entitled "I am a Tulip what are you?" Then in June, Dave Mayger will be offering something special!!
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates are always welcome
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Issue No 54 January 2010.
A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF OUR MEMBERS
In December, our visit to see the Alan Titchmarsh Show being televised was a great success although it was a very long day. We left Fant Hall at 9.45am and did not return until about 9.00pm. Gloria booked a new coach company - Enterprise Coaches - for this trip and the driver entertained us by pointing out some interesting landmarks on the way. We arrived close to lunchtime and many of us explored the massive Westfield Shopping Centre before taking lunch there. We all met at 2.00pm at the BBC Studios, which was just opposite and after a little wait, we were admitted to the Studio. The "warm up" man kept us entertained until the show started. We saw 2 shows, the first was transmitted Live and the second was recorded for transmission the following day. Guests included two Reindeers, Jamie Cullum, Julia McKenzie and Brian May (from Queen) as well as Alan's regulars. If you haven't been into a TV Studio you will be amazed at all the lighting and sound paraphernalia as well as the hoards of people with headsets and clipboards. One of our party won a bottle of "Bubbly"! On the way back home we found ourselves in Oxford Street to see the Christmas Lights. It was an enjoyable, interesting but long day and thanks to Gloria for organising this trip. Barmara Christmas Lunch Can you remember as far back as the 15th December 2009? What a lovely winters day it was. Dry, frosty and the sun shinning in a beautiful blue sky. Maureen and Gloria worked hard to organise this event that was attended by 125 members. Thanks also to Brian Wade for his part in organising the entertainment by "Spare Parts" The room was decorated nicely. There were crackers, party poppers, whizzer balloons and hats on the tables along with a quiz for us to do during the meal. We were all given a glass of bucks fizz before being served with our meal, which, considering the numbers being catered for, was very good. Once we had had our coffee our Chairman Neil said a few words thanking the organisers and the caterers. He congratulated Eileen and Vic Jefferys on their forthcoming Diamond Wedding Anniversary on Boxing Day. Maureen then presented them with a cake. It was then on to the entertainment by "Spare Parts". They started by singing "When your old wedding ring was new" to Eileen and Vic, which brought tears to a few peoples eyes including Eileen's. Most of the songs were either Christmas ones or Carols, which everyone joined in with. The highlight of the afternoon was "The 12 days of Christmas" with every table being one of the days. Christine, the leader of Spare Parts, was running up and down the hall making sure each table was doing their bit. Festivities over we all made our way home about 4.30pm. Once more Maureen and Gloria did us proud. Thank you girls and thanks to Max for his quiz.
The winners of our November and December Quizzes will be disclosed at this meeting, as there wasn't a meeting in December.
QUIZ January 2010 - Over the last decade
Q1. What was Y2K ? Q2. 110901 refers to what? Q3. J. Wilkinson helped us win what? Q4. Who was the first strictly professional winner? Q5. Who came before Rita and after Emily? Q6. Croquet at Dorneywood was popular with whom? Q7. At 4.3 what agitated Folkestone ? Q8. T1-4 were OK but what famous five wasn't? Q9. Why did H1N1 have us all worried in 2009? Q10. What year did H5N1 first fly in?
Answers please in the box at the February 23rd 2010 Meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 22nd February 2010 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
Answers to November Quiz:
Q1. Mathew Web 1875 in 22 hrs. Q2. Sheppey. Short Bros. 1909.Q3. Broadstairs 1916. Q4. Cars, Reliant, Oldsmobile and Sunbeam.Q5. 6 (1+2+3). Q6. Golden Elephant. Q7. November 1989. Q8. Lord Haw-Haw.Q9. The Houses of Parliament. Q10. Harry Patch.
Answers to December Quiz:
Q1. Jacob Marley. Q2 Christmas cracker. Q3 Holiday Inn. Q4. Nine Ladies dancing. Q5 Cupid. Q6.Hen. Q7. The Queens Speech. Q8. Christmas Rose Q9. (a) Pacific 2pm Friday 1st or (b) Indian Ocean 7 am Friday 1st Q10. 14th February
Quizmaster he say, "Whoops, I didn't realise there were two Christmas Islands until Peter D enlightened me! I'll take either answer to be the correct one.
I have been asked by Vic and Eileen Jefferys to pass on their special thanks to everybody who took the time and trouble to send them messages of congratulations, best wishes and good luck on the occasion of their DIAMOND Wedding and especially to Maureen K and the Committee for the Diamond Wedding cake and for Brian arranging for "Spare Parts" to sing that lovely song. Vic & Eileen also pass on their thanks to Val Power for designing and making such a magnificent card. Many of you will have seen the report in the Kent Messenger, but for those who didn't ...they first met aged 16 and 17 on the Flat Iron on the Broadway, continued their romance in the Waverley Café. The "question" was popped on a bus and on Vic's first leave from the Navy 3 years later they tied the knot at All Saints Church with Eileen wearing a borrowed dress and holding the reception in her mother's front room. Quite a change from nowadays when the whole wedding plan can cost thousands of Pounds.
I also understand that there might be an 80th birthday coming up, but I would never give a lady's age away.
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of these activities.
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing On the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Ten Pin Bowling Thursday 25th February 2010 at 10.00am Maidstone Bowl King Street (Contact Dave Mayger 670034 )
Handicrafts The meetings at St. Andrew's Church Hall have now been cancelled but the Handicrafts Group will continue to meet at member's houses on the 3rd Friday of each month. Please contact Mo Smith 661498 for more information.
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events.
New Year Resolutions:
I wonder how many of our new years intentions we have given up? These are the Top Ten resolutions according to a "Survey" 1. Stop Smoking. 2. Get Fit. 3. Lose Weight. 4. Enjoy Life More. 5. Quit Drinking. 6. Get Organised. 7. Learn Something New. 8. Get Out of Debt. 9. Spend More Time With the Family. 10. Help Others.
I look forward to the New Year, as it is the opportunity to restart old habits.
May this New Year bring newly found prosperity, love, happiness and delight in your life
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Have you heard about that 66-year-old Romanian woman being the world's oldest mum? I don't know what all the fuss is about, my mum's 85. Beat that! These so-called speed bumps are a joke. If anything, they slow you down!
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It was Wednesday 13th following a long period of snow and freezing conditions when the Coffee Morning and the Art Group was cancelled, we wondered if our planned theatre trip to see "Sister Act" would also be cancelled. To help everybody out, Gloria arranged for Brookline to schedule various alternative pick-up points in addition to Fant Lane. At a few minutes before 12noon the coach left London Road, Allington for the journey to London with a coach load of brave people to see the enjoyable and "feel good" musical show - Sister Act. It was just what everybody needed to buck them up, put a smile on the face and get off to a good start in the New Year. From the comments we have received we think it was a success that makes all of Gloria's work in re-arranging worthwhile and our thanks go also to David of Brookline for his help in difficult circumstances. PS, the Nuns won
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries
Monday 22nd February The Ramblers Annual Luncheon. 12.00 Noon at The Running Horse (Harvester) Sandling Road. All Walkers Welcome Contact Dorothy 726389
Thursday 18th March Coach trip to the Tower of London. Cost £34. Coach leaves Fant Hall at 9.00am. (M)
Thursday 22nd April Coach trip to Burleigh House and Stamford. Cost £22. Coach leaves Fant Hall at 8.00am (M)
Saturday 24th April Barn Dance to be held at Barming Primary School Hall, Belmont Close. 7.30pm to 10.00pm Dancing to professional Caller Cost £5 includes Ploughman's Supper. Contact Dave for more information (D)
Monday 3rd May until 7th May. Spring Holiday at Warners Holme Lacey. Cost £299. Contact Neil for more information.(N)
Thursday 20th May Coach Trip to Bletchley Park, a Splendid Victorian Mansion and during WW2 home of the Enigma Machine. Guided Tour with coffee and biscuits on arrival, Lunch then Tea and Muffins. Leave Fant Hall 9.00am. Cost £20 plus coach cost. (G)
Monday 15th November to Friday 19th November "Turkey and Tinsel" at Potters, Great Yarmouth. Cost £385. Full Board plus Suppers, Cabaret and includes trip to see the magnificent THURSFORD SPECTACULAR and use of all Potters facilities. (M)
Contacts: - (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771. (D) Dave 670034
The Speaker today is Bob Ratcliffe. He will talk about " A trip down the River".
In February, Ann Chance will be "Saddle sore in Montana" whilst in March we will be closer to home for Andrew Clarke's talk on "Old Maidstone." In April there is "Songs and Entertainment" with Steve Erickson.
Beechwood Hall. We have nothing further to report at this time.
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates are always welcome
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BARMARA
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 54 January 2010.
Chairman Neil Kenwright
A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF OUR MEMBERS
In December, our visit to see the Alan Titchmarsh Show being televised was a great success although it was a very long day. We left Fant Hall at 9.45am and did not return until about 9.00pm. Gloria booked a new coach company - Enterprise Coaches - for this trip and the driver entertained us by pointing out some interesting landmarks on the way. We arrived close to lunchtime and many of us explored the massive Westfield Shopping Centre before taking lunch there. We all met at 2.00pm at the BBC Studios, which was just opposite and after a little wait, we were admitted to the Studio. The "warm up" man kept us entertained until the show started. We saw 2 shows, the first was transmitted Live and the second was recorded for transmission the following day. Guests included two Reindeers, Jamie Cullum, Julia McKenzie and Brian May (from Queen) as well as Alan's regulars. If you haven't been into a TV Studio you will be amazed at all the lighting and sound paraphernalia as well as the hoards of people with headsets and clipboards. One of our party won a bottle of "Bubbly"! On the way back home we found ourselves in Oxford Street to see the Christmas Lights. It was an enjoyable, interesting but long day and thanks to Gloria for organising this trip.
