Sunday September 14th at 12.30
TRIPARTITE PÉTANQUE TOURNAMENT, preceded by lunch, with SHDOFA (Southborough & High Brooms District Overseas Friendship Association) and TWTFA (Tunbridge Wells Twinning & Friendship Association) at The White Rock Inn, Underriver, near Sevenoaks.
Friday September 19th at 7.30pm
“AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND POETRY” at The Ark, Gallards Close, Southborough.
Enjoy an evening of poetry and light music. We further invite you to bring along and play a CD of one of your own favourite musical pieces or recite the words of a delightful or emotional poem. Or, if you prefer, just come along and listen.
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
EXCERPTS FROM NEWSLETTER NO. 28 – MAY 2014
FLYING THE FLAG ON 10TH MAY
It might have been a cold Spring Saturday morning, but members felt it was important to show their support to those in Ukraine, who are presently suffering and may be on the verge of civil war. We stood outside The Victoria Theatre in Southborough and waved banners. “Well done!” and “Thank You” to those who gave up their time to support us. A letter of support was sent to Kaniv by our Chairman.
THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF TARAS SHEVCHENKO
This article was sent to us by Alina Khurchenko in Kaniv.
Today is the 9th March. Today is the most important day in the life of my country. The Ukrainian people mark the 200th Anniversary of Shevchenko’s birthday. Taras Shevchenko is our Poet, Thinker, Philosopher and Artist. He is buried in Kaniv on Chernecha Hill, or Taras’ Hill, which has become a sacred place, not only for the residents of my native town, but for millions of people all over the world. My husband and I have just come from Taras’ Hill. Thousands of people have gathered there; hundreds of people were coming and coming to the tomb to pay homage to the Great Bard and lay flowers. Two choirs sang songs written on Shevcheko’s poems. The Museum was crowded. Everybody wanted to see a new exhibition devoted to the Poet. It is really impressive – potters’ crafts, embroideries, carvings, sculptures, Shevchenko portraits made of straw, poppy seeds, wheat, sheep’s fur and millet. Embroidered towels with Shevchenko’s poems and numerous presents to the Museum from the people of Ukraine are also here. The visitors are interested in the slides about the history of the monuments to the Poet erected on the grave since 1923. The majority of people were dressed in Ukrainian national costumes, wreaths, embroidered shirts and blouses. The spirit of Kobzar was everywhere. (”Kobzar” is the name of the first book written by Shevchenko. Kobzar is a singer, who plays the Kobza, an ancient Ukrainian musical instrument.) I noticed a young singer with a guitar. She was singing the songs about my Motherland, folk songs and ballads in a circle of listeners.
I think only a genius could write about such sacred things as freedom and dignity almost two hundred years ago; only a genius could expose those who oppressed the ordinary people who could believe in the new Ukraine. The more we read Shevchenko’s works, the more we understand how actual they are nowadays, as if he was able to foresee the events through centuries. And this awareness gives people Hope, Awareness and Desire to change their lives.
OBITUARY – COUNCILLOR COLIN BOTHWELL
It was with much sadness that we learned of the death of Councillor Colin Bothwell, a former President of the Association. He died on Thursday 27th February following a lengthy illness, bravely fought. Despite being very unwell and in and out of hospital quite a lot, he still attended Council meetings in Southborough whenever he could. He was actually due to become Mayor of Tunbridge Wells in May and, of course, had been Mayor of Southborough for two years from May 2008.
Thanks to Colin we were able to take several large boxes of good second-hand books to Lambersart for onward journeys by coach – firstly to Viersen in Germany and then by lorry to their twin town of Kaniv, where the English-language books are now well-used at School Number Six.
This led to us being invited by the Mayor of Kaniv to visit them in September 2003 to help them celebrate the 950th anniversary of the founding of the town. So Colin and Sue Bothwell, together with my wife Rhona and myself, duly accepted their kind invitation and had a most enjoyable and interesting visit. Very hospitable, delightful and welcoming people! This venture was in reality the first step towards the strong link we now have with Kaniv.
In December 2010 Iryna Datsenko came to England with her son Ievgenii and Kosta Chyzh, who had missed out on a Euro Youth Camp visit held at Swattenden in the Summer. The highlight of their visit was a trip to London with Colin, who made sure they saw the Changing of the Guards at both Whitehall and Buckingham Palace amongst other memorable things Colin had planned for them. It was a generous gesture on his part, so very typical of Colin, who always wanted to ensure people had an enjoyable time.
We send our sincere commiserations to dear Sue and the members of his family on the loss of Colin, who contributed so much of his life to helping the community and the several organisations of which he was a lively, active member.
Mike Handcock, Chairman.
SAKA LOTTO CLUB 2013
This year’s Lotto Club was off to a good early start with 24 members signed up by the end of March, meaning that we were already two fifths of the way to my target of a sixty plus membership, which would enable us to pay the winner of the December prize £100, provided of course that we can keep our expenses to a minimum. The other monthly prizes would mean that the winners would enjoy a return on their £10 stake of more than double that amount.
The monthly prize is drawn for all ten months (March to December). Remember, whilst half of the money paid into the Club goes out in prizes, the other half, the other half helps support our projects in Kaniv.
All our projects are very worthwhile and are much appreciated by our friends in Ukraine, most of whom are members of KASA (Kaniv & Southborough Association). Obviously it is these people who actually do the work. – i.e. creating the Environmental Garden at School No. 6 and looking after elederly people during the cold winter months; providing them with food, warm clothing, blankets and most importantly friendship. With the situation in Ukraine so unpredictable at the present time, I believe that our commitment to them is just so important.
Mike Handcock, Chairman
CELEBRATING OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY
At a well-attended meeting a new committee was formed and we were able to thank Jacquie Jedrzewski for acting as our President for the past two years. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, she is unable to continue in this post, but continues to be a member and will attend events when able. Our thanks go to retiring members Website Editor Brian Dobson, Treasurer Angela Trowell and original committee member Bob Marsh for all their hard work over the past year.
