JULY 2016
NEWS FROM THE MANAGEMENT BOARD
The Board met on 15th June 2016 and received a report from Platform Consultants following their analysis of the tender returns for the major improvement project on Sarjeant Court and Willis Court. The tenders were significantly above cost projections but reflect the complexity of design, logistics and additional specification items since initial cost estimates.An alternative design option was put forward and our consultant will report back to the Board on the feasibility of this initiative in six weeks time.
Graham Lilly, our Chief Executive, announced that he will be stepping down as C.E.O. at the end of 2016. The Board has now started the process of recruitment and appointing a successor.
The Board held their Strategy Day meeting on 22nd June and will now be putting a plan together to take the Association forward over the next 3 – 5 years.
Next meeting will be on the 27th July 2016, the main item on the agenda will be the draft audited accounts for 2015/16.
FRIENDS OF GLEBE HOUSING ASSOCIATION - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY 24th AUGUST 2016 – 2.30pm for 3pm start ADAMS HALL
All members of the Friends are invited to attend
Papers will be sent out in August – we look forward to seeing you there
Eileen Stalley has announced that she wishes to retire from the Friends Committee at the AGM and we are therefore looking for someone in Willis Court to replace her. If you would be interested or would like to nominate someone (please check with them first), please contact the Chairman, Gordon Stephens or speak to someone in the Administration Office.
We must record a big thank you to Eileen for all her support on the Committee and especially for her work in editing the News & Views.
REPORTING ON PAST EVENTS
Scottish & Folk Dancers
Once again on our May Bank Holiday Saturday we were entertained by the Epping Forest Pipe & Drum Band and the McClennan Scottish Dancers accompanied by their folk dancing friends from Belgium who treated us to an old dance depicting a village wedding all dressed in national costume, the ladies wearing beautiful lace bonnets, their second dance celebrated a village market.
The McClennan Scottish dancers demonstrated their expertise with the sword dance and other Scottish reels.We finished by all joining in and singing Auld Lang Syne.
Thanks to Trevor who produced tea & biscuits for both residents and visitors alike, and thanks to all the helpers.
Karen Shanley
Visit to Westminster Abbey, 18th June 2016
We left Bencurtis Park at 5pm and collected other guests at Beckenham on the way to Westminster Abbey.
On arrival we admired all the surrounding buildings before joining the exclusive guided tour around the Abbey by members of the Purcell Club listening to the history and being enlightened at the connections with Royalty, poets and many other people buried or remembered in the Abbey.
At various points the Purcell Club members and the Abbey’s organist played and sang music associated with the surroundings. Truly beautiful and enjoyable.
Thank you to Karen who began organizing this event many years ago due to the waiting list for the ten tours a year.
We arrived back around 10.30pm having thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
RESIDENTS PANEL MEETING
Members agreed the Terms of Reference and they will meet 4 times a year.
GC said this is a unique opportunity for residents to have a say in how the estate is managed, provides a forum for making choices, suggesting ideas and ensuring residents have a voice at governance level. It is refreshing to see that this Panel represents all areas of BencurtisPark and by networking with neighbours each of us should be able to bring matters up for discussion.
Meetings should last no more than two hours.
Subjects for discussion include security and scams, rent and service charge setting, budgets, tenancy and lease agreements, estate inspections, maintenance, value for money, volunteering, inviting our local councilors to a meeting, split of responsibilities between the Association and local authority, shopping trollies, mobility scooters and storage/charging, road names and numbering, inviting specialist speakers on particular subjects, meeting with the local MP, a “Neighbourhood Watch” approach to security.
Next Meeting – Wednesday 7th September 2016 at 3pm in Glebe House.
Outing to Adams Farm
Firstly I must thank all the Residents & Friends who joined the outing for their patience and good humour, sadly the outing as a whole became the longest day I have spent with a Bencurtis outing
– 13 ¼ hours. This was due to various annoying factors. However we were saved the torrential rain at home!
