2024 Activity Reports
If you were there you can Reminisce
If you were not there you'll know what you Missed
If your NOT a member you can see what you're Missing! - Contact Addrienne Campbell-Lawrence for membership enquiries via the "Contact Us" tab above.
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17th December 2024 Tenpin Bowling Group Christmas Lunch
16 members of the Tenpin Bowling group had a Christmas Lunch at The Potting Shed as is traditional for this group.
Our thanks to Dave & Viv Flexman the tenpin bowling group leaders for again organising this annual event and all the monthly meetups we have throughout the year.
16th December 2024 Main Meeting: Christmas Party
Our penultimate event this year was our annual Christmas Party, an event open to all full & honorary members, 113 enjoyed being entertained by Chicory Tip (1960;s 1970's Pop Group) Mulled Wine and Mince Pies were served to the members by the Committee and members of the tea Team.
Our thanks to all those who contributed to making this event so enjoyable.
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9th December 2024 Annual Christmas Lunch
Our Christmas Lunch was held at The Weald of Kent Golf Club, where 100 of our members enjoyed a superb 3 course lunch in beautiful surroundings and décor topped off by excellent company.
Our thanks to Bob & Barbara Abnett for their hard work in organising this wonderfull event.
5th December 2024 Social Meeting: Racing Dolly Birds
Our ever popular annual Racing meeting was attended by 75 of our members who place bets on what "Dolly Bird" they favoured to win. all stakes went into the winning pot and was shared between the winners.
The races consist of a long mat (marked similar to a board game) with stands topped with figures, this year was "Dolly Birds" (we also have horses, reindeer, & snowmen) dice are rolled to determine which Dolly Bird is selected and a second dice dictates how many places it is advanced along the mat. 4 races were held during the meeting. Pictures Curtesy of Bob Abnett.
3rd December 2024 Tenpin Bowling
Our tenpin Bowling group each year have a ladies and men's trophy that is presented to our highest scorer through the year.
This year the trophies were won by Pauline Lock who attained 134 at our March meetup
and Graham Morecraft who scored 144 today giving him the highest score of the year.
The photos to the right and below show our 2024 champions Pauline Lock and Graham Morecraft with our group leader Dave Flexman after the presentation of trophies and bottle. Well done to you both.
Highest scores today were: Ladies: Diane Huddart 111 and Men: Graham Morecraft 144.
26th November 2024 Greatdays Holidays Motown Christmas Lunch Party at the Great Danes Hotel.
55 of our members joined 130 members of other ARA's, WI groups and various friendship groups making a total of 185 people to enjoy almost 5 hours of singing dancing an organised quiz, a charity raffle, and a 3 course set Christmas lunch.
Our thanks to the talented Greatdays Holidays team and the staff at the Great Danes Hotel for providing an enjoyable day.
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18th November 2024 Main Meeting Featuring Mrs Judy Knight "Christmas in Wartime"
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Our speaker today was Mrs Judy Knight who gave us a very good insight into the wartime Christmas's and the considerable resourcefulness of the housewives of the day in providing decorations within the home given the constraints of the Blackout regulations, shortages of almost everything and of course rationing.
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As can be seen Judy has many authentic items on the table behind her from the 1940's that many of us could remember from our childhoods.
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As an added bonus she was adorned in clothes of the time including a "Wartime Roll" hair style that proved to be incompatible with our 21st century head set radio microphone that needed some reworking to remain in place.
14th November 2024 KentARA Tenpin Tournament
BeARA entered 1 Ladies team and 1 Men's team for the KentARA 2024 tournament.
Unfortunately our teams were not victorious both coming in 7th position in their respective categories. Our Ladies team achieved a collective score of 798 over the 3 games while our men totalled 940.
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5th November 2024 Tenpin Bowling
13 of our members attended our monthly meet up, and we were pleased to welcome 2 new bowlers. Christmas must be coming as the bowling ally was playing a selection of Christmas music.
Our highest scores today were achieved by:
Ladies: Sue Humphrey 112
Men: Peter Humphrey 125
28th October 2024 Walk Bi-Monthly walk with David Leech.
