​How We Have Enjoyed Ourselves

Over The Past Year

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3 March 2026 The annual mind-bending session that is Andrew and Sheila Boultbee's Quiz was ably and convivially managed by our hosts so that all 35 of us there had a wonderfully challenging and social time. Some 90 questions of varying difficulty and subject matters were fired at us. Suffice it to say one team scored less points than the others so enjoyed dinky Creme Eggs as well as the customary wooden spoons. Another team scored more and won wine and choccies. (This winning team included the very modest report writer! - Ed). Those present also enjoyed a magnificent tea of sandwiches and cakes served halfway through to revitalise ailing brain cells! (ML)

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23 February 2026  Our annual “friendly challenge” Ten Pin Bowling match against Chanctonbury PROBUS Club at the Out of Bounds Centre in Rustington. After plenty of laughs, some questionable techniques, and a healthy dose of friendly rivalry, we headed over to The Black Horse in Findon for a well‑earned lunch and awarding of prizes, including the coveted trophy, to Chanctonbury Club for the highest overall average score. All in all, it was a great day — good company, plenty of fun, and a perfect chance for both clubs and their guests to catch up over bowling and a hearty lunch.( JC)

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18 February 2026 We had planned for a  circular, flat, 3½ mile Winter Walk starting from the Ship Inn at West Itchenor. The route would have given us views of the Chichester channel. Lunch would have been, naturally, at the Ship Inn. However, this being England in winter, the inclement weather became the deciding factor and we had to cancel the walk.

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22 January 2026 We returned to the Queen's Head, West Chiltington for the first Coffee Morning of the year. Thirty-three members and guests enjoyed great fellowship, chit-chat and, of course, coffee, scones, biscuits and cakes.

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5 January 2026  Surviving Christmas and the snow, an enthusiastic group were shown around Lancing College Chapel by one of their official guides - former pupil and now club member - Roger Overton-Smith. We were treated to a passionate, entertaining and knowledgeable tour, coming away with a better understanding of the chapel's history and use.

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6 December 2025 A group of 20 members, friends and guests attended the Christmas Concert at Chichester Festival Theatre listening to The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth and Chichester Cathedral Choir. 

​After a delicious pre-concert lunch in the Theatre’s Brasserie Restaurant the group enjoyed a brilliant display of musicianship with a wide variety of music including traditional carols, Christmas pieces both modern and classical, the beautiful singing of the Choir, an audience sing-along and the rapid precision drumming of the Corps of Drums. A thoroughly enjoyable and fabulous day out.

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​4 December 2025  Forty-three members, wives, partners & friends gathered for our 2025-26 President's Ladies Lunch at West Sussex Golf Club.  This event made a wonderful start to the Christmas season for those present, where a sumptuous meal was served followed by a seasonal raffle in lovely surroundings and great company.

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26 November 2025 A large number of members and guests had another enjoyable time during our Christmas Coffee Morning at the Labouring Man, Coldwaltham. The pub was looking its best ahead of the festive season: the coffee, cakes, biscuits and company were all, as usual, up to a very high standard.

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21 November 2025  Twelve of us visited Preston Manor.We assembled in the first-rate ‘caff’. In fairness we did not know what to expect but the spirit of curiosity drove us on. We were well rewarded. Preston Manor as part of Brighton and Hove Museums enjoys considerable renovation and an enhanced visitor experience. All brought to life by our knowledgeable guide. It was the home of the Stanford family and offers an insight into Edwardian living. The family were social climbers and intrepid travellers. This is reflected not only in the various construction projects but also in the myriad of heirlooms, antiques, mementos and keepsakes that adorn this fascinating place. Lunch followed at The Plough, Pyecombe with appetising food and a convivial atmosphere. The perfect end to an interesting Event.

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24 October 2025 Autumn Walk from, and lunch at, The Half Moon, Warninglid.

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14 October 2025  "Stroll to the Pole"  Sue Riches shared her experiences and dangers walking across the polar ice cap to the North Pole as a member of an all women's relay team. And what a walk! Pressure ridges, leads of open water, rubber ice, storms, continual daylight etc. Pulling laden sleds. Falling into Arctic waters. Exhaustion. Comradeship. All vividly brought to life with the help of striking photos. An illuminating afternoon for us all sitting in the comfort and warmth of Thakeham Village Hall with a lavish tea ahead of us.

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23 September 2025  Guided Tour of Shoreham Fort.

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​16 September 2025 Coffee Morning at the Findon Manor Hotel, Findon attended by 20 coffee-addicted members and guests.

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28 August 2025   Another hugely successful skittles evening was enjoyed by the 29 participants (one withdrew at  last minute) with excellent food and company.

We had a game of Killer - 3 Lives Skittles - which after tense final rounds resulted in Judi Collins winning the ladies prize and Cliff Palmer, the mens.

The evening concluded with the presentation of prizes  to the winners by Mike Lefroy our new Chairman of the Social Committee, who then thanked Hazel and Richard for organising this event and hoping there will be many more to follow.

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7 August 2025  Midsummer Walk from, and lunch at, The Badgers, near Petworth.

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29 July 2025  2024-25 President's Ladies' Lunch at the West Sussex Golf Club.

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21 July 2025  Coffee Morning at the Sportsman's Inn, Amberley.

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23 - 27 June 2025  Annual summer holiday in Cornwall.

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18 June 2025  Eight members of the club enjoyed a morning walk from the centre if Bramber, past the castle to Bramber water meadows before following the river Adur to St Bololphs and returning to the Castle Inn for an enjoyable lunch.

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30 May 2025  Coffee Morning at the Crown Inn, Cootham​​​​​​​​.

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23 May 2025  Visit to Knole House, Sevenoaks​​​​​.

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29 April 2025  Spring Walk from, and lunch at, the Foresters Arms, Kirdford.

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23 April 2025 Visit to Eltham Palace.

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20 March 2025 Coffee Morning at The Crown, Cootham.

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