Sometimes we need to put fund raising and other works aside for a while and let our hair down a bit.
Our monthly Dinner Meetings, although strictly speaking "business", are held in a local hotel and offer a regular opportunity for more light hearted chat and, of course, good food and drink. The December "Ladies Night" was held in the Kar Ling Kwong restaurant and proved to be immensely popular, with nearly 50 people enjoying Henry's delicious cuisine.
Sunday lunches in various pubs, Beer and Skittles evenings and Petanque tournaments are popular, as are the occasional cheese and wine parties . Visits to theatres or concerts are arranged to cater for the "culture vultures" amongst us, and as a new venture which is proving popular, our "Walk Chairman" finds exciting walks in the local neighbourhood from time to time.
"Progressive Suppers", where diners move from house to house for each course, also have a good following.
Of course, those with particular fields of interest, e.g. Railways, Aircraft, Museums, Theatres, Concerts, or maybe just a day trip and nice meal in Boulougne, often organise outings to indulge themselves and others of like mind.
The annual events of Charter (the Club's birthday) and the Handover Dinner, when the Lion Presidency changes hands are, supposedly, formal affairs but great fun nevertheless. In 2001 our Charter celebration took place at a restaurant in the little French seaside resort of Wissant, near Calais, different and very enjoyable. In 2002 our Charter outing was held afloat on the Thames, just for a change, and in 2003 we made use of Farnham Castle.
Messing about in boats