15 members enjoyed a m4 mile walk with David Leech (Unfortunately Janet was unable to join us)
After meeting in a carpark i n East Malling we walked across country and footpaths through fields and farms arriving at the Manor Park Country Park Cafe where we enjoyed a coffee before retracing our steps back to East Malling.
Thank you again David for organising this walk.
Towards the end of the walk a trio of Bi-Planes flew over us. We believe they were equipped with Wing Walking frames but are not visible on this photo.
Photo Curtesy of Bob Abnett
21st October 2024 Main Meeting Featuring: Lucy Allen 'Black Cats; Broomsticks & Bellatrix!' Who were the witches?
At our meeting today we were entertained by Lucy Allen who provided us with an extraordinary talk about the history of witches, coming up with some disguises along the way. A power point presentation also provided us with some pictorial images on this subject.
Quite appropriate with Halloween just around the corner.
3rd October 2024 Social Outing O2 & Battersea Power Station
Awaiting Report
1st October 2024 Tenpin Bowling
Our monthly meetup was attended by 10 members for 3 games. Our top scores today were:
Ladies: Pauline Lock 102
Men: Peter Humphrey 124
23rd September 2024 Bi-Monthly Walk
7 members joined David & Janet for the rescheduled and reduced walk originally scheduled for July and around Faversham Creek.
Due to several regular walkers being on the Montenegro holiday the planned walk was reduced to Vinters Park nature reserve and Mote Park, still most enjoyable for those who participated.
Again our thanks to David & Janet Leech for organising this walk.
14th - 23rd September 2024 Montenegro Holiday
A group of our members travelled to Montenegro for a 7 day holiday.
The first Photos sent show rather strange procedures for climbing or descending steps. An explanation was, the participants were actually climbing up the rock pictured in the other photo to explore the chapel. Those pictured are Rita Dolton and Dave Finch.
Our Chairman's / Organiser's Report of the Holiday, Scroll down for more Photos.
Our Holiday to Montenegro…….
It was early, very early, on the morning of Monday 16th September 2024, when a group of members wearily boarded our Carrs Coach for the journey to Gatwick. Everyone was early, as usual, at that time of the morning. So after ensuring that we had all our passengers and their luggage on board, we headed off at 3.20am along the M20, M25, M26. and M23, to the airport. As expected, there was little traffic, and arrived in good time.
At Gatwick, bearing in mind the time of day, the place was heaving with passengers all trying to get away on their holidays. Having identified our cases, and with everyone having got their boarding passes online, we went straight to the Bag Drop Off Area. For some it went well, others not so well, but we helped each other, and proceeded through the Duty-Free Shopping area at The North Terminal to the lounge area, where we were able to have coffee/tea, drinks from the bar, and a good English Breakfast, all courtesy of Saga Travel, free of charge. After a good rest it was time to board our Easyjet flight to Tivat in Montenegro, with a take off time of 7am. Although slightly late in taking off we arrived on time at 11am local time.
Thu sun was shining, as we boarded our coaches to the 4 Star Plus Hotel Palas in Petrovac, situated on the coast of The Adriatic Sea. It was a large Hotel, and after being given our rooms which all had a sea view, we went to have lunch, as part of our All Inclusive deal. We soon met Dragan Latkovic, our Saga host, who was excellent in helping and advising our group with any questions they had. Several arranged with him to go on excursions during the week to places such as the old town of Budva, the beautiful Skada Lake, the fjord like setting of Kotor, as well as the opportunity to visit Albania, and a tour of Montenegro. There was no obligation to go on the tours, but those that went were very happy with what they saw and did. Our Hotel was right on a promenade, leading to shops, restaurants, and a lovely quaint harbour. There was also a beach where several of us went for a swim and sunbathe.
