News from the Management Board

NEWS AND VIEWS AUGUST 2016

NEWS FROM THE MANAGEMENT BOARD

The Management Board met on Wednesday 27th July where they considered and approved the Financial Statements for the year to 31st March 2016. Members also reviewed and agreed a number of key policies and procedures and received an update on the heating & hot water project for Sarjeant & Willis Courts. The next meeting will be the AGM in September where Board appointments will be confirmed.

Karen Shanley has announced her retirement at the end of October this year.

Karen has worked steadfastly for the Association in a variety of roles since 1987.

Over the past few years, as Events Co-ordinator, she has organised extensive, interesting and popular outings and social events working closely with the Friends on fetes, bazaars, fundraising events, general exercise classes and much more.

We wish Karen every happiness in her retirement and thank her most sincerely for everything she has done for residents. Graham Lilly, Chief Executive

FRIENDS OF GLEBE HOUSING ASSOCIATION - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY 24th AUGUST 2016 – 2.30pm for 3pm start ADAMS HALL

All members of the Friends are invited to attend and we look forward to seeing you there

Hello everyone We are thinking of having a fund raising event next spring to replace the Christmas Fayre that we have previously held and would appreciate some ideas from you, our members.

If anyone has a bright idea, please get in touch with Shirley Scott, our Secretary or myself. Your committee will be grateful for any suggestions and we will take it from there. Gordon Stephens, Chairman

NOTICES Disabled Parking Bays Please keep the marked disabled parking bays free for blue badge holders.

Guest Rooms We have no firm dates for starting the major works and it is unlikely that we will need the guest rooms before NOVEMBER 2016 so if you would like to book a guest room in September and October please contact the Office.

Data Protection The Committee will use its best endeavours to keep the names, addresses and phone numbers it holds confidential. Only committee members shall be permitted access to these records to enable them to carry out their functions.

GLEBE HOUSING ASSOCIATION 1 Chief Executive

Salary circa £75,000 with flexibility for an exceptional candidate Located in West Wickham 35 hours per week / Full time

We are looking for a compassionate individual who shares our organisation’s values and who will be able to meet the challenges of the current operating environment while retaining a focus on modernizing our organization.

If you are interested in this role, please contact Steve Douglas, by email [email protected] or on 020 7934 0175 / 07810 152840

REPORTING ON PAST EVENTS

Horse Drawn Barge We met our friendly cart horse Monty who was very glad to pull the barge along the Kennet and Avon canal while we consumed an excellent ploughman’s lunch on board. There was a good selection of cheese and fresh bread with the usual salad extras.

The weather was most kind, many of us popped off the barge at one of the 4 locks and following Monty we walked along the tow path to the next lock, being able to hear the birds and make the most of the countryside. We seemed to arrive back to the boarding station much quicker than the journey out as Monty knew he was going home to treats of carrots and apples! Karen Shanley

Nest Boxes Two nest boxes were placed in trees above the lake in mid March. A third box was put up at the beginning of May. This box was a bit late and was not used. The first two boxes were both used by Great Tits. The first box had 6 eggs and hatched five young. However because of the poor weather conditions all the young died. The second box had four eggs which all hatched but were lost to a predator, probably a squirrel. I hope we have better luck next year.

I also monitor 56 other boxes at two sites, The Warren and Jubilee Park. It was a poor year at both sites, again the weather being to blame. It was cold and wet at the wrong time for the birds as it was cold when they were incubating and wet when they were trying to feed the young birds. I ringed 134 birds. 127 fledged. My normal total is closer to 200. It would appear that this has been the pattern across the country that small birds that nest in early spring have not done well. Derek McWalter

Hearing Aid Maintenance Clinics Held in Computer Room ground floor Sarjeant Court (near Chiropody Room) Call in to have your NHS hearing aid cleaned and collect new batteries – all free of charge just bring your brown battery book or your Hearbase hearing aid guide book along.

Fridays from 12.15 – 1.15pm 19th August, 16th September, 21st October, 18th November & 16th December

THE BENCURTIS WALKING GROUP

Present Walks: - Wednesday 10th August – Don and Pam will lead a Rotherhithe walk. Note earlier departure time of 9.50am from Willis Court due to temporary revised train times for August and September. 119 bus to Hayes Station for 10.20am train to London Bridge. Coffee stop and pub lunch. The walk will continue along The Thames Path. Then 381 bus back to London Bridge.

Wednesday 24th August – Friends A.G.M. no walk 2 Wednesday 31st August – Keston via Nash led by Christine. Walk along Layhams Road to Well Wood, then across country to Keston (lunch at Fiona’s). Possibly 3 stiles, and there could be mud if there is heavy rain on previous few days.

Future Walks: Wednesday 7th September – Anne will lead a walk through Spring Park Wood to Addington Village for lunch. Either walking back by a different route, or by bus.

Wednesday 14th September – walk led by Gordon S – Shoreham towards Eynsford along river bank. After lunch in Visitor Centre, return to Shoreham Station. Excess rail fare and train times to be advised.

