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Hello UpARA members,
Our Fundraising Day
The UpARA Committee would like to thank all members, villagers, and village organisations who contributed to our fundraising day on Friday 3rd June.
A total of £1,624.86 was raised, which is a fantastic sum, and was passed on to the DEC Ukraine Appeal.
The winners of the 'Battles of the Village organisations' were the UpARA 'Artists', followed by Upchurch WI, and Upchurch Players in 3rd place.
A big thank you to all those who attended, helped and donated cakes and also to the Co-op for their kind donation and the Village Hall Management Committee for the use of the hall.
Evening Petanque
We have changed the evening Petanque during the summer to just one evening and changed from Thursday to Tuesday - the 4th or 5th Tuesday of the month - we will see how popular this becomes but have realised that Thursday is not the right day!
The thoughts of Chairman John
I'm not that superstitious, but out of habit, I tend to check my horoscope daily, knowing that it applies to around one in twelve of the population. Still, this morning it stated "time goes by so quickly when you are enjoying yourself" for once in my life I believed every word!
Looking back, could it really be a month since we had our Jubilee fundraising day and our Brain of Upchurch Quiz. A fantastic result with a sum in excess of £1,600 was raised for the Ukraine Charity, not only by our members but other organisations within the village who made the Quiz such a success, it was such that it's been suggested we make it an annual event, and UpARA donates a suitable Trophy. As with all events, so much work takes place behind the scenes, on behalf of all our members I would like to thank everyone behind the scenes who made the day such a resounding success.
We must be doing things right, as we continue to attract new members, some of whom came, and I believe enjoyed a Boules evening at the Golf Club.
Earlier in the month 50 of us enjoyed an evening trip on the Medway Princess down to Teston Lock together with a Fish and Chip Supper, once again Malcolm managed to organise the weather as well, an evening trip enjoyed by all. The Mystery Coach Trip is next on his list (my money is on Leysdown!).
John W
Crab and Winkle Way Walk
We are planning to walk the ‘Crab and Winkle’ way at the end of the month. This walk takes in an old railway line that ran between Canterbury and Whitstable from 1830 and was the first railway line to operate as a timetabled service.
The walk is a little challenging, but not too much so and will take around 4 hours, being around 8 miles. If interested, please Email: uparaupchurch@gmail.com and we will be in touch nearer the time with further details. We will be taking the train to Canterbury and returning from Whitstable after a well deserved end of walk drink. A packed lunch will be needed as there are no stopping places until we reach Whitstable.
Mystery Coach Tour
For those going on the Mystery Coach Tour on July 19th, the pick up times are as follows: -
• 9:00am Upchurch (opposite the Church)
• 9:05am Otterham Quay Lane
• 9:10am Rainham (Lukehursts / Cricketers)
• 9:15am Rainham (bus stop opposite Pump Lane)
T-Shirts
Having discovered (and remembered) the stock of T-shirts still in the cupboard from pre-lockdown, I thought it would be good to try and sell the rest. Great value, £15, all sizes available and ideal for attending our activities, please Email, or ask at the meetings.
July Calendar
Fridays July 1st, 15th at 10:00am - Village Walk
Mondays July 4th, 11th, 17th, 24th at 10:00am - Short Tennis
Monday, July 4th at 2:00pm - Kurling
Tuesday, July 5th at 9:30am - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesday, July 5th at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Wednesdays July 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th at 10:15am - Line Dancing
Friday, July 8th at 2:00pm - Monthly Meeting
Dean Castor ‘History of the British Circus’
Tuesday, July 12th July at 10:00am - 10 Pin Bowling
Tuesday, July 19th at 2:00pm - Petanque
Tuesday, July 19th - Mystery Coach Tour
Tuesday, July 26th at 9:30am - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesday, July 26th at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Tuesday, July 26th at 6:00pm - NEW Evening Petanque
Wednesday, July 27th - Lunch Club at The Crown
Friday, July 29th - Crab and Winkle Way walk
Hopefully, see you all soon - your UpARA Committee.
Upchurch Celebrates The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022 🇬🇧 👑 🎉 🔥
Photographs 📸
UpARA would like to thank all members, villagers, and village organisations who contributed to our fundraising day and quiz on Friday.
A total of £1,624.86 was raised, which is a fantastic sum, and will be passed on to the DEC Ukraine Appeal this week.