The hotel was disappointing. and 4 Star Plus Status questionable. Some members reported various items missing or not working. Having a shower on the first morning, I pulled a cord thinking that it was an extractor fan, only to find that it came away from the wall in my wet hand and bearing all the live wires. When I studied it closely it was an SOS chord, but nobody came rushing to me thank goodness ! We soon realised that there was a stomach virus doing the rounds, which affected some members. The food was plentiful, and the wine available at all meals except for breakfast ! The hotel was also crowded with lots of French guests. The entertainment was good, and the Saga lounge was always available to sit, chat, read a book, do a crossword or even play a game of scrabble !!
Having walked down to the small harbour on the first morning with 3 others we were asked if we wanted a boat ride out to a local island. In all 8 of us ventured out there with some getting off to venture up to the small church at the top. It was steep, and the handrail had become rusty over the years, so we could not rely on that ! Well we did it, and we rang the bell to announce our being there. There was a lovely view from the top, but an even better one as we tried to come down on our hands and legs, much to everyone's laughter. As we got back onto the boat, and passed the naturists beach, some of us were aware that our back sides were wet, and paraded them for all to see !
On our last day, Dragan took us on a glass bottom boat to see the many sights along the coastline, together with a commentary. This was followed by a cocktail party on the terrace with our host, and a chance to say goodbye to other guests we had met over the week. Our journey home was uneventful, and we arrived back in Grove Green at approx. 5pm on Monday 23rd September.
We all had a good time, albeit with the sickness around, and it was good to see members chatting with each other during the week, making new friendships, and finding out more about the membership. My thanks to everyone who has sent cards, e mails and phone calls to thank me for organising such a holiday, and I hope that we can do it again in 2025.
Dave.
Below is a group shot of all the Saga Holidaymakers in the group including Non-BeARA members.
Lynda FaulknerBelow are some more photos from Lynda Faulkner
Lynda FaulknerThe Gent was riding one bike and the other at his side, he had a mishap when his flip-flops got caught in the wheel!!
9th September 2024 Main Meeting Featuring The Nick Bosworth Bash
One of our favourite entertainers Nick Bosworth played many of our much loved songs and tunes with his fabulous music and intermingled humour and banter keeping us all entertained for his just over the hour slot.
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Thank you Nick for another superb afternoon.
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3rd September 2024 Tenpin Bowling
Our monthly meetup was attended by 14 members for 3 games. our top scores today were:
Ladies: Pauline Lock 105
Men: Graham Morecraft 137
19th August 2024 Main Meeting with Speaker: Sue Parker - Nutley "An Actors Life For Me"
Today we enjoyed a fantastic talk about the life of the thousands of NOT so well known Actors and Actresses across the media world.
We were informed about the strange method of "interviewing" and auditioning prospective Actors and Actresses across the industry ranging from film productions, TV parts and of course advertising.
Speaking for almost an hour we had a sample of her many speaking accents including Pam Ayres poems' a song and a particularly hilarious rendition of a poem about a Christmas Cake Recipe.
For more information about Sue Parker-Nutley visit her website by Clicking Here
Thank you Sue for a most enjoyable afternoon.
8th August 2024 Mystery Tour
Although the sun was shining at the start of our Mystery Tour, we all had a good day out, with some rain falling on our way home. As the full coach of 53 members started out on our journey.
Our first stop was at The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells, for those to sit and have a cup of coffee, or to stretch ones legs before the next stop, where ever that was to be! Our group found a sunny spot outside The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, and waited to be served. After a short time, I and two other ladies went into the Hotel, where we were greeted by a young man on reception. Looking at me, he said in a posh voice, "Are we looking for a room for three Sir?, to which I replied "No, just a few coffee's thankyou".
Well we continued our journey in a southerly direction into the County of Sussex, and headed towards Eastbourne. Ah, That's where we're going, said one! By this time everyone was wanting some food, and when we turned along a narrow lane at Normans Bay on the Pevensey Marshes, some realised where we were going. We stopped at the delightful "Star Inn" where we were ushered in, to sit down to look at our free three course menu, all paid for in the ticket price. After a lovely well-presented and tasty meal we continued our journey towards Battle where we had a comfort stop. Before leaving we asked David our driver, to pick out two numbers for the two M and S vouchers, valued at £15 and £10, also provided in the ticket price. Congratulations to Daphne Pierce and Jean Webb.
