Post - Christmas Lunch 2011

The annual post-Christmas lunch was held at the Vincent Room restaurant, Westminster Kingsway College on Thursday 13 January. The weather was much kinder this year without the heavy snow which immediately preceded last year’s event.

58 members and guests sat down and the general verdict was that this was one of the best meals we have had at the college. We were, as usual, very well looked after by the students and staff. There was much catching up with news from old colleagues both at the bar and during the meal. It was very pleasing to see a number of new faces this year as well as those who have been attending for several years. It is important to attract new members to this event to ensure numbers are maintained at a sufficient level to enable us to have the exclusive use of the restaurant.

The formal proceedings were completed with Roy Thompson giving a vote of thanks to the students and staff of the college and recounting some amusing anecdotes. We are hoping to return to the same venue next year. The date will be announced in a forthcoming edition of the Events Programme in the ‘Advance Notice‘ section.

Visit to Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham, Monday 11th April

Brian Holder(Brianholder99@aol.com) writes:-There are still at least 12 places still available on the 1420 slot and 20 places on the 1440 slot. Just log on to http://www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/book.php, and click on to the Book a Visit tab. The house is by the Thames, near Popes' House and Grotto, on bus routes 33 and R68, a five minute walk from Strawberry Hill Station (two trains per hour), ten minutes from Twickenham station (or short walk to 33 and R68 bus stop) - lots of fast and slow trains from Waterloo etc. R68 can also be caught from Richmond Station (SWT and District Line services). Ample car parking available as well.

The R68 also passes the new Water Gardens in Bushy Park which have been restored from Admiralty wartime torpedo testing ponds into the waterfall that existed in the early 1700s - and a nearby Brewhouse which provided beer for deer park workers (not always open - but very interesting). Alight at Hampton Hill High Street - if members are interested in a visit there, we could do that pre-lunch, or after SHW visit.