The winners of the 'Battle of the village organisations' were the UpARA 'Artists', followed by Upchurch WI, and Upchurch Players in 3rd place.
A big thank you to all those who attended, helped and donated cakes, also to Upchurch's Co-op for their kind donation and the Village Hall Management Committee.
Your UpARA Committee
Hello UpARA members,
Our Fundraising Day - Friday 3rd June 12:00 - 4:00pm
Our day of celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is now upon us. We really hope that as many of you can join us and are able to bring along friends and family, even if just to pop in for a cuppa.
As you will know, all proceeds from the day will be donated to the DEC Ukraine Appeal, and every pound spent on teas, coffees, raffle tickets, rolls and cake etc will go towards that total.
To help kick start the proceedings, our normal Village walk will set off from the Village Hall Car Park at 10:00am, and on returning it would be lovely to see all the walkers pop in for some lunch and stay for a while. It would be nice to get a good crowd on the walk.
We are also asking for donations of Cakes that we can sell by the slice on the day. If you can donate a cake (bought or homemade), please bring it along, or Email: uparaupchurch@gmail.com to bring it earlier. Books and Jigsaws will also be on sale, so if you have anything to donate, please bring it on the day.
A lot of work has gone into the day as well as the evening quiz, we look forward to your support.
The thoughts of Chairman John
Is it really a month since we embarked on a coach trip to Leonardslee Gardens? Some of us had experienced the fantastic gardens back in the sixties prior to their shutdown to the public late in that decade. At that time, I was living in the Tunbridge Wells area, so it was almost on our doorstep, my lasting memory is the Wallabies and how steep the gardens were above the lakes.
This has now been dragged into the 21st Century by the new owners with the introduction of the 8 passenger buggies, using it to go down to the Lakes Cafe' (as we did!) was a real "white knuckle" ride. Our more sensible members used them to come back up the hill, while we more hardy members who climbed back via the Rock Garden were more than compensated with a fantastic vista of multi-coloured Azelaias and Rhododendrons.
Tonight’s (Thursday 26th) evening Boules, once again I spent another almost lonesome evening, but for Alan. We enjoyed a very competitive game, the loser paying for the hot chocolate (with sprinkles!) This has prompted me to try plan "B" Tuesday evenings as mentioned earlier in this newsletter.
A final request, please support our Fundraising Day on Friday 3rd June, remember all proceeds go to the Ukrainian Charity.
John W
Our Fundraising Evening Quiz - Friday 3rd June 7:00pm
We have many other village organisations joining us for our quiz, as well as several UpARA teams. There is still space for one or two teams. If you are interested, please Email us. It promises to be a fun evening.
Kentish Lady Boat Trip
For those going on the Kentish Lady boat trip on June 14th, the pickup times are as follows: -
• 5:00pm Upchurch (opposite the Church)
• 5:05pm Otterham Quay Lane
• 5:10pm Rainham (Lukehursts / Cricketers)
• 5:15pm Rainham (bus stop opposite Pump Lane)
Evening Petanque
We have changed the evening Petanque during the summer to just one evening, and changed from Thursday to Tuesday - the 4th or 5th Tuesday of the month. We will see how popular this becomes, but have realised that Thursday is not the right day!
T-Shirts
Having discovered (and remembered) the stock of T-shirts still in the cupboard from pre lockdown, I thought it would be good to try and sell the rest. Great value, £15, all sizes available and ideal for attending our activities, please Email, or ask at the meetings.
June Calendar
Wednesday, June 1st - Lunch Club at The Crown
Wednesdays June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th at 10:15am - Line Dancing
Friday, June 3rd - Fundraising Day at 12:00 - 4:00pm and Evening Quiz at 7:00pm
In support of DEC Ukraine Appeal
Friday, June 3rd, 17th at 10:00am - Village Walk
Monday, June 6th at 2:00pm - Kurling
Mondays June 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th at 10:00am - Short Tennis
Tuesday, June 7th at 9:30 - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesday, June 7th at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Friday, June 10th at 2:00pm - Monthly Meeting
Pete Allen ‘Tingling tales of theatre ghosts’
Tuesday, June 14th - Kentish Lady Boat Trip
Tuesday, June 14th at 10:00am - 10 Pin Bowling
Tuesday, June 21st at 2:00pm - Petanque
Tuesday, June 28th at 6:00pm - NEW: Evening Petanque
Tuesday, June 28th at 9:30am - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesday, June 28th at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Wednesday, June 29th - Lunch Club at URVGC Rivers Restaurant
Hopefully, see you all soon - your UpARA Committee.