The Committee Members for 2014 are:
President – Andrey Kotlarczyk
Chairman – Mike Handcock
Treasurer – Philip Stanford
Secretary/Newsletter Editor – Lynda Emberson
Minute Secretary – Marian Attwood
Membership Secreary – Trevor Poile
As a non-committee member, Brian Dobson volunteered to continue editing the website.
Mike Handcock did the honours of blowing out the candles on a celebratory cake.
Our guest speaker, Brenda, talked about Hope Now and showed slides. This was her second talk as the Committee felt a follow-up to the progress that had been made over the past year would be of interest to members.
Monday, 3 March 2014
Excerpts from Newsletter No. 27 dated January 2014
Dates for your Diary
Annual General Meeting – 7pm Saturday 22nd February at Gallards Close, Southborough.
Start the Year Dinner – 7.30pm Saturday 1st March at Café Bliss, Southborough.
Events
Inter Association Pétanque Tournament – 8th September 2014
Over 50 members of SHDOFA, TWTFA and SAKA arrived at the White Rock Inn at Underriver for the Pétanque Tournament. Some belong to two or even all three Associations. First of all lunch was served and enjoyed in the garden. Competitors were then formed into teams of three. Play commenced, but after 30-40 minutes heavy rain began to fall. Four teams of die-hards were mid-match and tried to carry on regardless, but as the courts flooded, they had to give in and the Tournament was abandoned. The weather aside, this first gathering of the three Associations is considered a success. The plan is to try again next year, when hopefully the weather will be kinder to us.
Brian Dobson
Film Show – 19th October 2013
Another great evening – our thanks to David Ward for showing some very entertaining films. The first showing was “50 Years of Mickey Mouse” followed by Bing Crosby and Laurel & Hardy. Colette and Bob Marsh kindly organised the Fish & Chips Supper, which was enjoyed by all, and a raffle was drawn. There was time to have a chat with other members between films and the general buzz appears to be that they would like another Film Show next October.
The Zozulenka Ukrainian Ensemble – 21st November 2013
This was not our event, but a number of SAKA members attended. It was a truly wonderful experience. So much energy from this singing and dancing troupe from Cherkasy - and so young; the eldest is 18 years of age. On a UK tour, money was being raised for “Hope Now”, a charity raising funds to provide health care for children and adults in need and helping former prisoners to find their ways back into the community.
Christmas Lunch – 8th December 2013
This year’s event was again a success for our second visit to The Royal Wells Inn at Mount Ephraim.
SAKA Lotto Club Report
Following our Christmas Lunch at the Royal Wells Hotel on Sunday, 8th December the draw took place for the last five months of the year. With 54 club members this year we were able to donate £270for our projects in Kaniv and the winners in the final draw of the year were:
August No. 26 Brigid Dobson
September No. 37 Steve Alldis
October No. 16 Keith Emberson
November No. 27 Elaine Lawrence
All the above winners received cheques for £21
December No. 49 Beverley Henderson
Beverley is the winner of the star prize of £70
Thanks to everyone who supported the Lotto Club and congratulations to all the winners, who enjoyed a good return on their £10 stakes. We have managed to keep the expenses down to £11, thus enabling us to pay out nine prizes of £21 and one of £70, so making the total prize money for 2013 £259, which is a £44 increase on last year. If we can increase the Club’s membership to 60 or more next year, we will be able to pay the December winner £100, provided of course we again keep our expenses to a minimum. Thank you all for your participation and “Good Luck!”
Mike Handcock
Website News
We are pleased to announce that Computer Gurus, the computer service company operated by SAKA member Nasir Jamil, has offered to sponsor our website, beginning in February 2014. Our thanks go to Nasir for his generous support. Our webmaster and committee member Brian Dobson has been a customer for a number of years and rates the service of Computer gurus highly. In readiness for a computer malfunction, add the telephone number of Computer Gurus to your address book – 01892 544199. When your screen goes blank, you will not be able to access the website! It is our aim to create awareness of both Southborough and Kaniv and we strive to find interesting attractions in both towns to add to the pages. The next task will be to add the green plaques, which have been erected on a number of houses, which were once occupied by celebrated citizens, by the Southborough Society.
Membership News
We currently have 69 members.
Annual General Meeting – 7pm Saturday 22nd February at Gallards Close, Southborough.
Start the Year Dinner – 7.30pm Saturday 1st March at Café Bliss, Southborough.
Events
Inter Association Pétanque Tournament – 8th September 2014
Over 50 members of SHDOFA, TWTFA and SAKA arrived at the White Rock Inn at Underriver for the Pétanque Tournament. Some belong to two or even all three Associations. First of all lunch was served and enjoyed in the garden. Competitors were then formed into teams of three. Play commenced, but after 30-40 minutes heavy rain began to fall. Four teams of die-hards were mid-match and tried to carry on regardless, but as the courts flooded, they had to give in and the Tournament was abandoned. The weather aside, this first gathering of the three Associations is considered a success. The plan is to try again next year, when hopefully the weather will be kinder to us.
Brian Dobson
Film Show – 19th October 2013
Another great evening – our thanks to David Ward for showing some very entertaining films. The first showing was “50 Years of Mickey Mouse” followed by Bing Crosby and Laurel & Hardy. Colette and Bob Marsh kindly organised the Fish & Chips Supper, which was enjoyed by all, and a raffle was drawn. There was time to have a chat with other members between films and the general buzz appears to be that they would like another Film Show next October.
The Zozulenka Ukrainian Ensemble – 21st November 2013
This was not our event, but a number of SAKA members attended. It was a truly wonderful experience. So much energy from this singing and dancing troupe from Cherkasy - and so young; the eldest is 18 years of age. On a UK tour, money was being raised for “Hope Now”, a charity raising funds to provide health care for children and adults in need and helping former prisoners to find their ways back into the community.
