AGM (February)
Once the AGM was completed, all 57 participants settled down to a tasty and nicely presented meal, which was at a reduced cost.
The black and white photo is of the presentation of a cheque to one of last year's charities.
April
We had our Spring Lunch at Upminster Masonic Hall
The food and service was, as always, excellent and everyone attending enjoyed themselves
May
A lovely sunny day for our "Three Parks Walk"
Starting at Mile End Station, through Mile End park, Victoria park, and then the Olympic park, and stopping halfway at the Pavillion Cafe for a tea/coffee. Part of our route was along the Hertford Union Canal towpath.
We passed Lock Keepers cottages at Old Ford Lock, a Chinese Pagoda, and the oldest drinking fountain in London. It was mentioned that Victoria Park is the oldest public park in the country.
June
The Lepc had a marvellous afternoon tea at Top Meadow Golf Club in Essex
Fresh salmon, ham, cream cheese and egg sandwiches were plentiful. But it was the puddings that were delightful. Elton mess and Creme brûlée we were so spoilt and then of course warm home made scones with jam and cream. What was not to like?
It was great seeing new members meeting up with past work colleagues- absolutely magic
July
Our coach trip to Margate, which has some unique attractions.
Dreamland is the oldest surviving amusement park in Britain.
The subterranean Shell Grotto with art features was discovered in 1835, and displays some 4.6 milion shells arranged in intricate patterns on the walls. It has a grade 1 listed status.
The Margate caves were dug as a chalk mine in the 18th Century, and were recently reopened following a campaign by locals.
We were also lucky with the weather. All in all a good day out.
August
The Hyde Hall Flower Show.
What a smashing day we had today. The weather was perfect not too hot or wet. Ground was dry to walk on too. The Hall was filled with beautiful blooms.
Had to wait a bit before we were allowed onto the site but nothing like the Blenheim Palace wait of years ago. Maps were given to all as they got off the coach
September
We had a delightful day at Chatham Dockyard with perfect weather.
The place is huge so you can’t really see it all in one day, but this day was about celebrating the 40’s and boy they did that in style.
There were dancers, performers, singers, comedians and us!
Lots of the general public got into the swing of it too by dressing as in the 40’s, this included some in rollers and scarf over their head. Plus the odd Group Captain in the RAF.
The dancers were great and we were invited to join and learn the steps. That was tricky for some but great when we nailed it. A discussion was had on the coach afterwards as we did not know the name of the dance, some said the Slosh others the Slash, so we will need to go again next year and learn it together.
Tea’s and coffee were priced very reasonable (£1.50,£2) and their canteen had good food choices along with hot meals. No big queues and a fast service. Many brought their own lunche and that was fine too. Another tick in the box from the Lepc.
October
London Bridge to Rotherhide Walk
What a sunny day we had. The wind caught us unawares at times but it was t least dry!
Elaine showed us many beautiful places of interest around Guys Hospital.
Walking along the Thames path was refreshing and interesting, seeing landmarks such as The Mayflower and the Brunel Museum.
The Salt Quay pub had a spectacular waterside position of the Thames.
Lunch was very reasonably priced for London and a good day was had by all.
November
We visited the Teraza-Joanne, a converted Eastern European Crane Barge which has found its way to London, where it now resides in the Kind George V docks, just underneath the flight path for City airport!
We had a christmas meal, with music provided by the Paul Higgs Jazz group. A good time was had by all!
December
Once again a great afternoon was had by all 120 that attended.
I must say everyone seems to have been practicing their moves as there were definitely some dance diva’s on the dance floor.
Top Meadow prepared a delicious 3 course meal for us, we were not rushed and that gave us lots of time to chat and mingle with friends.
Unfortunately the coach hit traffic on the way home but that’s life these days.
The Committee wish you all a Healthy and Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you at our AGM on Thursday 15 February 2024
Maureen the Chair
