Fellowship News The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
The newsletter for our subscribers & supporters
AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
Au Revoir Evelyn We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Evelyn George on 29th July 2018. Evelyn was a much loved and active member of the Fellowship having joined us over 38 years ago. She held Branch and Group posts in the Brighton and Sussex area and was one of our longest serving Board Directors when she stood down in 2016. An accomplished pianist and dancer, Evelyn wrote the music and lyrics to the Fellowship song which we have printed here as a mark of our love and respect:
Free Computer Support for CSRF Members
As a result of funds you’ve helped raise so far this year we’re delighted to announce the launch of a new free Computer Support Service for our members. So if you have any problems or want some home computer advice then you can call or email BC Technologies and speak to their support team. You
can call BC Technologies quoting ‘CSRF support’ on 01369 706656 and one of the support team will help answer your questions. The telephone support desk is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, you can email your question to csrf@bc-group.co.uk
Reach up and take the hand of Fellowship Perhaps you’ll find a find a friend in need Stretch out and shake the hand that friendship offers To let the human touch succeed And if retirement is regarded as the sunset of life Stand proudly in its rosy glow Speak out and make the words of friendship matter If you encounter grief or pain And remember if you really practise fellowship You need never be alone again
We walked the Circle Line A team made up of staff, volunteers and Board Directors, successfully completed our 2018 fundraising challenge and walked over 15 miles following the route of London Underground’s Circle Line. The walk started at Embankment Station and finished in the Westminster area and was in aid of raising funds to support our befriending services. So if you’d like to make a donation then please use the form on Page 9.
Advice
LATER LIFE PLANNING: check out your member benefits on Wills and pre-paid funeral plans on pages 10 & 11
Chief Executive’s Message Welcome to our Autumn/Winter 2018 Newsletter. I am writing this issue’s message with my feet up as I’m still feeling the after-effects of this year’s Walk for Friendship. I joined our team on a bright sunny day at the beginning of September to follow the Circle Line above ground from Embankment to Westminster. We completed the challenge, which was a distance of 15 miles, in just over 5 hours. I’d like to say thank you to all those who took part in this year’s challenge for giving up their time to help raise funds for these very important CSRF services. You can find out more about how our
The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Unit 11, Pepys House, Greenwich Quay, Clarence Road, LONDON SE8 3EY t: 020 8691 7411 e: enquiries@csrf.org.uk w: www.csrf.org.uk
befriending services have helped our beneficiaries on pages 6 and 7. I’m also very pleased to announce the start of a new member benefit that is now available to all CSRF subscribers. The Computer Support Helpline provides advice and guidance on all matters I.T & Computer-related either via telephone or email. You can find out more about it on the front page of this issue. In addition, we also have some useful later life planning offers that are provided by our friends at McClure Solicitors and Golden Charter so I would recommend you have a look at pages 10 & 11 to find out how you benefit from either a free will review or discounted pre-paid funeral plan. There has been a lot of discussion in the last few months about how we can improve our membership recruitment strategy and see an increase in the number of new subscribers signing up to support the Fellowship. While this is going on the Board of Directors has decided that membership rates will
not go up in 2019 preferring instead to discuss future subscription rates at next year’s Annual General Meeting. I would also like to draw your attention to our article on Page 13. As those who volunteer within our group network know, the challenges facing local groups in terms of attracting volunteers and maintaining numbers is a very real one. Whilst we need to continue to support the activities favoured by our older beneficiaries we also need to make sure we have a range of services that are relevant and of interest to the next generation of retiring civil servants. So with that in mind I would encourage you to contact us with any ideas for new or specialist groups as the Board and Fellowship Office will be looking at ideas as part of a focus on the medium-long term strategy for the Fellowship. I hope you enjoy the issue and look forward to hearing from you, David Tickner Chief Executive
Welcome to our new Board Directors Elizabeth Beedie (Edinburgh) and Anne Guess (Bedfordshire) were elected as new Board Directors at our 2018 Annual General Meeting & Conference on 12th July 2018.
A charity registered in England and Wales No 255465 and in Scotland No SC039049 and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales No 6297479
©2018. Fellowship News is published by the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship (CSRF). All rights reserved. The CSRF and the publishers declare that any publication of any advertisement does not carry their endorsement or sponsorship of the advertiser or their products unless so indicated. Contributions are invited and, whether or not accepted, submissions will be returned only is accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or while in the publisher’s hands. Proof of receipt is no guarantee of appearance. In the absence of an agreement, the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic belongs to The CSRF. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format (including, but not limited to, any online service, database or part of the internet), or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of The CSRF. The CSRF accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any other opinions expressed herein. The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official views of The CSRF.
Get ready for Christmas Once again the BT Benevolent Fund has produced a unique Christmas card to raise funds for their charity. At only £3.50 for a pack of 10, they’re selling fast, so order yours today at: https://www.btplc.com/bf/christmascards/index.htm
news
Why I volunteered? Currently on the Civil Service Fast Stream, Matthew Brown is our newest departmental ambassador and will be working with us to help raise the profile of all our services and subscriber benefits. We managed to grab a few minutes with him to find out a bit more about his work and why he volunteered… 1. How did you first hear about the CSRF? A colleague in the department sent an email around advertising the CSRF and encouraged volunteers in the department. The cause naturally appealed to me so I emailed in to see how I could become involved. 2. What prompted you to get involved as a volunteer? With a grandad affected by loneliness and now dementia, I appreciate the impact that befriending services can have on people. Supporting this cause in general and combining it with support for Civil Service retirees, therefore seemed a perfect link. 3. What have you enjoyed the most so far about the Fast Stream? The exposure of working on one of the biggest political events of our generation is challenging, but also a unique opportunity to see the process from behind the scenes.
Leading on coordinating fellow policy officials to develop Brexit policy has been a great experience. 4. What has been your funniest experience in the Civil Service? Understanding Civil Service lingo is a challenge at times; no more so than when I asked why we kept mentioning skiing so often. My boss was confused and enquired what I meant….it turns out people had been saying ‘across the piece’ not ‘across the piste’. That certainly made everything make a little more sense. 5. What is the best lesson you’ve learnt so far on the Fast Stream? Upward management is a big challenge when you come into a new job. The Civil Service though is quite good for being ‘grade blind’ and encouraging the views of junior colleagues. It takes a strong mind set though to challenge a senior civil servant, and hold them to account when work is slipping. This is skill I’ve made strides with but continue to develop.
Scam Alert: Bogus calls from ‘BT’ A new scam appears to be doing the rounds so thanks to CSRF member Les Mondry-Flesch for making us aware of it. This one involves an automated telephone call from something purporting to be from BT which advises you that there’s a problem with your account and that your broadband will be switched off unless you ‘press 2 to put you in touch with one of our advisers.’ So if you receive a similar call don’t panic and don’t press any number on
6. What do you enjoy doing when you have time to relax and unwind? I am a massive fan of travelling with seven trips made this year, but also love my sport, regularly going to watch live cricket and football, being a Nottinghamshire cricket fan and supporter of Norwich City Football Club. We want to build and expand our civil service departmental ambassador network so if you are a serving civil servant who would be able to help us promote our services and fundraising activities internally to your colleagues then we’d love to hear from you. You can call 020 8691 7411 or email: volunteering@csrf.org.uk
Find us on social media your phone handset. You can report any suspected scam or fraud directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit their website www.actionfraud.police.uk
If you’ve had something you suspect is a scam then let us know so we can share it with other CSRF members. You can email us direct on enquiries@csrf.org.uk or write in using the address printed on page 2.
Did you know that the CSRF has a profile on both Twitter and Facebook? If you use either of these social media platforms then help us boost our presence by following or liking our pages. You can access our Twitter and Facebook pages via the main website at www.csrf.org. uk and then click the relevant icon located on the top right hand side of the home page.
Fo r i n fo r m a t i o n o n a l l t h e C S R F ’s s e r v i ce s v i s i t w w w. c s r f. o rg . u k
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news
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Making Your Money Matter Help and support from The Charity for Civil Servants Many of the people the Charity helps are facing challenges such as cuts to benefits, a general rise in the cost of living and a lack of affordable housing. Those who were “just getting by” are now finding it hard to cope with paying for essentials. As a retired civil servant, if you’re struggling financially, we may be able to help. If your circumstances have changed, for example as a result of ill health, caring responsibilities, relationship difficulties or a sudden drop in income, we’re here for you and your financial dependants. We can help with a range of things, for example household bills and items and help towards funeral expenses. Should you wish to speak to someone about budgeting or debt advice, our team of qualified and experienced advisors are here to talk to you about the best solutions available to resolve your difficulties. These could be simply better budgeting or talking to your creditors, or more complicated, such as bankruptcy or insolvency. The aim of the Charity is to ensure that you’re in a better position to manage your money and sustain your income and expenditure in the future. For help and support from the Charity apply online at www.foryoubyyou.org.uk or if you need to speak to someone in confidence, please do get in touch on Freephone 0800 056 2424.