Burford the first town on our itinerary coupled with super coffee and lardy cake was a lovely Cotswold town. After which a rather hurried lunch at Northleach then a short journey to Adam Henson’s farm where we were very late but the staff were charming and most helpful including keeping the tractor ride open late for us, from where we journeyed through the farm park with a commentary about the rare breed cattle some with young calves, one only a day old, and the horses with their foals. Then back to the animals and birds in the barn where it was possible to stroke or pick up the young birds and rabbits with supervision.
We had a short talk with a cup of tea about the history of the rare breed park. A few of the party were lucky enough to meet Adam and said he was as natural as on the television programme. After a non eventful drive home we arrived in time for those who hadn’t voted to do so. An eventful and tiring day!
NOTICES
SCAMS
A scam we have heard of is telephone calls purporting to come from BT asking for bank details to pay extra charges on telephone bills, for reversed charges etc. please do not give any details over the phone.
Guest Rooms
We have no firm dates for starting the major works and it is unlikely that we will need the guest rooms before NOVEMBER 2016 so if you would like to book a guest room in September and October please contact the Office.
Bencurtis Allotments
There are several vacant allotments. Some preparatory work will be needed, but the soil quality is good and it is not too late to grow a few nice vegetables this summer. Garden tools are available.
Hearing Aid Maintenance Clinics
Held in Computer Room ground floor Sarjeant Court (near Chiropody Room)
Call in to have your NHS hearing aid cleaned and collect new batteries – all free of charge just bring your brown battery book or your Hearbase hearing aid guide book along.
Fridays from 12.15 – 1.15pm
15th July, 19th August, 16th September, 21st October, 18th November & 16th December
THE BENCURTIS WALKING GROUP
Past Walks: Wednesday1st June – After coffee in the Notley Lounge Jean R. led 15 stalwart walkers on a damp and misty day from “The Crown” along Oaks Lane – a leafy track bordered by trees beside Shirley Park Golf Course – soon passing the original Oaks Farm and on to the Coach-House Café for lunch. Due to a hold-up and diversion of the bus, the party returned via Lloyd Park tram stop to AddingtonVillage and then 353 bus home.
On Wednesday 15th June Anne organized a party of walkers to host a pre-birthday lunch to celebrate Jean’s special birthday. Sixteen walkers sat down at the Eden Park Hotel for lunch – an enjoyable event much appreciated.
Wednesday 29th June – There will be a report on this walk in the next News and Views.
Present Walks:
Wednesday 13th July – Don and Pam will lead a walk in Regent’s Park. 119 bus to Hayes, train from Hayes to Charing Cross, then by tube to Baker Street. After coffee, enter the park via the York Bridge Gate. The walk will include Queen Mary’s Gardens, refreshments in the park, and into the long gardens leading to Regent’s Park tube station and the journey home.
Wednesday 27th July - Anne will lead a walk in BeckenhamPlacePark. 119 bus to Bromley South, train from Bromley South to Beckenham Hill, walk across BeckenhamPlacePark to Ravensbourne station and return to Bromley for lunch.
Future Walks: Possible dates for August – Wednesday 10th and Wednesday 31st (to be confirmed)
Reminder: Walks in the countryside may encounter mud. For your own comfort, lace-up shoes or trainers are preferred. Walkers are responsible for their own safety.
Please check the notice board in Willis or Sargeant Court for further details or possible changes.
CHURCH SERVICES
Bencurtis Christian Fellowship – 2nd Tuesday of the month held in the
Chamberlain Lounge at 7.30pm
St John’s Holy Communionwill be held in the Chamberlain Lounge at 10.30amon last Monday every Month.
Recorded Music Group
Meetings take place on the SECOND Friday of each month in the Chamberlain Lounge 2–3 pm
On Friday 8th July
“Summertime Melodies”
From Novello, Monkton, Romberg
Plus Ellie Beadel & Nellie Pollerton!
All are welcome, 30p
BENCURTIS LIBRARY, WILLIS COURT
The Library is open on Tuesday & Friday afternoons 3-4pm
All residents are very welcome to use the library
Bencurtis Art Group
Mondays9.30am to 11.30am Adams Hall
Our art group is thriving under the expert guidance of our art master,
.