As part of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022 celebrations, UpARA is holding a Jubilee Fundraising Open Afternoon in support of the DEC Ukraine Appeal at Upchurch Village Hall between midday and 4:00pm on Friday the 3rd of June.
There will be a variety of entertainment, plus tea, coffee, cake, baguettes, books and jigsaws on sale, raffles and fun fundraising activities.
UpARA would love to see as many people as possible - members, non-members, villagers, even if you just pop in and buy a cup of tea or a raffle ticket - the aim is that every pound spent will be sent to the appeal.
If you can donate a cake (bought or homemade to sell by the slice), please bring it along, or Email: uparaupchurch@gmail.com to bring it earlier. Books and jigsaws will also be on sale, so if you have anything to donate, please bring it on the day - thank you.
There will be a quiz in the evening after, where other village groups and organisations will be entering teams to win the coveted title of 'The Biggest Brains in Upchurch'.
If your village group or organisation would like to enter a quiz team, please Email UpARA at: uparaupchurch@gmail.com
ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS THE DEC UKRAINE APPEAL
Upchurch Matters
Hello UpARA members,
Evening Boules
A new Summer season slot has been added to our activity list from the 12th May - Evening Petanque.
Running from May to September on the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings at 6:00pm, we hope that these sessions will be well received and attended to complement our usual 3rd Tuesday afternoon slot. Come and join us… just turn up at the Petanque pitch at the side of the golf course driving range just before 6:00pm.
A few more trips
A few more trips have been added to the calendar since the last newsletter; Salute to Christmas at the Inn on the Lake on 13th December, a Mystery Coach tour on July 19th and a trip to the Albert Hall next March for Let’s Face the Music with the RPO plus guests. This month is the trip to Leonardslee gardens with Toby carvery lunch and next month, 14th June, an evening cruise along the Medway on the Kentish Lady.
Events
Events seem to have conspired against us last month with the main Friday meeting and the Westminster Walk both, unfortunately, needing to be cancelled at short notice. The walk has been rescheduled for the end of May.
The thoughts of Chairman John
I can't believe I'm composing this whilst sitting under the umbrella on my patio looking across the water with a view of Lower Halstow Yacht Club; the water has a vivid blue colour rather than its usual drab hue - who needs to fight the traffic all the way down to the West Country? (Although it has been a case recently of fighting to get into the Village)!
Despite all adversities that the utilities works have caused us recently, we are still running all our usual activities and we are always looking for additional ones, don't be afraid to put forward your ideas.
Don't forget to keep a note in your diaries for the 3rd of June, to take part in our own Jubilee event, and thanks to all of you who have volunteered to help in some way or another, we are hoping to raise quite a large sum throughout the afternoon and evening for the Ukrainian Charity, please support us.
By the time you read this, we will have had representation at the Parish Council's APM. where all the local clubs can highlight their activities, I'm sure plenty of people are under the impression UpARA is a load of old age pensioners just meeting up for tea and coffee in the Village Hall, how wrong they are!
Looking forward to a long and "normal Summer" for once.
John W
Fundraising day / Can you help us?
Our fundraising day, on Friday 3rd June, during the 4-day Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations is getting closer still. Please let us know if you can assist on the day either by Email or signing up at the next Friday meeting.
We are holding a Quiz evening from 7:00pm, for the various village groups, and an ‘Open Afternoon’, (12:00 - 4:00pm) with a variety of entertainment, teas/ coffees/cakes/ baguettes etc.
We still need members to take turns ‘manning’ the kitchen in 30/60-minute intervals, so that we can all enjoy the day. Please put your name forward if you can help - It really will be appreciated - we ideally need 20 - 30 members to come forward.
Also, please add your names to be part of one of the UpARA teams in the evening quiz.
Trips
Malcolm and Brenda will be taking money from those going on the Kentish Lady on 14th June, (£32), Mystery coach tour on 19th July, (£15), and Salute to Christmas on 13th December, (£35). Also deposits (£100) for the trip to Derry next year and payments for anyone attending the June lunch club.