Barmara Christmas Lunch
Can you remember as far back as the 15th December 2009? What a lovely winters day it was. Dry, frosty and the sun shinning in a beautiful blue sky. Maureen and Gloria worked hard to organise this event that was attended by 125 members. Thanks also to Brian Wade for his part in organising the entertainment by "Spare Parts" The room was decorated nicely. There were crackers, party poppers, whizzer balloons and hats on the tables along with a quiz for us to do during the meal. We were all given a glass of bucks fizz before being served with our meal, which, considering the numbers being catered for, was very good. Once we had had our coffee our Chairman Neil said a few words thanking the organisers and the caterers. He congratulated Eileen and Vic Jefferys on their forthcoming Diamond Wedding Anniversary on Boxing Day. Maureen then presented them with a cake. It was then on to the entertainment by "Spare Parts". They started by singing "When your old wedding ring was new" to Eileen and Vic, which brought tears to a few peoples eyes including Eileen's. Most of the songs were either Christmas ones or Carols, which everyone joined in with. The highlight of the afternoon was "The 12 days of Christmas" with every table being one of the days. Christine, the leader of Spare Parts, was running up and down the hall making sure each table was doing their bit. Festivities over we all made our way home about 4.30pm. Once more Maureen and Gloria did us proud. Thank you girls and thanks to Max for his quiz.
BARMARA
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 53 December 2009.
CHAIRMAN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
This is the time of year when we think of and enjoy family life. I like to regard BARMARA as a family and my committee and I would like to spread a little bit of Christmas joy to you the members.
The December meeting/lunch is the ideal time to bring everybody in the club together to enjoy themselves. The festivities start with a welcome Bucks Fizz and then after the meal we have organised entertainment. We hope everyone will be in fine voice to have a Christmas sing along.
Over the past year we have tried to provide a varied programme of activities to cater for as many members tastes as possible. We do hope you have found something to suit you. New ideas are always welcome. Looking forward to the New Year, your committee have organised lots of goodies to keep you entertained at meetings, and exciting outings. New activities are also being considered.
I am sure you would like to join me in congratulating and in sending our best wishes to Eileen and Vic Jefferys who celebrate their DIAMOND WEDDING on Boxing Day, 26th December.
In conclusion my committee and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. See you all at our next meeting on Tuesday 26th January 2010.
Neil Kenwright
BARMARA Chairman
The winner of our November Quiz was Daphne Sutherland. Once again, a big Christmas "Thank You" to all those who entered this quiz. The answers to the October Quiz are: Q1. Rabbit's Cross. Q2. Loose. Q3. Crouch. Q4. Sandwich. Q5. Thong. Q6. Greenhill. Q7. Snowdown. Q8. Warmlake. Q9. Ware. Q10. Stanstead
QUIZ December 2009.
Q1. What was the name of the ghost that visited Ebenezer Scrooge? Q2. What Christmas item did a London baker and wedding cake specialist invent in 1847? Q3. In what film was the song "White Christmas" first performed? Q4. "My true love brought to me. "Nine" What? Q.5 Comet, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donner, Blitzen; who is missing? Q 6 What is a female turkey called? Q7 "Pee's quench sheet" is an anagram for what? Q8 What is Helleborus Niger better known as? Q9 When Big Ben strikes midnight on 31st December 2009, what day and time is it in Christmas Island? Q10. When does the Chinese New Year Fall?
Answers please in the box at the January 26th 2010 Meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 25th January 2010 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
November Speaker
Bob Ogley was our guest speaker in November and he reminded us about the great storm that occurred during the night of 15/16th October 1987, that is 22 years ago!! Little did he know at the time but it would change his life TOTALLY! The Fox and Hounds Pub also seemed to play a part in his story. Bob was woken up at 2.30am thinking that an express train was rushing through the house. He went out into his garden, narrowly being missed by a flying rabbit hutch and couldn't see the 400 acre wood that he had walked through coming home from the Fox and Hounds the previous evening. A fallen oak squashed his car. On his walk to work in the morning could only hear the sound of chainsaws. He passed a cottage where the occupants had miraculously escaped injury when a large tree fell on the cottage. He had the spark of an idea and hired a plane to fly over Kent so that he and a colleague could take photographs of the scenes of devastation. These photos were to be the basis of a best selling book called "In the Wake of the Hurricane." This book was in the Booksellers top 10 for 8 months and enabled Bob to donate £65,000 to the Woodland Trust; and from the profits build his wife a swimming pool, which he says they use every day even during the hardest winter days. He left his job as Editor of the local paper and became a full time writer and publisher of such books as "Biggin on the Bump" "Doodlebugs", "Kent at War ". He then gave us his views on unpredictable weather patterns and is not fully convinced about the experts explanation of climate change and global warming. When asked, he said that the book he would have liked to have written would have been about the evacuees during WW2. Perhaps the best lesson he learnt when researching information for a book is not to trust potential contributor's memories, as they tend to become exaggerated and improved over the years. It was a good talk and well received by the members.
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of the following activities.
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing Recommences on Tuesday 12th January and continues on the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Ten Pin Bowling Thursday 21st January 2010 at 10.00am Maidstone Bowl King Street (Contact Dave Mayger 670034 )
Handicrafts The meetings at St. Andrew's Church Hall have now been cancelled but the Handicrafts Group will continue to meet at member's houses on the 3rd Friday of each month. Please contact Mo Smith 661498 for more information.
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events.
Some interesting facts about Christmas
In AD 440 Pope Julius I declared Christ's birthday as December 25th. The colours in Santa Claus' suit, red and white, were the creation of artist Haddon Sundblom. Sundblom was commissioned by the Coca-Cola Company to redesign Santa Claus, although, Thomas Nast was the first artist to illustrate Santa Claus. The first Christmas card was designed by John Horsley in 1840 but was not sold until 1843. England has only known seven white Christmases in the entire 20th century according to the records of the Meteorological Office snow fell on Christmas Day only in 1938 and 1976. Christmas festivities were banned under the Puritan Government from 1647 until 1660. Santa Claus has many different names around the world including Father Christmas in the UK, Pere Noel in France, Kriss Kringle in Germany, La Befana in Italy, Julinesse in Denmark, Dedushka Moroz (meaning Grandfather Frost) in Russia and the Three Kings in Spain and Mexico. The film star Humphrey Bogart was born on Christmas Day 1899.
Ho Ho Ho....
What did the Spanish fireman call his two sons? Hose A and Hose B.
What lies at the bottom of the sea and shakes? A nervous wreck!
Why do Marxists only drink herbal tea? Because proper tea is theft.
And finally for 2009
What did the people say after watching a burglar speed away after stealing from the Louvre? Look at his Van Gough! (Think about it)
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries
Wednesday 13th January Theatre trip to see "Sister Act" at London Palladium Matinee performance at 3.00pm. Coach leaves Fant Hall at 10.30am. This trip is now fully booked with an extensive waiting list. (G)
Monday 22nd February The Ramblers Annual Luncheon. 12.00 Noon at The Running Horse (Harvester) Sandling Road. All Walkers Welcome Contact Dorothy 726389
Thursday 18th March Coach trip to the Tower of London. Cost £34. Coach leaves Fant Hall at 9.00am. (M)
Thursday 22nd April Coach trip to Burleigh House and Stamford. Cost £22. Coach leaves Fant Hall at 8.00am (M)
Monday 3rd May until 7th May. Spring Holiday at Warners Holme Lacey. Cost £299. Contact Neil for more information.(N)
Contacts: - (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771. (MG) Maurice 669421 (D) Dave 670034
The Speaker for our January meeting is Bob Ratcliffe. He will talk about " A trip down the River". In February, Ann Chance will be "Saddle sore in Montana" whilst in March we will be closer to home for Andrew Clarke's talk on "Old Maidstone." In April there is "Songs and Entertainment" with Steve Erickson.
Notable BarmARA Dates in 2010
BarmARA Meetings Dates in 2010
January 26th., February 23rd, March 23rd, April 27th, May 25th, June 22nd, July 27th, August 24th, September 28th, October 26th, November 23rd, December 14th,.
Coffee Mornings in 2010
January 4th, February 1st, March, 1st June 7th, July 5th, August 2nd,
September 6th, October 4th, November 1st, December 6th
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates are solicited by the Editor and will also be welcome
BARMARA
Chairman - Neil Kenwright
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 52 NOVEMBER 2009
Also available on WWW.barmara.org.uk
The Beast of Barming
Our Speaker at the October Meeting was Neil Arnold. Neil has been researching sightings of "Big Cats" in Kent man and boy for over 20 years. He is convinced that there is a big cat roaming around the Barming area as well as Blue Bell Hill, Bluewater and Sheppey. He receives information on about 150 sightings a year and has evidence such as paw-prints, livestock kills, faeces, fur samples and video footage. Once during a nigh time investigation in to a sighting he was shot at by some night time poachers and fell through a bramble bush in his efforts to escape. On another nighttime occasion in the Rochester area he interrupted some devil worshipers practising their black arts. Until the 1970's when the law on keeping wild animals was tightened up you could quite legitimately buy a pet puma, leopard or lynx. After that time it seems that these owners released the animals in to the wild rather than pay for Licences or make the living accommodation secure. It is the descendents of these animals that are roaming Kent. So beware. Check your garages and outhouses!!