New free guide on Settling into a Care Home Independent Age has just produced a new guide offering advice and guidance to anyone about to move into a Care Home. ‘Settling into a Care Home’ has tips on how to settle into a home along with some advice on what friends and family can do. You can download the guide at www.independentage.org or order a copy by ringing 0800 319 6789
Prizes from The Society of Civil & Public Service writers The Society of Civil & Public Service Writers offers a number of competitions throughout the year including prizes for short stories, poems, travel articles, essays, humorous verse and short stories for children. New members are always welcome. Membership enquiries, with SAE, to Bernie Bickerton, c/o 10 Malcolm Road, Woodside, London SE25 5HG or email membership@scpsw.co.uk or visit www.scpsw.co.uk
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1: from l to r, Tony & Patricia Jarrad and Michael Price from the Bexhill & Hastings group; 2: from l to r, Margaret Carter (Dawlish group), David Tickner (Chief Executive/ Company Secretary) and Sylvia Edgell (Swansea group); 3: Staff and volunteers from Fellowship Office; 4: The Charity for Civil Servant’s Chief Executive Graham Hooper with David Tickner; 5: Chief Executive David Tickner with guests Vida Pritchard, Lynn Willan and Doreen Beck; 6: Outgoing Board Director Phyllis Duignan receiving a token of thanks from Honorary National Chairman Mike Baker CBE; 7: Chief Executive David Tickner with Mike Smith from the Lincolnshire branch (left) and Les Barnett from East London & SW Essex group (right)
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2018 Annual General Meeting & Conference Our national Annual General Meeting & Conference took place on 12th July 2018 at Admiralty House in London and was attended by Board Directors, Company Members, Proxies, Observers and representatives from some of our groups. We were also pleased to welcome guests from the Charity for Civil Servants, Civil Service Insurance Society, Civil Service Insurance Society Charity Fund, CSSC Sports & Leisure, CS Healthcare, The BT Benevolent Fund and The Relatives & Residents Association. There were 25 eligible voting members present. Conference This year’s Conference included talks from Lindsay Fox, the London Area Manager of Beanstalk (a national literacy charity) and Sarah Metcalfe, Chief Executive of Playlist for Life (a charity providing dementia support services through music).
Add Article 5.1.4 as follows: “any such person who supports the ethos and objects of the Charity. This might be demonstrated by participation at a local group meeting, volunteering as a befriender or the person just wishing to support the work that we do by choosing to subscribe. ”
Annual General Meeting The agenda for this year’s meeting was as follows:
Emergency Special Resolution 2 That in accordance with Article 33.1, the following article be amended and any consequential amendments made to the Rules:
1. To receive the Chairman’s report or opening address. 2. To receive the audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017. 3. To re-appoint Moore Stephens LLP as the auditors of the company and to authorise the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration. 4. To elect the two nominated candidates, Anne Guess (from the former Bedfordshire branch area) and Elizabeth Beedie (from the former Edinburgh branch area) to serve as Elected Directors on the Board of Directors 5. To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the emergency special resolutions 1 and 2 which are outlined below: Emergency Special Resolution 1 That in accordance with Article 33.1, the following article be added after Article 5.1.3:
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Delete Article 19.2 (shown below), renumber subsequent Articles accordingly and remove any references to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund that may appear in other articles “The Civil Service Benevolent Fund shall appoint from time to time one Director” Outcomes • Moore Stephens LLP was re-appointed as the company auditors • Elizabeth Beedie and Anne Guess were elected to serve as Board Directors • Emergency Special Resolutions 1 & 2 were CARRIED by the required 75% majority of votes from those eligible and present.
More information
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Playlist for Life Tel: 0141 404 0683 www.playlistforlife.org.uk Beanstalk Tel: 0845 450 0307 www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk
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befriending services
Thank you If it weren’t for the time and commitment given by all our befrienders to the National Visitors Network and Phone Buddy scheme neither would operate. We recruit from across the country often working with local volunteer bureaux to find befrienders in areas where we have someone waiting for a call or visit. As a nod to Volunteers Week which took place a few months ago, this issue celebrates our volunteers… RIGHT: Bethany & Nathan from our befriending services team celebrating Volunteers Week
1. What interests you most about volunteer work? The opportunity to give something back and to make a difference. 2. What made you choose the CSRF to volunteer with? I am a former member of the North London Group (I was their secretary for a while). I have also previously served on the Board of Directors, so when the National Visitors Network was launched I jumped at the chance to be involved. 3. What are the things that motivate you? Seeing some of the difficulties and challenges that people face in their everyday lives while still maintaining a positive outlook is a hugely motivating factor for me. 4. How have you used these motivators with others? I always try to maintain a positive outlook, while promoting skills such as independence, self-esteem and selfadvocacy.
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Why I volunteered? We caught up with Karen Doku, one of our more ‘seasoned’ befrienders to find out what prompted her to get involved and what she’s found most rewarding about her time on the schemes so far… 5. What do you enjoy about the scheme? There are so many things I enjoy about the scheme! Firstly, the wonderful people I have had the privilege to meet while volunteering. I took a break for a while due to family commitments but I missed the role so much. It’s been an absolute joy to return to it and it’s immensely rewarding. The CSRF is a really cohesive team; everyone is very approachable and supportive. It’s very much like a family! 6. What has been your funniest experience so far while volunteering? My funniest experience was probably when I met my friend Derek. One of the first things he said to me was that my ID photo didn’t do
me any justice! Passport photos rarely flatter anyone and I think I look particularly forbidding in this particular one. I just burst out laughing and it immediately broke the ice between us. We’ve remained great friends ever since. 7. What is your biggest challenge? This is a tough one but I suppose it has to be trying to promote compassion and particularly compassionate companionship in a world which often appears to be uncaring, indifferent and hostile. I am so grateful that we have a unique, flagship scheme in the CSRF which provides support and companionship and which I am very proud to be part of. Karen currently visits Joyce and Derek fortnightly on the National Visitors Network. If you’d like to find out more about volunteering as a befriender we’d love to hear from you. You can contact us via one of the communication methods shown on the bottom of page 7
Talking Heads Our volunteers come from all over the UK, from many different walks of life, are aged from 18 to 80 and have a huge range of interests. They are united in their commitment to give some time to help improve the health and wellbeing of any beneficiary wanting some companionship.
“Brenda and I have a great time discussing current topics and putting the world to rights! We both look forward to our visits. If you have a little spare time I would recommend you sign up and join us.”
“I’ve been visiting Lorna for a while now and we chat about absolutely anything and everything. We’re different people from different times and we may disagree on some things but we both find the companionship really rewarding.”
Sund (Volunteer) & Brenda
Lorna & Herma (Volunteer)
I got involved after losing my Nan. My gramps has had so much support since she passed away I was so glad that he wouldn’t be on his own. But it got me thinking about others who aren’t so lucky. So I signed up to volunteer on the National Visitors Network and I’ve loved every minute of it. Lillian tells me so many stories from things she’s seen and I love hearing about it all. Plus we play this one word game that I’m still yet to win, so we have a lot of fun. She’s a great listener too and we have a lot in common. I’d definitely encourage more people to do it.
It’s been a real pleasure getting to know Jess with the National Visitors Network. She is absolutely lovely and it is very gratifying and rewarding.