AGM
Our AGM will take place after the Friday meeting on 13th May.
May Calendar
Monday, May 2nd at 2:00pm - Kurling
Tuesday, May 3rd at 9:30am - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesday, May 3rd at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Wednesdays May 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th at 10:15am - Line Dancing
Fridays May 6th, 20th at 10:00am - Village Walk
Mondays May 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th at 10:00am - Short Tennis
(No Tennis Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May)
Monday, May 9th - Leonardslee Gardens and Carvery lunch
Tuesday, May 10th at 10:00am - 10 Pin Bowling
Friday, May 13th at 2:00pm - Monthly Meeting
John Yarrow, ‘Tales of a wedding photographer’ AGM follows at 3:30pm
Tuesday, May 17th at 2:00pm - Petanque
Thursdays May 12th, 26th at 6:00pm - NEW Evening Petanque
Tuesday, May 24th at 9:30am - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesday, May 24th at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Friday, May 27th - Rescheduled Westminster & Whitehall Walk
Hopefully, see you all soon - your UpARA Committee.
Two additional Public Access Defibrillators have been installed in Upchurch and are available to use 24 hours a day, located outside of:
Maidstone Road Surgery56 Oak Lane
Upchurch
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME9 7AU
and
Upchurch Village Hall
The rear of the Crown Public House
The Street
Upchurch
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME9 7EU
Both Defibrillators were partially funded by grants awarded by Swale Borough Council through their Defibrillator Grants Scheme and significant contributions from Upchurch Parish Council and UpARA.
What is a Defibrillator?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
Modern AEDs have been designed to be simple for the layperson to use.
In a medical emergency
In a medical emergency, you must dial 999.
The 999 operator will assist and instruct the user, particularly with CPR, and provide the unlock code to open the Defibrillator Cabinet.
No training is required to use the Defibrillator. The Defibrillator will talk to the user giving them instructions on how to use it.
The 999 operator will also dispatch an ambulance.
Parish Council Public Access Defibrillators are also available to use 24 hours a day, located outside of:
Snaffles Equestrian & Country Store
2 - 4 The Street
Upchurch
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME9 7AJ
and
The Park Office
Beckenham Residential Park
Otterham Quay Lane
ME8 7XF
Holywell Primary School has a Defibrillator inside the school building, which is available in an emergency only when the school is open.
If you notice a problem with the Defibrillators outside the Doctor's Surgery, Snaffles or the Park Office at Beckenham Park or if you have had to use them, please let Upchurch Parish Council know as soon as possible so that they can be made ready for future use - Thank you.
Tel: 07798 600696
If you notice a problem with the Defibrillator outside Upchurch Village Hall or if you have had to use it, please let Upchurch Village Hall know as soon as possible so that it can be made ready for future use - Thank you.
Upchurch Matters
You will note that our first London walk of the year takes place on the 22nd of April, and the area we will be walking this time will be ‘Westminster and Whitehall’. The walk length is around 3 miles, and as normal will take a few hours due to all the stopping at various points of interest.
If you wish to join us, please Email: uparaupchurch@gmail.com, text: 07802 250773, or add your name to the sheet at the meeting.
Details will be relayed to those interested nearer the time.
Thursford
We are planning a day trip to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular on Monday, December 12th. The cost is £82 with local pickups at around 8:00am.
This is now open to both members and those on the waiting list and friends/family.
Deposits of £22 are required by 8th April with the balance due in October.
Unfortunately, if we do not get enough wanting to go, we may have to cancel and refund those who have paid their deposits.
The thoughts of Chairman John
Hello everyone,
We have just changed the clocks and, as usual, so has the weather; we were suddenly enjoying summerlike days, now snow is forecast - the joys of British weather.
Covid is still rearing its ugly head, causing some of our members to miss out on our activities, although some of us are already booked in for our fourth booster jabs, hopefully giving us all that extra protection.
On the lighter side, all of us who were at our Birthday Bash enjoyed a really entertaining evening, thanks to the Social Degenerates and their helpers.
We will be organising many other events throughout the coming months, Bryn has already given a brief list, together with all the trips, and the holidays in the pipeline, with Brenda.
I'm also going to offer Boules on a Thursday evening throughout the summer if there is any interest? Please also note that our normal Boules on the 3rd Tuesday of the month has reverted to its Summer start time, 2:00pm.