Christmas Lunch – 8th December 2013
This year’s event was again a success for our second visit to The Royal Wells Inn at Mount Ephraim.
SAKA Lotto Club Report
Following our Christmas Lunch at the Royal Wells Hotel on Sunday, 8th December the draw took place for the last five months of the year. With 54 club members this year we were able to donate £270for our projects in Kaniv and the winners in the final draw of the year were:
August No. 26 Brigid Dobson
September No. 37 Steve Alldis
October No. 16 Keith Emberson
November No. 27 Elaine Lawrence
All the above winners received cheques for £21
December No. 49 Beverley Henderson
Beverley is the winner of the star prize of £70
Thanks to everyone who supported the Lotto Club and congratulations to all the winners, who enjoyed a good return on their £10 stakes. We have managed to keep the expenses down to £11, thus enabling us to pay out nine prizes of £21 and one of £70, so making the total prize money for 2013 £259, which is a £44 increase on last year. If we can increase the Club’s membership to 60 or more next year, we will be able to pay the December winner £100, provided of course we again keep our expenses to a minimum. Thank you all for your participation and “Good Luck!”
Mike Handcock
Website News
We are pleased to announce that Computer Gurus, the computer service company operated by SAKA member Nasir Jamil, has offered to sponsor our website, beginning in February 2014. Our thanks go to Nasir for his generous support. Our webmaster and committee member Brian Dobson has been a customer for a number of years and rates the service of Computer gurus highly. In readiness for a computer malfunction, add the telephone number of Computer Gurus to your address book – 01892 544199. When your screen goes blank, you will not be able to access the website! It is our aim to create awareness of both Southborough and Kaniv and we strive to find interesting attractions in both towns to add to the pages. The next task will be to add the green plaques, which have been erected on a number of houses, which were once occupied by celebrated citizens, by the Southborough Society.
Membership News
We currently have 69 members.
Monday, 7 October 2013
Dates for your diary
Saturday 19th October. Vintage Film Evening
An evening of vintage films to be presented by David Ward. Three films from the memorable past, but not forgotten, age of cinema will be shown, featuring cartoon favourite Mickey Mouse, golden-voiced crooner Bing Crosby and the lovable slapstick kings, Laurel and Hardy. During the interval a fish and chip supper will be served. Take a trip down memory lane and order your tickets by 12th October from Mike Handcock.
Sunday 8th December. Christmas Lunch
12.30 at the Royal Wells Hotel, Tunbridge Wells.
3-course festive menu £25 per person, Reservations to Marian Attwood.
Excerpts from Newsletter No. 26 dated August 2013
S.A.K.A. Lotto Club Report
The Club is now in its third year and growing nicely. With 44 members in 2012, I was hopeful that we might reach 50 by the time the first draws were made in July. If this happened I calculated that we would be able to present the lucky December winner a prize of £70.00 whilst the other nine monthly winners would be entitled to £20.00 each - just double their membership fee. As the day for the July Draw grew closer so the membership gradually enlarged so that by the time we reached the date for the Cruise on the Allington Belle when the Draws would take place we actually had 54 paid up members. This meant that the monthly prizes this year would be £21.00 except, of course, for December when the winner will receive the £70.00 which is what I was aiming for.
The winners for the first five draws of 2013 were as follows:-
March No 18 C. Stinton £21.00
April No. 52 A. Colangelo £21.00
May No. 18 C. Stinton £21.00
June No. 42 R. Hinton £21.00
July No. 10 A. Angel £21.00
Total sum paid out to the five winners was £105.00
It is still possible to join the Club this year up until Thursday 31st October. The Membership fee remains at £10.00 and cheques should be made out to S.A.K.A. and sent to Mike Handcock.
Good Luck!
Mike Handcock
Events
Pétanque tournament – Sunday 8th September. We at SAKA are invited to take part in a Pétanque tournament on 8th September, which has been organised by TWTFA and SHDOFA at the White Rock Inn at Underriver. Let’s show them both that the Anglo-Ukrainians are the “top dogs” SHDOFA built a designated Petanque Court at the small recreation ground situated half-way down Yew Tree Road so we can practice beforehand and get to know the rules. Contact Brian Dobson for details.
Brian Dobson
“Val and Bert’s “Stupendous SAKA Sizzle” on the 8th June lived up to its billing!
We were given a warm welcome by Mike, who was on duty in the porch and approximately twenty members and friends went on to enjoy the barbeque. We were lucky that our Siberian Spring relented for a few hours to enable us to have lunch in the picturesque garden. A few hardy souls tried their hand at Croquet while the rest of us contented ourselves with the opportunity to relax and admire the scenery. Thank you to Val and Bert Alldis for all their hard work in making this a very enjoyable and worthwhile occasion.
Marian Attwood.
The Allington Belle Paddle Boat Trip – 20th July. We thought long and hard about this event. This is the third year we have put on this event and didn’t want to over indulge. Maybe it was time for a change so the committee had planned to take a trip to Bodiam Castle and maybe go on the Steam Train. However, we had little interest so we re-advertised the boat trip with the help of members Beverley and Steve Henderson, who very kindly accommodated us at the last minute. Thanks to you both. Once more it turned out to be a great success. The weather was kind, although cloudy it stayed warm and our hosts once more put on a marvellous spread of sandwiches, cakes and strawberries and cream. They were also very accommodating as they kept their prices the same as last year. It would appear that this is a must for the diary each year but would welcome other ideas. Mike Handcock announced the winners of the July Lotto Club and we provided a raffle which again was well supported and is a great fundraiser. We also had a winner for the lucky number on the boarding ticket. Thank you to all who attended and a special thanks to Beverley and Steve once more, a presentation of a box of chocolates was awarded to them.
Lynda Emberson
Planned trip in August to Teapot Island. Unfortunately the proposed excursion to Teapot Island clashed with events being held by other organisations, in particular an international get-together of SHDOFA. Response to our excursion was therefore not sufficiently high, so we decided to postpone the visit until late Spring 2014. We want it to be an occasion when everyone can enjoy the company of a large group of fellow members. To those who had planned to come along we offer our apologies.
