CHAIRMAN'S LETTER
We are gradually getting back to pre-pandemic ‘normal’ with attendance numbers at our afternoon and evening talks. As one would expect some subjects appear to be more popular than others, we do try to cater for a wide and varied audience. Our coach outings don’t yet seem to have been as popular as they were but we live in hope. The point is that if coach outings are not well patronised then it becomes uneconomic to run them. I have heard comments that prices have gone up, anyone that drives will be well aware that petrol and diesel have increased and coach operators unfortunately have to pass these costs on. Our first coach outing this year will be to Hever Castle where we have been before but not since 2017. If you’ve not been on a trip for a while then why not give this one a try. The childhood home of Ann Bullen (Boleyn), with plenty of interest in the house and specifically daffodils and tulips in abundance in the spring!
The London outings are doing well with numbers holding up, long may this continue. Starting with a visit to the College of Optometrists, an outing that has been postponed for a number of years due to COVID. Followed by visiting one of the oldest Livery Companies, dating back to 1376, Tallow Chandlers. One immediately thinks of candles, however they also dealt in oils, sauces and soaps. Like most of the Livery Companies they have a magnificent Hall and fascinating history.
Following the sad death of Ken Shaw earlier last year our new membership secretary Mike Fase has been organising the membership lists in a more meaningful manner. The upshot is that we don’t have as many members as we thought. Less than 180. In the long term this is not good for the Association as you are the lifeblood. Not quite there yet, but unless membership picks up we may well find that our numbers are unsustainable for us to continue. We can all do something about this by encouraging friends to come along to our meetings, see what we do and hopefully join us.