Local news
Raynes Park Afternoon Townswomen's Guild - August 2014
At our meeting on 19th June the Guild celebrated its 81st birthday with a friendly, well attended social gathering. After a few minutes to allow members to note activities planned for July and August, we all enjoyed a special afternoon tea with savouries, strawberries and cake. Later, Claire Moulden entertained members by reading some of her collection of comic verses and then the pretty table flowers were raffled.
In September the meeting will be on Thursday, 18th at 1.30 in St Saviour’s Church Hall. This is a taster open meeting included in the Celebrating Age Programme. Come and see what we do.
The River Trip on 1st June was almost the visit that got away! On arriving at Westminster Pier we were told that the 12 noon boat to Hampton Court would not be sailing because of a suspected unexploded bomb at Battersea. The River was temporarily closed.
In the beautiful sunshine we took up residence on benches as they became available to await developments, while we ate our packed lunches and enjoyed the view of the London Eye and movements on the river. Eventually we were told a boat would leave at 2 pm but only travel to Kew. This was a disappointment and some members left feeling the wait was too long. However the remainder of the party eventually thoroughly enjoyed their shortened trip. The boat crew was attentive and the commentary was excellent. It was suggested that in the circumstances perhaps we could try the trip in reverse another time, starting at Hampton Court.
For our monthly lunch trip on 8th June, 10 members took the 465 bus from Kingston to Dorking High Street. After refreshing ourselves in a pleasant café/restaurant, we set out to explore the town. Many of the shops are in historic buildings which have been adapted but keep their original façade andfeatures, often with a plaque outside giving previous names and uses of the buildings in thearea. Intriguingly in Robert Dyas sections of decorativepaintwork from medieval walls uncovered, restored and protected are on display. Also of note is St. Martin’s, the church is in the centre of this busy market town. A church space since Saxon times, it has been rebuilt and remodelled many times, the current rebuild dating from 1866-1874. Finally, the 210 ft tower and lofty spire were completed in 1877. The building has many fine features but we particularly noted the quality stained glass windows, the beautiful decorated chancel arch and wall panels, the delicate Lady Chapel and the highly decorated organ pipes.
Following these two longer trips out in the better weather, in August there will be a Garden Party on the afternoon of 7th August organised by our Secretary, and on 14th a group will attend the matinee of TOP HAT at Wimbledon Theatre.
Our August coach trip is to Worthing on Thursday, 21st, tickets £15. Some members of the Pavilion and Rendezvous Groups are joining us but there are still places available. Any local residents are invited to join us. We would love to welcome you. We will be departing from Raynes Park Library area at 10.00 am, (and possibly from The Earl Beatty at about 10.10 am) the return journey at 4.30pm.
For more information about any of our activities, or to book a place for Worthing, please telephone Dorothy Raymond, 020 8395 9489.
