February

Our AGM.  Held at and the Upminster Masonic Hall as usual. This year we had a guest speaker from Action For Family Carers, who gave us much vital information about carers (young & old) and the support they can get. Too often suppport is not claimed because the carer is unaware of what they are entitled to.

This was followed by a delicious three course lunch

March

Our March event was an outing to see a matinee performance of Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre. It would have been lovely to post some pictures of the show but management requests that none are taken of the performers and we have respected that.  This musical is so vibrant that many of us had been before and were back for a second (or third) helping.

A great day out forthe Club

April

For our April walk we visited coal drops yard behind Kings Cross station, strolling along the cobbled streets. After which we walked along the Regent's Canal to enjoy the parks and gardens.

April

Our Spring Lunch was a well attended and enjoyable event.  We had a three course meal, a raffle, and (as usual) plenty of socialising.

May

Afternoon tea and Bingo at top meadow Golf Club. It was a laugh !

One of our members had a flat tyre and the staff helped change the wheel - how's that for service

June

Our walk was called "Stepping Through Time" -  taking us through the city of Londinium, starting from AD 200 up to the 21st Century.

We took in a Roman Wall, All Hallows by the Tower Church (and undercroft), St Olave's Church plus St Dunstan's in the East.

Through the old Leadenhall St market which has featured in many films (notably the Philosopher's Stone) past a bollard made from a large captured cannon from a French Warship and ending at a Victorian Bath House which is presently closed for renovations. A great day out.

July

Well, if you weren’t on this trip you missed a good one !!

In the very capable hands of our excellent blue badge guide Liz we spent the day exploring Kent’s coastal towns.

First off a visit to the ancient Cinque port of Hythe, then a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial before progressing to Folkestone along the Leas promenade and into the harbour creative quarter. After this we made our way to Dover where we had lunch in Mr White’s Chop House (part of the Marina Hotel) overlooking the Marina.

After lunch we made a quick visit to Deal before reaching the lovely medieval town of Sandwhich.  Once there we had the option of a guided tour or the chance to “do our own thing”

During our tour we got all the fascinating detail one would expect from a blue badge guide – plus   being regaled by tales of a couple of murders and finding out why the Mayor of Hythe wears a ceremonial black coat instead of the usual red one.

And to top off all this we had a beautifully warm and sunny day. Well done M for organising this one.

August

Meandering Marylebone 

Our group started in the pretty Saint Christopher's place, home to great shops and restaurants, and then walked via Manchester Sq to Hartford House which houses the magnificent Wallace collection. This is a hidden gem and a free museum.  Among the many paintings was the Laughing Cavellier, not long back from being 'on tour' and many by Canaletto.

We then made our way to BBC Broadcasting House, passing an Edwardian bookshop with oak galleries and stained glass windows, and along the way saw many blue plaques, including those for Charles Dickens, Kenneth Williams, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Stephen Ward.

We also passed the famous house used by the Beatles

September

This year saw the 50th Anniversary of the London Eastern Pensioners Club.

Our celebratory lunch was held at the Masonic Hall, Upminster, and we were delighted to have with us members who are in their 90's and still attending events.

Available to view were the Committee and AGM minutes from the very first year.

From humble beginnings we now have a membership of over 400 and manage somehow to hold an event of some type nearly every month.

New pensioners tend to come onboard saying "I doubt if I'll know anyone - only to find they're surprised at how many friends and ex colleagues they come across.

This is a friendly Club, membership fees are very reasonable, and we are generously subsidized by the Bank.  If you think you might qualify why not "try us out for a year"- what have you got to lose?

You'll find a link on our home page regarding our eligibility rules, and a form on our contact page if you want to get in touch with us.

Next up for us is our Christmas lunch, complete with cabaret singer for our entertainment.

One of the best events in our calendar.

November

We were pleased to be able to return to the Brick Lane Music Hall. We enjoyed a show and a three-course lunch. This little theatre sits in a beautiful church and is a most interesting place to visit.

Originally situated in Brick Lane, the Music theatre ( a brainchild of Vincent Hayes MBE )  relocated to Silvertown in 2004. In the early days the Music Hall received a boost with support from Danny La Rue, and many stars have appeared there including Barbara Winsor.

The cast are always amazing - adding to the script, and it is without doubt Old Time Music Hall -banter at its best. This show was “There will always be an England in Celebration of VE Day”.   A true celebration to mark the 80 years since the end of WW11.

More photos than usual this time, but it would be a shame not to share the splendor of the place.

Anyone curious could check out their Pantomime season for themselves !

December

Our annual Christmas lunch at Top Meadow Golf Club.  Good food, good entertainment,  good company. What more could you want?

December