Newsletter of Barming Active Retirement Association
BARMARA Active Retirement Association
Newsletter Issue No 61 AUGUST 2010.
Chairman Neil Kenwright
www.barmara.org.uk
Here are a few words that Jen Cornish asked to be inserted in the Newsletter.
"I would like to thank the many people who have contacted me since Brian went into Hospital offering to chauffeur me or do shopping etc. Brian has recovered well from the Pulmonary Embolism that caused him to go into Hospital on 9th July, but unfortunately a further cause for concern has been found. He is home now, but attending the Hospital for tests etc. Jen Cornish"
I am sure we would all like to send our best wishes to Jen and to Brian for his speedy and full recovery.
It has been a busy month again. Since our last meeting we have had our regular coffee morning, played Kurling and Petanque, we have rambled around West Malling all in addition to our visit to and a trip on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. The RHDR was the realization of a dream of two men, Captain J.E.P. Howey and Count Louis Zborowski - he of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang fame. The railway opened in July 1927 and runs for 13.5 miles. During the war the army who created an armoured train requisitioned it. The railway was used extensively for the building of PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean) to supply petrol for D-Day and beyond. It was reopened in 1947 by those two heroes of our childhood - Laurel & Hardy - and it is still one of the railway wonders of the world. Our coach left Fant Lane at 9.00am and arrived at Hythe shortly afterwards. We had a nice wander around Hythe and then we boarded the front 4 compartments of the RHD railway that had been reserved for us and then departed Hythe for Dungerness and the Pilot Pub for a fish & chips and a "gooey" dessert lunch. The coach left for home at about 6pm and we arrived back safely, tired but happy after a very enjoyable day out.
It was a very pleasant summers morning when 25 of us - including some new faces - gathered on the Petanque Piste in the Redstart's garden on Monday 9th August. The highlight of the morning was when three men - Neil Kenwright, John Grognet and Dave Mayger -challenged a ladies team consisting of Maureen Kenwright, Theresa King and Maggie Barclay. To the embarrassment of the men, the ladies won by 13 points to 3 points. Well-done ladies. Once again Ken Comber had arranged a good deal with the pub landlord for the pub's lunchtime special and quiet a few players stayed to enjoy their meal. We are improving all the time and are looking almost professional.
QUIZ JUNE 2010 - Wordsearch
The hidden words in the word search quiz were: Tulip, Pansy, Poppy, Daisy, Iris, Viola, Lobelia, Salvia, Zinnia and Barmara. We had correct answers from Enid Deakes, David Tyler, May Pilbeam, Maggie Barclay and Jackie Boyle. Enid won the £5 prize, as her name was first out of the hat. Thanks to all those who entered.
QUIZ - AUGUST 2010
submitted by Gloria Rayment on the subject of Pubs and Inns.
Q1. What is "Amber Nectar"? Q2. In which Midlands city is "Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem" which claims to be the oldest public house in England? Q3. What series of books does the fictional inn "The Leaky Cauldron" appear? Q4. What is, or should be 5 feet, 8 inches off the floor in most pubs? Q5. The 18th century cavalryman John Manners, who set up many ex-soldiers with pubs as a means of a livelihood has had many pubs dedicated to him under what name? Q6. What is the commonest pub name in the UK? Q7. What is the name of the pub in TV's Only Fools and Horses? Q8. In Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island, who is the owner of the "Spyglass Inn" in Bristol? Q9. Which London area on the Monopoly board is named after a 17th century inn? Q10. Which five animals appear in the top ten pub names in the United Kingdom?
Answers please in the box at the September 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 ex-Metropolitan Policeman David Tadd who gave us a very thought provoking talk on "The Forensic Response To The Tsunami." His talk was on a deadly serious subject but was interspersed with some really hilarious moments. David was called on by Her Majesty's Government to create and lead a team of skilled and experienced Metropolitan Police forensic experts to go to Phucket in Thailand and identify the bodies of those British citizens who were killed in this dreadful event. Of the 5000 plus bodies found in the carnage of this disaster his team managed to identify some 183 United Kingdom citizens. Without modern medical technology and good old-fashioned police work it would have been an impossible task. It made us all gasp at the magnitude of the task and we cannot but offer our sincere thanks to David and his team for their superhuman efforts in such a grim and ghastly project.