Katy (Volunteer) & Lillian
Alex (Volunteer) & Jess
How to contact our befriending services NA
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BE A BUD
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Call 020 8691 7411 (all calls are treated confidentially)
Email: befriending@csrf.org.uk
Visit www.csrf.org.uk/ befriending-schemes
Fo r i n fo r m a t i o n o n a l l t h e C S R F ’s s e r v i ce s v i s i t w w w. c s r f. o rg . u k
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fundraising
Walking the Circle Line
ALK FO
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As reported on the front page, we completed our fundraising walk last month to raise funds for our befriending services. We’d also like to say a big thank you to the following groups for their donations: Ascot & Sunningdale, Attleborough, Bexhill & Hastings, Chandlers Ford, Harrow, Lincoln City, Liskeard & Pensilva, London E & SW Essex, Maidstone, Newbury, Norwich, Sutton, Westbury on Trym, Westcliff on Sea and Weymouth. You can still donate online at www.csrf.org.uk/appeal/walk-thecircle-line or you can send in your donation using the form on the page opposite
WALKING THE CIRCLE LINE 07.09.18
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2018 Virgin London Marathon On one of the hottest days for the London Marathon on record, Nathan completed the course in just over 5 hours. He has also managed to exceed his fundraising target to raise £2,000 which is a huge achievement. Our thanks go to CS Healthcare for sponsoring Nathan’s London Marathon Challenge. LEFT: Nathan pictured with his Mum after completing the Marathon
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MAKE A DONATION Use this form to make a donation to the CSRF
Martyn raises over £800 for Greenwich Riverside Group
Former Head of Communications Martyn White participated in the Thames Path Challenge last month (a 50km run from Putney Bridge to Runnymede) to raise funds for the Greenwich Riverside group. Martyn was very much involved with the setting up of the local group in September 2017 which is why he picked the group as the recipient of the funds he raised. He set himself a fundraising target of £500 and at the time we went to press he had raised over £800. BELOW: Martyn pictured at the finish line in Runnymede
The 2019 Connecting our Communities Appeal Walking the Circle Line Appeal The 2018 Friendship Appeal Return the completed form including your donation to: The CSRF, Unit 11, Pepys House, Greenwich Quay, Clarence Road, LONDON SE8 3EY Cheques should be made payable to ‘The CSRF’. Alternatively you can make a donation online at www.csrf.org.uk
Please accept my gift of:
£5 £10 £20 £50 £100 £250 Other £
How would you like us to acknowledge your donation? By Post By Email I do not wish to receive an acknowledgement We are extremely grateful for all donations we receive; you can help us save money by ticking the box to opt not to receive an acknowledgment
Name: Address: Post Code:
Tel Number:
Email:
Alternatively you could sign up to make a regular donation to support our ongoing work via direct debit. Please pay the sum of £ Starting on (date)
each month/year (delete as appropriate) /
/
until further notice
Name of account holder
Shopping online? Switch to Smile from Amazon If you use Amazon for any shopping then you can help us raise funds by switching to their Smile portal and nominating the CSRF. Then every time you shop we will receive a % of your shopping total as a donation. Registering for Smile is easy and you only have to do it once although you do need to remember to shop via the portal each time you shop with Amazon. Find out more online at https://smile.amazon.co.uk
Account No
Sort Code
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-
Name and address of your bank/building society (BLOCK CAPITALS please) To the manager
Post Code: Signature Date
/
/
For office use only
(Bank, please quote reference)
Originator’s Identification Number
6 3 0 6 7 0
Instruction to your Bank or Building Society Please pay The CSRF Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with The CSRF and if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society
Make your gift worth a quarter more at no extra cost to you! If you are a UK taxpayer The CSRF can reclaim the tax you’ve paid on your donation. Please tick the Gift Aid declaration box below I want to Gift Aid this donation and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code. Please notify us if you want to cancel this declaration, change your name or home address or no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains.
legal advice
Everyone needs a will – but it’s often not enough Liz McDonald from McClure Solicitors (who operate our legal helpline) explains more about their current FREE will review service and how you can get yours safety checked.
Where wills go wrong
Making a Will is one of the most important things that you can do to ensure that your estate will go where you want it to when you are no longer here. With this in mind, the CSRF have partnered with McClure Solicitors to offer you a free Will service. You can get your Will done free of charge, whether your circumstances are simple or complex. All they ask is you consider making a donation to the CSRF.
Some real examples of Wills that didn’t go far enough …. 1. A widower left everything to his daughter. He dies. She inherited. Then she dies. She was now liable for his Inheritance Tax of £55,000. His Will cost £150 when he made it but it cost her estate £55,000. Find out how to avoid this at www.mcclure-solicitors.co.uk/ dyk8
Will to take up this very generous offer from McClure Solicitors. In doing so, you can plan for your and your family’s future and at the same time you can support the CSRF’s valuable work. BELOW: Liz McDonald & Adrian Howlett from McClures at the 2018 AGM
A Will usually costs around £150 for a single client and £240 for a couple. Using the McClure service means that your wishes will be carried out without any confusion. It also means that your estate will usually be administered quicker and with less expense than if you died intestate (without a Will). You might also consider leaving a bequest to our charity but of course that is entirely up to you. The CSRF would like to encourage all its members who don’t already have a
How to contact McClure To take advantage of the Free Will Review Service or talk to them about a special offer on Lasting Powers of Attorney you can call Freephone 0800 852 1999 or email: contactus@mcclure-solicitors.co.uk
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2. A widow left her modest estate to her two daughters. They were on state benefits. Result – when mother dies, they lose their benefits. Find out how to avoid this at www.mccluresolicitors.co.uk/dyk21 3. A mother left £600,000 between her two daughters. One was already over the Inheritance Tax (IHT) limit. This could cost her £120,000 in IHT. Find out how to avoid this at www.mcclure-solicitors. co.uk/iht10 Thanks to our partnership with McClure as a CSRF subscriber you can get them to review your existing Will and, if it’s fine, then well done! If any updates are required, you can get your new Will prepared at no cost under their Free Will service. All they ask is you consider making a donation to the CSRF.
Member Benefit : Funeral Plans are heavily influenced by burial costs within the local areas with many referring to this as a ‘postcode lottery’. Although regional variations are largely driven by burial costs, the good news is, cremation only funerals are much cheaper than burials. The UK average for a cremation only funeral is now £3,596 which is £482 cheaper than the average funeral cost.
Source: Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2017
Exclusive Offer for CSRF Members The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship works in association with Golden Charter, one of the UK’s largest funeral plan providers³, to bring you a solution to rising funeral costs. As a thank you for taking out a plan, you’ll receive an exclusive £150 M&S Gift card5, and Golden Charter will also donate £220 to CSRF for every plan sold6.
Regional Variations in Funeral Expenses Since 2004, funeral costs have increased by a staggering 112%4. In 2004 you would have typically paid £1,920 for your funeral, however today you could be paying around £4,0784. Surpassing the rate of inflation, pension and annual salaries, if funeral plans continue to increase at this rate, funerals could cost you around £7,000 by the year 20272. What most may be unaware of is that where you live in the UK can also determine how much you will be paying for your funeral.
Similar to previous years, London has remained the most expensive place to die at almost 46% above the average cost of dying in the UK whilst people near the Belfast, Banbridge, Craigavon and Lisburn CSRF groups in Northern Ireland can expect to pay 27% less than the average UK cost, for a similar service.
Why are funeral costs so different across the UK? According to SunLife Cost of Dying research, regional variations in price
Substantiation/T&C’s 2 Projection by Golden Charter based on SunLife Cost of Dying report, 2017 3 For further details, please see goldencharter.co.uk/legal-disclaimer 4 SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2017 5 To be eligible for the M&S gift card you must call us quoting the reference CSRFWB07. This offer excludes Basic Plans. The £150 gift card will be issued 90 days from the start date of your plan, providing that your plan remains in place and the necessary payments have been received. No cash alternative will be offered. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. 6 Golden Charter will give CSRF a donation of £220 for every plan purchased through CSRF. This offer excludes Basic Plans. You must quote reference CSRFWB07. This donation will be made 90 days from the date your plan is made live.
Whether you live in a region where funeral prices are above or below the national average, by arranging a pre-paid funeral plan, you can lock in the cost of the funeral director’s services – freezing them at today’s prices. Therefore, no matter how much these costs rise in future – you will have the peace of mind that these agreed costs have been taken care of in advance, regardless of what region you live in. That’s important, because funeral prices have risen for the 14th year in a row. 4
How to contact Golden Charter If you’re interested in saving money for the future through a pre-paid funeral plan with us, why not call our team of friendly advisors today for FREE on 0800 090 2342, quoting reference CSRFWB07. Our advisors will be on hand to answer any queries you may have. Plus, you’ll get a free pen just for enquiring.
Fo r f u l l d e t a i l s o f a g ro u p ’s p ro g r a m m e v i s i t w w w. c s r f. o rg . u k
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puzzles
FESTIVE ANAGRAMS
word search
See whether you can solve these ‘festive/seasonal’ anagrams.
ACTRESS HERMIT
Find the words associated with trees and shrubs that are hidden in the grid
DIME UNWELL ALARMIST SCORCH CODES RATION FALSE KNOWS ELSIE MOTT
Sudoku Easy
MEDIUM
Abele
Cedar of Lebanon
hop
roots
Abies
ilex
rowan
acer
Cedrat
ivy
sap
adansonia
cerrus
kauri
shea
alder
cork
lime
sloe
aloe
dari
lote
sour-sop
Argan
date
may
tea
arum
deal
milk
teil
asa
durio
mowa
tod
ash
dwarf
nut
tsuga
Balm
elm
nyssa
twig
bass
fruit
oak
upas
bay
grass
palm
yew
bead
grove
pear
beech
gum tree
pinery
blue gum
hip
pipe
bo
holm
red gum
Good luck!
For Spring/Summer puzzle solutions see Page 23 12
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HARD
leisure activities
Are you making the most of your retirement? Sadly, due to a drop in numbers and lack of volunteers a number of our local groups around the country have had to close in the last few years. We now have some parts of the country where we no longer have any group presence at all which opens up the question as to whether there might be new or alternative opportunities for a different type of social engagement for our beneficiaries. This could take the
form of something leisure orientated (e.g. a book club or theatre group) or sports related (e.g. walking, bowls or tennis) where a group of people just got together socially to enjoy a particular activity once a month or fortnight. If there were enough people interested we could help promote these types of activities by listing the details on the CSRF website and in future editions of Fellowship News. So if you are interested in starting a local activity group then we’d like to hear from you. You can write in with your idea (s) using the address shown on Page 2 or email: enquiries@csrf.org.uk. Please indicate what sort of activity you would be interested in and whether you would be willing to volunteer to help us set something up.
