Photos of Past Events and Outings
13th December 2023
Final Lunch of the Dover Ladies Club
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It’s the end of an era. Founded over 60 years ago at the Dover Stage Hotel, which is now a car park, the Dover Women’s Luncheon Club met for the first time. By 1993 it had transformed to the Dover Ladies Luncheon Club, meeting at Webb’s Hotel on Folkestone Road, then the Maison Dieu, until new building plans there led them to their final venue at the Best Western Marina Hotel on the Dover Esplanade.
With an aging membership, the heart breaking decision was taken to close the Club this month with an emotional but enjoyable Christmas Lunch at the Marina Hotel. What a splendid meal was served. Three guests of honour were invited to acknowledge their support: Val Ladbetter, who had been the Catering Manager at Maison Dieu, Pam Barr who Examined the Club’s accounts, and Webmaster Jean-Louis Van Lens. Chairman Margaret Barker received a token of thanks for her steady leadership through the Club’s final months. Adeline Reidy received a rousing round of applause and a gift in acknowledgement of her outstanding commitment to the Club for over 40 years. Members surprised each Committee member with a thank you gift. Nick Kelly performed rock and roll favourites, rounding off the afternoon leading all in singing “The White Cliffs of Dover” and “We’ll Meet Again”. Chairman Margaret thanked everyone for their support, regretting that she was in the one who had to bring to Club to an end. The spirit of friendship will live on.
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29th November 2023
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Back by popular demand, the Songbird trio performed a variety of well known gentle songs for us. The purity of Chrissy Grimsdale's voice, beautifully accompanied by keyboard player and guitar, gave us a moment of pure joy. We were transported to another world. What a delight |
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Songbird Website: songbirduk.com |
25th October 2023
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Writer and story teller Barry O'Brien was our guest speaker. He is well known locally as a long time contributor to Dover's Community Radio and the host and overseer at Dover Tales, a community led storytelling theatre. He succeeded in condensing the tale of the remarkable St Martin and why he is Patron Saint of Dover into just half an hour. It's a powerful and moving story. Several ladies had stories of their own which they shared with Barry. Our thanks to Barry to bringing to light the life of this neglected saint. |
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27th September 2023
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"Why We Need Girl Heroes" was the subject of Fiona Beddow's talk at the September lunch. It was fascinating to hear how the heroines she had read about in the past were reflected in the books she now writes. |
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26th July 2023
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Sharon Powell shared the emotional story of how, when tracing two separated siblings of her father, she discovered her Great Grandfather who fought and died in WWI. When visiting his grave in France, a chance encounter at the military cemetery with the local Mayor led them to being guests of honour at the 100th anniversary end of war celebrations in the village the following day. Sharon and her family were deeply touched to see how the local villagers honour their war dead, with their children joining in and singing. When Sharon looked through her photographs the following day, she was stunned to see a rainbow over the tower beside which her great grandfather had been killed. |
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28th June 2023
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Retired Royal Marine Musician, Steve Misson, was a great hit with the ladies. Not content to simply talk about his instruments and play them, he had everyone joining in with castanets or having "a go" at blowing a brass instrument. A great big thank you to Steve for providing such wonderful entertainment. |
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31st May 2023
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Elizabeth Weaver handed
over the role of Chairman to Margaret Barker |
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26th April 2023
Lunch celebrating the forthcoming Coronation of King Charles III
Click here to see photos and Video
Wednesday 22nd February 2023
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Melanie Gibson-Barton BSc (Hons) brought to life the history of the Belgian Royal Family, including the reigning King and Queen. Melanie’s wide-ranging, fully illustrated, fun talk uncovered tales of murder, mystery and madness connected with the Belgian Royal Family and showed extensive and surprising links with other royal families in England and across Europe. |
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| Club Chairman Liz Weaver and Melanie Gibson-Barton | Dawn Lawes and Melanie Gibson-Barton | |||
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Albert I, King of the Belgians |
Astrid, Queen of the Belgians |
Wednesday 25th January 2023
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Kerry Banks, BEM, is the Fund Raising and Events Officer for Martha Trust. She gave a passionate and inspiring talk about her role with the Trust. The Trust is a charity which supports young people and adults over the age of 18 who are unable to walk unaided and who have a moderate to profound learning disability and a moderate to profound physical disability. The staff encourage these people to explore the world around them and take an active role in their community, inspiring them to reach out and face new challenges and fulfil their potential. Coupled with her voluntary work at Breast Cancer, Kerry said she feels that she is really making a difference in people's lives, building long term and sustainable positive networks and relationships in her community and beyond. Members were left breathless by Kerry's drive and energy. A remarkable lady. |