Stay safe.
John W
Fundraising day / Can you help us?
Our fundraising day, on Friday 3rd June, during the 4-day Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations is getting closer. We have decided that we will pay for the defibrillator from our funds and that all the proceeds from our fundraising day will go to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
We are holding a Quiz evening from 7:00pm, with the various village groups, and an ‘Open Afternoon’, (12:00pm - 4:00pm) with a variety of entertainment, teas/coffees/cakes/ baguettes etc.
The afternoon will be open to all - members, non-members, villagers - the more the merrier - The aim is for every pound spent to go to the appeal and costs incurred to be via donations.
We still need members in groups of 4/5/6 to take turns ‘manning’ the kitchen in 30/60-minute intervals, so that we can all enjoy the day.
Please put your name forward if you can help - It really will be appreciated - we ideally need 20 - 30 members to come forward.
Also, please add your names to be part of one of the UpARA teams in the evening quiz.
AGM
Our AGM will take place after the Friday meeting on 13th May.
Kentish Lady (£32) and Thursford Deposits (£22)
Should be paid before or at the meeting on April 8th.
April Calendar
Friday, April 1st at 10:00am - Village Walk
Mondays April 4th, 11th, 25th at 10:00am - Short Tennis
No Tennis Easter Monday
Monday, April 4th at 2:00pm - Kurling
Tuesday, April 5th at 9.30am - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesday, April 5th at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Wednesdays April 6th, 20th, 27th at 10:15am - Line Dancing
Please note no Line Dancing April 13th
Tuesday, April 12th at 10:00am - 10 Pin Bowling
Friday, April 8th at 2:00pm - Monthly Meeting
David Bowdler, 'Instrumentals from the 50’sand 60’s'
Tuesday, April 19th at 2:00pm - Petanque
Note new Summertime start at 2:00pm.
Friday, April 22nd - London Walk
Westminster & Whitehall
Tuesday, April 26th at 9:30am - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesday, April 26th at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Hopefully, see you all soon - your UpARA Committee.
There are still a few tickets available for our 8th Birthday Party on Friday, March 18th, 6:45pm. Tickets (£15), include a two-course meal and entertainment from Steve Cherelle. This is now open to non-members as well.
If you would like tickets please Email uparaupchurch@gmail.com or by text to 07802 250773; payment can be made at the coffee morning or the Friday meeting, or via BACS payment.
Thank you to those... who have indicated that they are willing to take on the organisation of some trips. We have been working on a process where coordination etc. such as banking, website and calendar etc can be provided centrally by a few of the committee, and hopefully will remove the burden of all the trips being organised by a single individual.
Malcolm has agreed that he will continue to lead on the trip to Leonardslee Gardens on 9th May, and a few members have come forward willing to take on a trip or holiday in the future.
We are hoping that there will be a variety of trips going forward, please let us know of any trips you may wish to consider in the future.
The thoughts of Chairman John
YO HO HO (see below)
Hello everyone,
There is light at the end of the Tunnel… and not a train coming in the other direction but the end of all restrictions we have been under.
YO, those of us who went to the Bob Marley Musical learnt quite a lot about Rastafarian culture along with plenty of foot-tapping music.
HO HO For those of us who were lucky to have been on the Turkey and Tinsel trip to Torquay on the English Riviera, one of the best I personally have undertaken.
A notable event last month was the unveiling of our badly needed Book Cupboard, thanks to Dennis and Peter, and to Ann for the painting. It's been said that if the hall was to fall, the cupboard would still be standing! It also means that Norman is no longer having to store 20 boxes of books in his garage!
Don't forget our Birthday Bash is just around the corner, looking forward to seeing you all, you won't be disappointed.
We are now fully up and running, we can now look forward to an enjoyable year ahead, despite events happening elsewhere.
John
Fundraising day / Can you help us?
We have decided that our fundraising day to raise money for the defibrillator, (which you will notice is now situated at the entrance to the hall), will be Friday 3rd June, during the 4-day Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
More details to follow nearer the time, but we are looking at a Quiz evening for the various groups that use the hall and an ‘Open Afternoon’, (12 - 4pm) with a variety of entertainment, teas/ coffees/cakes etc.