On Monday 16th November a group of intrepid BarmARA travellers under the direction of Mo Smith were transported forward through time to 2010 via Christmas 2009. Their destination was the Delmont Hotel in Scarborough. There were 4 nights packed with festive merriment, including a Sherry reception, candle lit Christmas dinner and a visit from Santa with presents for all, a staff panto, a New Year party night, a daily festive quiz and entertainment each evening. One day we went to Whitby where we had a lovely fish & chips lunch. The next day we went to "Heartbeat" country in TV land known as Adensfield but actually called Goathland where we went to the Adensfield Arms pub. We also had a day in the lovely old city of York. One trip was to the Eden Camp on the North Yorkshire Moors. This is a special award-winning Museum in an original Prisoner of War Camp built in 1942 where we experienced the sights, sounds, even the smells of those dangerous wartime years. We took lunch in the NAAFI, which brought back memories for some of us. Everybody joined in to make this break a lovely holiday. The hotel and food was good, there was a nice atmosphere and the journey home went smoothly apart from some heavy traffic near Stamford. Once more our thanks go to Maureen Smith for organising this years excellent "turkey & Tinsel" holiday in Scarborough.
If you are still in holiday mood why not book in for Neil's Spring Holiday Warners Holme Lacy.
Maggie Barclay came in as Winner of the "50" Quiz. Many congratulations. Thanks to all who entered and better luck next time.
Answers to Issue 50 September Quiz: This was based around the figure 50 to commemorate the 50th issue of the newsletter
Q1. Al Martino singing "Here in my heart." In 1952. Q2. 7.07106781
Q3. Golden. Q4. The first Governor, Sir John Houblon on the reverse.
Q5 Thursday 129th February. Q6. L or 50. Q7. Warrington and Leicester
Q8. Hawaii. Q9. Alfred Balfour. Q10 Mini
QUIZ NOVEMBER 2009. Because there is no actual December Meeting, Answers to be in by the January Meeting
Q1. Who was the first recorded person to swim the English Channel? Q2. Where was the world's first aircraft factory built? Q3. Where was the politician Sir Edward Heath born? Q4. Other than types of swords with what else are these names associated Scimitar, Cutlass and Rapier? Q5 What number between 1 and 10 is Perfect? Q6. What was the Fremlin Brewery Trademark? Q7. What month and year did the Berlin Wall come down? Q8. William Joyce lived in Whitstable in 1936. Under what name was he better known as? Q9. What building is pictured on a bottle of HP Sauce? Q10. We recently said goodbye to the last 1st World War veteran, what was his name?
Answers please in the box at the January 2010 Meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 25th January 2010 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
Did you know: that in 1704 the first ever recorded game of cricket was played at West Malling and that after the ravages of the Black Death (1348 - 1349) there were only 15 survivors left in West Malling.
Peter Sargent, our Membership Secretary, thanks everyone who renewed their membership for another year. Our newish committee member - Dave Mayger - has arranged for 10-pin bowling in January, so do try and come. It is a lot of fun and of course good exercise.
November is the month of Remembrance, particularly the First World War. Here is the first verse of a poem written by a Canadian Army Doctor named John McCrea
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of the following activities
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing is held on the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Ten Pin Bowling Thursday 21st January 2010 at 10.00am Maidstone Bowl King Street (Contact Dave Mayger 670034 )
Handicrafts The meetings at St. Andrew's Church Hall have now been cancelled effective November but the Handicrafts Group will continue to meet at members houses on the 3rd Friday of each month. Please contact Mo Smith 661498 for more information.
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events
The Quiz Night last Friday was a great success, 60 brilliant minds battled it out for the supreme accolade of Barmara Quiz Team Champion. Richard the Question Master's usual standard of questions made us all open up our brain boxes searching for the right answers. Maureen Kenwrights Ploughman's Supper, taken half way through the Quiz was as usual most excellent. It came at the right time giving us all a chance to re-charge our brains batteries. Many thanks also to all of Maureen's helpers. After robust scrutinising of the answers and the score count, it was found that two teams, Dorothy Tyler's Team and the "Tinkie Winkies" led by "Sliv" tied. A tie-break was called and a member from each team battled head to head.The Tinkie Winkies just piped Dorothy's team to win the coveted prize. Wendy Thorpe and her Team honourably received the "Booby" prize. It was a good evenings entertainment enjoyed by all who braved the terrible weather. A raffle was held which was superbly organised by Judy Thomson as she seemed to arrange for most of the prizes to be won by your Committee Members!!
Your Editor is almost too modest to report that the winning team - Peter & Brenda Sargent, Una Whale, Sid and Pam Witham, Maurice and Betty Gay and Sylvia Lichfield also won the previous Quiz Night.
Did you know? In just two days from now tomorrow will be yesterday
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries
Wednesday 9th December. The Alan Titchmarsh Show at BBC TV Centre and the Westfield Shopping Centre. Leave Fant Hall at 9.45am. Price £10. This trip is now fully booked with a waiting list (G)
Thursday 10th December KentARA Annual Christmas Concert at Mote Hall. 7pm for 8pm Start (W)
Tuesday 15th December Christmas Lunch at Oakwood House. Glass of Bucks Fizz on arrival and with entertainment by "Spare Parts". 12.00 Noon until 4.30pm. Cost £19. The full amount will be collected at the October/November meeting Don't forget, Associate Members are welcome and are encouraged to attend. More details to follow (G) (M)
2010
Wednesday 13th January 2010. Theatre trip to see "Sister Act" at London Palladium. Matinee performance 3.00pm. Leave Fant Hall at 10.30am. This trip is now fully booked with an extensive waiting list (G)
Monday 3rd to Friday 7th May - Spring Holiday 2010. Warners - Holme Lacy - Cost £299. (N)
Contacts: (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771 (Maurice) 669421 (D) Dave 670034
Our Speaker today is the well-known author Bob Ogley who will be talking about the "Wind of Change." December is the Christmas Lunch when we want to see as many of our members - Full and Associates - as possible
SPEAKERS FOR 2010
January - Bob Ratcliffe - " A Trip Down the River "
February - Ann Chance - " Saddle Sore in Montana "
March - Andrew Clarke - " Old Maidstone "
April - Steve Erickson - Songs and Entertainment
I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad I take something for it
Corduroy pillows are making headlines
Red meat is good for you, green meat is bad!
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates will always be welcome
BARMARA
Chairman - Neil Kenwright
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 51 OCTOBER 2009
Also available on WWW.barmara.org.uk
Congratulations to BarmARA members Rosemary (Wilson) and Graham Taylor who were married at St. Margaret's Church, Barming on the 2nd September. Rosemary is a keen and talented member of the Art Group. We wish them both every happiness for the future. (Is this BarmARA's first wedding?)
Steve Pendleton was the speaker at our September Meeting. Steve was a member of the Royal Green Jackets. He joined the army as he was influenced by his family's military background and the posters saying "Join the Army and see the world". He managed to see Northern Ireland and Dover! During his service at the time of the "troubles" in Northern Ireland, he was involved in a terrible and tragic helicopter accident. The result of which left Steve terribly injured. The list of his injuries is too long to list, but it left him blind and with one false leg. His eventual recovery assisted by the worthy charity, St. Dunstans, formed the basis of his very interesting, emotional and most times very funny talk. He is a man not deterred by his misfortune. He married Michaela and has three lovely children, he learnt and teaches Braile, he is a qualified chef and is a great ambassador for St. Dunstan's. There was no official collection for his charity - St. Dunstans -, but he went away with a collection box full to the brim. His story about toothpaste just brought home to us sighted folk the difficulties that those less fortunate than us have to contend with on a daily basis. What a man!
The Chairman gave us an update on Beechwood Hall. Watch this space for further developments, as things seem to be happening.
On the 7th October, Gloria sent us back a few years to the 1940's when we went up to the Churchill Theatre in Bromley to see the "Glenn Miller Orchestra" in the shape of Ray McVay and "The Andrew Sisters" posing as the "Moonlight Serenaders" After such a wonderful programme of smooooth evocative music we were transported "Back to the Future" after having a great time. Another good one Gloria.
A note from the Membership Secretary, Peter Sargent
To all those who have paid their subs - thank you very much! To all those who haven't paid their subs - you have only a few days left to remain members! As stated in our previous newsletters the final date to renew is 31st October. If there is a problem please do not hesitate to give Peter a call on 01622 693755.
Once again the winner of the Quiz was Tony Brenton.
John Bell, Dorothy Tyler and John Barton got all the correct answers but were not successful on the ballot draw. Thanks to all who entered especially Enid Deakes.
Answers to Issue 49 August Quiz :
Q1. Richard Sellers. Q2. Vivian Hartley. Q3. Reginald Harrison Q4. Michael Dumble-Smith Q5. Reginald Dwight. Q6. David White Q7. Mavis Fluck. Q8. Lesley Hornby Q9. Maurice Micklewhite. Q10. Brian Rankin.
And the answer to the hidden phrase was BARMING ARA
QUIZ OCTOBER 2009. Can you identify these Kentish Villages?
Q1. An upset bunny. Q2. Not tight. Q3. Bend down. Q4. An Earls snack. Q5. Modern underwear. Q6. This one is "Far away". Q7. A Welsh mountain. Q8. Not a cold expanse of water. Q9. Where? Q10. An Essex airport.
Answers please in the box at the November Meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 23rd November 2009 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
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Throughout history, October seems to be a month when quite violent things happened i.e.
1066 - The Battle of Hastings.
