FRIENDS COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES
SARJEANT COURT Chair: Mrs Joan Rees WILLIS COURT
Mrs Shirley Scott (Secretary) Miss Jean Richards
Mrs Norma Cook Treasurer: Mr Don Maidment Mrs Eileen Stalley
BUNGALOWS NON-RESIDENT FRIENDS
Mrs Margaret Davies Co-opted: Mrs Karen Shanley Mrs Val Hollamby (Churches Together)
Mr Don Sloman (Membership Secretary)
ASHBY CLOSE
Mr Gordon Sadler
NEWS FROM THE MANAGEMENT BOARD
The Board of Management met together on Wednesday 20th August 2014.
Members were updated about matters arising and discussed the financial highlights for July 2014.
The Development and Major Projects Committee reported on their work and recommendations regarding the replacement hot water pipe work in Willis Court and car parking areas at Glebe Court.
The Sheltered Housing Committee reported on their recent meeting and improvements made in repairs and maintenance and a very satisfactory set of key performance indicators.
Members were informed about the new internet facility in the Support Plus office which is available to residents with help by one of the team or our new volunteer.
Members talked about their plans for an all day meeting in October to discuss long term plans to take the Association forward.
Members approved changes to the Flexible Working Policy and new policies covering internet use and tree maintenance.
The Chairman and members thanked Brian Goodliffe and Phyllis Ephson for the many years of dedicated service to the Association’s Board and our residents. Phyllis and Brian are retiring at the AGM on 17th September 2014. We wish them well.
Graham Lilly, Chief Executive
Front cover – Bromley in Bloom Judges visit Bencurtis Park
FRIENDS CORNER
Our biggest audience yet for the Tea and Talk on Monday 18th August – Graham and Sandy celebrated our 100th talk in style – thank you!
On September 1st Alan and Joan Manchip will show us some of Alan’s carvings and talk about them.
We had over 70 Friends attending our A.G.M. thank you for coming and for your support.
I am retiring as Chairman but staying on the committee representing the Management. Our thanks went to Jean Richards, Margaret Davies and Gordon Sadler our retiring committee members.
The representatives are now:- Willis Court, Gordon Coates with Eileen Stalley, Sarjeant Court Norma Cook with Shirley Scott, the bungalows with Don Sloman and Ginger Sellar and Barry Matthews will represent Ashby Close.
Joan Rees, Chair Friends of Glebe Housing
THE BENCURTIS WALKING GROUP
Past Walks: Wednesday 30th July. Christina G very kindly at short notice, took over the walk in my place, leading six walkers on an alternative walk across Hayes and West Wickham Commons. A stop was made for coffee at The Coney Café. Some walkers continued on to Hayes for lunch at The New Inn.
Thursday 14th August. Don and Pam led fifteen walkers from London Bridge, along the Thames to Rotherhithe, passing “The Belfast”, Tower of London etc. Just past Tower Bridge a stop was made for coffee. Then the party walked on past “The Angel Inn” and Brunel Museum to Spice Island by Surrey Waste as news was received that the Old Salt Quay was now a building site, so lunch was taken in a restaurant just past Tower Bridge. A pleasant walk, which was finished off with a bus (381) ride back to London Bridge for the train home.
Future Walks
Wednesday 3rd September. Don & Pam will lead a walk, Island Gardens to Canary Wharf.
Wednesday 17th September. Christina G. will lead a walk from Farnborough village round the beautiful surrounding countryside. Lunch in one of the village pubs. Travel by 353 and 358 buses.
Thursday 2nd October. Walk led by Don & Pam. From Docklands light Railway to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stratford.
Please check with either Willis or Sarjeant Court notice boards for further details etc.
Jean Richards
Past Events
Glass fusion 6th August
Karen Harris brought back the pieces of glass that we made on her visit and also examples of her own work which many residents bought at reduced prices. Also included were examples of Christmas items, which we shall be able to spend an afternoon making on Wednesday 1st October to sell at our Christmas Fayre.
Please do join us to help make some of the goods or just to watch and encourage the participants.
Tea and biscuits will be served.
Thames & Cotswolds Outing
Despite the dire weather forecast and the end of hurricane Bertha we were once again extremely lucky on our outing to the Cotswolds.
Driving through heavy rain, we managed to keep dry during the time spent in the small town of Fairford. The sun shone through the exquisite mediaeval stained glass windows, telling Bible stories. The age and depth of colour of the windows was superb. Our guide was most informative.