We want members in groups of 4/5/6 to take turns ‘manning’ the kitchen, (teas/coffees/washing/collecting cups etc) in 30/60-minute intervals, so that we can all enjoy the day. Please put your name forward if you can help - It really will be appreciated - we ideally need 20 - 30 members to come forward.
AGM
Our AGM will take place after the Friday meeting on 13th May.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions are now overdue. There will be one month’s grace to pay your subscriptions if you have not yet paid. Membership will lapse at the end of March, and places will be offered to those on the waiting list.
If you know that you will not be renewing, please let us know and we can offer your place to those on the waiting list.
March Calendar
Tuesday, March 1st at 9:30am - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesday, March 1st at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Wednesdays March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th at 10:15am - Line Dancing
Friday, March 4th at 10:00am - Village Walk
Mondays March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th at 10:00am - Short Tennis
Monday, March 7th at 2:00pm - Kurling
Tuesday, March 8th at 10:00am - 10 Pin Bowling
Friday, March 11th at 2:00pm - Monthly Meeting
Chris McCooey, ’Kent and Sussex Scandals’
Tuesday, March 15th at 1:00pm - Petanque
Friday, March 18th at 10:00am - Village Walk
Friday, March 18th at 6:45pm - UpARA Party
Tuesday, March 22nd at 9:30am - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesday, March 22nd at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Hopefully, see you all soon - your UpARA Committee.
Email: uparaupchurch@gmail.com
Website: www.upara.club
We will be hosting our 8th Birthday Party on Friday, March 18th, 7:00pm. Tickets (£15), include a two-course meal and entertainment from Steve Cherelle, (many will remember Steve from the Inn on the Lake back in October).
As always, there is a limit to the number of tickets available and these will initially be allocated to members only on a first come basis, and, in the event of over demand, a reserve list will be set up for requests above the limit and for non-members.
To reserve tickets please Email uparaupchurch@gmail.com or by text to 07802 250773; tickets must be paid for by 4th March after which any surplus tickets unpaid will be offered to the reserve list.
Unfortunately, The Bob Marley musical trip on 22nd Feb will be the last that Malcolm will be organising. If anyone, (or even a group of people on a trip-by-trip basis) would be able to step forward, that would be very welcome. Assistance will be given, coordination etc. such as banking can be provided by the committee. Please Email us or speak to a member of the committee if you are willing to help. The first trip that we need someone (or group) to step forward for is the trip to Leonardslee Gardens on 9th May.
Please consider where you can help, you will not be on your own...
The thoughts of Chairman John
Hi everyone,
Are we really on the brink of seeing the beginning of the end of restrictions? Throughout the last two years, we have been continuing to partake in most of our activities within the guidelines; this didn't just happen, behind the scenes a lot went on, thanks need to be passed on to Bryn and Kevin to ensure we could continue safely.
In the same vein, many thanks must be passed on to Malcolm for his task of Trips organiser with all the cancellations and refunds, the task must have been horrendous.
Whilst on the subject you will have noticed that Malcolm is giving up the job, I'm sure everyone will join me in thanking him for the sterling job he has done over the past few years; whoever takes on the job will need and receive plenty of help both from Malcolm and the Committee, watch this space!
Our Birthday Bash is nearing, (it seems like we have been going as a club a lot more than 8 years). Don't forget to book early to avoid disappointment.
On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank everyone for having faith and sticking with us through everything that has been thrown at us over the past months, here's to a bright future for us all.
John W
Pick up times for the Bob Marley musical - Get Up, Stand Up
Upchurch (opposite the church) 3:30pm
Otterham Quay Lane (past the 3 Sisters) 3:35pm
Rainham (O/S Lukehurst’s) 3:40pm
Rainham (opposite Pump Lane) 3:45pm
If you are on this trip, please advise Malcolm where you intend picking up.
Website
Don’t forget you can visit us on our website www.upara.club to see what is happening, and to view the calendar if you need to check whether certain activities are on or not and what time.
Can you help us?
You will notice that our new cupboard in the hall corridor is near to completion, (many thanks to Dennis Boakes and Pete McGibbon), and so we should be able to start storing and selling our books again. The cupboard now needs a couple of coats of paint to finish it off and we just need someone to volunteer to take this on for us.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions are due for renewal at the end of February, if you know that you will not be renewing, please let us know so that we can offer your place to those on the waiting list.