Brian Dobson
Membership
It was agreed at the A.G.M. that we would retain the cost of membership at last year’s rate. We currently have 70 members.
Trevor Poile
The Club is now in its third year and growing nicely. With 44 members in 2012, I was hopeful that we might reach 50 by the time the first draws were made in July. If this happened I calculated that we would be able to present the lucky December winner a prize of £70.00 whilst the other nine monthly winners would be entitled to £20.00 each - just double their membership fee. As the day for the July Draw grew closer so the membership gradually enlarged so that by the time we reached the date for the Cruise on the Allington Belle when the Draws would take place we actually had 54 paid up members. This meant that the monthly prizes this year would be £21.00 except, of course, for December when the winner will receive the £70.00 which is what I was aiming for.
The winners for the first five draws of 2013 were as follows:-
March No 18 C. Stinton £21.00
April No. 52 A. Colangelo £21.00
May No. 18 C. Stinton £21.00
June No. 42 R. Hinton £21.00
July No. 10 A. Angel £21.00
Total sum paid out to the five winners was £105.00
It is still possible to join the Club this year up until Thursday 31st October. The Membership fee remains at £10.00 and cheques should be made out to S.A.K.A. and sent to Mike Handcock.
Good Luck!
Mike Handcock
Events
Pétanque tournament – Sunday 8th September. We at SAKA are invited to take part in a Pétanque tournament on 8th September, which has been organised by TWTFA and SHDOFA at the White Rock Inn at Underriver. Let’s show them both that the Anglo-Ukrainians are the “top dogs” SHDOFA built a designated Petanque Court at the small recreation ground situated half-way down Yew Tree Road so we can practice beforehand and get to know the rules. Contact Brian Dobson for details.
Brian Dobson
“Val and Bert’s “Stupendous SAKA Sizzle” on the 8th June lived up to its billing!
We were given a warm welcome by Mike, who was on duty in the porch and approximately twenty members and friends went on to enjoy the barbeque. We were lucky that our Siberian Spring relented for a few hours to enable us to have lunch in the picturesque garden. A few hardy souls tried their hand at Croquet while the rest of us contented ourselves with the opportunity to relax and admire the scenery. Thank you to Val and Bert Alldis for all their hard work in making this a very enjoyable and worthwhile occasion.
Marian Attwood.
The Allington Belle Paddle Boat Trip – 20th July. We thought long and hard about this event. This is the third year we have put on this event and didn’t want to over indulge. Maybe it was time for a change so the committee had planned to take a trip to Bodiam Castle and maybe go on the Steam Train. However, we had little interest so we re-advertised the boat trip with the help of members Beverley and Steve Henderson, who very kindly accommodated us at the last minute. Thanks to you both. Once more it turned out to be a great success. The weather was kind, although cloudy it stayed warm and our hosts once more put on a marvellous spread of sandwiches, cakes and strawberries and cream. They were also very accommodating as they kept their prices the same as last year. It would appear that this is a must for the diary each year but would welcome other ideas. Mike Handcock announced the winners of the July Lotto Club and we provided a raffle which again was well supported and is a great fundraiser. We also had a winner for the lucky number on the boarding ticket. Thank you to all who attended and a special thanks to Beverley and Steve once more, a presentation of a box of chocolates was awarded to them.
Lynda Emberson
Planned trip in August to Teapot Island. Unfortunately the proposed excursion to Teapot Island clashed with events being held by other organisations, in particular an international get-together of SHDOFA. Response to our excursion was therefore not sufficiently high, so we decided to postpone the visit until late Spring 2014. We want it to be an occasion when everyone can enjoy the company of a large group of fellow members. To those who had planned to come along we offer our apologies.
Brian Dobson
Membership
It was agreed at the A.G.M. that we would retain the cost of membership at last year’s rate. We currently have 70 members.
Trevor Poile
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Pétanque Tournament
Sunday 8th September 2013 1pm at The White Rock Inn, Underriver, near Sevenoaks
We at SAKA are invited to join in a Pétanque tournament organised by SHDOFA (Southborough, High Brooms & District Overseas Friendship Association) and TWTFA (Tunbridge Wells Twinning & Friendship Association). Come along as a player or just enjoy the afternoon as a spectator. Lunch at £10 per head may be ordered in advance. Full details available from Brian Dobson. Those interested in playing can join in a practice session at 7pm on Wednesday 28th August at The Copse, Yew Tree Road, Southborough, where SHDOFA has created a court.
Excursion to Teapot Island
Unfortunately the proposed excursion on 31st August to Teapot Island clashes with events being held by other organisations, which also involve members of SAKA. Response to our excursion is therefore not sufficiently high and we have decided to postpone the visit to a later date, in all probability to late Spring 2014. We want it to be an occasion when everyone can enjoy the company of a large group of fellow members.
We at SAKA are invited to join in a Pétanque tournament organised by SHDOFA (Southborough, High Brooms & District Overseas Friendship Association) and TWTFA (Tunbridge Wells Twinning & Friendship Association). Come along as a player or just enjoy the afternoon as a spectator. Lunch at £10 per head may be ordered in advance. Full details available from Brian Dobson. Those interested in playing can join in a practice session at 7pm on Wednesday 28th August at The Copse, Yew Tree Road, Southborough, where SHDOFA has created a court.
Excursion to Teapot Island
Unfortunately the proposed excursion on 31st August to Teapot Island clashes with events being held by other organisations, which also involve members of SAKA. Response to our excursion is therefore not sufficiently high and we have decided to postpone the visit to a later date, in all probability to late Spring 2014. We want it to be an occasion when everyone can enjoy the company of a large group of fellow members.