Dave Finch.
Our thanks to Dave Finch for organising this most enjoyable day.
23rd July 2024 Racing at Lingfield Race Course.
A group of 54 had a great afternoon at the races. We were joined by some friends from MaidARA, CalARA and LoARA. Setting off from Grove Green we arrived just before the first race. Everyone managed to eat and drink and, after a slow start getting to grips with the bookies, we all managed to place bets on most races. There were both winners and losers but it was a very enjoyable experience.
So lucky with the weather and we returned back about 7pm to count up our winnings!!
Thanks to everyone for making it such a lovely afternoon and in fact a number have asked whether we could do it again.
15th July 2024 Main Meeting Graham's Summer Soiree.
101 members attended our Summer Soiree again provided by our resident DJ Graham Morecraft, we were also provided by a set of songs sung by our own member Chrissie Sandell.
4th July 2024 Social Outing Kentish Lady River Cruise inc. Fish & Chips.
The sun shone on the 54 members of BeARA who went on a lovely relaxing 3 hour cruise up the river Medway to Teston on the Kentish Lady.
Once everyone was seated we were given our fish and chip lunch and a hot drink, we could then buy further drinks from the bar.
The crew looked after us very well, describing the various landmarks and history as we went by, and navigated the locks smoothly.
Whilst everyone chatted amongst themselves, we were able to have a good nosy at the houses and properties along the river bank.
We saw families of swans, geese, ducks and lots of dragonfly's.
On our return and with time to spare we went under the two main bridges in Maidstone before turning back by the football stadium, docking back where we started.
Some photos taken during the event by curtesy of Lee Skam.
2nd July 2024 Tenpin Bowling
Our regular monthly meet up was attended by just 7 members, although a small group and scores today were quite low an enjoyable session was had by the attendees. Top Scores today were:
Ladies: Diane Huddart - 113 Well done Diane.
Men: Grahame Lock - 112
21st June 2024 Mid-Summer Charity Disco
Our first Mid-Summer Charity Disco was very much enjoyed by over 50 of our members, with most of the expenses being paid by BeARA, the entry ticket included a lucky number for a prize and a collection bucket was taken round for donations.
The Evening commendably swelled our club's chosen charity fund by £419.00 our thanks to our generous participants who supported this event.
Our thanks also to Bob & Barbara Abnett for organising this event and to Graham Morecraft for providing the disco.
17th June 2024 Main Meeting: Featuring Ciara Considine "Relaxation & Vitality through Music"
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At today's main meeting we were entertained by Ciara Considine who provided a near record crowd of 119 members with song sheets and had us singing at the top of our voices. With a huge amount of audience participation the vast majority of the attendees seemed to thoroughly enjoy the afternoon.
For more information about Ciara visit her website by Clicking Here.
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7th June 2024 Social Outing Brick Lane Music Hall.
On arrival at Brick Lane Music Hall it was not the classic picture of a theatre one expects to see. Being a repurposed former church.
Once inside the transformation is stunning with full stage lighting, sound system, bar and catering facilities to complete the atmosphere ready for a fabulous 3 course lunch and then our show entitled "From Rock to Pop".
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From the decade of rock "n" roll, through to the iconic '60's, and onto the '70's we were taken on a journey with fun, comedy and great music all the way.
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For more information about Brick Lane Music Hall Click Here.
Our Chairman's Report on this trip.
Wow! what a lovely outing we had on Friday (7th June), to The Brick Lane Music Hall in the East End of London. Although arriving there a little early, better early than being late, at 12:15pm we were allowed into this beautiful church, which was transformed into a Music Hall over 30 years ago, by the owner Vincent Hayes. We had excellent seats close to the stage, where we were served our 3 course meal of soup, Roast Chicken, with vegetables and potatoes, finished by a lovely cheesecake. It really was delicious. After a short break, to replenish our drinks, look around the building, or just pay a visit to the loo, the 2 hour show of music from the 50's 60's and 70's commenced. The six dancers/singers were excellent, getting us to sing along to all the music we love so much. Every now and then, Vincent would come on stage and bring tears of laughter with his humour and wit to the audience. A day to remember for a long time to come..
