EDITOTIAL

As we look ahead to 2010, perhaps we should reflect upon what the past year has meant for the Branch and our friends.

There have been some times of sadness with the deaths of three of our members of very long standing - Ken Harding, Jean Newman and Reg Waters.  Ken, with his wife Rita, were among the founder members of Lynsted Branch and, although they moved away to live in Somerset many years ago, Ken has maintained his links and interest in our county and the Association.  Jean and Reg were regular supporters of our events and contributed much to the 'life' of our Branch. We remeber them all as old friends who put much into the 'story' that is Lynsted Branch.  We also lost, just over a year ago, another old friend and one - time member, Alan Russ.  He too had moved out of the district but kept in touch.  The illustration on the front of our printed newsletter was Alan's creation, back in 1983.

The year 2009 was always going to be quieter than before but we still enjoyed a full programme of generally well supported events.  Thanks to members' generosity our various social functions generated a sum approaching £1,000 and a similar amount has been donated or earmarked for local and Association charities.  Members who attend the AGM in March will hear detailed reports on our activities and fundraising during 2009.

This Newsletter includes the dates and main features of our programme for the first few months of 2010 (and even an early reference to next Christmas !)

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Members are reminded that annual subscriptions fall due on 1st January 2010. Many pay through their banks but if you pay 'direct', please let our Treasurer, Tom Brown, have your cash or cheque soon.  His address is 'Beaverwood', Lynsted Lane, Lynsted, ME9 0RL. 

Just a reminder that current subscription rates are £15 for a single member and £22.50 for a 'couple'.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Saturday 27th February - "We are going to the dogs" !!

We are organising a party to spend the evening at Sittingbourne Dog Track where we will have reserved seats in the restaurant overlooking the race track.A good meal will be served and we will enjoy the services of a 'charming' runner who will arrange our bets for us.  The cost, which covers admission, dinner and your race card will be about £17.  To register your interest in what should be a good, fun evening, call Judi Randall on 01795 521771. She will have more details for you.

Saturday 13th March - we have entered a team in Faversham Branch's annual QUIZ event.  If you would like to join us in representing Lynsted at this popular, annual function, please call Ray Clark on 01795 521499 for more details.

Friday 26th March - our Branch A.G.M. at the Black Lion, Lynsted.  Members will receive formal notification of the meeting and more details a little nearer the time.

Saturday 10th April - our Spring Lunch at Forge Cottage, Lynsted (our thanks to David Bage for his hospitality). Always a very popular event with good company and a nice choice of food. We do not serve wine but perhaps you might like to bring a bottle to share with your friends.  We will gather about 12:30 for lunch at 1:00 p.m.  The cost this year will be £7 per person. Please book before the end of March by phoning Marian Clark on 01795 521499.

Saturday 8th May - our Nosh & Nous (quiz) evening at Bapchild Village Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. for a prompt start at 7:30 p.m. You know you will have a very good supper and soft drinks.  All you need to do is to bring your own glasses and alcoholic drinks and be ready for some, not too challenging questions. All this for just £6 per person.  Try to support this major fund raising event with teams of 6/8 people if you can, but do come along anyway and we will, if necessary, join you with other friends. We will have our usual raffle - prizes will be most welcome.  Please book early by phoning Judi Randall on 01795 521771.

Thursday 27th May - our Car Treasure Hunt.  The usual nice country drive with a few clues to solve and a supper at our destination.  Please call Ray Clark for details on 01795 521499 by the end of April.

June - On 19th June - the Association's 'A.G.M. Day' will be centred on Chislehurst.  The day includes the annual chusrch service, a lunch and of course, the A.G.M. itself.  Members will receive full details around May.

We at Lynsted Branch hope to arrange a coach (maybe a Vintage Bus) trip, probably across the county and across the Sussex border to Rye.

Also, on a date yet to be set, probably late June we will be invited to participate in the annual Inter - Barnch Woodgate Shield bat and trap competition.  This year's event is being organised by Canterbury Branch who will soon be giving us the date and venue details.  If any member would like to play will they please let Judi Randall know.

Sunday 25th July - The very popular Summer Lunch at White Chimneys, Lynsted.  You will receive a reminder and fuller information later but, meantime, please note the date and bookings can be made by contacting Marian Clark on 01765 521499.

Saturday 4th December - our traditional Christmas Lunch at the Dover Castle, Teynham. It's early yet but the list soon gets filled, so why not make a provisional booking now by contacting Marian Clark.

In addition to the events listed here, your committee will be arranging others.  Details will be posted in our Newsletters and on the website.