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Excursion to Teapot Island at Yalding
Excursion to Teapot Island at Yalding
Saturday 31st August 2013 3pm
Enjoy baked-on-the-premises tasty scones, homemade jam, a generous topping of Cornish Clotted cream with a pot of English tea in the company of your friends at SAKA. The Teapot Island café is situated by the River Medway. You can take a stroll along the riverbank or simply sit and watch the world go by in the sunshine or shade of the garden. The café features its own exhibition of over 6,700 teapots. The menu offers a wide variety of alternative teatime snacks and a big selection of ice creams. Transport will be co-ordinated to and from Yalding. We must make a reservation in advance to guarantee our places, so contact Marian Attwood before 2nd August.
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Change of Excursion
20 July River Cruise with the Allington Belle
By popular request we have cancelled the rail excursion, and instead are organising another cruise on the on the River Medway with the Allington Belle. Meet 1500 at the Malta Inn, Allington Lock for 1530 departure. Duration 2 hours. Price £18 per person including afternoon tea. For bookings contact Mike Handcock.
By popular request we have cancelled the rail excursion, and instead are organising another cruise on the on the River Medway with the Allington Belle. Meet 1500 at the Malta Inn, Allington Lock for 1530 departure. Duration 2 hours. Price £18 per person including afternoon tea. For bookings contact Mike Handcock.
Sunday, 2 June 2013
Excerpts from Newsletter No. 25 dated April 2013
Dates for your diary
Sat 8th June Barbecue at the home of Bert and Val Alldis. 12.30 for 1pm. Tickets £10 per person, includes glass of wine/soft drink. Under cover if wet.
Sat 20th July Steam Train from Smallhythe (Nat. Trust) in Tenterden to Bodiam, visiting Bodiam Castle (Nat. Trust). With Lunch or Afternoon Tea. Details to follow
August
(Precise date Afternoon Tea at Teapot Island, Yalding
To be advised)
September/ Film Show
October
December Christmas Lunch
Website News
A new page on Bidborough, complete with photographs, has been included. Updates have been made to several other pages too. We are always looking to find interesting facts and photographs to add. We plan to add a page on the green plaques, which were erected last year on houses in Southborough, High Brooms and Bidborough to commemorate six renowned persons, who have lived in our district. Our aim, in addition to the main objective of creating awareness of SAKA, is to tell internet viewers of the interesting places to be found in Kaniv and our catchment area of Southborough, High Brooms and Bidborough. For instance – how many know there is a copy of a section of “Madonna of the Magnificat” by Botticelli displayed on the organ case at St. Thomas’ church?
Brian Dobson
Lotto Club
The Club is well under way with 26 members having subscribed already, so I am encouraged to think my target of 50 members by the end of October will be reached or even exceeded. Joining costs just £10 and entitles Members to participate in all ten monthly prize draws, provided subscriptions are paid before the first five draws (March to July) are made at our July event. The August and December draws will be made after our Christmas Lunch as they were in 2011 and last year. I trust you will have read details of the 2012 final draw in our last Newsletter. Half of the money raised supports our projects in Kaniv and the amount remaining funds the prize money for the lucky winners. A membership of 44 in 2012 meant that we raised £220 towards our projects in Kaniv. This will be helpful in funding the Environmental Garden being established at the front of School Number 6, There is also the new Classroom Project, a very enterprising scheme, and, of course, welfare support for several elderly folk, to help them through the cold winter period. Whilst we supply the funds, friends in the Kaniv and Southborough Association (KASA) do the work. It is good to know that children are keen to undertake a share of the work. In this way they are learning about Southborough and the friendship existing between our two towns. If you haven’t done so already, please join the Lotto Club this year and encourage family members and friends to join in the fun too.
Mike Handcock
“Start of the Year Dinner”, Saturday 9th March 2013
This has become an annual SAKA social occasion, which was well supported again this year – an enjoyable evening. It is held at Café Bliss, which is a non-profit making social enterprise in Southborough, run by Elaine Lawrence (who has a holiday home in Ukraine) and volunteers from all walks of life. The main aim of the café is to give the community a voice on local issues that affect them and to help those seeking a job with work experience. In February 2013 Elaine and her team were delighted to receive the Employer Partnership Award, which is sponsored by Job Centre Plus, for both the small business category and the overall award for the whole of Kent. Many congratulations Elaine! Very well done!
Marian Attwood
Membership
Our membership has increased to 70 people and we are looking to build it even more. For full details, go to the Membership page.
Visit Ireland
Former Membership Secretary Mike Bailey keeps in touch from his new home in Killagoley near Enniscorthy in County Wexford.He and Caroline would welcome visitors to their bungalow.
The Committee 2013-2014
President Jacqui Jedrzejewski
Acting Charman Mike Handcock
Acting Vice Chairman Bob Marsh
Treasurer Angela Trowell
Secretary/Newsletter Editor Lynda Emberson
Minute Secretary Marian Attwood
Webmaster Brian Dobson
Membership Secretary Trevor Poile
Other serving members Paddy Moran
Bert Alldis
Sat 8th June Barbecue at the home of Bert and Val Alldis. 12.30 for 1pm. Tickets £10 per person, includes glass of wine/soft drink. Under cover if wet.
Sat 20th July Steam Train from Smallhythe (Nat. Trust) in Tenterden to Bodiam, visiting Bodiam Castle (Nat. Trust). With Lunch or Afternoon Tea. Details to follow
August
(Precise date Afternoon Tea at Teapot Island, Yalding
To be advised)
September/ Film Show
October
December Christmas Lunch
Website News
A new page on Bidborough, complete with photographs, has been included. Updates have been made to several other pages too. We are always looking to find interesting facts and photographs to add. We plan to add a page on the green plaques, which were erected last year on houses in Southborough, High Brooms and Bidborough to commemorate six renowned persons, who have lived in our district. Our aim, in addition to the main objective of creating awareness of SAKA, is to tell internet viewers of the interesting places to be found in Kaniv and our catchment area of Southborough, High Brooms and Bidborough. For instance – how many know there is a copy of a section of “Madonna of the Magnificat” by Botticelli displayed on the organ case at St. Thomas’ church?