Our thanks to Dave Finch our Chairman for organising this fabulous trip.
4th June 2024 Tenpin Bowling
11 members attended our monthly meetup for our three games with best scores over 100
Ladies: Pauline Lock - 110
Men: Grahame Lock 121
Well done to team Lock
3rd June 2024 Bi-Monthly Walk with David & Janet Leech
A very good number of 19 walkers joined the walk from Teston Bridge Country Park for a 3 mile circular walk in good sunshine and a comfortable temperature.
It was encouraging to welcome some new members and nearly new members returning for their 2nd walk with us.
Most adjourned to a pup afterwards for lunch that is the normal custom.
Our thanks to David & Janet for organising this event.
14-22 May 2024 Holiday To Rhodes
Our ten day holiday to Rhodes.
(More to follow)
13th May 2024 Main Meeting featuring the return of Nick Kelly "Duck Soup"
Today we were please to welcome the return of Nick Kelly also known as "Duck Soup" who again played many of our favourite songs from the 60's, 70's and the Rock & Roll Era.
A good turn out of 94 members attended.
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7th May 2024 Tenpin Bowling
9 members joined in this month's meetup with top scorer's this month being:
Ladies Pauline Lock 130 well done Pauline for being top scorer of the day.
Men Dave Flexman 125
22nd April 2024 Main Meeting Featuring Speaker Richard Griffin Former Royal Protection Officer to the late Queen and the late Prince Philip.
Wow! Today yet another attendance record was set with 122 members who attended the well publicised event where we were privileged to welcome Richard Griffin former Royal Police Protection Officer to the late Queen and Late Prince Philip and what an interesting talk it was.
With a PowerPoint Presentation of many photographs of the Royal Family of which related to incidents and experiences he had encountered during the many years of his career.
There was also a table displaying many of his treasured mementoes including many photos medals and certificates etc.
Richard indeed kept our attention for a solid hour. Fabulous talk and his fee and donations were to Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust that was of course our chosen charity for 2023.
16th April 2024 Tenpin Bowling
Our monthly meet up of our regular bowlers had just 7 members bowling, this was due to a number of factors, we were 2 weeks late as we avoid the school holidays when possible and we had several of our group away on a BeARA holiday to Torquay. Never the less we had an enjoyable session with the top scorers this month being:
Ladies: Diane Huddart - 105
Men: Grahame Lock - 111
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15th-19th April 2024 5 Day 4 nights holiday to Torquay.
For those who went on our holiday to Torquay enjoyed the 5 day break away. They certainly got about, by going on the steam train along the coast, using the ferry over the River Dart, followed by a relaxing hours cruise. They went deep underground in The Kent Cavens which was most interesting, and some took a bus ride to Brixham on their day off, using their bus passes!! A nice hotel, perhaps dated, with good food and clean rooms, but they made the most of the amenities, the two indoor swimming pools, the lovely spa, the nightly entertainment, and the FREE drinks each evening from 6 to 11pm. They also had the time to venture out to see a very good variety show in Babbicombe one evening, and with 3 of our ladies winning the Bingo during the week, everyone was happy.
Some 38 of our members enjoyed break to Torquay below are just a few pictures of the holiday.
Pictures Curtesy of Dave Finch & Gillian Alexander
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4th April 2024 Social Meeting Beetle Drive
65 of our members attended our ever popular Beetle Drive we arranged for our April Social Meeting.
25th March 2024 Bi-Monthly Walk with David & Janet Leech
Fourteen of our members joined David & Janet making a total of Sixteen at The Sugar Loves Pub carpark for a most enjoyable walk around Hollingbourne. Most returning to The Sugar Loves Pub for lunch.
It was good to welcome 5 new walkers to the group including Pete who is one of our newest Associate members.
Once again our thanks to David & Janet for organising this walk.