How about running a book club? One leisure activity that we definitely have some registered users for currently is our book club which has
been running for over five years now. Book club members can share their reviews and opinions via our dedicated page on the CSRF website. A book group is a great way to build friendships and improve your social engagement with others and we’ve made it easy for you by producing a reading list. Ideally between 6-8 people, a group can be held in a local café or in your home (with members taking it in turns to
host) so is very cost efficient to run. If you’re interested in setting up a book group or requesting the 2019 Reading List then please contact us for more advice and help. You can write to Fellowship Office (address on page 2) or email: bookclub@csrf.org.uk
Fo r f u l l d e t a i l s o f s u b s c r i b e r b e n e f i t s v i s i t w w w. c s r f. o rg . u k
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letters
Helping to beat loneliness
Postbag We love to hear from you so if you are moved to write or email in response to any of the letters printed this issue or on a completely different subject then please do. We will endeavour to print as many as we can but may have to edit them to fit the available space.
My Civil Service memories Dear Postbag, I also joined the Civil Service in 1944 and worked on the Post Office Counter, Branch offices, then the Telephone Exchange Bristol until 1956. With cheap train fares I took the opportunity to go to the agricultural base at Place House, St Anthony in Roseland, Cornwall where the local farmers would ring in every morning asking for workers. One of the Land Army girls would drive us to the farm in a truck that reached the hedges both side of the lane. Each day the farmer dedicated the jobs which could be ‘picking up
potatoes’ or ‘weeding new plants’. Luckily we were all advised to take long-sleeved shirts. At the end of the day we went back to the big house and enjoyed a cooked evening meal. One of the group could play the organ and would play late at night. Many years later I took my two children to see the house which was then a hotel. Eileen Rogers, Bristol Ed’s note: thanks for the lovely note Eileen – if you have some experiences you’d like to share from when you worked in the Civil Service then we’d love to hear from you. You can write in using one of contact methods shown at the bottom of the page
Dear Postbag, I have never written before but thought that this time I would as I thought you might be able to help through a problem which is mentioned in Fellowship News about loneliness. I am 89 years of age and joined the Civil Service at 29. I rarely get a visitor as my daughter lives in Dorset and my son in Gloucester. They phone every week and come to see me when I can but for the most part I’m entirely on my own. I go out round the shops and have joined a club just to be with people. Our local CSRF group closed some time ago as so many members had passed away. So I am writing to see whether you can help me as I am a lonely old man. Derek, Rayleigh, Essex Ed’s note: following Derek’s letter earlier this year our befriending services team were able to match him up with one of our volunteer befrienders who now goes and visits him fortnightly – if you are in a similar situation to Derek then find out how we can help you on pages 6-7
A hair-raising experience with a Clavier
Contacting Postbag By Post: please write to The CSRF, Unit 11, Pepys House, Greenwich Quay, Clarence Road, London SE8 3EY By email: send any letters to enquiries@csrf.org.uk 14
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Dear Postbag, I look forward to word search in Fellowship News and rely on it to keep my eighty five year old brain ticking over. The last issue had me tearing my hair out searching for the musical instrument Clavier as shown in the list of words to search for, eventually I found Klavier. After consulting the wonders of Google I settled for using the latter. Please don’t do this to me again as I so enjoy word search. Thank you for a great newsletter. Best wishes, Mary Ed’s note: My apologies for any stress caused Mary, I have checked the spelling of the words for this issue’s word search so I hope you find this one easier to complete!
2019 Fundraising Appeal
Connecting Our Communities Our 2019 fundraising appeal will celebrate the contribution our groups make to their local communities For over 50 years our local group network has provided an important forum for companionship and friendship within communities around the United Kingdom. We currently have groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all run by volunteers who give their
Throughout 2019 we will be celebrating the contribution our groups make to their local communities and raising funds to help support them
time generously to support a wide ranging programme of activities that offer everything from visiting speakers, days out, theatre trips, walks, skittles and the odd session of Beetle Drive or Bingo!
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GROUPS
9 30 2000 MONTHS MILES
COUNTIES
CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES From the archive
Throughout 2019 we will be celebrating the contribution our groups make to their local communities and raising funds to help support them. Our Chief Executive David Tickner is planning to visit over 40 groups in 9 months to help promote this initiative and encourage fundraising activities and donations from around the country.
Teds Travels David will be joined on his travels by a special travelling partner, Ted Fellowship, who is looking forward to meeting all the groups. Ted was made by one of the founding members of the Lancashire branch over 20 years ago and was entrusted to David by the Chairman when the branch closed. You will be able to follow David and Ted’s progress online via the CSRF website and make a donation online or by sending in a cheque.
How to Donate All the funds we raise from our 2019 Appeal will go directly to helping support our existing and future groups. If you’d like to make a donation please use the form on Page 9.
FROM TOP: Solent Branch meeting in 1965; Meeting of the East Devon Branch in the 1970s; Lytham St Annes group celebrating its 10th Birthday in the 1980s; Welsh Branches get together in 1986; Edinburgh Branch planting a tree to mark the CSRF’s Silver Jubilee in 1993
Fo r f u l l d e t a i l s o f a g ro u p ’s p ro g r a m m e v i s i t w w w. c s r f. o rg . u k
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group focus : a round up of pictures from across our group network
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In Pictures
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1, 2 & 3: Caerphilly group members pictured on their recent trip to Cardiff. 4: Our Befriending Services Support Officer Nathan McLellan visiting the Eltham Group after completing the London Marathon. 5, 6 & 7: Members of the Greenwich Riverside group enjoying a trip to the Museum of Docklands in Canary Wharf in June.
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8: Members of the Greenwich Riverside group taking in the sunshine during a visit to Charlton House in May. 9 & 10: Sutton group members enjoying their annual summer tea party 11: Alun Caddy gave a talk on the Bismarck to the Caerphilly group in July. 12,13,14 & 15: Out & about with Sleaford & Ancaster group who have had trips to Wollaton Hall, Oakham and Brodsworth Hall over summer.