The class is now fully booked, but if you would like to join in the future please come and leave your details, we do get vacancies.
LINE DANCING GROUP
THURSDAY EVENINGS 7 – 8.30pm ADAMS HALL
Everyone invited. Cost £4 per person per session
Please contact Shirley Scott for more information
BENCURTIS CHOIR – dates on notice board
FRIDAYS 6pm – 7.30pm ADAMS HALL
DONATION £3
TEA & TALK
Monday 4th July
2.30pm – 3pm on croquet lawn (weather permitting)
Another visit by Lisa Jordan, her friends and their dogs
Everyone is welcome
Friends of Glebe Housing Debating Society
Referendum Debate
About double the usual attendance took part in our most important debate to date which was “Britain should stay in / come out of the European Union”. Many arguments were explored avoiding the hype of recent broadcasts and the concluding vote was about two thirds in favour of “Out”. After this, one of our oldest residents summed up the proceedings saying “Whichever way the vote goes, we must do everything to avoid future wars”.
Friends of Glebe Housing Debating Society is to hold a Bring and Share Summer Party in the Chamberlain Lounge at 3pm on Thursday 21st July 2016 at which plans for the forthcoming session debates starting in September will be discussed. Come with your ideas.
BINGO
7pm ADAMS HALL – WEDNESDAYS
TRADITIONAL BINGO CARD BINGO
6th July 13th July
20th July 27th July
£1.20 per session £1 per session
GUESTS AND VISITORS WELCOME
WHIST CLUB:
Monday Evenings in Adams Hall
Starts promptly at 6.30pm and finishes about 8.45pm
New players please come and join us, you will be made most welcome.
It is an enjoyable evening giving you the chance to enjoy the company of fellow residents as well as an easy game of cards.
Croquet
Is anyone interested in playing croquet this summer?
If so we have a full set of clubs and equipment together
with instructions that you may use.
D A R T S & T H E P O O L T A B L E
The Darts group extends a warm welcome to any ladies or gentlemen to join them on any Wednesday or Friday 3pm–4.30pm Chamberlain Lounge, Willis Court.
We play basic darts and have an electronic scoring board and plenty of sets of darts to use.
Just “turn up” and you will be made most welcome – go on give it a try!
The pool table is now in the Chamberlain Lounge – Free Play! Everyone who wishes may play pool at any time up to 8pm as long as the room has not been pre-booked.
BENCURTIS PARK SHORT MAT BOWLING CLUB
SUMMER SEASON - THURSDAYS at 2pm
WCome and see us and at least try your hand at the game – we have several sets of bowls available on loan while you decide whether to go on and learn more about the game.
The subscription for the year is only £7.50 (including the registration fee of £5.50 for the current season payable to the national association), and the “green fee” for each day’splay is £1 which includes tea or coffee and biscuits during the interval.
Film – An Officer and a Gentleman
Thanks for all your support viewing the films. Our next one is Sunday 17th July at 3pm in Adams Hall as usual and is An Officer and a Gentleman. This film is about loner Zack May (Richard Gere) who enters Officer Candidate School to become a Navy pilot and in three torturous weeks he learns the importance of discipline, love and friendship. Louis Gossett, Jr. won an Academy award for his brilliant portrayal of the tough drill instructor that no man can make it alone. While Gossett tries to warn the young Officer about the local girls who will do anything to catch themselves pilot husbands, Zack eventually learns to love one (Debra Winger) while his fellow candidate, a memorable character portrayed by David Keith, struggles with a different fate.
.