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Club Chairman Liz Weaver and Kerry Banks |
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Kerry Banks with Club Members |
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Click on this link if you would like to know more about the Martha Trust. |
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2022 Christmas Lunch
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What a wonderful three course lunch we were served to celebrate Christmas. The room overflowed with friendship and Christmas spirit. Chairman Elizabeth Weaver led the singing of Christmas Caroles and Lesley Gordon challenged our minds with a light-hearted quiz as we indulged in tea or coffee and mince pies. The afternoon rounded off with a splendid raffle. Congratulations to the hotel staff for putting on a festive feast to remember. |
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| Christmas Spirit |
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Chairman Elizabeth Weaver |
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Main Course
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Raffle Table 2 winners |
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Christmas Pudding |
After dinner quiz by Lesley Gordon |
Wednesday 30th November
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What a delightful afternoon. Lisa Barrett-Smith serenaded members after lunch with a well-known repertoire of light jazz swing songs. Members tapped their feet and swayed to the gentle rhythms, joining in when Lisa accompanied herself of one of her collection saxophones. A magical step back in time. |
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Wednesday 26th October
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A natural story teller, speaker Bill Buter brought to life the history behind the Royal Marines Heritage Trail in Deal, going right back to 28 October 1664 at Deal Castle, with the formation of the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot, until they relocated to Portsmouth in 1996. Who can forget the Deal barracks bombing by the Provisional IRA on 22nd September 1989 when 11 Royal Marines musicians were killed and 21 wounded? Bill is the driving force behind the Royal Marines Heritage Trail. Although having never served in the Royal Marines, Bill married into a local Royal Marines family and moved back to Deal with his wife Sue in 1990. Invited to join the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust with Sue in 1996 by the Chairman and founding President, he stayed with the Trust for nearly 20 years as a Committee Member and Trustee during which time he led the production two hugely successful Anniversary DVDs of the Royal Marines Bandstand Summer Concerts commemorating the 20th and 25th Anniversaries of the Deal Barracks Bombing.
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If you would like to follow the trail, visit Royal Marines Heritage Trails – Deal & Walmer |
28th September 2022
George
Chittenden, founder of The History Project, brought to life Deal's history and
heritage through the ages, which grew from the location of the Goodwin Sands
providing a natural harbour. George's passion for his home town was
unmistakable, a passion he is passing on to children through "hands on"
adventures and discoveries. A true inspiration.
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French teacher and pupil reunited after 20 years |
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Roman invasion on the beach at Deal |
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Follow the link to learn more about The History Project: www.thehistoryproject.co.uk |
27th July 2022
Mark and Pam Bathurst of the Medway Queen Preservation Society told the story of this wonderful ship.
For more in formation visit: www.medwayqueen.co.uk
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Medway Queen ordered in 1923 and entered service on the Strood-Chatham-Southend-Herne Bay route the following year. |
Medway Queen requisitioned for the Royal Navy in 1939 and converted for mine-sweeping. She played key part in 'Operation Dynamo' in May-June 1940 when Medway Queen and her crew made seven return trips across the Channel to bring the men home. The ship's crew estimated that they evacuated 7,000 men while shooting down three Axis aircraft. |
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After the war, Medway Queen suffered hull damage and became semi-submerged in the river Medina. |
After many years of frustration and hard work the society secured the backing of the Heritage Lottery Fund and, later, the European Regional Development Fund to rebuild the ship's hull and establish a base and workshop at Gillingham Pier. Medway Queen was towed back home and is now moored at Gillingham Pier where she can be visited.
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29th June 2022
Guy Bartlett's passion for the Avro Vulcan Bomber was impossible to resist.
From conception, to the then longest bombing run in history to reach the Falkland Islands, to its sad end, Guy brought the story of this versatile bomber to life.
With no spare parts available, the Vulcan's flying days were over, despite the public's deep affection for it. The iconic image lives on.
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8th June 2022
Celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee
Over 70 members and guests indulged in nostalgia as they viewed a film put together by Mike McFarnell chronicling Dover in the 1950s and 60s.
A first class selection of scones and cakes was served at the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club.
A resounding three cheers for Her Majesty ended the celebrations in style.