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16,17,18 & 19: Princetown group members had some summer trips to Bovey Tracey and Bude in May and June as well as enjoying lunch and ten pin bowling at Trethorne Leisure centre in July. 20: Happy Birthday to Trowbridge group member Dolly White who celebrated her 100th Birthday with the group. 21 & 22: Sutton group visited the Subsea 7 Building in Sutton recently
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Group Listings SCOTLAND Edinburgh (Central)
Liz Beedie Secretary T: 0131 229 7422 St John’s Church Cafe, Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4BJ Third Tuesday of each month for social gatherings (except July & September when we have our picnic, Summer and Winter Lunch). We run walks throughout the year (jointly with Corstorphine Group) and meet at Lakeland, corner of George Street/Hanover Street at 1.30pm on the first Friday of each month (except July). Organiser: Francis Valentine (Tel: 0131 228 3243). 15 Jan 2019 Winter Lunch: Mercure Hotel, Princes St at 12.30pm 18 Jun 2019 Picnic in Princes St Gardens (West End) near the Norwegian Stone, 2-4pm
Edinburgh (Corstorphine)
Trudy Thomas Organiser T: 0131 346 0208 The White Lady Cafe Glasgow Road Corstorphine Edinburgh Third Thursday of each month at 10.30am -12 noon (except December) until April 2019 then for summer meeting with Edinburgh Central group until July 2019. 15 Jan 2019 Winter Lunch: Mercure Hotel, Princes St at 12.30pm 18 Jun 2019 Picnic in Princes St Gardens (West End) near the Norwegian Stone, 2-4pm
Highland
Mrs Pam Barnet T: 01463 790265 Macdougall Clansman Hotel 103 Church Street Inverness IV1 1ES First and third Wednesday of each month, Coffee morning at 11am
This section shows all of our current groups and details of their forthcoming activities for the period October 2018 to March 2019. You can check for any updates or changes to the advertised programme by either contacting the listed group contact or visiting the group page on the CSRF website, www.csrf.org.uk
Craigavon
George McConnell Secretary T: 028 8676 4395 E: joannearcher1@hotmail.co.uk Portadown Town Hall, 15 Edward St, Portadown, Craigavon BT62 3LX First Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm
Crewe
Miss Grace Harding Chairman T: 01270 250677 Wells Green Methodist Church Hall Brookland Avenue Wistaston Crewe CW2 8EJ First Tuesday of each month at 2pm
Lisburn
Mrs R Hope Secretary T: 028 9268 3610 Bridge Community Centre 50 Railway Street Lisburn County Antrim BT28 1XP Second Monday of each month at 2.30pm (except Jul & Aug) 08 Oct 2018 Visit to HMS Caroline with lunch in Colman’s, Templepatrick Pick up time: 10.30am (Leisure Centre or Station) 12 Nov 2018 Talk in Bridge Community Centre, 2.30pm: Speaker TBA 10 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch in Mulberry Tree, Seaforde Cost £20, Pick up time: 11.30am 14 Jan 2019 Annual General Meeting, Bridge Community Centre, 2.30pm 11 Feb 2019 Flower Arranging by Keith Lindsay, Bridge Community Centre, 2.30pm 11 Mar 2019 Visit to Lissan House & Demesne, Cookstown with lunch in Royal Hotel Cost tbc, Pick up time: 10.30am
Penrith
NORTHERN IRELAND & NORTH WEST ENGLAND Banbridge
Coral Chiddick Secretary T: 028 4062 3190 Bannside Presbyterian Church Hall 21 Castlewellan Road Banbridge BT32 4AX First Wednesday of each month at 2pm
Belfast
Miss Wynne O’Neill Secretary T: 028 9067 1157 Mcelhinney Room The Pavillion Stormont Estate Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3TA First Monday of each month at 2pm
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Richard Roscoe Chairman T: 01697 472383 A local hostelry each quarter First Tuesday of the quarter at 12 noon for lunch (March, June, Sept & Dec)
Stockport/Grove Park
Yvonne Smith Social Secretary T: 0161 427 5593 Brookdale Club Bridge Lane Bramhall Stockport SK7 3AB First Thursday of each month at 2.15pm 04 Oct 2018 The Lemurs of Madagascar: talk by by Marion Bray 01 Nov 2018 Not One Bray Goes by: talk by John Stirling 06 Dec 2018 Entertaining us on Two Pianos: Gerry Needham & Alan Streak
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NORTH EAST ENGLAND Gateshead
Mrs M Turner Chairman T: 0191 431 1527 Gateshead Community Fire Station Dryden Road Low Fell Gateshead NE9 5BU First Thursday of the month at 10am to 12 noon 4 Oct 2018 Bring & Buy 1 Nov 2018 Speaker TBC 6 Dec 2018 Quiz 3 Jan 2019 Coffee & Chat 7 Feb 2019 AGM
Horsforth, Rawdon & District
Mrs M J Taylor T: 0113 267 8110 We meet in different local hostelries for lunch. Please contact Mrs Taylor for more details. We are a friendly group and new members are always welcome The last Tuesday in the month at 12.30pm
Hull
Brian Mitchell Treasurer T: 01482 653973 Age Uk Healthy Living Centre Porter Street Hull HU1 2RH Third Tuesday of the month at 2.15pm (except Aug) 16 Oct 2018 LPA Made Simple: talk by Robyn Nunez 20 Nov 2018 Talk by Alan Lavender, ex chef at Checkers 11 Dec 2018 Pre Christmas Social meeting with refreshments including mince pies In 2019 we will have social meetings on the third Tuesday of each month 16 Apr 2019 Outing to Hornsea with fish & chips lunch
WALES AND WELSH BORDERS Caerphilly
Mrs Linda Leach, Tel: 01873 881022 E: brian_leach253@btinternet.com No.2 Meeting Room Caerphilly New Library The Twyn Caerphilly CF83 1JL Second Monday of every month at 10.15am (except Aug) 08 Oct 2018 Bring & Buy sale with Quiz 12 Nov 2018 Carry on at the Pulpit - talk by David Salter 10 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch (tba)
Cardiff
Jane Lewis Secretary T: 029 20 757174 Ararat Baptist Church Plas Treoda Whitchurch Cardiff South Glamorgan CF14 1PT Second Wednesday of the month at 10am
Church Stretton
John Brewer Secretary T: 01694 722965 E: johnbrewer1@talktalk.net Mayfair Community Centre Easthope Road Church Stretton SY6 6BL First Friday of the month at 2.30pm
Llandudno
Mrs Beryl Rennie Assistant Secretary T: 01492 876238 Queen’s Hotel The Promenade Llandudno LL30 2LE First Tuesday of each month at 10.30am for coffee mornings. Details of lunches/ walks are announced at the previous coffee morning
Neath & Port Talbot
Mr W Pugh Chairman T: 01792 864299 The Mayor’s Parlour The Old Town Hall Church Place Neath SA11 3LL Last Wednesday of each month at 2pm Oct/Nov 2018 Visit to Welsh Quilt Centre - date TBA 31 Oct 2018 Harvest Tea 28 Nov 2018 Fire Safety at Home: speaker from Fire Service Dec 2018 Christmas lunch - date TBA 30 Jan 2019 AGM & Tea Party 27 Feb 2019 Speaker TBA 27 Mar 2019 Speaker TBA
Oswestry
Mrs J Stokes Chairman T: 01691 654380 The Wynnstay Hotel Church Street Oswestry SY11 2SZ First Tuesday of each month at 10.30am 06 Nov 2018 Shopping in Victorian Times - talk by Carol James 04 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at The Wynnstay Hotel (11.30am for 12noon) 08 Jan 2019 AGM followed by lunch at The Wynnstay Hotel
Swansea
Mrs Sylvia Edgell Chairman/Secretary T: 01792 851125 E: sylviaedgell@btinternet.com The Footlights Lounge, Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJ Last Friday of each month at 11.00am for coffee (except August and December) 26 Oct 2018 Coffee Morning 30 Nov 2018 Coffee Morning followed by Lunch at 12.30pm 25 Jan 2019 Coffee Morning 22 Feb 2019 Coffee Morning 29 Mar 2019 Coffee Morning
MIDDLE ENGLAND Amersham
Jim Campbell Chairman T: 01494 722558 Community Centre Chiltern Avenue Amersham Buckinghamshire HP6 5AE First Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm (except Aug)
Banbury
Anne Garton Secretary T: 01295 750151 E: agarton@btinternet.com Hanwell Fields Community Centre Rotary Way Banbury OX16 1ER Second Tuesday of each month at 2.15 to 4.15pm 09 Oct 2018 My Life as a Wimbledon Umpire: talk by Julia Freeman 13 Nov 2018 London - City of Secrets: talk by Colin Oakes 11 Dec 2018 Christmas Cheer - Sherry, Mince Pies, Impromptu Singers, Secret Santa
