Thursday.
Oct 24th 2024
-
Meeting at the
Carpenters Arms, Bransgore.
-
A Talk was
given by Chris Walker on
"Elvis
Presley".
Chris runs his own touring jazz band. |
Thursday.
-
Sept 19th 2024.
Day Trip to Compton Abbas Airfield
(Spitfire Day)
by car.
Lunch was
available at Compton Abbas in the
Smokehouse
and a table had been booked for 12:00 noon. |
Thursday.
August 1st 2024.
-
11:00 AM
"Wessex 2024 Garden Meet. at Romford"
There was an excellent selection of Sandwiches,
rolls and
Savouries followed by Home Made Scones (made by
Joc) with
Cream and Jam, tea and coffee (and water) were
on tap and a raffle ticket was provided, all free of
charge. The weather was excellent
though very hot and people relaxed while sitting
in the shade.
|
Thursday.
May
23rd 2024
-
Meeting at the
Carpenters Arms, Bransgore.
-
A
Talk was given by Richard Hutley on
"Atlantis
the lost city". |
April 26th
and 27th 2024 -
RSA Gala Weekend &
AGM RSA24
This was held at the York Marriott Delta Hotel. |
Thursday.
February 22nd 2024
-
Meeting at the
Carpenters Arms, Bransgore.
"Undercover Agent"
a talk by Hazel Wilson -
"Described as the Mrs
Slocombe of Beales,
- with amusing & interesting stories." |
Thursday.
January 25th 2024 at 12:00
In
the Orangery at the
Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa.The
Wessex Group enjoyed a
:-
"New
Year Burns Lunch."
The address to the
Haggis was given by Ted
then
Supper was served which included Haggis an 'Neeps. Tea and Coffee
was served at the end to round off a very enjoyable
meal. |
Thursday.
November 23rd 2023.
- Skittles
& lunch at "The Walkford".
About 26 members enjoyed a game of Skittles
followed by an excellent Christmas lunch.
There was an superb
raffle created by Jocelyn who had also organised
the event.
|
Thursday. October
19th 2023
-
Meeting at the
Carpenters Arms, Bransgore.
A talk was given by "James Porter" on the
"The Channel isles occupation
during the war". James Porter is a retired
army Lieutenant Colonel who originally lived in
Guernsey. |
Thursday.
Sept 28th 2023
A coach trip
to Gloucester docks.
A party
of about 30 people boarded the coach for Gloucester
and arrived just before midday. The group split and
many went for lunch at local cafes and then went on
to visit the Cathedral (Harry Potter location), the
Historic Docks, the National Waterways Museum, or took a
boat trip on the Sharpness Canal. Some even did a
little shopping. The party arrived back in Ringwood
around 18:40 and it is understood everybody enjoyed
themselves. |
Aug
3rd 2023
-
"Garden Party."
at Romford.
A group
of 27 people met at at 11:00 a.m.
in Romford Dorset. The weather had been extremely turbulent
during the week but for the party its stayed fine
and the sun came out making for a very pleasant
party. Everyone enjoyed a chat over a glass
of Prosecco. There was also a raffle,
a quiz and a lunch
of various delicious sandwiches followed by home made scones
(with Jam and Cream) plus
strawberries. Tea, coffee and water were on tap
and a good time was had by all.
|
June
29th 2023 -
Boat to Swanage and Railway trip.
The group
enjoyed a boat trip from Poole to Swanage and a return
trip on the Swanage Railway. After a short visit to
Swanage he group then returned by boat to Poole at 4
p.m. |
May
25th 2023
-
A gentle
walk and lunch at the "Spyglass and Kettle".
A gentle walk along
the Overcliffe viewing the Isla of Wight and Old Harry
Rocks,followed by lunch at the "Spyglass and Kettle" pub. |
April 21st
and 23rd 2023
-
CAA/NATS RSA/NATS AGM in Bournemouth.
The RSA gala Weekend took place at
The Hallmark "Carlton Hotel in Bournemouth". After the
AGM held on Friday there was a reception and Buffet held
in the evening. On Saturday there was a visit to the
Motor
Museum at Beaulieu with a return trip along
the coast with views over the Solent and the Needles.
The Gala dinner was held on Saturday evening. |
February
23rd 2023
-
Meeting at the
Carpenters Arms, Bransgore.
A very interesting talk was given by Richard Hutley
who is a retired Police Inspector with Dorset Police on "Policing
past and Future". |
January 25th 2023
-
Burns Supper at the Carpenters
An'a wee bit o'nonsense!