1805 - The Battle of Trafalgar
1854 - The Charge of the Light Brigade
1914 - The First Battle of Ypres
1942 - Battle of El Alamein commences
1962 - The Cuban Missile Crisis
2008 - Lewd phone calls made by Jonathon Ross and Russell Brand
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The Editor is looking for a photograph or some Art work from our Art Group with BarmARA or local interest that could be used on the 2010 BarmARA Calendar - Any offers?
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Can this be true?
Wife: "Do you want dinner?" Husband: "Yes please! What are my choices?"
Wife: "Yes or no."
Elderly Man: "I don't feel old. In fact I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap."
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of the following activities
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing Recommenced on the 8th September and thereafter will be on the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Handicrafts The meetings at St. Andrew's Church Hall have now been cancelled effective November but the Handicrafts Group will continue to meet at members houses on the 3rd Friday of each month. Please contact Mo Smith 661498 for more information.
QUIZ NIGHT Friday 13th November at Barming Primary School, Belmont Close. 7.00pm. Cost £6 includes Ploughman's Supper but bring your own drinks. We can promise you a good fun evening (Maurice 669421)
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events
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I have been asked to include the dates of the forthcoming BarmARA Meetings in the Newsletter so you can make a note in your diary. They are on the 4th Tuesday of every month except December. We hope to print a 2010 Calendar and this will show all of the Meeting Dates and other important dates. Our next Meeting at Fant Hall is on the 24th November. The December Meeting will be on the 15th at Oakwood House for a Christmas Lunch; and don't forget, both Full and Associate members can attend. Please let Gloria or Maureen know if you want to come along.
Unfortunately, due to the strength of the Euro against the £ Sterling and the lack of support due to the economic climate; Gloria will not be arranging the foreign holiday in 2010. Also, please note that the proposed trip to the Brick Lane Music Hall on Saturday 7th November has also been cancelled, as there were not sufficient members interested.
Don't forget to book in for the Quiz Night; this is a really jolly and fun evening.
The 39-ers had another 70th. Congratulations to Max P.
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries
Friday 13th November. KentARA Tea Dance at Ditton Community Centre. 2pm - 5pm. First six to apply admission is Free, thereafter Tickets £3.00p each (W)
Monday 16th November Holly and Mistletoe Festive Break at The Delmont Hotel, Scarborough. Cost £229 includes 4 nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and 3 excursions to North York Moors and Whitby, York and the Eden Camp. (M)
Wednesday 9th December. The Alan Titchmarsh Show at BBC TV Centre and the Westfield Shopping Centre. Leave Fant Hall at 9.45am. Price £10. (G)
Thursday 10th December KentARA Annual Christmas Concert at Mote Hall. 7pm for 8pm Start (W)
Tuesday 15th December Christmas Lunch at Oakwood House. Glass of Bucks Fizz on arrival and with entertainment by "Spare Parts". 12.00 Noon until 4.30pm. Cost £19. The full amount will be collected at the October/November meeting Don't forget, Associate Members are welcome and are encouraged to attend. More details to follow (G) (M)
2010
Wednesday 13th January 2010. Theatre trip to see "Sister Act" at London Palladium. Matinee performance 3.00pm. Leave Fant Hall at 10.30am. Price for Stall seats including coach is £32. Full amount to be paid at time of booking. (G)
Monday 3rd to Friday 7th May - Spring Holiday 2010. Warners - Holme Lacy - Cost £299. (N)
Contacts: (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771 (Maurice) 669421 (D) Dave
Today's Speaker is Neil Arnold and he will tell us about the "Mystery Animals of Kent" whilst in November the well-known author Bob Ogley will be talking on the "Wind of Change." December is the Christmas Lunch when we want to see as many of our members - Full and Associates - as possible
SPEAKERS FOR 2010
January - Bob Ratcliffe - " A Trip Down the River "
February - Ann Chance - " Saddle Sore in Montana "
March - Andrew Clarke - " Old Maidstone "
April - Steve Erickson - Songs and Entertainment
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates will always be welcome
BARMARA
Chairman - Neil Kenwright
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 50 SEPTEMBER 2009
Also available on WWW.barmara.org.uk
This issue is something of a milestone as it is the 50th edition of our Newsletter. Thanks to all the previous Editors - John Bell, Peter Franklin and Peter Sargent.
The Annual General Meeting took place at Fant Hall on Tuesday 25th August. The Chairman's Report was very encouraging and the Treasurer's Financial Report indicated to us that BarmARA's finances are being managed very prudently and that our club has a sound financial base. The existing Officers and Committee Members were all re-elected. Dave Mayger was proposed and seconded to be a member of the BarmARA Committee and he was elected unanimously by the membership. Welcome Dave! The Chairman advised us all that printed copies of Minutes and Reports were not being distributed but copies could be obtained from the Secretary if required. The AGM was closed and our normal Meeting took place. Our special guest Speaker and member of BarmARA was Geoff Figgett MBE. Geoff gave us an insight into life as the "Keeper of the Silver" for Kent County Council and how the Honours process works. He also told us how to approach and "chat-up" Her Majesty The Queen. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry and the MBE is awarded "for outstanding service to the community that merits public recognition".
Our BarmARA 10-pin Bowlers had a great time at the last bowl-up. Pat Barton managed a series of three strikes. The Whatford's were up to their usual standard and Dorothy Tyler was on form whilst Ken Coomber tried to lighten Pauline's laundry load by leaving his old sweaty socks behind; but he didn't get away with it. Better luck next time Ken!
Subscriptions for the coming year 2009/2010 are now due. They are the same as last year: - £5.00 single, (£10.00 double) for full members and £3.00 single, (£5.00 double) for associate members. If posting please make cheques payable to ‘Barmara' and send to Peter Sargent, 84 Newbury Avenue, Allington, ME16 0RD. It will be assumed that members who have not paid by 31st October 2009 do not wish to continue their membership unless mitigating circumstances are submitted to the membership secretary Peter Sargent at the above address or by telephone 01622 693755.
The winner of the July Quiz was Tony Brenton, but once again Maggie Barclay got all the correct answers but was not successful on the ballot draw. Thanks to all who entered.
Answers to Issue 48 July Quiz :
Q1. £1459.20p. Q2. April 4th. Q3. Allan Willett CMG. Q4. Peter Dickenson. Q5. Marylebone Cricket Club. Q6. DNA. Q7. Venus Williams and Lindsay Davenport. Q8. 120/80. Q9. Beauvais. Q10. 1960. Q11. 2011. Q12. 2112. Q13. Jock (Anderson) and Snowy (White). Q14. The Earl of Shaftesbury. Q15. Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP
QUIZ SEPTEMBER 2009
Q1. The hit parade started in the early 50's. What was the very first UK No. 1 based on record Sales? Q2. What is the square root of 50? Q3. What anniversary is 50 years of marriage? Q4. Other than the Queen, who is depicted on the current (E Series) Bank of England £50 note? Q5. In the year 2009 on what day did day 50 of that year fall? Q6. What do you get if you subtract DCCCL from CM? Q7. Where in England does the A50 trunk road start and finish? Q8 What State was made the 50th State in the USA. Q9. Who was the 50th Prime Minister of Great Britain? Q10. What was the product designed by Sir Alec Issigonis that first went on sale 50 years ago?
Answers please in the box at the September meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 26th October 2009 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
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Our Speaker today is Steve Pendleton who is going to tell us all about "St. Dunstan's and his time in Northern Ireland."
Did you know that:
Lawrence Washington, great-uncle of the more famous George, was buried in 1619 in All Saints, Maidstone. In September 2005 unleaded petrol cost on average 82.0p per litre, New Orleans was still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina and England draws final test match against Australia and wins the Ashes.
Out of the mouths of babes:-
When my grandson asked me how old I was, I replied, "I'm not sure". "Look in your underwear Granddad" he advised, "Mine says I'm four to six"
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of the following activities
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing Recommenced on the 8th September and thereafter will be on the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Handicrafts on the 3rd Friday of each month at St. Andrews Hall, 2pm to 4pm. (Contact Mo Smith 661498)
10-Pin Bowling. Thursday 15th October Meet AMG Bowl King Street Maidstone at 10.15am (Maurice 669421)
Friday 13th November Quiz Night at Barming Primary School, Belmont Close. 7.00pm. Cost £7 (Maurice 669421)
Indoor Bowling at Mote Park Wednesday 30th September. Open Day from Noon to 16.30. Free. Coffee and Tea included. (Dave Mayger 670034)
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events
The trip to Lullingstone Castle on Thursday 10th September, which was a resounding success. We all enjoyed meeting Tom Hart-Dyke in his World Garden. Our Blue Badge Guide told us all about the history of the house and church both set in a wonderful landscape. We then went on to Polehill Garden Centre for refreshments. We were very lucky with the weather; it was sunshine all the way.