Brian Dobson
Lotto Club
The Club is well under way with 26 members having subscribed already, so I am encouraged to think my target of 50 members by the end of October will be reached or even exceeded. Joining costs just £10 and entitles Members to participate in all ten monthly prize draws, provided subscriptions are paid before the first five draws (March to July) are made at our July event. The August and December draws will be made after our Christmas Lunch as they were in 2011 and last year. I trust you will have read details of the 2012 final draw in our last Newsletter. Half of the money raised supports our projects in Kaniv and the amount remaining funds the prize money for the lucky winners. A membership of 44 in 2012 meant that we raised £220 towards our projects in Kaniv. This will be helpful in funding the Environmental Garden being established at the front of School Number 6, There is also the new Classroom Project, a very enterprising scheme, and, of course, welfare support for several elderly folk, to help them through the cold winter period. Whilst we supply the funds, friends in the Kaniv and Southborough Association (KASA) do the work. It is good to know that children are keen to undertake a share of the work. In this way they are learning about Southborough and the friendship existing between our two towns. If you haven’t done so already, please join the Lotto Club this year and encourage family members and friends to join in the fun too.
Mike Handcock
“Start of the Year Dinner”, Saturday 9th March 2013
This has become an annual SAKA social occasion, which was well supported again this year – an enjoyable evening. It is held at Café Bliss, which is a non-profit making social enterprise in Southborough, run by Elaine Lawrence (who has a holiday home in Ukraine) and volunteers from all walks of life. The main aim of the café is to give the community a voice on local issues that affect them and to help those seeking a job with work experience. In February 2013 Elaine and her team were delighted to receive the Employer Partnership Award, which is sponsored by Job Centre Plus, for both the small business category and the overall award for the whole of Kent. Many congratulations Elaine! Very well done!
Marian Attwood
Membership
Our membership has increased to 70 people and we are looking to build it even more. For full details, go to the Membership page.
Visit Ireland
Former Membership Secretary Mike Bailey keeps in touch from his new home in Killagoley near Enniscorthy in County Wexford.He and Caroline would welcome visitors to their bungalow.
The Committee 2013-2014
President Jacqui Jedrzejewski
Acting Charman Mike Handcock
Acting Vice Chairman Bob Marsh
Treasurer Angela Trowell
Secretary/Newsletter Editor Lynda Emberson
Minute Secretary Marian Attwood
Webmaster Brian Dobson
Membership Secretary Trevor Poile
Other serving members Paddy Moran
Bert Alldis
Friday, 29 March 2013
Excerpts from Newsletter No. 24, dated January 2013
The Medway Cruise – Sunday 30th September
The repeat performance of last year’s successful trip on the Allington Belle did not disappoint! The meticulous organization by Mike Handcock paid off and we gathered in good time at the Malta Inn. It was a warm overcast afternoon – ideal for cruising! On embarkation we were welcomed by the proprietors, the Henderson family, who had prepared a tempting spread of sandwiches, scones and cakes, together with tea and coffee. Drinks were also available at the bar for anyone wanting anything a little stronger. Despite an initial hold-up, due to a race by oarsmen from the Maidstone Rowing Club, the trip to East Farleigh Lock and back took about two hours. It was interesting to see Maidstone from a new perspective and see the gardens of the riverside properties. This was both an enjoyable and profitable fundraising event. Marion Attwood.
QuizNite – Saturday 27th October
On a windy night towards the end of October my husband two friends and I made our way to the Village Hall in Bidborough. We were planning to take part in the Quiznite, arranged by the SAKA Committee. Once inside we discovered the gathering was fairly small, but enough to make up 3 teams of four. Mike Handcock was our very able quizmaster, providing questions ranging from the Olympics to Space! We had a break after a while and ate a delicious supper, provided by Lynda Emberson and Marian Attwood. It gave us time to chat and mix with everyone. Amazingly, at the end, my team discovered we had won, by just one point. We were delighted and won some lovely prizes. Everyone who attended had an opportunity to win a prize, because we also had a raffle and there were plenty of nice things from which to choose. All in all, it was a good night out. Our friends are looking forward to the next QuizNite. Why not join us? Val Alldis
Film Show at St. Thomas’ Church Hall – Saturday 10th November
The Film Show was something different. David Ward kindly offered two of the special films from his collection. The first featured Laurel and Hardy and the second was a George Formby classic. During the interval, while David needed to change spools, we held a raffle, organised by committee member Paddy Moran. Donations were also kindly given for the evening and we made in total £108, including the raffle money and entrance fee. It was indeed a social evening and something I feel we will surely do again in the future. It was a truly enjoyable evening and very amusing, bringing back lots of memories for many. Our thanks to David and to Mike Handcock, who organized the refreshments. Lynda Emberson
Christmas Lunch at the Royal Wells Inn – Sunday 2nd December
This was a new venue for us and a very successful one. Our thanks to Brian for organizing it. We had twenty members and guests and the feedback received was all positive. The 3-course menu was excellent and good value for money. We had all the trimmings and an opportunity to chat to other members and guests. Lynda Emberson
Pre Christmas Lunch e-mail via Bert Alldis from our friend TonyWainainah in Africa
Hi Bert. How have you been? How is your dear wife and the children? My family is fine. My last born boy Teddy has grown big and very playful. Bert, you and the S.A.K.A. are now warming up for the annual lunch on Sunday at the Royal Wells Inn. I am sincerely envious of that great occasion. I wish you all a ravenous appetite on that day. Thank you for all the good work you have done in this year and in future. Receive greetings from the good people of Molo. I also wish you all a Merry Xmas and Bright 2013. Tony Wainainah
Lotto Club 2012
Following our splendid Christmas Lunch the diners were invited to retire to the hotel lounge for coffee and it was there that the draws took place to ascertain the five winners of the monthly prizes for the months August to December 2012. Those successful were:-
August No. 2 Bert Alldis won £20
September No. 38 Peter Hayward won £20
October No. 9 Trevor Poile won £20
November No.19 Elaine Lawrence won £20
December No.33 Dr. Jay Hill won £60
Congratulations to all winners in 2012 and grateful thanks to all those who joined the SAKA Lotto Club in what was only its second year. Having 44 members meant we raised £220 towards our projects in Kaniv, distributed “215 in prize money and still had a fiver to put towards the licence we need to be able to run the Lotto Club in 2013. We are properly licenced by Sevenoaks District Council under the Gambling Act of 2005 and have to make a Return to the Council each year. It’s a bit of fun for a membership fee of just £10 for ten months March to December; and it’s best to join early, normally at the Start of the Year Dinner, being held at Café Bliss on Saturday 9th March. Mike Handcock
Visit Ireland
Former Membership Secretary, Mike Bailey, has kept in touch and he and Caroline have a spare bedroom in their bungalow. Tjhey will be pleased to hear from anyone wanting to visit Ireland. The address is: 1 Marfield Gardens, Killagdey, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Republic of Ireland.