Bedford
Suzanne Thompson Secretary T: 01234 341674 The Bunyan Meeting Mill Street Bedford MK40 3EU First Tuesday of every month at 10am
Coalville & Ashby
Terry Watson Chairman T: 01530 835373 Thringstone Community Centre The Green Thringstone Coalville LE67 8NR Third Wednesday each month 2pm to 4pm
Dunstable & Leighton Buzzard
Mrs Janet Bliss Secretary T: 01582 661795 E: j.bliss35@outlook.com Scout HQ Grovebury Road Leighton Buzzard LU7 4SW First Wednesday of the month at 2pm
Grantham
Mr Maurice Whincup Chairman T: 01476 572425 E: mewhincup@gmail.com The King’s Hotel 130 North Parade Grantham NG31 8AU First Wednesday every month at 10.30am to 12 noon
Hucclecote
Mrs J Neale, Chairman T: 01452 506949 Christchurch Abbeydale, Heron Way, Abbeydale, Gloucester GL4 5EQ First Thursday of the month at 2pm 4 Oct 2018 The Silver Singers 1 Nov 2018 An Opportunity to Laugh: talk by Eric Massey 6 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch 3 Jan 2019 The Life and Songs of George Formby 7 Feb 2019 Glam Sparrow - a musical duo 7 Mar 2019 AGM
Lincoln City
Jannette Hook Secretary T: 01522 803412 Mothers Union Centre St. Benedicts Church St Benedicts Square Lincoln LN5 7AR First Wednesday of the month at 10.30am 03 Oct 2018 Coffee morning and Bring & Buy 07 Nov 2018 Coffee morning 28 Nov 2018 Christmas lunch at Toby Carvery 05 Dec 2018 Coffee morning with Christmas buffet
Melton Mowbray
Mr M Johnson Chairman T: 01664 566821 School Room United Reform Church Chapel Street Melton Mowbray LE13 1LZ First Tuesday of each month at 1.45pm 4 Sept 2018 Meeting with Speaker 2 Oct 2018 Talk by Martin at the URC 31 Oct 2018 Branch Autumn Meeting & Dinner (Back room at the Market Tavern) 6 Nov 2018 Meeting with Speaker 4 Dec 2018 Carols & Readings Jan 2019 No meeting 5 Feb 2019 Memories of the Year 2000 - talk 5 Mar 2019 TBA
Nottingham
Pam Bradley Chair T: 0115 938 4676 The Mechanics 3 North Sherwood Street Nottingham NG1 4EZ Second Wednesday of each month at 10.15am to 12.15pm
Nuneaton
Rachel Homer Secretary T: 024 76 385845 E: rachel.homer@tesco.net Tea & Chat Café, 2 Chapel Sreet, Nuneaton CV11 5QH First Tuesday of each month at 11am for coffee mornings
Sleaford & Ancaster
Mike Smith Chairman T: 01526 833273 E: mjs_consultation@hotmail.com Bristol Bowls Club Boston Road Sleaford NG34 7HH Sleaford: First Thursday of the month at 10.15am Bristol Bowls Club Boston Road Sleaford NG34 7HH Ancaster: Second Wednesday of the month at 10.15am to 12 noon Angel Court Ancaster Grantham NG32 3PR 16 Oct 2018 Outing to Melton Mowbray 13 Nov 2018 Outing to Boundary Mills, Sheffield 06 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at the Barge & Bottle in Sleaford
Wigston
Mrs J Collins Vice Chairman T: 0116 288 7802 The Elms Social and Service Club (formerly The Royal British Legion) Launceston Road Wigston LE18 2BA Second and fourth Monday of each month from 1.30pm to 4pm (Bank Holidays permitting). 08 Oct 2018 Bring & Buy 22 Oct 2018 SSAFA: a talk by Commodore (Retd) Jeremy Parker RN 12 Nov 2018 Christmas - Victorian Style: a talk by Jo Golby 26 Nov 2018 The Brain: a talk by Andrew Young 10 Dec 2018 Christmas Party 14 Jan 2019 Collecting Secondhand Books: talk by David Siddons 28 Jan 2019 Christmas Meal at Ullesthorpe Court Hotel 11 Feb 2019 Gower Peninsular: talk by David Foulds
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25 Feb 2019 Bring & Buy Sale 11 Mar 2019 The Ukulele Band (to be confirmed) 25 Mar 2019 TBA
Worcester
Leigh Watkins Secretary T: 01905 774034 Perdiswell Young Peoples’ Leisure Club Droitwich Road (opposite Checketts Lane) Worcester WR3 7SN Second Wednesday of the month at 1pm
EASTERN ENGLAND & EAST ANGLIA Attleborough
Mrs D Parker Secretary T: 01953 456958 Methodist Church Hall London Road Attleborough NR17 2BY Third Thursday of the month from 10am to 12 noon 18 Oct 2018 Cheese & Non Wine Party 15 Nov 2018 Annual Quiz 20 Dec 2018 Christmas Party
Colchester
Joan Gomer Secretary T: 01206 794656 Hythe Community Centre, 1 Ventura Drive, Colchester CO1 2FE Third Monday of each month at 2pm (except December) 15 Oct 2018 Visit by Clacton CSPA for Quiz afternoon 19 Nov 2018 Fred Pearce entertains 03 Dec 2018 Christmas Meal 17 Dec 2018 No meeting 21 Jan 2019 Quiz Afternoon 18 Feb 2019 Annual General Meeting 18 Mar 2019 The Streets of London: talk by Graham Duthie
Harlow
Mrs Edna McNaughton Secretary T: 01279 865102 E: edian.mcnaughton@tesco.net Toby Carvery Edinburgh Gate Harlow CM20 2LQ First Friday of the month at 12 noon (except Jan)
Ipswich
Eva Stevens Secretary T: 07765 588467 E: evajs@yahoo.co.uk Museum Street Methodist Church Hall Blackhorse Lane Ipswich IP1 2EF First Wednesday of the month at 2pm
Loughton
Elizabeth Vale Secretary T: 020 8508 2459 Jazz Archive Room Loughton Library Traps Hill Loughton IG10 1HD Third Monday of each month at 2pm 15 Oct 2018 Current affairs discussion 19 Nov 2018 Talk: Epping Forest re-use 17 Dec 2018 A Review of 2018 21 Jan 2019 Current affairs discussion 18 Feb 2019 Local Affairs 18 Mar 2019 TBA
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Lowestoft
Mike Chester T: 01502 476629 E: mikewc10@gmail.com Ex-Servicemen’s Club Gordon Road Town Centre Lowestoft NR32 1DY and Victoria Hotel Kirkley Cliff Lowestoft NR33 0BZ First (at the Victoria Hotel) and third Wednesday (at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club) of each month at 11am. We hold social lunches at least three times in the year
Norwich
Mary Weatherhead Secretary T: 01603 410821 Martineau Hall, 21a Colgate, Norwich NR3 1BN Second Monday of each month at 10am for 10.30am 08 Oct 2018 Sutton Hoo: talk by Mrs V Hutson 12 Nov 2018 Easton’s Holidays, Past & Present:talk by Mr R Easton 03 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch (date tbc) 10 Dec 2018 Christmas Party 14 Jan 2019 Bring & Buy Sale 11 Feb 2019 AGM & Quiz 11 Mar 2019 Lowestoft Porcelain: talk by Dr D Welch
Shoeburyness
Mrs F Cohen Social Secretary T: 01702 342426 The Salvation Army Hall Frobisher Way Shoeburyness SS3 8UT First Tuesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm
St. Albans
Mrs S Finlayson Chairperson T: 01727 868029 E: sheila@finlaysons.eclipse.co.uk Friends Meeting House Upper Lattimore Road St. Albans AL1 3UD First Thursday of the month at 10.15am
Swaffham
David Moore Chairman T: 01760 723740 Methodist Church Hall London Street Swaffham PE37 7DD Third Tuesday of the month at 10.15am
Westcliff On Sea
Mrs F Cohen Social Secretary T: 01702 342426 Balmoral Community Centre Salisbury Avenue Westcliff On Sea SS0 7AU Fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm
Wickford
Peter Blake Chairman & Secretary T: 01268 583060 For more information on meetings call the Chairman. We meet informally during the year
The Excelsior Club, Gordon Road, Aldershot GU11 1ND Second Thursday of the month from 1pm to 4pm (except Aug) 11 Oct 2018 Horse Racing & Cup Cakes 08 Nov 2018 Phyllis Tuckwell: talk by Leame/Team Leader 03 - 07 Dec 2018 Turkey & Tinsel holiday to Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin, Isle of Wight 13 Dec 2018 Christmas Party
Ascot & Sunningdale
Pam Drummer Secretary T: 01344 774849 E: roypamdr@talktalk.net Lynwood Village, Rise Road, Sunninghill, Ascot SL5 0AJ Third Friday of each month at 12 noon to 4pm
Basingstoke
Tony Brazier Secretary T: 01256 418770 E: bjmapbr@ntlworld.com Brookvale Community Association Hall Lower Brook Street Basingstoke RG21 7SD First Wednesday of each month at 10am.