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries
Wednesday 7th October The Glen Miller Orchestra a brand new show with Ray McVay with the Sound of the 1940s with tribute to the Andrew Sisters and many more Artists. Moonlight Serenaders and the swinging jazz sounds. At The Churchill Theatre, Bromley .7.30pm performance. Leave Fant Hall 5.45pm. £26 includes coach (G)
Saturday 7th November. A wartime Music Hall Show "There will always be an England" at Brick Lane Music Hall Cost £44 includes coach, 3-course meal and dancing. Leave Fant Lane 4.30pm. (M)
Friday 13th November. KentARA Tea Dance at Ditton Community Centre. 2pm - 5pm. First six to apply admission is Free, thereafter Tickets £3.00p each (W)
Monday 16th November Holly and Mistletoe Festive Break at The Delmont Hotel, Scarborough. Cost £229 includes 4 nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and 3 excursions to North York Moors and Whitby, York and the Eden Camp. (M)
Thursday 10th December KentARA Annual Christmas Concert at Mote Hall. 7pm for 8pm Start (W)
Tuesday 15th December Christmas Lunch at Oakwood House with entertainment by "Spare Parts". Don't forget, Associate Members are welcome and are encouraged to attend. More details to follow (G) (M)
Wednesday 13th January 2010. Theatre trip to see "Sister Act" at London Palladium. Matinee performance 3.00pm. Leave Fant Hall at 10.30am. Price for Stall seats including coach is £32. Full amount to be paid at time of booking. (G)
Spring Holiday 2010. Warners - Holme Lacy - for the Spring Holiday Monday 3rd to Friday 7th May. Cost £299. Booking opens 25th August. (N)
Contacts: (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498. (N) Neil 727066,
(W) Wendy 729771 (Maurice) 669421
In October Neil Arnold will tell us about the "Mystery Animals of Kent" whilst in November the well-known author Bob Ogley will be talking on the "Wind of Change." Our December Meeting is the Christmas Lunch at Oakwood House. (Members and Associates welcome)
Thanks to Gloria Rayment and Freda Pearce for their contributions on the visit to Lullingstone Castle. More pictures on our website.
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates will always be welcome
BARMARA
Chairman - Neil Kenwright
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 49 AUGUST 2009
Also available on WWW.barmara.org.uk
Many of our members who knew Iris Duffy will be sad to hear that she passed away on the 8th August at home sitting in her chair.
The BarmARA web site is still proving popular; averaging some 300 visits a month. As we regularly publish updates during the month it is worth having a look at our site. After the Annual General Meeting Peter Dickenson and your Editor will be seeing if you can identify photographs of the area around Barming.
Unfortunately, the planned cruise from Gravesend to Whitstable on Friday 14th August on the MV Princess Pocahontas had to be cancelled. We understand that the boat's engines developed a technical fault that could not be repaired in time for our cruise. Princess Pocahontas (1595-1617) was a Red Indian princess, daughter of a powerful chief, who intervened to save the life of Captain John Smith, leader of the British Colony of Virginia. In 1614, she married colonist called John Rolfe, who brought her to England in 1616, when she was received at Court. Becoming ill, she was returning to Virginia when she died on board ship off Gravesend. Pocahontas was buried in the chancel of the old St. George's Church. A statue of Princess Pocahontas is located in the grounds of St. George's Church, Gravesend
A note from our Membership Secretary:
Subscriptions for the coming year 2009/2010 are now due. They are the same as last year: - £5.00 single, (£10.00 double) for full members and £3.00 single, (£5.00 double) for associate members. Full members will be able to pay at our September meeting. Associate members will be able to pay at the coffee morning on September 7th. If posting please make cheques payable to ‘Barmara' and send to Peter Sargent, 84 Newbury Avenue, Allington, ME16 0RD. It will be assumed that members who have not paid by 31st October 2009 do not wish to continue their membership unless mitigating circumstances are submitted to the membership secretary Peter Sargent at the above address or by telephone 01622 693755.
The winner of the June Quiz was Pat Whatford.
ANSWERS to Issue 47 June 2009 Quiz
Q1. Sir Peter Viggers. Q2. Kent International Gateway. Q3. Lewis Carroll. Q4. Neil Kenwright. Q5. Big Ben. Q6. Rowing. Q7. Western Mediteranean. Q8. Laurel. Q9. On a plant. Q10. Bear Grylls. Q11. 89. Q12 Fibonacci. Q13. J. Lyons & Co. Tea Shops. Q14. An Apple. Q15. Sophie Rhys-Jones
10 members entered this quiz. The winner of the £5 prize was drawn by ballot between Pat Whatford and Maria McCarthy who both got 13 answers correct. Pat's name came out first in the ballot. Well done Pat and thanks to all who entered.
QUIZ AUGUST 2009
Find out the real names of the following celebrities and select the letter as required from the real name and then re-arrange these leters to form a well known two word phrase:-
Q1. Peter Sellers 5th letter of real christian name. Q2. Vivian Leigh 2nd letter of real surname. Q3 Rex Harrison 6th letter of real christian name. Q4. Michael Crawford 4th letter of real surname. Q5. Elton John 4th letter of real surname. Q6. David Jason 3rd letter of real surname. Q7. Diana Dors 1st letter of real christian name. Q8."Twiggy" 4th letter of real surname. Q9. Michael Caine 4th letter of real christian name. Q10. Hank Marvin 1st letter of real surname
Answers please in the box at the September meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 1st September 2009 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
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The Speaker at the July Meeting was the ex-Headmaster of the Dover Grammar School - Reg Colman - who spoke without notes for over an hour on the subject of Winston Spencer Churchill and his wife Clementine. Reg set the scene by reminding us of the social, political and economical situation at the time of Winston's birth. "Winnie" was born in 1874 into a very aristocratic and privileged background although he was never financially sound. He met Clementine Hozier at a Ball and they married in 1908. Both of their early lives were less than happy and his life was rarely without drama. Their marriage produced 5 children. "Winnie" was a politician, author, artist, bricklayer and a depressive. Although Clementine had an independent mind, she gave her husband 100% support, but because of the various pressures of his duties, they wrote letters to each other. Winston, and because of her support, Clementine, made a huge contribution to the history of Great Britain and the world. It was a very interesting talk.
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of the following activities
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing Is now closed for the summer break and will recommence on the 8th September and thereafter on the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Tai Chi at the Parish Hall, 2pm every Wednesday (David Arnold 01732 871538)
Handicrafts Restarts on Friday 18th September and thereafter on the 3rd Friday of each month at St. Andrews Hall, 2pm to 4pm. (Contact Mo Smith 661498)
10-Pin Bowling. Thursday 3rd September. Meet AMG Bowl King Street Maidstone at 10.15am (Maurice 669421)
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events.
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On this day; 25th August,
1930 Sir Sean Connery was born.
1944 Paris Liberated as Germans surrender
1958 Midland Bank announced it would be offering personal loans from next month- the first bank to offer such a facility.
1960 Rome XVll Olympic Games open
1983 The Milk Marketing Board launched a new soft butter, which could be spread straight from the fridge.
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries
Thursday 10th Sept. Visit to Lullingstone Castle with guided tour by Tom Hart-Dyke also visit to the Polhill Garden Centre, Badgers Mount. Price including coach £15.50. Leave Fant Hall 9.30am. (G)
Wednesday 7th October The Glen Miller Orchestra a brand new show with Ray McVay with the Sound of the 1940s with tribute to the Andrew Sisters and many more Artists. Moonlight Serenaders and the swinging jazz sounds. At The Churchill Theatre, Bromley .7.30pm performance. Leave Fant Hall 5.45pm. £26 includes coach (G)
Friday 13th November. KentARA Tea Dance at Ditton Community Centre. 2pm - 5pm. Tickets £3.00p (W)
Monday 16th November Holly and Mistletoe Festive Break at The Delmont Hotel, Scarborough. Cost £229 includes 4 nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and 3 excursions to North York Moors and Whitby, York and the Eden Camp. (M)
Thursday 10th December KentARA Annual Christmas Concert at Mote Hall. 7pm for 8pm Start (W)
Tuesday 15th December Christmas Lunch at Oakwood House with entertainment by "Spare Parts". Don't forget, Associate Members are welcome to and are encouraged to attend. More details to follow (G) (M)
2010
Wednesday 13th January 2010. Theatre trip to see "Sister Act" at London Palladium. Matinee performance 3.00pm. Leave Fant Hall at 10.30am. Price for Stall seats including coach is £32. Full amount to be paid at time of booking on 25th August Meeting. (G)
Spring Holiday 2010. Warners - Holme Lacy - for the Spring Holiday Monday 3rd to Friday 7th May. Cost £299. Booking opens 25th August. (N)
Contacts: (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498.
(N) Neil 727066, (W) Wendy 729771
The August meeting is our Annual General Meeting and we have a surprise special Speaker.
In September - Steve Pendleton will be speaking about "St. Dunstan's and his time in Northern Ireland." And in October Neil Arnold will tell us about the "Mystery Animals of Kent" whilst in November the well-known author Bob Ogley will be talking on the "Wind of Change."
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates will always be welcome
JULY 2009
BARMARA
Chairman - Neil Kenwright
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 48 July 2009
Also available on WWW.barmara.org.uk
Hopefully everybody was made aware that this July meeting had to be brought forward by one week because of Maintenance to Fant Hall.
The Loire Valley
"The climate is mild, the sun envelopes all things. This is a land of chateaux, wine and love". Our trip started with a visit to the French National Equestrian Centre at St. Hilaire Florent. Although there were no horse displays in the arena we were entertained by a wonderful and large Brass Band rehearsing for a concert they were giving later. It was tremendous and everybody thought it was a bonus and didn't want to leave. We followed up this by a visit to the Caves at Bouvet-Ladubay that has eight miles of caves carved into the Tuffeau. Lunch was taken in Saumur. On Sunday, we drove to Chateau Villandry that is possibly the best Loire chateau, as it has something for everyone. Ch. Villandry is known worldwide for its gardens because of the most spectacular ornamental, herb, kitchen and water gardens. Villandry is also the confluence of the Rivers Loire and Cher. On our return to our hotel in Angers, we called in at Bourgueil where we learnt a good deal from the English owner about wine making. Bourgueil is an Appellation d'origine contrôlee (AOC) for wine in the Loire Valley region, and produces primarily red wine from the grape variety Cabernet Franc. On Monday we had a morning visit to Chateau Brissac which has seven storeys altogether, making it the tallest chateau and commonly known as "Giant of the Loire Valley". Following a very informative guided tour we ended our visit with a wine tasting of "Anjou Villages Brissac" and a "Rosé d'Anjou" , an AOC for an area of less than 100 hectares. The afternoon was left to explore Angers, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in France. We have received many compliments to pass on to Gloria for her organising skills and for making this a superb holiday. The Chateau at Villandry with its spectactular gardens. Gardens abound at this chateau. There are 8 full time gardeners that raise and plant out 60,000 vegetables and 45,000 bedding plants a year for the kitchen and flower garden. The plants are arranged in colourful geometric designs and considered a typical Renaissance garden. We all had a wonderful time.
