News
LEN VALLEY ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER
May 2025 – ISSUE 176
Emails @lenara.org.uk | |||
CHAIRMAN | John Edwards | 01622 858439 | john.edwards |
VICE-CHAIRMAN | Mike Compson | 01622 851763 | mike.compson |
SECRETARY | Sue Compson | 01622 851763 | sue.compson |
WEBSITE | Mike Compson | 01622 851763 | mike.compson |
EMAILS | info |
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
Hello All
As you are aware it is LenARA's AGM this month. This is your opportunity to vote for the Committee that you want and to ask questions of the Committee members. If you have any questions it would be appreciated if you could email me at edwardsjohn19@sky.com before the meeting on 28th May so that we can provide comprehensive answers. If you have suggestions for outings and holidays we will try to organise what you want. It is difficult sometimes to think of something different to do that will be popular with members. The last few months have been a worrying time as we have been asking members to come forward and replace the committee members who are standing down at this AGM, namely myself, the vice-chairman and the secretary.
It is now near the eleventh hour and I am pleased to say we have the nominations needed to form a committee and carry on. So please, if possible, come to the AGM and welcome the new committee members. We will all need to get behind them and move forward into the 22nd year of LenARA.
In the very near future we will be looking to start trips, outings, and possibly shows and we will keep you posted.
If you are interested in joining the Committee please let us know.We are still looking for someone to help arrange our speakers for 2026.We will also need someone to arrange the Pub Lunches so if you would like to help again let us know.We want to continue putting on a varied and interesting programme of events.
FUTURE EVENTS
Apart from our weekly and monthly events we have nothing to actually look forward to except the trip to London on Friday 2nd May. We will be able to do our own thing when we get there as there is a good choice of Museums and even Harrods is not too far away.
PAST EVENTS
Under the circumstances we have been unable to book any long-term events as we didn't know in which direction LenARA would be going. Julia has thankfully kept the pub lunches going and last month we enjoyed lunch at the 'Who'd a thought it' - always a popular venue.

Then on the 2nd May Barbara Kyprianou organised a trip to London and three museums on Exhibitions Road. I think most of us went to the Victoria and Albert Museum and talking to most people they all enjoyed the day. Thank you, Barbara.
The pub lunch for June is on 18th June 2025
The George Inn, Leeds
2 Courses for £24 3 Courses for £30
Includes tip
Please be aware the car parking at the pub is limited. But parking is available at the church, which requires a short walk downhill.
Julia will be collecting orders and payment at the next meeting on 28th May 2025. If you would like to pay direct to the bank please contact Chris Godden for the details.
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Annual Subscriptions
126 members have already renewed their annual subscription, including a number of new members, and we will be collecting again at the May meeting. If you have not renewed your membership you will not be entitled to a vote at the AGM. So please make sure you pay your subs for the coming year.
OUR WEEKLY EVENTS:
Short Mat Bowls |
Tuesday |
2.00pm to 4.00pm |
£3 per session |
Phil Gooda 01622 851217 |
Zumba |
Wednesday |
9.30am to 10.30am |
£6 per session |
Barbara Kyprianou 01622 850468 |
Line Dancing |
Wednesday |
7.30pm to 9.00pm |
£4.50 per session |
Ann Rolfe 01622 859725 |
Petanque (this activity will resume in the spring) |
Thursday |
10.00am to 12.00pm |
£3.00 per session |
John Edwards 01622 858439 |
OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS:
May
Wednesday 14th May 2025 |
Ten Pin Bowling in Ashford |
11.00am |
£7.50 for two games |
Pat Highsted 01622 743658 |
Wednesday 28th May 2025 |
LenARA AGM |
2.00pm |
Lenham Community Centre |
June
Wednesday 11th June 2025 |
Ten Pin Bowling in Ashford |
11.00am |
£7.50 for two games |
Pat Highsted 01622 743658 |
Wednesday 25th June 2025 |
The History of Champagne – Peter Griffiths |
2.00pm |
Lenham Community Centre |
July
Wednesday 9th July 2025 |
Ten Pin Bowling in Ashtead |
Midday |
£7.50 for two games |
Pat Highsted 01622 743658 |
Wednesday 23rd July 2025 |
The Ups and Downs of a Stunt Woman – Lucy Allen |
2.00pm |
Lenham Community Centre |

People going to Exbury Gardens on Monday, 30th June, please pay for the trip in full at the next meeting (£41 per person) or pay direct using LenARA's bank details. Contact Chris Godden for details.
This is possibly my last newsletter. I have enjoyed my chairmanship at LenARA, with all you lovely people. You are not going to get rid of me as I will still be around.
Finally, I would like you all to sing along now as you read on.
And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friends I'll say it clear
I'll state my case of which I'm certain
I have lived a life that's full
I have travelled each and every highway
And more much more than this
I did it my way with a good committee behind me
Thanks to you all
Regards John