Bexhill & Hastings
Elizabeth Leahy Secretary T: 01424 214042 Bexhill Sailing Club Marina Bexhill-on-sea TN40 1LA Fourth Tuesday of each month at 10am 23 Oct 2018 Talk on Wildlife by Kim Parks 27 Nov 2018 Quiz 12 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at the Cooden Beach Hotel 22 Jan 2019 Quiz 26 Feb 2019 AGM & Snacks 26 Mar 2019 TBA
Bournemouth - New Forest
Sandy Whittaker Chairman T: 023 8028 2157 New Milton Community Centre Osborne Road New Milton BH25 6EA Second Tuesday of each month at 10.15am
Chandlers Ford
Ken Willcocks Chairman T: 023 8076 0102 Chandlers Ford Community Centre Hursley Road Chandlers Ford Eastleigh Hampshire SO53 2FT First Friday of the month at 10am 19 Oct 2018 Skittles/Lunch - Wellow Golf Club 02 Nov 2018 Annual General Cheese & Wine Lunch at Meeting Hall 07 Dec 2018 The Mary Ilett Story - Talk by Brenda Syrett 18 Dec 2018 Xmas Lunch - Keats Restaurant, Ampfield
Mid Sussex
SOUTHERN ENGLAND Aldershot
Mr John Walters, Chairman T: 01252 328032 E: j.m.walters@ntlworld.com
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Keith Sullens Chairman T: 01444 233288 E: sullenskeith@gmail.com The Hassocks Room The King’s Centre Victoria Road Burgess Hill RH15 9LR Fourth Wednesday of each month from 2-4pm
20 Oct 2018 Guided tour of historic Wivelsfield Church + light refreshments 24 Oct 2018 Illustrated talk by Keith Cook from the Windmill Society about “Jill Windmill” 28 Nov 2018 Talk by Mary Smith of Burgess Hill Green Circle Network 5 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at The Thatched Inn, Hassocks 19 Dec 2018 Christmas meeting with fruit punch
Newbury
John Childs Chairman T: 01635 45586 E: childs79@btinternet.com St. John’s Church Room Newtown Road Newbury Newtown Road Newbury RG14 7BN Second Monday of the month at 2.15pm 08 Oct 2018 Write your memories the easy way: talk by Julie Roberts 11 Oct 2018 Pub Lunch - details tba 12 Nov 2018 Bygone Collectibles: talk & display by Christine Betts 03 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at the Chequers Hotel 10 Dec 2018 Christmas Party at St Johns Room 14 Jan 2019 AGM at St Johns Room 11 Feb 2019 Wills & Toy Boys: talk by solicitors 08 Mar 2019 TBA
Portsmouth & Southsea
Edda Rea Chairman T: 023 92 753581 St. Simon’s Church Hall Waverley Road Southsea PO5 2PW Second Wednesday of the month at 10.30am and fourth Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm (except Aug) 10 Oct 2018 Coffee Morning 24 Oct 2018 Musical Quiz by Keith Hayward (PM) 14 Nov 2018 Coffee Morning & Christmas Fair 28 Nov 2018 TBC (PM) 12 Dec 2018 Christmas Coffee morning (Sherry, mince pies and gifts) 19 Dec 2019 Christmas Lunch
Stubbington
Peter Stilwell Secretary T: 023 92 527346 E: amy_stilwell@hotmail.com Catholic Church Hall Bells Lane Stubbington Hampshire PO14 2PL Second Thursday of each month at 2pm
Tadley
Mr D MacLean Chairman T: 0118 970 1290 Tadley Community Centre Newchurch Road Tadley RG26 4HN First Thursday of each month at 1.15pm for 1.45pm 04 Oct 2018 Open Meeting with talk by Alan Stockwell on ‘Odd Odes’ 01 Nov 2018 Walking in West Highlands talk by Carol Watson 06 Dec 2018 Singing for Fun - talk by Mr D Ogborn
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND Bradford-on-Avon
Mr M Wickham Secretary T: 01225 864541 E: lindamorgan1975@btinternet.com United Reformed Church Hall St. Margarets Street Bradford-on-avon BA15 1DD Second Monday of each month at 2.15pm (except Aug) 08 Oct 2018 Windy Ridge Cheese Co - talk & tasting with Melvin Glynn (MD) 12 Nov 2018 Medical Detection Dogs - talk by Maggie Christian 22 Nov 2018 Christmas Shopping Trip to Gloucester Quays 03 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at Leigh Park Hotel 14 Jan 2019 New Year Social (self catering) 11 Feb 2019 AGM & Quiz
Burnham-on-Sea
Mrs Joyce Beard Secretary/Treasurer T: 01278 782650 E: joyful18@live.co.uk Apex Park Marine Drive Burnham-on-sea Somerset TA8 3YY Fourth Tuesday in each month from 10.30am (except Aug)
Chippenham
David Gardner Chairman T: 01249 658431 Chippenham Museum 10 Market Place Chippenham SN15 3HF First Wednesday of each month at 2pm (except Aug)
Dawlish
Mrs M Carter Chairman T: 01626 888275 Various local restaurants, usually The Methodist Church Hall, Dawlish. Contact the Chairman for further information Third Wednesday of the month at 12 noon. 17 Oct 2018 Lunch at 12 noon 21 Nov 2018 Lunch at 12 noon 19 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch (Venue TBC)
Liskeard & Pensilva
Shirley Waye Chair/Secretary T: 01579 346089 E: shirleywaye@gmail.com Liskeard Public Hall (the Long Room) West Street Liskeard Cornwall PL14 6BW Last Wednesday of each month at 10am 31 Oct 2018 Christmas Bazaar 28 Nov 2018 Visit by CSRF Chief Executive David Tickner 29 Nov 2018 - 3 Dec 2018 Festive Break to Sidmouth 30 Jan 2019 Annual General Meeting
Princetown
Mike Fitzpatrick Secretary T: 01822 890799 E: mikeandkate3@talktalk.net Prince Of Wales Tavistock Road Princetown PL20 6QF First Thursday of the month at 12.30pm 18 Oct 2018 Last Coach trip for the year (includes brunch, trip and dinner) 01 Nov 2018 Voyage of the Mayflower: an illustrated talk by Mike Heywood
06 Dec 2018 Old Yelverton: an illustrated talk by Paul Rendell 20 Dec 2018 Christmas Party (including the Grand Christmas Draw and Lunch) 03 Jan 2019 3000 Years of History from under the sea: an illustrated talk by Ron Howell 07 Feb 2019 Dartmoor Conchies: an illustrated talk by Simon Dell 07 Mar 2019 Tales of A Prison Officer: talk by George Blake
Salisbury Plain
Mr Roy German Secretary T: 01980 653446 E: royandvi@live.co.uk The Village Hall High Street Durrington Salisbury SP4 8AD Third Tuesday of each month at 2.30pm (except Aug) 16 Oct 2018 Talk on SS Great Britain by L Caskie 23 Oct 2018 Outing to Windsor 20 Nov 2018 Talk on The Royal British Legion 27 Nov 2018 Outing to Street for Christmas Shopping 18 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch & Draw 15 Jan 2019 New Year Party 19 Feb 2019 Annual General Meeting 19 Mar 2019 TBA
Sidmouth
Joyce Johnson Social Secretary T: 01395 578966 E: brumasj@icloud.com Sidholme Hotel Elysian Fields Sidmouth EX10 8UJ Second Wednesday of each month at 10.25am and lunches listed as follows (12 for 12.30pm) 31 Oct 2018 Lunch at Ship Inn, Axmouth 28 Nov 2018 Lunch at Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth 12 Dec 2018 Lunch at either Sidmouth Golf Club or Ship Inn, Axmouth
Somerton
Clive White T: 01935 829019 The Two Brewers Leigh Road Street Somerset BA16 0HB Third Tuesday of the month at 11.30am
Tamar/Tavy (Tavistock)
David Askew Secretary T: 01822 612274 E: daveandjennyaskew@gmail.com Burrator Inn Princetown Road Dousland Yelverton PL20 6NP Second Thursday of the month at 12.30pm
Trowbridge
Sue Arnold Secretary T: 01225 761627 E: suearnoldwfh@blueyonder.co.uk First Wednesday of each month (coffee mornings) at The Wiltshire Yeoman Chilmark Road Trowbridge BA14 9DD at 10.30am and third Wednesday of each month (monthly meetings) at Trowbridge Cricket Club The County Ground Lower Court Trowbridge BA14 8PX at 2pm 17 Oct 2018 Speaker - Melvin Glynn “Windy Ridge Cheese - talk & taste”
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07 Nov 2018 Coffee morning at the Wiltshire Yeoman 21 Nov 2018 Wiltshire Air Ambulance 05 Dec 2018 Coffee morning at the Wiltshire Yeoman 12 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch - Note change of date 02 Jan 2019 Coffee morning at the Wiltshire Yeoman 16 Jan 2019 Annual General Meeting
Westbury (Wiltshire)
Mrs P Clark Secretary T: 01373 822892 Paragon Hall Haynes Road Westbury Wiltshire BA13 3HA Third Monday of each month at 1.45pm for 2pm 22 Oct 2018 Butlins: talk by Stephen Wells 24 Oct 2018 Autumn Dinner, Portland Heights Hotel 19 Nov 2018 Wildlife in Britain: talk by David Kjaer 21 Nov 2018 Outing to Reading 17 Dec 2018 Christmas Tea Party 07 Jan 2019 New Year Lunch & Grand Raffle, Cumberwell Park Golf Club, Bradford on Avon 18 Mar 2019 Talk: speaker TBA 20 Mar 2019 Outing to Bridport & West Bay 15 Apr 2019 Talk: speaker TBA 17 Apr 2019 Outing to Hereford
Westbury-On-Trym
Mr P McKenna Secretary T: 0117 950 2059 Studland Court Henleaze Road Henleaze BS9 4JY First Thursday of each month at 2pm (no meeting in Aug) 01 Nov 2018 Landing an aircraft through thick cloud: talk by Dickon Lovey 06 Dec 2018 Christmas lunch TBA 03 Jan 2019 Quiz 07 Feb 2019 Annual General Meeting 07 Mar 2019 60 Years of Broadcasting: talk by John Penny
Weston-super-Mare