Thanks to Gloria from all who went on this Loire trip. PS there are more photos in our website photo gallery.
See Maureen K. pole dancing.
The winner of the MAY Quiz was Pat Barton.
ANSWERS to Issue 46 May 2009 Quiz
Q1. Drive. Q2. Pot. Q3. Horse. Q4. Fancy. Q5. Horn. Q6. Paper. Q7. Water. Q8. Long. Q9. Elder. Q10. Gas. Q11. Curtain. Q12. Star. Q13. Rag. Q14. Box. Q15. Dolly. Q16. Back. Q17. Eye. Q18. Bore. Q19. Current. Q20. Gentle
15 members entered this quiz and many got 100% correct answers. The winner of the £5 prize was drawn by ballot and Pat Barton's entry was successful.
QUIZ July 2009
Q1. What is the Council Tax levy 2009/2010 for Barming Band D? Q2. What date is Easter Day 2010? Q3. Who is the current Lord Lieutenant of Kent? Q4.A Committee Member's name anagram is "Citroen Desk Pen" Who is it? Q5. What do the initials MCC stand for? Q6 What is Deoxyribonucleic Acid more commonly know as? Q7. Which women's singles title final was the longest match in Wimbledon's history lasting 2 hours 45 minutes? Q8. What is the generally accepted normal blood pressure? Q9. Which town is twinned with Maidstone? Q10. What year was the Maidstone By Pass opened? Q11. When will analogue TV transmissions in our area be switched off? Q12. When will the next palindromic year occur? Q13 Who were Dick Barton's sidekicks? Q14. What does the Statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus commemorate? Q15. What is the name of the present Speaker of the House of Commons?
Answers please in the box at the August AGM meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 24th August 2009 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
The Speaker at the June Meeting was Fred Jepson who gave a very entertaining talk on the History of Irons. He took us from the Chinese Emperors through to specialist irons for top hats; choirboy ruffs and miniature dolls house irons. The early friction irons must have been immensely tiring so let us all be grateful for the invention of the electric iron.
The MULLINS Brothers. I was diverted from the Mullins brothers when by chance the address Edinburgh Villas Barming Heath caught my eye. Frederick Curtis and Albert Waterman who both paid the supreme sacrifice in WW1 both lived at this address. These two men were stepbrothers. Frederick was in the Welsh Guards and killed on 31st July 1917 whilst Albert was in the Bedfordshire Regt. and killed 27th September 1918. A second local family who lost two sons! Edinburgh Villas must have been a very sad place as by the end of the war in 1918 another two local sons had been killed - Arthur Ashby and Walter Wells who both lived at no. 3 and 8 respectively.
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Male or Female? A hot air balloon is Male because you have to light a fire under it to make it go anywhere
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of the following activities
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing Is now closed for the summer break and will recommence on the 8th September and thereafter on the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Tai Chi at the Parish Hall, 2pm every Wednesday (David Arnold 01732 871538)
Handicrafts on the 3rd Friday of each month at St. Andrews Hall, 2pm to 4pm. (Contact Mo Smith 661498)
10-Pin Bowling. Thursday 6th August Meet AMG Bowl King Street Maidstone at 10.15am (Maurice 669421)
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events.
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On this day; 21ST July 1969, Neil Armstrong becomes first man to step on the moon, in 1796 Robbie Burns died and in 1926 Bill Pertwee " Mr. Hodges in Dad's Army" was born.
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries
Thursday 23rd July. 2nd KentARA Crafts and Hobbies Fayre. Ditton Community Centre from 11.00am. Free Entry (W)
Friday 14th August MV. Princess Pocahontas. Gravesend to Whitstable £30. Leave Fant Hall 8.30am (M)
Thursday 10th Sept. Visit to Lullingstone Castle with guided tour by Tom Hart-Dyke also visit to the Polhill Garden Centre, Badgers Mount. Price including coach £15.50. Leave Fant Hall 9.30am. (G)
Wednesday 7th October The Glen Miller Orchestra a brand new show with Ray McVay with the Sound of the 1940s with tribute to the Andrew Sisters and many more Artists. Moonlight Serenaders and the swinging jazz sounds. At The Churchill Theatre, Bromley .7.30pm performance. Leave Fant Hall 5.45pm. £26 includes coach (G)
Friday 13th November. KentARA Tea Dance at Ditton Community Centre. 2pm - 5pm. Tickets £3.00p (W)
Monday 16th November Holly and Mistletoe Festive Break at The Delmont Hotel, Scarborough. Cost £229 includes 4 nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and 3 excursions to North York Moors and Whitby, York and the Eden Camp. (M)
Thursday 10th December KentARA Annual Christmas Concert at Mote Hall. 7pm for 8pm Start (W)
Contacts: (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498.
(N) Neil 727066, (W) Wendy 729771
Our Speaker today is Reg Colman who will be revealing all about "Winston and Clementine"
The August meeting is our Annual General Meeting.
September - Steve Pendleton speaking about "St. Dunstan's and his time in Northern Ireland."
October - Neil Arnold telling us about the "Mystery Animals of Kent"
November - Bob Ogley and the "Wind of Change."
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates will always be welcome
JUNE 2009
BARMARA
Chairman - Neil Kenwright
Newsletter of the Barming Active Retirement Association
Issue No 47 June 2009
Also available on WWW.barmara.org.uk
Please Note that the date of the July Meeting has been changed to Tuesday 21st July
On Wednesday 27th May we arrived at Caversham, on the northern side of Reading, and we were greeted with light rain, slippery pavements and a view of boats bobbing unenthusiastically on the River Thames. But soon we were dining and wining from the Carvery of the nearest inn and later, braving the wind and spots of rain, boarded the river boat for the up-river run to the dock at Mapledurham mill-house. The Miller treated us to a fascinating tour of the oldest mill on the Thames still in commercial operation and reminded us that many mill-related products would be available for us to buy before we departed. The mill, church, house and associated buildings have been used as locations for many film and TV productions, notably ‘The Eagle Has Landed' starring Michael Caine. After touring the house we enjoyed an excellent cream tea that was largely sourced from local ingredients.
We are glad to say that Gloria feels fully recovered from her tumble on the coach on the Mapledurham trip and she thanks everybody who 'phoned to show their concern
Dave Mayger rounded up some 35 members for an indoor bowling session at Mote Park Indoor Bowling Club on Wednesday 3rd June. Many of us had not bowled before but the Bowls Club made us all very welcome and was able to loan the proper shoes and "woods" to those who didn't have their own. The club has 8 rinks and each was fully occupied which meant most of us novices used all of the available area chasing our bowls when we bowled with the bias on the wrong side. It was a very good couple of hours of fun and lets hope the Bowling Club will let us back again soon now that we have learned the language of the game; skip, jack, woods....
On Tuesday 16th June, at 0945hrs., 40 of us boarded the "Brookline Battlewagon" at Fant Lane to visit the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the Chelsea Pensioners. Gloria had arranged for a guided tour to start at 13.30hrs. We arrived in time to have lunch in the National Army Museum next door. At 13.30hrs sharp, we were met at the gates of the Royal Hospital by our Guide and raconteur Staff Sergeant Paddy Fox ex-Dragoon Guards. The tour took us through the grounds, the wonderful Wren Chapel and into the Great Hall where in In-Pensioners have their meals. Paddy was a great host and champion of the Royal Hospital and he told us of the history of the Hospital and a great many anecdotes both very funny and sad. One of our group started talking to one of the Pensioners and asked how he felt about Ladies being admitted as In-Pensioners, He apparently had no idea that 300 years of tradition had been overturned and that Lady Soldiers were living in! Paddy told us that living as In-Pensioners puts at least 10 years on their lives as they have absolutely no worries. Everything but everything is provided for them. No council tax, their own hospital, a five course breakfast should they want it. It was a wonderful day out and Thanks to Gloria.
The winner of the April Quiz was Dorothy Tyler.
ANSWERS to Issue 45 April Quiz
Q1. Christopher Isherwood. Q2. Mat Follas. Q3. Jane. Q4. Snowdrop. Q5 Picasso. Q6. Victoria Cross. Q7 Barming Parish Councillor. Q8. The last Public Hanging. Q9. Albert Einstein. Q10. 12 if using Americal notation or 18 using UK notation.
Thanks to Jen Cornish, Daphne Sutherland, Jean Wells, Jackie Boyle, John Barton, Maggie Barclay, Tony Brenton, Maria McCarthy for entering this quiz.