INFORMATION ON OUR OUTINGS & ENTERTAINMENT
Horse Drawn Barge, Kintbury Lock
Thursday 7th JulyHorse Drawn Barge – Kintbury Lock, Ploughmans Lunch
Wiltshire Triangle
Tuesday 12th JulyNotice on Board
Tuesday 19th JulyMoney collected, Chamberlain Lounge 11-11.30am £41
Wednesday 3rd AugustOuting Wiltshire Triangle
Faversham Outing
Tuesday 2nd AugustNotice on Board
Tuesday 30th AugustMoney collected, Chamberlain Lounge 11-11.30am £20
Friday 16th SeptemberOuting to Faversham
Music Quiz
Tuesday 9th AugustNotice on board
Tuesday 30th AugustMoney collected & tickets issued
Chamberlain Lounge 11-11.30am
Saturday 17th SeptemberMusic Quiz, Adams Hall 6.30 for 7pm
Christmas Lunch Outing
Tuesday 18th OctoberNotice on board
Tuesday 8th NovemberMoney collected, Chamberlain Lounge 11-11.30am £47.50
Thursday 1st DecemberChristmas Lunch Outing to Mad Jack
DATES IN JULY
Monday 4th JulyTea & Talk 2.30-3pm Croquet Lawn
Thursday 21st JulyChamberlain Lounge 3pm, Debating Society Bring and Share Summer Party
FUTURE DATES
Monday 1st AugustTea & Talk 2.30-3pm Adams Hall, “Giana”
Monday 5th SeptemberTea & Talk 2.30-3pm Adams Hall, “Bonfires & Smugglers”
Friday 16th SeptemberOuting to Faversham
Monday 3rd OctoberTea & Talk Adams Hall 2.30pm “History & Growth of Glebe Housing Association”
Saturday 8th October40th Anniversary of Glebe Housing celebration,
Adams Hall 7pm – 9.30pm
Saturday 8th October &
Sunday 9th OctoberArt Exhibition, Chamberlain Lounge
Wednesday 12th OctoberNotley Lounge 1pm – 3.30pm Fashionable Clothes at reasonable prices
Saturday 15th OctoberBromley Jazz Band, Celebrating 40 years,
Adams Hall 7.30pm
Monday 7th NovemberTea & Talk 2.30-3pm Adams Hall, “My Music”
Monday 5th DecemberTea & Talk 2.30-3pm Adams Hall, “Continental Journey”
Horse Drawn Boat Trip
Kennet – Avon CanalThursday 7th July
Cost £37 to include Ploughman’s Lunch
Depart Bencurtis 9amReturn approx 6.30pm
Wiltshire Golden TriangleWednesday 3rd AugustCost £41 including lunch
Depart Bencurtis 8.45amReturn approx. 7.30pm
This is an outing for those people not able to walk too far. Leaving Bencurtis at 9am and making a comfortable drive through the English Summer countryside to the Cotswold town of Bradford on Avon for a two course carvery lunch with coffee at the Georgian Hotel situated at the end of the ancient bridge. There will be a short leg stretch stroll to the Saxon St Laurence’s Church. It has survived because it has been a warehouse and later school and now back to its simple origins.
Back to the coach and a scenic drive through an area of outstanding beauty known as the Cotswolds with our Blue Badge guide, enjoying the Bath skyline, followed by the highlights of the Georgian City. Next through Box where Isambard Kingdom Brunel completed the formidable task of tunneling two miles through solid Bath stone.
At the end of the afternoon we will stop for a time to enjoy and buy tea at the National Trust Village of Lacock which has provided the back drop for many films and television classics from Pride and Prejudice to Harry Potter. Purchase your tea and cake before rounding off the day in the Wiltshire Golden Triangle, returning to Bencurtis approximately 7.30pm
Faversham Outing
Friday 16th SeptemberDepart Bencurtis Park 9am
Return approx. 5.30pmCost £20
A different day’s outing! The opportunity to visit the oldest market town in Kent packed with history and located on a winding creek. There will be time to have coffee before visiting the weekly market after perhaps having lunch in one of the many eating places, fish and chips, a pub lunch or one of the many gastro pubs in the town.
Join Josephine and I to make a short or long walk visiting some of the towns many historic buildings or perhaps sit at the side of the creek watching the boating fraternity.
Should you wish to make the walk alone or with one or two friends there will be an illustrated guide to help trace your route.
1