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25th May 2022
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Members held their AGM and celebrated HM Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee |
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Chairman Liz Weaver with guest speaker Martin Crowther |
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Treasurer Eileen |
Martine and Georgette taking bookings for September outing |
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27th April 2022
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Pam Barr spoke about an
experience that touched her heart while visiting Malawi, which led to
her raising funds to buy mosquito nets. This simple gift protects the
health and therefore the lives of entire families, who are too poor to
buy nets themselves. |
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Pam Barr with locally made gifts, photos of Pam in action with the local people, and the Club's collection box |
30th March 2022
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What a treat was in store for
members at the March lunch. Brian Flood, the Vice Chairman and Company
Secretary of the Dover Transport museum, showed nostalgic slides of
Dover streets and a gave a glimpse into a bygone age through the story
of Dover trams. “Leeds first, Dover second, the rest nowhere” he told us
was the watchword when Dover Corporation set up its tramway system,
which became the envy of the country in 1897. Dover was booming as a
town and port with its military garrison and recently expanded Naval
harbour. Previously there was not even electricity in the town but on
the recommendation of various prominent citizens, including William
Crundall, trams were introduced. Brian received a warm round of applause
and was assured that the Club with arrange a group visit in the near
future. |
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23rd February 2022
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Mr Simon Fisher, the Headmaster
of Dover College, brought to life the history of the College, |
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Elizabeth Weaver, Chairman, with, left, Simon Fisher, Headmaster of Dover College, and, right, Jean-Louis Van Lens, DLLC Webmaster |
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The Dover College |
The College Refectory |
26th January 2022
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24th November 2021
Speaker Janet Barkway told as how she came to discover the story of Sister Edith Appleton purely by chance when she picked out a book at random to read when working as a nanny to a young child. Imagine her amazement when she discovered that Nurse Appleton lived in Golden Street in Deal, a short distance from her own address. Janet's interest was peaked and her research led her to meet Edith's great-nephew, Dick, where she learned more about Edith's extraordinary life. Edith was a Sister in Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve in Northern France throughout the Great War. Often working near the front line and under fire, she wrote an amazing daily journal. The diaries were rediscovered, having laid in a succession of family drawers for almost 50 years, following her death at her home in Brightstone on the Isle of Wight in 1958. Thanks to the Deal Society, there is now a Blue Plaque on the wall of the house where she lived in Golden Street.
For more information, visit: anurseatthefront.org.uk
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Speaker Janet Barkway on the left |
Sister Edith Elizabeth Appleton, OBE RRC (Royal Red Cross, 1st Class), Médaille de la Reine (presented by the Kingdom of Belgium for Humanitarian and medical care to Belgian victims of the First World War) |
27th October 2021 Lunch
"My Life as a film star"
was the subject of Tony Harris's talk at our October lunch. This was a
light-hearted look behind the scenes at film making, with particular reference
to Tony's part as a Baptist Minister in a BBC TV "Docu-Drama" film on "Dunkirk".
It was no exaggeration when Tony said "blink and you will miss me" but his fun
sense of humour gave us a glimpse of what goes on behind the camera. Here is a
photo of the Methodist Chapel in Whitstable which was transformed into a Baptist
Chapel in Essex for the film.
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"The Kearsney Stitchers" at Kearsney Abbey
on Wednesday 8th September 2021
Members and guests met at the newly refurbished oak lined Billiard Room at Kearsney Café for a talk by Beverley Williams and Wendy Ward, representing the five members of the "Kearsney Stitchers". It was inspiring to learn how the five finely decorated stitched textile panels were created, inspired by two of Dover’s best-loved public parks, which have taken pride of place that room. We were in awe of the skill and creativity of the ladies. A warm friendly atmosphere prevailed as we enjoyed home made scones, a slice of cake and tea and coffee provided by the café's excellent catering staff. To add to our delight, we were the first group to meet in this room and the first to be addressed by Beverley and Wendy.
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"Kearsney Stitchers" Beverley Williams and Wendy Ward |
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A page from Wendy's "reference folder" demonstrating the detailed planning that went into each panel |
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Lunch on 25th August at the Marina
Hotel, Dover
Speaker Barry O'Brien talked to us about Fort Burgoyne,
situated on the hill opposite Dover Castle. The fort was built to prevent
an enemy establishing batteries on the high ground opposite the castle, thus
providing protection on its vulnerable landward side. The fort is name
after the 19th century General John Fox Burgoyne, Inspector-General of Fortifications
and son of the John Burgoyne who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
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Members and guests visited Highclere Castle on 5th August, a cold and rainy day.
Despite an unexpectedly long coach journey and queue
to enter, we were not disappointed by the splendour of the castle. Photos of
the 8th Earl and family were juxtaposed with those of the famous Downton Abbey characters, as though we were viewing two
different worlds. Highclere was used as a hospital
during WWI, paralleling the story of Downton
Abbey. Lady Edith’s bedroom in the TV series was actually used as an
operating theatre. To add to the delights of the day we discovered the
Egyptian exhibition. This records the story of the 5th Earl’s excavations on
the west bank from 1905 and then the extraordinary discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922 by Howard Carter and
the 5th Earl. The weather did not dampen our spirits at all. An extraordinary day.