Visitors from Kaniv
This was written by Katia Lyzogub and is presented in the Newsletter exactly as she wrote it.
“The Bridges of Friendship: Kaniv – Southbourne”
From 28th July till the 5th August senior pupils and two teachers-accompaniers from Kaniv visited the settlement of Swattenden in England at the invitation of sister city of Southbourne. Katia Lyzogub, Anna Antonova, Anastasiya Zuhuravel, Olha Velychko, Daryna Bondarenko, Anton Kotliar, Vlad Nalivayko, Oleksandr Gurbych and two accompaniers – the English teacher Iryan Datsenko and the French teacher Svitlana Yakimenko wewnt to the camp for the Olympic games’ celebration and for the sport competitions, which was organized by Regional Office of Youth Kent.
It was started on 28th July. It was hot and sunny in Ukraine. But after a few hours of flight a complete change of climate met us. The sky of England was covered in grey clouds, it was drizzling. But nothing could change our good mood.! Just we got off the plane in the English airport Gatwick the representative of association Southbourne-Kaniv Mike Handcock and Bryan Dobson met us and presented us books of classic English literature. In an hour we went to our comp in the Swattenden Kent County. The staff welcomed us, showed us the territory of our residence, rooms for activities and rest, the dining hall and the Internet-café. Where we could be in touch with our relatives and friends. Young people frm Ukraine, Russia, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, England, Germany, Finland, South Korea, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Austria, Liechtenstein and Sweden visited the camp. It was a great opportunity to learn about the culture, customs of others nations, to learn simple words in different languages. At the opening ceremony we got acquainted with the staff and strict camp rules: we had to go to bed at 11pm. And get up at 7am. We had to go to the competitions and activities in time and it was obligatory to participate in all games. No alcohol, smoking – only in designated areas. The whole day is in strict regulations, which we had to follow, every evening – interesting events or concerts. But we didn’t lack fun – we spent time with benefit and pleasure! Soon, we went to the Bewl Water for sport activities. Canoeing, funny games on the water, mountain biking around the picturesque lake. Unforgettable impression! The next day was named as Sports Day. Volleyball, climbing the wall, basketball challenge, archery mix-it-up. An intensive program and only short breaks for the rest. Evening entertainments were no less exciting – we learned how to play ingomas – drums without drumsticks, which have cylindrical shape. What a fantastic sound when more than 100 palms beat the rhythm of the same melody! The fifth day we spent in London. Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, London eye, National Gallery, Queen Victoria Memorial, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Changing the guard near it, Covent Garden, South Bank street artists, famous London cabs, red telephone boxes and red buses for tourists will never be forgotten! On the sixth day we plunged in art: we made different bracelets with the inscriptions for each other, made a small copy of the Earth with all members of the camp, painted and designed own photos. However, it was not done without extreme: we climbed the high ropes, practiced Low Zipline and Postman’s Walk. Next day we visited Rochester, incredibly beautiful town. Narrow streets, which are decorated witht flowers and bright signboards of small shops impressed us by their beauty and diversity of colour. And now = the last day of our huge adventure. But there was not time to be relaxed or sad! From the morning and till the evening funny competitions, which were called “It’s a Knockout!” were held between the teams of the whole camp – and these are 240 people! 24 commands fought for the first places. Creative games, competitions and activities now and then were interrupted by short-term rain, after which the sun was shining brightly again. And in the evening all members of the camp gathered together at the clothing ceremony. We exchanged with presents, addresse, hopes, wishes, thoughts with our new friends from the shared one tent. And we had to say goodbye to our English curators – Philipa and Ben, who were like mom and dad during these short eight days. And of course, it was the saddest moment to say goodbye to our friends: Kathie, Molly and Ryan from England, Rosa and Ebi from Finland and to the whole team from Russia, with whom we really “found the common language”. Next morning with the suitcases, unforgettable impressions, with undisguised sadness we left Swattenden Center. Already accustomed to life in the tents, to the busy day regimen, to strictEnglish discipline and to cold climate we returned home to our native Ukraine. Kent Global Camp 2012 – we are really missing you. Katia Lyzogub
The repeat performance of last year’s successful trip on the Allington Belle did not disappoint! The meticulous organization by Mike Handcock paid off and we gathered in good time at the Malta Inn. It was a warm overcast afternoon – ideal for cruising! On embarkation we were welcomed by the proprietors, the Henderson family, who had prepared a tempting spread of sandwiches, scones and cakes, together with tea and coffee. Drinks were also available at the bar for anyone wanting anything a little stronger. Despite an initial hold-up, due to a race by oarsmen from the Maidstone Rowing Club, the trip to East Farleigh Lock and back took about two hours. It was interesting to see Maidstone from a new perspective and see the gardens of the riverside properties. This was both an enjoyable and profitable fundraising event. Marion Attwood.