After a very good home cooked two course lunch at The Bull in Fairford, we drove with our guide to the town of Lechlade and made a short trip on a small stretch of the Thames, in a replica of an Edwardian launch, to the very highest point of The Thames navigation by the junction with the River Coln, all executed in bright breezy weather.
Friends of Glebe Housing Debating Society
The number of folk attending our debates continues to grow and that could hint that a potential debater is in all of us. Perhaps we know of so many topics in our community requiring discussion that this is an opportunity to air our views on them!
“Britain should become a Republic” was proposed by Gordon St and responded by Anne A. Gordon’s main concern was for the future if a sovereign totally different from our present Queen should be on the throne. Anne clarified the financial independence of our present Royal family from the taxpayer. In the open discussion, it was noted that the lack of crime during the Queen‘s 2013 celebrations highlighted her beneficial influence over all of us. As you would expect, the proposal was defeated in the vote but we all are aware that future generations may have to consider it.
John Pa is to ask “Should military service be reintroduced?“ at our next meeting on Wednesday 10th September 2014 at 3pm in the Notley Lounge. A question is not a proposition and does not invite a response, therefore there will be no responder. Despite this, the topic will be aired fully with much information being shared. Come and have your say.
For further details of the Debating Society, contact Gordon S.
BENCURTIS PARK SHORT MAT BOWLING CLUB
Notice of the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Club, to be held at 10.30am on Friday 26th September 2014 in the Chamberlain Lounge.
Please note: Subscriptions will be due on 1st October and also the registration fees for those members who wish to play in matches against other registered clubs. (Note: English SMBA have increased the registration fee for the 2014-2015 season which remains at £5.50 and is due before 30th September. Please bring some cash with you!!)
Tuesdays 2-5pm Adams Hall
Chris Turner, Secretary
The winter season will start on
Tuesday 7th October 2pm
New bowlers are welcome and are requested to contact Chris Turner
CHURCH SERVICES
SEPTEMBER 2014
Sunday 7th September 4.30 – 5pm Chamberlain Lounge – Emmanuel Church
Please see notice boards for Communion Service news
Bencurtis Art Group
Our art group is thriving under the expert guidance of our art master, Mr Tony Goodchild, a well known local artist and teacher.
All abilities welcome.
Do come and join us on Monday 6th October 9.30 – 11.45 am in Adams Hall to see our art displayed. Refreshments provided.
FITNESS LIFE SKILLS CLASSES
MONDAY MORNINGS
10am – 10.55am IN THE NOTLEY LOUNGE
Fitness sessions are to help with everyday life skills. Endurance to help with walking & doing activities for longer periods. Nutrition advice – learn about eating healthy foods –portion sizes to help towards ideal weight. For more information
Helen Freeman
Everyday Gentle Exercise Group
Meets in the Chamberlain Lounge 2-3pm Mondays
(excepting Bank Holidays)
Donation of £2 per session per person
WHIST – Mondays 6.30pm for 6.45pm start
NOW IN ADAMS HALL - We welcome new members
Any enquiries to Jean or Chris Turner
BRIDGE
Bridge is played every Tuesday morning in the Notley Lounge 10am-12noon
Contact Peter Wakeford
New Players are always very welcome
BENCURTIS LIBRARY, WILLIS COURT
The Library is open on Tuesday & Friday afternoons 3-4pm
Books and CDs are all available. All residents are welcome to use the library
NOTLEY LOUNGE
COFFEE MORNINGS – 10am every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
AFTERNOON TEA – 3pm everyday EVERYONE WELCOME
BINGO -7pm ADAMS HALL – WEDNESDAYS
TRADITIONAL BINGO CARD BINGO
3rd September 10th September
17th September 24th September
NEW PLAYERS WILL BE VERY WELCOME – SO COME ALONG AND JOIN US
LINE DANCING GROUP
THURSDAYS
ADAMS HALL
3 – 4.30pm
Everybody invited, join our new lady instructor
every Thursday afternoon.