Wednesday 28th September – Don and Pam will lead a walk. Details later.

Reminder: Walks in the countryside may encounter mud. For your own comfort, lace-up shoes or trainers are preferred. Walkers, their guests and Friends of Glebe Housing Association are responsible for their own safety.

Please check the notice board in Willis or Sargeant Court for further details or possible changes.

Jean Richards, Walks Organiser Christine Grant, General Assistant

CHURCH SERVICES

Bencurtis Christian Fellowship – There will be no meeting in August and from September (13th) the meetings will start at the earlier time of 7pm 2nd Tuesday of the month held in the Chamberlain Lounge at 7.00pm

St John’s Holy Communion will be held in the Chamberlain Lounge at 10.30am on last Monday every Month.

Recorded Music Group Meetings take place on the SECOND Friday of each month in the Chamberlain Lounge 2–3 pm On Friday 12th August Eileen Stalley presents

“Carnival” A programme of happy music

All are welcome, 30p

BENCURTIS LIBRARY, WILLIS COURT The Library is open on Tuesday & Friday afternoons 3-4pm All residents are very welcome to use the library

3 Bencurtis Art Group Mondays 9.30am to 11.30am Adams Hall Our art group is thriving under the expert guidance of our art master, , a well known local artist and teacher. The class is now fully booked, but if you would like to join in the future please come and leave your details, we do get vacancies.

LINE DANCING GROUP THURSDAY EVENINGS 7 – 8.30pm ADAMS HALL Everyone invited. Cost £4 per person per session Please contact Shirley Scott for more information

BENCURTIS CHOIR – dates on notice board FRIDAYS 6pm – 7.30pm ADAMS HALL DONATION £3

TEA & TALK Monday 1st August “The Story of Bonfires” by Dave Hawke 2.30pm – 3pm Notley Lounge There will be a donation box

Everyone is welcome

BINGO 7pm ADAMS HALL – WEDNESDAYS TRADITIONAL BINGO CARD BINGO

3rd August cancelled 10th August 17th August 24th August 31st August £1.20 per session £1 per session GUESTS AND VISITORS WELCOME

WHIST CLUB: Monday Evenings in Adams Hall

Starts promptly at 6.30pm and finishes about 8.45pm New players please come and join us, you will be made most welcome. It is an enjoyable evening giving you the chance to enjoy the company of fellow residents as well as an easy game of cards.

Croquet Is anyone interested in playing croquet this summer? If so we have a full set of clubs and equipment together with instructions that you may use. For details contact Joan Rees at 1 Ashby Close 0208 777 3424

BENCURTIS PARK SHORT MAT BOWLING CLUB

4 SUMMER SEASON - THURSDAYS at 2pm

Come and see us and at least try your hand at the game – we have several sets of bowls available on loan while you decide whether to go on and learn more about the game. The subscription for the year is only £7.50 (including the registration fee of £5.50 for the current season payable to the national association), and the “green fee” for each day’s play is £1 which includes tea or coffee and biscuits during the interval. FILM TIME

Sunday 7th August at 3pm in Adams Hall

Our first film in August will be “Bell Book & Candle” with James Stewart & Kim Novak. Its about Greenwich Village’s most seductive Sorceress. Powerful, glamorous and a wee bit bored she knows that witches can’t fall in love. But they can have fun… especially if their lover belongs to another woman! So when Gillian (played by Kim Novak) discovers a new neighbour is the fiancé of her old college nemesis, she promptly puts the befuddled publisher under her spell but while her sex hex may have heated up his heart, it has also unthawed her own, leading to a romantic complication that not even Pyewacket - her mind reading cat - could have foreseen. A good fun and laugh film worth seeing.

Sunday 28th August 3pm – Adams Hall Our second film in August is “The Hundred Foot Journey” with Helen Mirren in the lead role. It is an uplifting and feel good comedy bursting with flavour, passion and heart. When the icy proprietress (Mirren) of a Michelin starred French restaurant in the quaint village of Saint-Anton-Noble-Val gets wind of the family “Kadam” opening an Indian restaurant just 100 feet away from her own, her protests escalate to an all out war between the two establishments. But as these two worlds collide, despite their different tastes they find an unlikely source of compromise that will change both sides forever. Again a good comedy film to see.

Any suggestions for films to Karen, Shirley, Norma and Pat or Pam and myself – thanks.