QUIZ June 2009
Q1. Who was in the doghouse over a duck house? Q2. These days what do the initials KIG stand for? Q3. Who is Charles Lutwidge Dodgson better known as? Q4. "He knelt wiring" an anagram of who's name in Barmara? Q5. What striking reminder is 100 years old this month? Q6. What sport is the Wyland Challenge Cup presented? Q7. Where would you find the Alboran Sea? Q8. Cinnamon is the dried inner bark of what tree? Q9. Where would you find a Petiole? Q10. Who is the Chief Scout of the United Kingdom and Overseas Territories? Q11 What number comes next in this sequence 8,13,21,34,55? Q12. What is this sequence of numbers called (Q11)? Q13. Where would you have seen a "Nippy"? Q14. What type of fruit is a "Maidstone Favourite"? Q15. What Kentish girl married into the Royal family in 1999?
Answers please in the box at the July meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 27th July 2009 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
The Speaker at the May meeting was Martin Gurdon. We all appreciated his very entertaining talk. We heard all about Trevor the rheumatic Cockrell and his mate Fred the one eyed itinerant together with the transsexual goose-stepping Yvette. Would you believe that Natasha Kaplinski, Brahms, sexing chickens, penguins and prisons could all be mentioned in one talk? Well it was, and it was fun!
P.S. Martin is now keeping Doves. Listen out for another talk.
Our Speaker today is Fred Jepson speaking on the "History of Irons".
The MULLINS Brothers. Stanley Harold Mullins. Enlisted with the Royal Engineers at Chatham. His service number was 18650. He saw service with the 1st Field Squadron in France from 1914 until he was killed in action on 24th May 1915 aged 27. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate at Ypres. He was awarded the Victory, British and 1914 Star Medals. More to follow.....
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of the following activities
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing On the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066) Last meeting 14th July then closed for summer break
Tai Chi at the Parish Hall, 2pm every Wednesday (David Arnold 01732 871538)
Handicrafts on the 3rd Friday of each month at St. Andrews Hall, 2pm to 4pm. (Contact Mo Smith 661498)
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe (729771) or Peter Dickenson (755350) to enquire about current events.
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries
Wednesday 15th July Petworth House and Gardens. Cost £20 or £11 for National Trust Members. Coach leaves Fant Lane 9.30am (M)
Thursday 23rd July. 2nd KentARA Crafts and Hobbies Fayre. Ditton Community Centre from 11.00am. Free Entry (W)
Friday 14th August MV. Princess Pocahontas. Gravesend to Whitstable £30. Leave Fant Hall 8.30am (M)
Thursday 10th Sept. Visit to Lullingstone Castle with guided tour by Tom Hart-Dyke also visit to the Polhill Garden Centre, Badgers Mount. Price including coach £15.50. Leave Fant Hall 9.30am. (G)
Friday 18th Sept. KentARA Supper and Race Night. Ditton Community Centre. 7.30 - 10.30pm. Tickets £6.00p per person. (W)
Monday 30th November Holly and Mistletoe. Esplanade Hotel, South Cliff Scarborough. Cost £233 includes Bed and Breakfast and evening meal with lunch on "Christmas Day" and 4 excursions to North Yorks Moors, Whitby, Beverley and York The Esplanade Hotel holds a commanding position above the cliffs overlooking Scarborough and the South Bay. More details to follow (M)
Contacts: (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498.
(N) Neil 727066, (W) Wendy 729771
Our Speaker today is Fred Jepson speaking on the "History of Irons"; and in July we are to be entertained by Reg Colman when we will be told all about "Winston and Clementine"
The August meeting is our Annual General Meeting. More about this to follow. Don't miss out, make sure all these dates are in your diary
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates will always be welcome
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MAY 2009
Issue No.46
Our Quiz Night in April was a great success and we all had a good nights entertainment thanks to our Quiz Master Richard Warner and of course to Maureen Kenwright who provided a superb Ploughman's Supper. Thanks also to the ladies who helped Maureen to "Plate up" and congratulations to the winning table. If you were unable to be there, do try and make our next Quiz Night. (Details will be announced later)
This is the first time that Warner's is not the spring holiday destination. So those of us who had no previous visits to the Toorak Hotel Torquay wondered what to expect. We had no need to worry as most people enjoyed the experience. We started off on Bank Holiday Monday in two coaches bound for Torquay. After a scheduled pit-stop at Salisbury we arrived in Torquay about 16.00. The Toorak hotel in sunny Torquay was to be home to the Barmarans for the next few days in May. The arrival was handled very quickly and we were all settled into our rooms in no time at all. The evening meal went down well, it was then onto the evening entertainment. This was split around several of the hotels in the complex with a small ballroom in our hotel. This proved to be popular with several of BARMARA quests with many a good time being had throughout our stay. The closest Peter Dickenson came to dancing was when he joined in a few of the less demanding Barmara community dances later in the evening. Without knowing any actual steps we performed wonderful routines that owe a passing acquaintance to the dancing-round-your-handbag school of terpsichorean artistry. Others enjoyed Bingo (with a couple of good wins) and cabaret in the starlight room.
The first day's outing to the Eden Project although quite a long journey, was greatly enjoyed.
Various attractions close to Torquay formed the focus of Wednesday. It was a day to relax and do your own thing. This was the first time we have done this but it seemed to be quite popular. Dartmouth and the River Dart featured strongly on the third day. Dartmouth proved an ideal place for a morning browse round the shops. After a quick snack we boarded a steamer for the 90-minute voyage up-river to Totnes, passing the Britannia Royal Naval College then under the cliffs of Agatha Christie's home 'Greenway' en route. We finished the day with a short call in to Buckfast Abbey, set on the south edge of Dartmoor, for prayers and a cream tea. Friday was time to go home. There was a slight delay on leaving the hotel but this did not stop us having lunch in Winchester and a visit to King Arthur's statue in order to complete the cultural aspect of our holiday. We arrived home about 16.00. New friends were made and lots of happy memories. Here's to next year.
Holidays, doctors and dentist's appointments meant that several of our regular 10-pin bowlers were unable to join us last thursday. Freda Pearce nearly missed the session as her transport -the number 8 bus - turned up very late. However, two new associate members added to our numbers when Pat and John Barton decided that they would like to see what 10-pin bowling was all about. It seemed that they hadn't bowled for over 20 years. They soon got back into the swing as Pat put in some very high scores, so well done Pat. We were also very glad to see Jen and Brian Cornish bowl a bowl or two. Brian as usual was getting some good scores as was Jen once she got the hang of how to use the "rails" to her advanage.
As we are approaching summer and the experts are saying that it will be a scorcher we will be moving outdoors to the Petanque (Boules) terrain at the Redstart pub. Our first date is Thursday 18th June. Meet at 10.00am at the Redstart. If you haven't played before, don't worry Ken Coomber will be on hand to give any help or advice that might be needed. If you have any Boules please bring them along but if not Ken will be able to provide a few sets. Can you please let Ken Coomber or Maurice Gay know if you will be joining us. The pub will be putting on tea ,coffee and biscuits during the morning and a lunch for us, the cost and menu details will be available shortly so come back to this page in the next few days for more information.
Following the Kentara Hobbies and Crafts exhibition at Ditton on Thursday 23rd July, at our meeting on July 28th, as well as our Speaker there will be a display showing the various skills used by our members in the Art and Handicrafts Groups. Members of the groups will be available to answer any questions.
We had 2635 hits on our web site during April. Let's hope all our visitors went away with a good impression of BarmARA. The KentARA web site now includes a link to our Internet website so anyone looking at the KentARA pages can be directed to our site. (We are the first!)
The winner of the APRIL Quiz was Betty Webb with Dorothy Tyler coming a very close runner up.
ANSWERS to Issue 44 MARCH Quiz - Mostly TV (thanks to Jo Buchanan)
Q1. Firstly that she is wise, secondly that she is a woman. Q2. A Chicken. Q3. Mister Preview. Q4. Paul Merton. Q5. Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. Q6. James (Jimmy) Beck. Q7. Cassandra. Q8. (Red) Pick-up Truck. Q9. Joan Simms. Q10. Cat. Q11. Triumph Stag Mk 2 Green. Q12. PWR 233P.
QUIZ May 2009: The three words in each set each have a fourth word in common but not necessarily connected; Find the fourth word. The number at the end of each set indicates the number of letters in the word you are looking for e.g. Bank, Blue, Milk (6) linking word and answer is "BOTTLE" (Thanks to Maggie Barclay for this quiz)
Q1. Economy, Whist, Tarmac (5) Q2. Hot, Luck, Noodle (3) Q3. Clothes, Race, Hobby (5) Q4. Dress, Free, Goods (5) Q5. Hunting, Cape, Shoe (4) Q6. Weight, Daily, Shredder (5) Q7. Fall, Hot, Table (5) Q8. Distance, Jump, Winded (4) Q9. Statesman, Berry, Church (5) Q10. Natural, Bag, Laughing (3) Q11. Bead, Call, Net (7) Q12. Fish, Pole, Quality (4) Q13. Rug, Student, Time (3) Q14. Chocolate, Theatre, Clever (3) Q15. Bird, Corn, Mixture (5) Q16. Bone, Chat, Up (4) Q17. Glad, London, False (3) Q18. Hole, Severn, Twelve (4) Q19. Electric, Account, Air (7) Q20. Touch, Giant, Folk (6)
Answers please in the box at the June meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 22nd June 2009 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
The Speaker at the April Meeting was Paul Harris. Paul is well known as a Radio Kent Presenter. He gave us an extremely funny talk on that long gone breed of Theatrical Digs Landladies. They were real dragons. Intertwined with these stories he told us some memorable tales about other well known performers and celebrities and the antics they got up to trying to beat the all seeing eyes and ears of these gorgons.