Thanks to the following members who gave up their time for rehearsals to provide the entertainment this afternoon: David Mayger who organised it all, John Williams the lead singer, John Bell for his musical skill on the keyboard, Peter Dickenson as MC, our Calendar Girls, Geoff Figgett OBE, Maggie Barclay, Maureen Kenwright, Val Power, Angela Prince, Gloria Rayment, Lorna Grognet, Val Mayger, Betty Gay, Maureen Smith and Wendy Thorpe , The Beverly Estate Sisters, Dave Mayger, Max Power and Neil Kenwright, The Music Man Ken Comber, Maurice Gay and Peter Sargent as the Morris Dancers and our sound team Brian Wade and Chris Hall not forgeting our back room boy and stage manager John Grognet.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held today Tuesday August 24th 2010 in Fant Hall starting at 1.00pm immediately preceding 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. We had not received any Nominations for election to the Committee by the qualifying date so the existing Committee will continue until the next period for re-election.
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We had another successful Kurling Session on Friday 6th August. More members than ever turned up at this meeting and this just shows how popular this sport is becoming.; even Val Mayger was persuaded to leave her tea, coffee and biscuit stand to have a game.
The Singles Club hosted by Peter Dickenson and Wendy Thorpe continues to be a success and it is hoped that in the near future they will give us a report on their activities and trips.
We have been sending our Newsletter to all the KentARA associated ARA's - nearly 50 in all - and have received some good feedback. One or two clubs have reciprocated. It is interesting to read about some ARA's activities such as a Choir, playing Croquet and some have a Sunday Lunch Club and a joint ARA Carol Service at Christmas. Food for thought?
Please note that Line Dancing is closed for the Summer Break and will restart at Fant Hall on Tuesday 7th September when we look forward to seeing some new faces as well as our regular dancers. Contact Neil 727066
We are still looking for a 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.
Our Web site continues to receive an ever-increasing number of visits each month. During July we had 441 visitors. This time last year we had on 273 visits.
A message from our Membership Secretary.
The annual Subscriptions for the year 2010/2011are now due. There will be no increase this year so the subs remain at £5.00 for full membership and £3.00 (£5.00 per couple) for associate membership. If you are not paying at the Meeting please send the correct amount to:
Peter Sargent,
84 Newbury Avenue,
Allington, ME16 0RD
Cheques should be made out to 'Barmara'. 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
2010
Friday 3rd September Kurling. TA Centre Boxley Road, 10.00am Cost £2.00p (D)
Monday 6th September. Coffee Morning Barming Parish Hall 10.00am to 12.00
Monday 13th September Petanque Redstart Pub 10.00am. (D)
Monday 20th September Ramble. Meet at Wateringbury Railway Station. Food available at the Riverside Restaurant Order before setting off. Take No. 6 bus from Barming Fountain bus stop at 10.00am. Nice easy walk along the River Medway to Teston and back (D)
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 28th September BarmARA Meeting at Fant Hall. 1.00pm
Friday 8th October. Kurling. TA Centre Boxley Road. 10.00am. Cost £2.00p
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 at 7.00pm.Tables of 8. Tickets cost £5.00p. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Contact (MA).
Friday 22nd October KentARA Supper and Race Night at Ditton Community Centre 7.30pm - 10.30pm. Entrance Cost £6.00p per person. Contact (W)
Tuesday 26th October BarmARA Meeting at Fant Hall. 1.00pm
Friday 5th November. Kurling. TA Centre Boxley Road. 10.00am. Cost £2.00p (D)
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 23rd November BarmARA Meeting at Fant Hall. 1.00pm
Friday 3rd December Kurling. TA Centre Boxley Road. 10.00am. Cost £2.00p (D)
Tuesday 14th December. BarmARA Christmas Lunch at Oakwood House. Time of arrival 12 Noon until 4.00pm approx. Price £19.00 to include choice of 3 starters, 3 main courses and 3 desserts. A £10 deposit will be required at the time of booking. (G or M)
2011
Tuesday 25th January 2011 BarmARA Meeting at Fant Hall. 1.00pm
Contacts: - (G) Gloria 720515, (M) Maureen (Mo) 661498.(W) Wendy 729771.
(D) Dave 670034. (MA) Maurice 669421
It is our AGM today so there will not be a Speaker. Our Speaker in September, is Susan Pope who 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 Garden Boy". We do not have an official Meeting in December although we do have a Christmas Lunch when both full and associate members can attend - see events calendar above.
