Funeral of Dave Kingston
Some 150 plus people crowded in to the North Chapel at Eltham Crematorium on Thursday 6th September 2018 for the funeral of Old Askean Dave Kingston. There were many Old Askean in the congregation who had come to say farewell to a good friend. The service was conducted by fellow Old Askean Deacon Barry Mellish and one of the two eulogies was given by another Old Askean Robert Noble.
After the service the assembly moved to the Royal Blackheath Golf Club where Dave had been a member. Memories and anecdotes were shared for several hours over a glass or two of beer and plates of food. It was a fitting farewell to a good man.
Thames River Cruise Sunday 22 July 2018
Forty-one landlubbers were aboard the Thames Barge “Lady Daphne”
on Sunday 22 July 2018 on a trip organised by Roger Pawley. It was a splendid day in all senses of the word. The weather was perfect. The on board Guide, Bill, was full of information about what we were passing as the Barge went through Tower Bridge
and past historic Greenwich and the Thames Barrier. We were treated to morning coffee, a two course lunch and tea and cake mid-afternoon, before our return about 5 pm, having left London Bridge Pier around 10.30. For some shipmates the act of boarding and disembarking on a choppy Thames tide was an adventure in itself.
By Dennis Johnson
OAA AGM 5th July 2018
Some 25 plus members attended the AGM in the lovely setting of the Royal Blackheath Golf Club. Andy Jordan-Smith was elected President for the coming year.
After the meeting the members plus guest enjoyed a very pleasant meal. A more detailed account of the meeting will appear shortly.
City Diners 2nd March 2018
This date was bedevilled by bad weather and snowfall, causing all kinds of travel disruption. However, it went ahead, producing :
“This time last week there were thirty eight of us due to be dining at The George Borough High St; in the event there were a hardy eleven us that sat down at the only surviving galleried London coaching inn. We tried valiantly to ensure that the bar takings were the same as if the thirty-eight were there, but sadly we failed although it were not for want of trying!
Many thanks to our gallant leader Steve for organising today’s event, the fish menu was excellent as was the wine and the company.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That drank with us at The George Inn this day.”
Organiser for City Diners is Steve Homewood, who was stuck outside Lewisham station for two and half hours on his way home, – and no access to a toilet on the train…..!!!
Updated Rambling Club Walks
Grove sponsored walk, 4 nights in Bournemouth on 19th Oct:
I have cancelled one room and there are now 7 booked, those being
Carol and Brian, Hazel and Roger, Bob Nason, Pam Hudson, Beale,
Barbara Bloomfield and Ann and I. (10)
I am not certain there would be a room still available, but if anyone wishes to join us please let me know. Tariff is £55 pppn, no single supplement. Sponsorship of at least £50 per room has s been agreed with the charity.
Sunday 4th Nov. Roger has arranged for us to join a joint walk with Blackheath Ramblers, as follows. NOTE 10AM START
Ravensbourne Valley and Blackheath. Meet New Cross station 10am. A short walk that first traces the River Ravensbourne through picturesque Brookmill Park, climbs slowly to the heights of Blackheath. Ends at Blackheath Station. 3.75 miles, about 2.5 hours.
Sunday 25th Nov at 1.00pm
A Walk kindly offered by Pat and Mike Nicholls from their house
28A Birchwood Road Petts Wood ORPINGTON BR5 1NZ
We walk towards Chislehurst and then stopping at some places of interest. Back a slightly different way and stopping at two memorials in the Willett woods. It will take about 2 hours and maybe a little muddy in places but not hilly. Pat would like to do tea for the walkers at our house. Sandwiches and cake.
The Captain’s Walk will be on 9th Dec.
2019
Sunday Jan 13th – Ramble – Leader Dennis Johnson
Sunday Feb 3rd – Ramble
Sunday Feb 24th – Ramble
Sunday Mar 17th – Ramble
Sunday Apr 7th – Cotmans Ash walk
Sunday Apr 28th – Ramble
Sunday / Monday May 12th or 13th, five night break
Sunday June 9th – Ramble
Sunday June 30th Picnic (at Linkhorns to be confirmed)
Wednesday July 10th – Evening walk
Rambling Club Walk 25 November
A Walk kindly offered by Pat and Mike Nicholls from their house in Petts Wood. Full details from Dennis Johnson.
We walk towards Chislehurst and then stopping at some places of interest. Back a slightly different way and stopping at two memorials in the Willett woods. It will take about 2 hours and maybe a little muddy in places but not hilly. Pat and Mike would like to do tea for the walkers at their home, Sandwiches and cake.
Federation Winter Fair – 1st December 2018
Local arts and crafts, festive food, mulled wine and lots more.
Federation Carol Concert, 3 December at Southwark Cathedral (CofE)
The service will be held at Southwark Cathedral at 2pm. If you intend going please respond to FederationCarolService@haaf.org.uk so that suitable seating arrangements can be made.
Captain’s Walk, Sunday 9th December
Captain’s Walk, Sunday 9th December
Be at the Captain’s Cabin from Noon onwards, for a winter warmer before starting a short local walk around 1pm. We are invited back afterwards to enjoy each others company as a prelude to the Christmas period.
It would be helpful for our hosts to know roughly how many will be there, so kindly inform them by e mail or tel 020 8693 5660.