- with a programme of discourse, music an' verse!!
A Warm Welcome frae
Phil the chair. followed by an
"Address to the Haggis" by
Chris o'the Swinn wi' Piper Callum
(Suitably rewarded).
The Selkirk Grace was led by Jocelyn. Supper
including
Haggis an 'Neeps, Traditional Ashet
pie, & Tipsy lard trifle,
was followed by
"The Immortal Memory" and a Wee Poem presented by
Ted then by a
"Toast to the Lassies" fra'
Paddy
finishing with a "Reply from the
Lassies" retort fra' Alison o'Ayrshire and "Auld Lang
Syne"! A good time was had by all. |
December
13th 2022 -
Christmas Drinks
get together held at the Tyrrells Ford Hotel. Around 20
people turned up for the Wessex Annual Christmas drinks
meeting to catch up with old friends. |
November
24th2022
- Skittles
& lunch at "The Walkford".
About 28 members enjoyed a game of Skittles followed by an
excellent Christmas lunch.
- some even managed 3 courses.
|
Oct 27th 2022
-
Meeting at the
Carpenters Arms, Bransgore.
Philip Cottrell
who is a Tactical Flight Training Officer for Police
Helicopters gave and interesting and amusing talk about
the National Police Air Service. |
Sep 22nd 2022
-
Coach Trip to Ford
Abbey. and Lyme Regis.
Forde Abbey and Lyme Regis proved
an excellent itinery for the coach trip. Members and guests
toured the historic house and gardens at Forde Abbey before
leaving for a brief stop at Lyme Regis, with a chance for a look round
and/or have refreshments in the Autumn sunshine. The
Laguna coach driver was an unexpected bonus as he kept
everyone amused with frequent jokes and announcements. |
Aug
11th 2022
-
"Garden Party."
at Romford.
The group met at at 11:00 a.m.
in Romford Dorset. The temperature was registering 33 deg C
but with the shading of the trees and a gentle wind it was
extremely pleasant to sit and chat over a glass
of Prosecco with which to toast the Queen, who made a two
dimensional visit. There was a competition for the best
tiara and the best waistcoat for gentlemen (well done Chris,
you were the only gentleman brave enough). There was a jubilee prize draw,
a jubilee quiz and the lunch
of various delicious sandwiches followed by home made scones
strawberries and cream. Tea, coffee and water were on tap
and a good time was had by all. |
July 21st 2022
-
Summer Walk at Stanpit March
- lunch at The
“Ship In Distress”.
10 members
met in the pub car park for a short circular walk
at Stanpit with views over the Solent and back towards
Christchurch Priory. Other members arrived later at the
"Ship in Distress" for the meal and a social gathering.
|
June
28th 2022
- Cruise up
the River Frome to Wareham.
21 members
met on Poole Quay for the 12:30 sailing to Wareham. This is
a 3 1/2 hour relaxing cruise along the picturesque
River Frome to the historic town of Wareham, with its
massive earth ramparts built by King Alfred the Great. When
in Wareham there was a 70 minute stopover giving people a
chance to have a picnic or wander into town. The weather was
fair and a good time was had by all. |
April 21st
& 24th 2022
- CAA/NATS
RSA AGM in Cambridge -
This RSA gala Weekend took place at "The
Cambridge Belfry" in Cambourne, near Cambridge. After the
Thursday AGM, Saturday saw the party split into 2 groups 1
of which went to Audley End Airfield to visit a restoration
hanger and then visited Duxford and the Imperial War Museum.
The other group were initially dropped off in Cambridge with
use of the 'Hop on Hop off' bus if required. They were then
picked up and taken on an unescorted visit to the
magnificence Cathedral at ELY. A superb 'Gala Meal'
was then held on return to 'The Belfry'. |
March 22nd 2022
-
RSA Wessex AGM at the
Carpenters
The AGM started at 11:00 after meet
and greet coffee. Followed by lunch. |
February
22nd 2022
-
Meeting at the
Carpenters Arms, Bransgore.
Steve Roberts gave an very
interesting talk on the old "Ringwood to Christchurch Railway"
which has long since disappeared.
Remnants can still be seen
along its old course. |
January
27 2022
-
The Annual
Wessex Branch New Year Lunch.
Approximately 30 members group
met at midday for their annual New Year Lunch at the
"Lord Bute" in Christchurch where an excellent meal full
3 course meal was provided and enjoyed by all. |
December 14 2021
-
Xmas
meet - St Mark's Hall - Wallisdown.