18th March 2024 Main Meeting Featuring Rob T. Ukulele Genius
100 of our members attended a most enjoyable afternoon with Rob T. playing the Electric Ukulele and singing many of our favourite songs. We were also treated to a cabaret of Irish tap dancing by one of our talented members Marilyn Harris, well done Marilyn.
Any member who attended this meeting and was unable to see Marilyn's intricate footwork should login to the members area and follow the link on the "Members Home Page" for a video clip.
7th March 2024 Social Meeting Musical Afternoon with our own D J Graham
It was so nice to see almost 70 of our members attend our March Social Meeting, with our own D J Graham Morecraft officiating with the entertainment.
It is also always gratifying for the committee to see members enjoying themselves on the dance floor.
5th March 2024 Tenpin Bowling.
Our meetup today was attended by 9 members with top scores being:
Ladies Pauline Lock - 134
Men
Dave Flexman - 114
12th February 2024 Main Meeting AGM
Our AGM meeting today was very well attended with 115 members present and commenced with a presentation of a cheque for monies raised for our members chosen charity Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance for which a total of £1,568.88 was raised throughout 2023 and presented to the KSS Air Ambulance Representative Fran, who gratefully received the cheque.
Prior to the AGM formalities we were given a presentation on "Managing Arthritis by Kyle Blackburn.
It was amazing how Kyle was able to present such a serious subject with such a humorous presentation on the various types of Arthritis what the effects are and how to live with the symptoms, this was particularly interesting to to our members given the type of association we are.
Our thanks to Kyle for his presentation today and we hope to see him in the future.
After our traditional cup of tea and biscuit it was down to the normal business that included voting for our chosen charity for 2024 that was McMillen Cancer Support by a narrow margin.
At the April 2023 Committee Meeting it was decided by those present (the webmaster was absent due to testing positive for Covid at the time) to present the member who logged in to the members area of our website the most times during 2023 with a small prize at the end of the year.
Having noticed the winner Eileen Dunn enter the hall prior to the meeting all was set for the presentation after the end of the webmaster's report.
BUT! Unbeknown to the committee Eileen had to leave early due to a migraine so was unable to accept her prize.
Thankfully Val Fuller offered to deliver the flowers to her door,
Thank you Val.
6th February 2024 Tenpin Bowling
We as usual had our monthly Tenpin Bowling get together with 15 members participating. I was nice to welcome 3 new bowlers tour group. Highest scorers above 100 today were:
Ladies: Pauline Lock - 100
Men : Grahame Lock - 120 Certainly a family affair with "Team Lock" taking the lead.
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1st February 2024 Social Meeting Games Afternoon
Our second Social Meeting of the year was attended by 61 members who had a most enjoyable afternoon playing a varied array of board games.
29th January 2024 Bi-Monthly Walk
9 members took part in the January bi-monthly walk around Kingshill, David our walk leader took the trouble to research the area and provided us with a guided tour giving us an interesting insight into the various points of interest, statues, works of art etc. On returning back to where we started the men adjourned to the Spitfire Pub for a pre meal drink, the ladies found a lengthy distraction in the form of some retail therapy in the Sue Ryder Charity shop.
Our thanks again to Davis & Janet for organizing this walk.
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15th January 2024 Main Meeting: CONCORDE A Supersonic Coverup
We had a near record number of members (112) attend our January Main Meeting where everyone enjoyed a fantastic speaker Mr Guy Bartlett about CONCORDE in general but in particular the circumstances surrounding the tragic crash.
Clearly he has delved very deeply into the official crash report and compiled a very interesting and informative presentation.
We look forward to having him back for another presentation in the future about why Concorde is not flying today!
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9th January 2024 Tenpin Bowling.
10 members enjoyed our three games at our monthly session at Hollywood Bowl in Lockmeadow Maidstone.
Unfortunately none of our ladies bowling today attained the score of 100 that we record.
Our highest scoring Man today was Dave Flexman who scored 137
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4th January 2024 Social Meeting: Our ever popular Cash Bingo.
44 members enjoyed the popular Cash Bingo this afternoon.