Our Speaker Today is Martin Gurdon who will talk to us about his "Travels with Chickens"
The MULLINS Brothers. Do you remember in the last issue regarding these brothers? Just a few minutes searching on the Internet gave me more information. Their father James was born in India, came back to "blighty" and worked as an Asylum Nurse. He had six sons, three of whom fought in WW1. Stanley was killed in action and Edward died of his wounds. Bartholomew served in the RAMC (Medical Corps) and survived. The family lived at Woodside Cottages and Edinburgh Cottage, Barming Heath. Several members have an interest in this subject and perhaps we can publish details of other Barming Men who served in WW1. More to follow..........
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of the following activities
Art Group. Meets every Tuesday except the 4th in the month at the Parish Hall 10am to 12 noon. Cost £2 for two hours including coffee and biscuits. (Contact Sheila Malthouse 728183)
Coffee Morning on the first Monday in the month (Except Bank Holidays) at the Parish Hall, cost £1.00p. (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066).
Line Dancing On the 1st, 2nd,and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Fant Hall 2 to 3pm. Cost £3.00 for Members and £3.50 Non-members (Contact Maureen Kenwright 727066)
Tai Chi at the Parish Hall, 2pm every Wednesday (David Arnold 01732 871538 )
Handicrafts on the 3rd Friday of each month at St. Andrews Hall, 2pm to 4pm. (Contact Mo Smith 661498)
10 Pin Bowling Thursday 21st May 10.15am AMF Bowl, King Street Maidstone (Contact Maurice 669421)
Indoor Bowls Wednesday 3rd June from 1.30pm to 4.00pm at Mote Park leisure Centre. Cost £3.00p. (Contact Dave Mayger 670034)
Rambles: Monday June 15th. Stroll around Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells with lunch in the Park Café. Meet at Barming Bus Stop "C" opposite Fountain Inn for the 10.04 Bus Service No. 6. Contact: Jill Tugwell 727992
Monday July 20th. Circular walk around Bearstead and Otham.Meet 10.00am at the Holy Cross Church Car Park, Bearstead. This can be found by turning right between Bearstead Green and "The Oak on the Green" Pub and following road to the end. Contact:
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe 729771 or Peter Dickenson 755350 to enquire about current events.
PLEASE NOTE
We have been told that the Parish Hall will be closed for maintenance and redecoration for 9 days from Monday 1st June until Wednesday 10th June both dates inclusive. This will affect the Art Group, Coffee Morning and Tai Chi; so please make a note in your diary.
List of Trips and Excursions for your diaries. Also see the Events page
Wednesday 27th May Visit to Mapledurham House & Watermill, Nr.Reading with
Guided tour, Boat trip and cream tea. Price £29 including coach. Leave Fant Hall at 9.00am. (G)
Tuesday 16th June Visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Pensioners with a Guided tour A limit of 40 people. Price £12.50 including coach. Leave Fant Hall at 9.45am. (G)
Friday June 26th - 30th Holiday to the Loire Valley. Half Board with excursions to 3 Chateaux with wine tasting included. Price £387 Sorry, all single room allocations have gone but 3 twin rooms still available ( G)
Wednesday 15th July Petworth House and Gardens. Cost £20 or £11 for National Trust Members. Coach leaves Fant Lane 9.30am (M)
Thursday 23rd July. 2nd KentARA Crafts and Hobbies Fayre. Ditton Community Centre from 11.00am. Free Entry (W)
Friday 14th August MV. Princess Pocahontas. Gravesend to Whitstable £30. Leave Fant Hall 8.30am (M)
Thursday 10th Sept. Visit to Lullingstone Castle with guided tour by Tom Hart-Dyke also visit to the Polhill Garden Centre, Badgers Mount. Price including coach £15.50. Leave Fant Hall 9.30am. (G)
Friday 18th Sept. KentARA Supper and Race Night. Ditton Community Centre. 7.30 - 10.30pm. Tickets £6.00p per person. (W)
Monday 30th November Holly and Mistletoe 4 nights Festive Break Esplanade Hotel, Southcliff, Scarborough. Includes excursions and christmas dinner. Cost £233. More details to follow (M)
Contacts: (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen 661498. (N) Neil 727066, (W) Wendy 729771
Our Speaker today is Martin Gurdon who will be telling us about his "Travels with Chickens". Our speaker for the June Meeting is Fred Jepson speaking on the "History of Irons"; and in July we are to be entertained by Reg Colman when we will be told all about "Winston and Clementine"
The August meeting is our Annual General Meeting. More about this to follow. Don't miss out, make sure all these dates are in your diary
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates will always be welcome
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APRIL 2009
This is our first one so it can only get better. We haven't got a spellchecker yet so bear with us and humour the editor
Issue No 45 APRIL 2009
It was raining when a full coach left Fant Hall to go to Duxford and Cambridge. It was mainly the men who "de-bussed" at Duxford to visit the Imperial War Museum's Aviation Museum whilst the girls went of to Cambridge.Thankfully the weather cleared and it was a reasonable although quite chilly day. However, we were all wrapped up so it really didn't matter. The Duxford visitors were told that they had 5 hours before being collected and then pick up the ladies. We thought 5 hours was far too long but as it turned out it was not nearly enough time to see all of the exhibits. We saw all the iconic aircraft including the first flying Concorde, the massive Boeing B52, the plane that never was the TR2, a Lysander and of course the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane and every make and model in between. Colin Prince added to the enjoyment of this visit by imparting his immense knowledge of aviation when asked questions. The ladies in the meantime visited Kings College and the Chapel, punted down the River Cam (thanks to Gloria who negotiated a good rate with a "nice young man") and had a fine lunch in a riverside pub. We all enjoyed this day out thanks to Maureen and Peter our driver.
Unfortunately, we have to report that our Committee member Brian Wade was admitted to hospital following a serious medical condition, but happily we can report that he is now home resting and recuperating and running Joan ragged, but, we all wish him a speedy recovery to full health so that he can continue with his excellent work in booking Speakers for our monthly meetings. Our Treasurer - Peter Dickenson still continues to make progress and we hope to see him back in harness shortly.
Following the Kentara Hobbies and Crafts exhibition at Ditton on Thursday 23rd July, an exhibition will be on display at our meeting on July 28th, as well as the usual speaker, showing the various skills used by our members in the Art and Handicrafts Groups. Members of the groups will be available to answer any questions.
The winner of the February 2009 Quiz was Betty Webb. Thanks to all those who entered.
Answers to the March Quiz:
Q1. Ode to Joy. Q2. 9th May. Q3. 27. Q4. 10. Q5. Krahule is generally accepted although there are 5 other claimants. Q6 It is the symbol of Perfection, Completeness and Unity. Q7. 23. Q8. 6. Q9. 1st January 2002. Q10. 1973
April Quiz
Q1. Whose short stories inspired the musical "Cabaret"? Q2. Who was the winner of the 2009 TV Programme "Master Chef"? Q3. 3 x Catherines, 2 x Annes but who is missing? Q4. What is the common name for "Galanthus"? Q5. Who had a "Blue Period"? Q6. What in 1856 was first issued "For Valour"? Q7. What does "Fay Gooch" mean to you? Q8. What first happened in Maidstone on the 28th April 1868? Q9. Who is conect with "e=mc2"? Q10. How many noughts are there in one trillion?
Look out for next months Quiz it has been compiled by Maggie Barclay and it is a real brain teaser.
Answers please to this months (APRIL) quiz in the box at the May meeting or to Maurice Gay, 21 Howard Drive, Allington or by email at secondfiddle1@btinternet.com by Monday 25th May 2009 so that they can be included for the £5 prize draw
The Speaker - Richard King - at our March meeting gave a highly amusing and very enthusiastic talk on his travels around the world in a double decker bus. Overcoming various difficulties - finding the right bus to use and lack of funds - he and his eight companions set off on their adventures. 4 years later having survived many technical hitches and having funded their journey by singing bawdy rugby songs to delighted audiences along the way, they arrived back at their local pub to claim their pint of beer as their promised reward.
Have you ever noticed the Roll of Honour on the wall in the Parish Hall during the Coffee mornings or at the Art Group or other visit? Have you seen the two Memorials to the dead of WW1 and WW2 within St. Margaret's Church? I have an interest in genealogy and WW1 and surprisingly the two interests are conjoined. The name "Mullins" caught my attention. Two Barming brothers - Edward and Stanley Mullins - paid the supreme sacrifice, but who were they? I know that they were the sons of James and Bertha Mullins who lived at 3, Woodside Cottage, Barming Heath and that they both enlisted in the Royal Engineers. Stanley was killed in action on the 24th May 1915 and Edward died of wounds on the 21st August 1915. More to follow...
I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid. Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in what oredr the ltteers in a word are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is that the first and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it wouthit a porbelm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe.
Associate Members are very welcome to attend any or all of our following activities full details on EVENTS and/or the ACTIVITIES Page
Art Group, Coffee Mornings, Line Dancing, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, Handicrafts, 10-Pin Bowling, Petanque, Rambles and Quiz Nights.
BarmARA Singles meet to share social and intellectual experiences. Please call Wendy Thorpe 729771 or Peter Dickenson 755350 to enquire about current events.
For all our Trips, Excursions and Holidays see full details on the Events Page
PLEASE NOTE
We have been told that the Parish Hall will be closed for maintenance and redecoration for 9 days from Monday 1st June until Wednesday 10th June both dates inclusive. This will affect the Art Group, Coffee Morning and Tai Chi; so please make a note in your diary
Did you know....
A committee is a group of people who individually can do nothing, but as a group decide that nothing can be done!
You cannot lick your elbow!
Contributions to the Newsletter from Members and Associates will always be welcome