This will continue twice a month after September
Cost £4 per person per session
CHESS CLUB
The Chess Club has 3 members who meet periodically
New members welcome contact Gordon Sadler
Recorded Music Group
Meetings take place on the SECOND Friday of each month
In the Chamberlain Lounge 2–3 pm –Everyone Welcome 30p
If anyone has any bright ideas for a programme which they would like to present
or have someone present it for them please
Contact Eileen Stalley
Friday 12th September presented by Ron Beagley
“From Henry Hall to the Albert Hall” (via Covent Garden)
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY –
INFORMATION ON OUR OUTINGS & ENTERTAINMENT
MONDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER EASTBOURNE - NOTE CHANGE OF DATE
Tuesday 2nd September Money collected 11-11.30 Chamberlain Lounge Cost £15
THURSDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER LEEDS CASTLE FLOWER FESTIVAL
Tuesday 2nd September Money collected 11-11.30 Chamberlain Lounge Cost £27
WEDNESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER MIGHTY WURLITZER CHRISTMAS CONCERT &
LONDON LIGHTS
Tuesday 30th September Notice on Board
Tuesday 28th October Money collected 11-11.30 Chamberlain Lounge Cost £38
SEPTEMBER DATES
Wednesday 3rd September Christmas Bazaar meeting 3pm Adams Hall
Wednesday 10th September Debating Society 3pm Notley Lounge
Friday 26th September Bencurtis Short Mat Bowling Club AGM 10.30am
Chamberlain Lounge
Saturday 27th September Macmillan Coffee Morning 10am-12noon Adams Hall
FUTURE DATES
Wednesday 1st October Glass Fusion Making Afternoon 2.30pm Adams Hall
Monday 6th October Bencurtis Art Group art display 9.30-11.45am Adams Hall
Monday 6th October Tea & Talk 2.30-3.30pm Adams Hall
Tuesday 7th October Short Mat Bowling Section starts 2pm Adams Hall
Wednesday 8th October Autumn & Winter Clothes Sale 2 – 4pm Notley Lounge
Thursday 23rd October Brownies Fun Evening 6 – 7.30pm Adams Hall
Wednesday 29th October Collection donations for Christmas Fayre 3.30pm
Notley Lounge
Saturday 15th November Christmas Bazaar
TEA & TALK
Monday 1st September
“Turning & Carving”
talk by Mr Alan & Mrs Joan Manchip
Please join us for this month’s tea & talk
In Adams Hall
2.30 – 3.00
TRIP TO EASTBOURNE
MONDAY 15th SEPTEMBER
Depart Bencurtis 9am
Return approx. 6.30pm
Cost £15
LEEDS CASTLE FLOWER FESTIVAL
Thursday 25th September
Depart Bencurtis 9am
Return Approx 4.30pm
Cost £27
Join us to view the castle rooms which have been transformed into floral works of art by local florists, flower societies and clubs for this biannual exhibition. We leave Bencurtis at 9am allowing plenty of time to purchase refreshments including lunch in one of the restaurants. Weather permitting there will be time to visit the aviary and either walk from the coach park or take “Elsie” the land train (50p) up to the castle.
WEDNESDAY 1st OCTOBER
2.30 pm Adams Hall
GLASS FUSION MAKING AFTERNOON
For sale at Christmas Fayre
Refreshments
The Hayes Players
The first production in the season for 2014/2015 is Wife After Death by Eric Chappell. This is a new comedy by the well known author of such classic television series as Rising Damp, Only When I Laugh, Duty Free, and Home to Roost. Please read the synopsis of this play in the flyers on the hall tables in Sarjeant and Willis Courts.
Performances will be on 1st to 4th October inclusive (Wednesday to Saturday). Curtain up each night is at 7.45pm. The price of tickets has been increased to £8 (including programme, and tea or coffee or orange squash and biscuits during the interval). For those who have their own transport and wish to book tickets at the box office the number is: 07905 210718.
With thanks to Martin Newman who has agreed to drive the mini-bus on this occasion (our regular driver, Martin Southgate, having an important family event to attend). Transport has been arranged for Thursday 2nd October for Residents and Friends of GHA who wish to see this play. The mini-bus will leave from the entrance to Willis Court at 7pm and return after the show at about 10.15pm. Please contact Chris Turner if you wish to reserve a ticket for the play and a seat on the bus. Cost £9 to be collected during the two weeks before the performance date. Tickets will be issued on a “first come first served” basis.
TEA & TALK
Monday 6th October
Bank Scams
talk by Sharon from Nat West Bank
Please join us for this month’s tea & talk
2.30 – 3pm In Adams Hall
WEDNESDAY 8th OCTOBER
AUTUMN & WINTER CLOTHES SALE
2 – 4pm Notley Lounge
Brownies Fun Evening
Thursday 23rd October
6 - 7.30 pm
Adams Hall
Refreshments
After the successful visit of the Brownies & Rainbows last year we have invited them to visit us again, already the girls have started to think and rehearse their evening with us.