Margaret Cole Chairperson T: 01934 514309 E: margaretcole@btinternet.com Friends Meeting House High Street Westonsuper-Mare BS23 1JF First and third Thursday of the month at 10am as well as outings shown here 09 Oct 2018 Trip to Moreton in Marsh/ Batsford 13 Nov 2018 Trip to Leamington Spa 15 Nov 2018 Craft Sale for Christmas gifts 11 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at The Commodore Hotel, Sand Bay. 21 Feb 2019 Coffee Morning Followed By Group Lunch 12 Mar 2019 Outing/Destination to be confirmed
Weymouth
Geoff Greenstreet Secretary T: 01305 832432. E: geoff.marion@btinternet.com Weymouth Bay Methodist Church,
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23 Melcombe Avenue, Weymouth, DT4 7TH Second Thursday of each month at 2.30pm (except Aug) and fourth Wednesday for Coffee mornings at the Coffee Shop in the Weymouth Bay Methodist Church Melcombe Avenue near Green Hill 08 Nov 2018 Roman Life: talk by John Smith 28 Nov 2018 Coffee Morning 13 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch
Yate & District
Donald Kirkham Chairman T: 01454 317242 E: donald@kirkham3.orangehome.co.uk Yate Parish Hall Station Road Yate BS37 4PQ Fourth Tuesday of the month at 2pm 23 Oct 2018 Golden Years of Sever Beach: talk by David Cheesley 27 Nov 2018 I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside: talk by John Penny 11 Dec 2018 Christmas Party 22 Jan 2019 AGM & Speaker TBC 26 Feb 2019 Speaker TBC 26 Mar 2019 Speaker TBC
LONDON & SOUTH EAST ENGLAND Enfield
Mrs Susan Bentley Secretary T: 020 8360 4361 St. Andrew’s Church Hall Silver Street Enfield EN1 3EG First Monday of the month at 10.30am (unless a Bank Holiday when it will be the second Monday). Refreshments available at all meetings from 10am until 10.20am 05 Nov 2018 Talk by Mrs Ann Cable MBE, DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London & Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Enfield 03 Dec 2018 Christmas Party 07 Jan 2019 Coast: from Whitby to Wales: an illustrated talk by Brenda Brown 04 Feb 2019 Annual General Meeting 04 Mar 2019 Pushkar Camel fair & Rajasthan in Northern India: an illustrated talk by Anne & John Wallington
Harrow
Mr John Pickard Chairman T: 020 8866 5708 E: ja.pickard@btinternet.com Elmfield Church 89 Imperial Drive North Harrow HA2 7DX. Last Tuesday of the month at 2pm 30 Oct 2018 33rd Anniversary Tea Party 27 Nov 2018 Stories of the Nile: talk by Frank Weare 29 Jan 2019 John’s New Year Quiz 26 Feb 2019 Dementia UK: talk by Helen McEryer 26 Mar 2019 Henry VIII & His Wives with Keith Lawrie & Group Annual General Meeting
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Hounslow
Roy Woods Chairman T: 020 8230 5533 United Reformed Church Hall 114 Hanworth Road Hounslow TW3 1UF Second Tuesday of the each month 1.30pm for 2pm 09 Oct 2018 Sale 13 Nov 2018 General Discussion Meeting 11 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at Cole Court Hotel, Twickenham 8 Jan 2019 Roy Woods ‘Travelogue’ - talk and slides 12 Feb 2019 AGM 12 Mar 2019 Birthday Tea
Kingston & District
Helen Stanley Secretary T: 020 8946 2768 Kingston Methodist Church Hall Avenue Road Kingston KT1 2UJ Third Tuesday of each month at 2pm
Leatherhead
Anne Thomson Secretary T: 01372 373258 E: anner.thomson@talktalk.net John Rumble Hall Fetcham Village Hall The Street Fetcham KT22 9QS First Friday of each month at 10am 05 Oct 2018 Mini Talks by Members 02 Nov 2018 Life in the Diplomatic Service: talk by Gabrielle Quinn 07 Dec 2018 Christmas Meeting 04 Jan 2019 No meeting 01 Feb 2019 Pilgrimage to the Holy Lane: talk by Anne Thomson 01 Mar 2019 Lunch Out 05 Apr 2019 Annual General Meeting followed by Bring & Buy Sale
London - Catford & Lewisham
Doreen Hughes Secretary T: 020 8461 4800 St Laurence Church Hall 37 Bromley Road Catford London SE6 2TS Second Tuesday of every month at 10am. We have a table top sale at each coffee morning - all donations will be gratefully received.
London – Croydon, Dulwich & Norwood
Susan Smith Secretary T: 020 8299 4065 E: s.smith521@btinternet.com Railway Club Selhurst Station Approach Selhurst SE25 5PL Fourth Tuesday of each month at 10.30am
London - East & South West Essex
David Hubbard Social Secretary T: 020 8550 1533 E: dhubbard777@gmail.com St. Andrew’s Church Hall The Drive Ilford IG1 3JQ Third Monday of the month at 1.30pm
London - Eltham
Phyllis Duignan Chair/Treasurer T: 020 8265 0810 E: phyllis.duignan@gmail.com United Reformed Church Sherard Hall Court Road Eltham SE9 5AD
Fourth Thursday of each month from 10am to 12 noon 25 Oct 2018 Coffee morning followed by a talk by Melanie Gibson on “Bruges - It’s more than just chocolate” 08 Nov 2018 Coach outing to Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Winchester 22 Nov 2018 Coffee morning followed by talk by Barbara Stevens on Trials & Tribulations of a public speaker 06 Dec 2018 Coffee morning followed by cards, bumper raffle & mince pies 13 Dec 2018 Christmas lunch at Sophie’s Choice
London – Greenwich Riverside
For more information contact Fellowship Office on 020 8691 7411 We meet at various venues in and around Greenwich (see listings for more information) Third Tuesday of the month from 11am to 1pm 16 Oct 2018 Coffee Morning at the Forum, Trafalgar Road, London SE10 9EQ 20 Nov 2018 Guided tour of Southwark Cathedral followed by refreshments in the Refectory Café. (Meet at 11am at Southwark Cathedral. Cost £10 per person) 18 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at City View Restaurant, Shooters Hill (Cost £15 per person attendance confirmed at Oct meeting) 15 Jan 2019 Cinema Pot Luck, Odeon IMAX Cinema, Greenwich SE10 0QJ (Meet at cinema at 10.30am. Cost £3 per person) 19 Feb 2019 Coffee Morning/Meeting at the Forum, Trafalgar Road, London SE10 9EQ 19 Mar 2019 Guided tour of the Brunel Museum, Rotherhithe (Cost £10 per person)
London - South West
Mrs Joan Cairns Secretary T: 020 8874 5228 4th Floor PCS HQ 160 Falcon Road Clapham Junction London SW11 2LN First Thursday of each month at 10.15am
Maidstone
Keith Hunter Chairman T: 01622 746792 Methodist Church Centre Brewer Street Maidstone ME14 1RU Second Monday of the month at 2pm 08 Oct 2018 Life in the Workhouse - talk by Helen Atkinson 12 Nov 2018 Games & Quiz Afternoon December No meeting - Christmas lunch tbc in local restaurant
Orpington
Peter Standen Vice Chairman T: 01689 833358 The Memorial Hall Methodist Church Sevenoaks Road Orpington BR6 9JH First Friday in the month at 1.45pm
Sanderstead & Selsdon
Ralph Perryman Local Contact T: 020 8657 3487 E: ralph.perryman172@btinternet.com Various venues for lunch, please contact Ralph Perryman for confirmation of lunch details
South East Middlesex
Mrs June Brown Secretary T: 020 8891 4680 E: junebrownuk@hotmail.com Various venues in and around Twickenham. Please contact the Secretary for further details. Booking information for all our trips is included in the newsletter which is available on request
Staines
Dorothy Dib Secretary T: 01932 788129 Lunch in restaurants in and around Staines Third Tuesday of each month
Sutton
Pam Davis Social Secretary T: 020 8641 2114 Friends Meeting House 10 Cedar Road Sutton SM2 5DA Last Monday of the month at 1.45pm to 3.30pm (except Aug) 15 Oct 2018 Lunch at the Nonsuch Inn, North Cheam 29 Oct 2018 Everyday First Aid: talk & demonstration by Red Cross 12 Nov 2018 Lunch at the Prince of Wales, Cheam Village
Spring/Summer Puzzle Solutions SODOKU: Easy
HARD
26 Nov 2018 American Supper (aka Bring,Share & Eat) 12 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at the Spaghetti Tree, Sutton 14 Jan 2019 Informal lunch (TBC) 28 Jan 2019 AGM & Social Afternoon 11 Feb 2019 Informal lunch (TBC) 25 Feb 2019 Droughts, deluges & dustdevils: talk by Ian Currie, the Croydon weather man 11 Mar 2019 Informal lunch (TBC) 25 Mar 2019 Talk: by manager of new Sainsburys store in central Sutton
Worcester Park
John Wright Secretary T: 020 8337 8965 E: johnandglenisw@gmail.com Old Malden Scout Hall 411 Malden Road Worcester Park KT4 7NY First Monday each month from 2pm to 4pm (if the first Monday is a Bank Holiday then meeting will be held on the second Monday) 05 Nov 2018 Fundraising Day including raffle, cake stall and fun quiz 03 Dec 2018 Christmas Lunch at the Hogsmill 07 Jan 2019 Trekking on Hadrian’s Wall with Teenage Cancer Trust: talk by Shirley Cornish 04 Feb 2019 Some of the Few: a talk about the Battle of Britain by Pat Elliott 04 Mar 2019 The Worcester Park Gunpowder Mills: talk by our busking Councillor George Crawford 01 Apr 2019 You the Jury: talk by Peter Thompson
No Group in your area? If you are interested in helping to establish a new group then we’d love to hear from you. Call the Chief Executive on 020 8691 7411 or email: enquiries@csrf.org.uk
Anagrams Masted Ram Amsterdam Taped Bus Budapest Crone Elf Florence Getters Burps St Petersburg Carbon Ale Barcelona Furled Doss Dusseldorf Change Open Copenhagen
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