February Calendar
Tuesday, February 1st at 9:30am - Coffee Morning and Art
Tuesdays February 1st, 22nd at 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Wednesdays February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th at 10:15am - Line Dancing
Monday, February 7th at 2:00pm - Kurling
Tuesday, February 8th at 10:00am - 10 Pin Bowling
Friday, February 11th at 2:00pm - Monthly Meeting
Neil Sadler, ‘A Policeman’s Lot’
Tuesday, February 15th at 1:00pm - Petanque
Friday, February 18th at 10:00am - Village Walk
Mondays February 21st, 28th at 10:00am - Short Tennis
Please note, no sessions on the 7th and 14th
Tuesday, February 22nd at 9:30am - Coffee Morning
Tuesday, February 22nd at 9:45am - Art
Tuesday, February 22nd - ‘Get Up, Stand Up’ musical at the Lyceum Theatre
Pick up times as above
Hopefully, see you all soon - your UpARA Committee.
We hope that everyone had a good Christmas and New Year.
It was a shame that we had to cancel our Christmas social afternoon on 17th December, but in the circumstances and being so close to Christmas, we felt it was the most sensible thing to do.
All being well, there will be a few socials to look forward to in the coming months.
We hope that our January plans do not change, but if there is a need to, it will be broadcast via email, you will note that activities do not start until 10th January.
Although 2021 was restricted to outdoor activities only between May & June, we recommenced indoors at the end of July, and by December things seemed to be almost back to normal.
In that time, we managed trips to Oxford, Runnymede & Saville Gardens, London Southwark walk, Country & Western and Xmas Lunches at the Inn on the Lake, Tinsel & Turkey break in Torquay, as well as our Breakout Party with Nick Bosworth, Social afternoon with Jeff Pedley and our annual Quiz.
Roll on 2022...
The thoughts of Chairman John
A happy and prosperous new year to everyone,
Who would have envisaged that at this time last year, we could be under restrictions once again? We were just getting used to catching up with all normal activities, as has been mentioned in previous Newsletters.
My own personal regret was having to cancel the Friday afternoon Christmas get together, I had dusted down my Santa's little helpers’ uniform, complete with Black Tights and oversized Green Elf Boots (some may remember myself and Peter (the Snowman at a past Christmas do), I'm sure there are some pictures in the archives, watch this space!
We're so lucky to have the Village Hall as our meeting venue (the envy of many other ARA's) we have decided that it would be sensible to donate towards a defibrillator to be installed within the hall itself, outside it could be a target for vandals.
Whatever the outcome in the New Year, you can be sure your committee will be keeping your best interests to the fore.
I'm sure we are all waiting to see if Boris will hold his nerve and not add more restrictions in the new year.
Stay safe in the new year.
John W
History of the Pantomime Dame
Our December speaker, Tony Harris, gave us a very funny talk on the
history of the Pantomime Dame along with anecdotes of his own foray into acting.
Tony will be visiting us again in September 2022, giving us a talk on Secret London.
You will find our complete speakers list for 2022 on our website.
Website
Don’t forget you can visit us on our website www.upara.club to see what is happening, view the calendar if you need to check whether certain activities are on or not and what time.
Can you help us?
You may remember our asking for volunteers to help in running some activities, possibly as part of a group or on a rota - Many hands make light work! If you can help in any way, please let us know.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions are due for renewal at the end of February, if you know that you will not be renewing, please let us know so that we can offer your place to those on the waiting list.
January Calendar
Mondays January 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st 10:00am - Short/Soft Tennis
Monday, January 10th 2:00pm - Kurling
Tuesday, January 11th 9:30am - Coffee MorningPlease note: No Art
Tuesday, January 11th 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Wednesdays January 12th, 19th, 26th 10:15am - Line Dancing
Friday, January 14th 2:00pm - Monthly Meeting
Helen Allinson - Life in a Kent Workhouse
Tuesday, January 18th 1:00pm - Petanque
Friday, January 21st 10:00am - Village Walk
Tuesday, January 25th 9:30am - Coffee Morning
Tuesday, January 25th 9:45am - Art
Tuesday, January 25th 2:00pm - Table Tennis
Please note: There is no 10 Pin Bowling this month
Hopefully, see you all soon - your UpARA Committee.