Thanks again for your support Don & Pam Maidment

All contributions for next month’s News & Views need to be in by Friday 26th August Please pass to the Administration Office

INFORMATION ON OUR OUTINGS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wiltshire Triangle Wednesday 3rd August Outing Wiltshire Triangle

Faversham Outing Tuesday 2nd August Notice on Board Tuesday 30th August Money collected, Chamberlain Lounge 11-11.30am £20 Friday 16th September Outing to Faversham usic Quiz Tuesday 9th August Notice on board Tuesday 30th August Money collected & tickets issued Chamberlain Lounge 11-11.30am Saturday 17th September Music Quiz, Adams Hall 6.30 for 7pm

Christmas Lunch Outing

5 Tuesday 18th October Notice on board Tuesday 8th November Money collected, Chamberlain Lounge 11-11.30am £47.50 Thursday 1st December Christmas Lunch Outing to The Swan, Dallington

DATES IN AUGUST Monday 1st August Tea & Talk Notley Lounge 2.30pm-3pm “The Story of Bonfires” Wednesday 24th August Friends Annual General Meeting Adams Hall 2.30pm Sunday 28th August Film Time, Adams Hall 3pm

FUTURE DATES Monday 5th September Tea & Talk 2.30-3pm Notley Lounge Friday 16th September Outing to Faversham Monday 3rd October Tea & Talk Adams Hall 2.30pm “History & Growth of Glebe Housing Association” Friday 7th October Art Exhibition, Chamberlain Lounge 4pm-6pm Saturday 8th October 40th Anniversary of Glebe Housing Association. Celebratory Entertainment, Adams Hall 7.30pm-9.30pm Saturday 8th October & Art Exhibition, Chamberlain Lounge 11am-1pm & 3pm-6pm Sunday 9th October Art Exhibition, Chamberlain Lounge 11am–1pm & 2pm-4pm Sunday 9th October Film, Adams Hall 3pm Paddington Bear Wednesday 12th October Notley Lounge 1pm – 3.30pm Fashionable Clothes at reasonable prices Saturday 15th October Bromley Jazz Band, Celebrating 40 years, Adams Hall 7.30pm Saturday 29th October Guitarist & Vocalist, Adams Hall 8 – 10pm Monday 7th November Tea & Talk Adams Hall, 2.30-3pm “My Music” Monday 5th December Tea & Talk Adams Hall, 2.30-3pm “Continental Journey”

Wiltshire Golden Triangle Wednesday 3rd August Cost £41 including lunch Depart Bencurtis 8.45am Return approx. 7.30pm

Faversham Outing Friday 16th September Depart Bencurtis Park 9am Return approx. 5.30pm Cost £20

A different day’s outing! The opportunity to visit the oldest market town in Kent packed with history and located on a winding creek. There will be time to have coffee before visiting the weekly market after perhaps having lunch in one of the many eating places, fish and chips, a pub lunch or one of the many gastro pubs in the town.

Join Josephine and I to make a short or long walk visiting some of the towns many historic buildings or perhaps sit at the side of the creek watching the boating fraternity.

Should you wish to make the walk alone or with one or two friends there will be an illustrated guide to help trace your route. PROBLEMATIC POP MUSIC QUIZERS SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 7pm ADAMS HALL COST £10 Bring own drinks & nibbles Fish & Chips served in interval Raffle

6 Join us for an exciting music quiz presented by Ken & Debbie from the Canterbury Oast Trust. The questions will be accompanied by music from 50’s – 80’s including tunes from the shows, adverts, well known artists all of which we shall be able to sing-a-long to.

We shall sell tickets as usual in tables of 6 to allow you to have one person responsible for organizing their table of friends and neighbours and for collecting the monies and tickets.

Ken & Debbie have been running the music quizzes since 1992 and have organized over 500 raising £200,000 funding a walk-in aviary, butterfly tunnel, new utility room and extension at Rosemary Cottage Special Needs Cottage. This is among many other ways of helping the Canterbury Oast Trust, a charity set up to support adults with learning disabilities.

Celebratory Entertainment Adams Hall Saturday 8th October 7.30pm – 9.30pm Musical Entertainment to include: Professional Musicians & Singers Bencurtis Choir Anecdotes & Poems celebrating 40 years of Bencurtis Refreshments in the interval

FILM – SUNDAY 9th OCTOBER ADAMS HALL 3pm Paddington Bear – animation Tea, cakes & marmalade sandwiches – donations please

Guitarist & Vocalist Saturday 29th October Adams Hall 8-10pm (more information to follow)

The Mad Jack Christmas Lunch Special The Swan, Dallington, Sussex Cost £47.50 including sherry, main course Christmas Lunch Thursday 1st December Depart Bencurtis 9am Return approx. 6.30pm

Ringing the changes this year with a morning of sight seeing, lunch and an afternoon of good company, board games and quizzing or a chat over a slow bottle of wine!

Starting at 10.30am to buy refreshments at an old Inn opposite Bodiam Castle before driving in the Sussex Hills, with a top notch guide, great views and wonderful stories to tell. We pass through Battle on our way to Brightling, home of Mad Jack Fuller. This eccentric Georgian Squire is famous for his follies, some of which we see today. His body lies inside the churchyard. Nearly 200 years ago he installed the biggest barrel organ in Britain and we shall play this for you, it will be a Christmas Carol we can join in.

We arrive at an old pub which is full of character and complete with roaring fire to be greeted with a glass of sherry, followed by the main Christmas lunch, any desserts to be chosen at the bar together with any drinks and paid at the time.

The day will end with a hot drink and mince pies before we make the journey home.