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The saloon, the heart of the house |
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Celebrate Christmas in June? What a strange idea.
That is exactly what 63 Members and Guests of the Dover Ladies Luncheon Club did on 30th June
The lunch had been postponed several times and even gone through a change a venue after the closure Dover Town Hall.
The Best Western Marina Hotel in Dover is the new venue and this was the first lunch.
What joy for the ladies to meet after so many months of isolation. Conversation flowed.
The hotel prepared a first class delicious Christmas meal served by friendly and efficient staff.
An excellent start in every possible way.
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Christmas Lunch on 30th June 2021 |
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January 2020 lunch. Doug Bannister, CEO Dover Harbour Board. |
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27th November 2019 Speaker Bob Ogley on Doodlebugs Over Kent |
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October Lunch Speaker Anne Chance, OBE on Icelandic Adventures |
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9th October 2019 Trip to Brighton |
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September 2019 Lunch Jack Foley Internationally acclaimed singer and all round entertainer *** Video *** |
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Jack Foley and Adeline Reidy celebrating her birthday |
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June 2019 Lunch Speaker Siobhan Clarke on the Execution of the Romanov Family |
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May 2019 Lunch Speaker Rev John Winn on Heraldry in the Stone Hall |
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April 2019 Lunch Speaker Elizabeth Taylor from Alzheimer's Society on "Someone I Knew" |
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Trip to Boulogne on 3rd April 2019 - Lunch at Brasserie Hamiot
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March 2019 Lunch Speaker: Peter Wellspring "Air Traffic Control - How Safe Are Our Skies" |
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February 2019 Lunch Speaker Frances Smith A Mongolian Experience |
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January 2019 Speaker: Mary Smith A School Girl's War |
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Christmas Lunch 12th December 2018 |
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Christmas Quiz Winners
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November 2018 Lunch Fiddle and Faff |
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October and November 2018 Mystery Lunches |
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October Lunch Guide Dogs for the Blind Speaker: Doreen Sim
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and "Dougie" |
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26th September 2018 Lunch Martin Lloyd Passports, Assassins, Traitors and Spies
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27th June 2018 Lunch
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Speaker: Brian Cumming MBE Chelsea Pensioner |
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30th May 2018 Royal Wedding Celebration Lunch |
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25th April 2018 Lunch Janet Dean Spying in World War I
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28th March 2018 Speaker: Melanie Gibson-Barton Bruges: It's More Than Chocolates ! |
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6th March 2018 |
Daytrip to the Postal Museum, London
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28th February 2018 |
Ian Porter Beautiful Bloomsbury and its Philanthropists |
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31st January 2018 |
Speaker Avril Woolf |
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13th December 2017 |
Christmas Lunch |
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17th Oct 2017 |
Lunch Paul Turner The Marlowe Theatre |
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11th Oct 2017 |
Strawberry Hill House |
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27th Sep 2017 |
Fiddle and Faff |
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28th June 2017 |
Magician Chris Davison |
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31st May 2017 |
Lunch with DAPA Dance Group |
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24th May 2017 |
Battle of Britain Memorial Capel Le Ferne |
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Older pictures momentarily unavailable |
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8th March 2017 |
Royal Hospital Chelsea Visit |
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February 2017 Lunch |
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January 2017 |
Speaker Joe Mendell "Bob Newhart Rides Again" |
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December 2016 |
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November 2016
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Speaker Brian Freeland "A View from the Wings" |
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October 2016 |
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September 2016 |
Speaker Anna Astin (2nd from left) Chairman Norma Nunn (2nd from right) with club members |
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29th May 2016 Queen's Birthday Celebration |
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25th May 2016 New Committee 2016 |
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25th May 2016 Handover Chairmanship |
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25th May 2016 Avril Woolf performing Joyce Grenfell's "Stately as a Galleon"
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11th May 2016 Daytrip to Calais |
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27th April 2016 Graham Tutthill "My Time in Court"
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24th February 2016 Talk on the Real Downton Abbey
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Dena Butcher retires as Committee Member January 2016 |
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27th Jan 2016 |
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Talk on the R
V Coleman Trust |
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2015 Christmas Lunch |
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25th November 2015 Talk on Folkestone WW1 Commemorative Arch
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4th November 2015 Tour of Dover Harbour |
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28th October Lunch |
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September 2015 Lunch |
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AGM 27th May 2015 |
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Wallets Court afternoon tea and talk by Lea Oakley (5th from left). 6th May 2015 |
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Lunch 25th March 2015
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Visit to Victoria and Albert Museum - 11th March 2015 |
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Boat Trip on River Medway on 7th May 2014 |
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Special "1940s" Lunch on 25th June 2014 |
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Visit to RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey, on 6th July 2014 |
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