The group met to enjoy a warming
glass of punch and some delicious hot food and nibbles
provided by Joc and her team. Due to the latest Covid
situation it was moved to the large hall to keep social
distancing. There was an supper raffle with some
excellent festive prizes and a chance to find out who
was who from their baby photos. There was also a quiz
based on Christmas Carols. |
November
23rd 2021
- Skittles
and lunch at "The Walkford".
About 23 members enjoyed a game of Skittles This was followed by an
excellent 3 course lunch. |
October
26th
2021
-
Meeting at the
Carpenters Arms, Bransgore.
A talk by Kevin Patience
on the Air France Disasters in 1950 when two DC4
aircraft crashed into the sea off Bahrain – just two days
apart. Both pilots were blamed but subsequent investigations
revealed some surprising results ! Afterwards most members
stayed for an enjoyable lunch. |
September 7th 2021
-
Coach to
Highclere Castle. 19 members had a great coach trip
to Highclere Castle with wonderful weather.
The group stopped for coffee at the silk mill in Whitchurch
which was a delightful setting by the mill pond and stream.
At Highclere the group had entry to
the grounds, garden, castle and Egyptian Museum as
Lord Caernarfon, the owner of Highclere, was one of the
sponsors for the Tutankhamen expedition.
Highclere was also used for
the filming of the Downton Abbey series. |
August 10th 2021
-
Annual Garden Party in Dorset.
On a lovely sunny
morning the group of 25 members met at 11:00
a.m. for Tea or Coffee. This was followed by sandwiches etc. for lunch
and a cream tea. There was the usual raffle & bring and buy stall
followed by Ted's auction of unsold items. Our chairman also
ran the quiz and there was a Brain Teaser from one of the
members. |
June 22nd 2021
-
"English Oak Vineyard"
A group visited the
Vinyard in Lytchet Matravers.
This is a boutique vineyard,
just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Poole,
English Oak Vineyard is thriving in Dorset's beautiful
countryside. The tour given by husband and wife owners Andrew
and Sarah, included a relaxed and informative walk through
the vineyard. and later in the visitors centre the story of
the creation of the vineyard was told followed by a tasting
of its internationally award winning sparkling wines. |
May 25th 2021
-
Lymington walk
followed by a pub lunch at the Chequers Inn.
This
was the first event that the group managed to hold since the
Covid Lockdown when about 30 group members had an enjoyable
walk followed by lunch at the Chequers Inn, Lymington. |
February 19th
2020
-
Meeting at the
Carpenters Arms, Bransgore.
Unfortunately David Bickerton was unable to give his talk
about "Parents at
War" at this time and it had to be postponed until a
later date. In its place our chairman gave his talk on the
"Jewellery of
Elizabeth Taylor" - enjoyed by all. 16 people
stayed on for lunch. |
January 29th 2020
-
BURNS Supper
An'a wee bit o'nonsense!
- with a programme of discourse, music an' verse!!
A Warm Welcome frae Phil the chair. followed by an
Address to the Haggis by Ted wi' Piper Callum.The Selkirk Grace was led by Jocelyn.
then
Supper was served with Soup, Haggis an 'Neeps, Steak &
Stilton Pie or Salmon Fillet.
It finished with Highland Trifle or Whiskey & Orange Ice
Cream, Tea and Coffee.
The meal was followed by "The Immortal Memory",
presented in style by Paddy Pollock. Chris o' the
Swinn gave "a toast to the lassies", with a reply from
Alison o' Prestwick.
A good time was had by all. |
December
10th 2019
- Christmas Drinks
get together held at the Tyrrells Ford Hotel.
Around 30
people turned up for the Wessex Annual Christmas drinks
meeting to catch up with old friends. |
November
27th 2019
- Skittles & Lunch at "Three Legged Cross" Skittle Alley.
Approximately 27
members turns turned out for an enjoyable game of skittles with
around 25 staying on for lunch in the "Three Legged Cross". I
have no idea why Vintage Inns decided to name it as the "Three
Legged Cross" as it is in fact about 1 mile from the centre of
the Village. |
October 23rd
2019 - - Visit to
Sixpenny Micro Brewery
in Cranborne.
This was a visit to the Wayland
owned Sixpenny Micro Brewery in Cranborne. We were welcomed by Lyall, the head-brewer, who served
tasters of the beers they produce and then took the whole group on a tour of the brewery itself.
They then supplied a nice ploughmans with cheeses, nibbles, bread
&
olives etc. |