QuizNite – Saturday 27th October
On a windy night towards the end of October my husband two friends and I made our way to the Village Hall in Bidborough. We were planning to take part in the Quiznite, arranged by the SAKA Committee. Once inside we discovered the gathering was fairly small, but enough to make up 3 teams of four. Mike Handcock was our very able quizmaster, providing questions ranging from the Olympics to Space! We had a break after a while and ate a delicious supper, provided by Lynda Emberson and Marian Attwood. It gave us time to chat and mix with everyone. Amazingly, at the end, my team discovered we had won, by just one point. We were delighted and won some lovely prizes. Everyone who attended had an opportunity to win a prize, because we also had a raffle and there were plenty of nice things from which to choose. All in all, it was a good night out. Our friends are looking forward to the next QuizNite. Why not join us? Val Alldis
Film Show at St. Thomas’ Church Hall – Saturday 10th November
The Film Show was something different. David Ward kindly offered two of the special films from his collection. The first featured Laurel and Hardy and the second was a George Formby classic. During the interval, while David needed to change spools, we held a raffle, organised by committee member Paddy Moran. Donations were also kindly given for the evening and we made in total £108, including the raffle money and entrance fee. It was indeed a social evening and something I feel we will surely do again in the future. It was a truly enjoyable evening and very amusing, bringing back lots of memories for many. Our thanks to David and to Mike Handcock, who organized the refreshments. Lynda Emberson
Christmas Lunch at the Royal Wells Inn – Sunday 2nd December
This was a new venue for us and a very successful one. Our thanks to Brian for organizing it. We had twenty members and guests and the feedback received was all positive. The 3-course menu was excellent and good value for money. We had all the trimmings and an opportunity to chat to other members and guests. Lynda Emberson
Pre Christmas Lunch e-mail via Bert Alldis from our friend TonyWainainah in Africa
Hi Bert. How have you been? How is your dear wife and the children? My family is fine. My last born boy Teddy has grown big and very playful. Bert, you and the S.A.K.A. are now warming up for the annual lunch on Sunday at the Royal Wells Inn. I am sincerely envious of that great occasion. I wish you all a ravenous appetite on that day. Thank you for all the good work you have done in this year and in future. Receive greetings from the good people of Molo. I also wish you all a Merry Xmas and Bright 2013. Tony Wainainah
Lotto Club 2012
Following our splendid Christmas Lunch the diners were invited to retire to the hotel lounge for coffee and it was there that the draws took place to ascertain the five winners of the monthly prizes for the months August to December 2012. Those successful were:-
August No. 2 Bert Alldis won £20
September No. 38 Peter Hayward won £20
October No. 9 Trevor Poile won £20
November No.19 Elaine Lawrence won £20
December No.33 Dr. Jay Hill won £60
Congratulations to all winners in 2012 and grateful thanks to all those who joined the SAKA Lotto Club in what was only its second year. Having 44 members meant we raised £220 towards our projects in Kaniv, distributed “215 in prize money and still had a fiver to put towards the licence we need to be able to run the Lotto Club in 2013. We are properly licenced by Sevenoaks District Council under the Gambling Act of 2005 and have to make a Return to the Council each year. It’s a bit of fun for a membership fee of just £10 for ten months March to December; and it’s best to join early, normally at the Start of the Year Dinner, being held at Café Bliss on Saturday 9th March. Mike Handcock
Visit Ireland
Former Membership Secretary, Mike Bailey, has kept in touch and he and Caroline have a spare bedroom in their bungalow. Tjhey will be pleased to hear from anyone wanting to visit Ireland. The address is: 1 Marfield Gardens, Killagdey, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Republic of Ireland.
Visitors from Kaniv
This was written by Katia Lyzogub and is presented in the Newsletter exactly as she wrote it.
“The Bridges of Friendship: Kaniv – Southbourne”
From 28th July till the 5th August senior pupils and two teachers-accompaniers from Kaniv visited the settlement of Swattenden in England at the invitation of sister city of Southbourne. Katia Lyzogub, Anna Antonova, Anastasiya Zuhuravel, Olha Velychko, Daryna Bondarenko, Anton Kotliar, Vlad Nalivayko, Oleksandr Gurbych and two accompaniers – the English teacher Iryan Datsenko and the French teacher Svitlana Yakimenko wewnt to the camp for the Olympic games’ celebration and for the sport competitions, which was organized by Regional Office of Youth Kent.
It was started on 28th July. It was hot and sunny in Ukraine. But after a few hours of flight a complete change of climate met us. The sky of England was covered in grey clouds, it was drizzling. But nothing could change our good mood.! Just we got off the plane in the English airport Gatwick the representative of association Southbourne-Kaniv Mike Handcock and Bryan Dobson met us and presented us books of classic English literature. In an hour we went to our comp in the Swattenden Kent County. The staff welcomed us, showed us the territory of our residence, rooms for activities and rest, the dining hall and the Internet-café. Where we could be in touch with our relatives and friends. Young people frm Ukraine, Russia, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, England, Germany, Finland, South Korea, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Austria, Liechtenstein and Sweden visited the camp. It was a great opportunity to learn about the culture, customs of others nations, to learn simple words in different languages. At the opening ceremony we got acquainted with the staff and strict camp rules: we had to go to bed at 11pm. And get up at 7am. We had to go to the competitions and activities in time and it was obligatory to participate in all games. No alcohol, smoking – only in designated areas. The whole day is in strict regulations, which we had to follow, every evening – interesting events or concerts. But we didn’t lack fun – we spent time with benefit and pleasure! Soon, we went to the Bewl Water for sport activities. Canoeing, funny games on the water, mountain biking around the picturesque lake. Unforgettable impression! The next day was named as Sports Day. Volleyball, climbing the wall, basketball challenge, archery mix-it-up. An intensive program and only short breaks for the rest. Evening entertainments were no less exciting – we learned how to play ingomas – drums without drumsticks, which have cylindrical shape. What a fantastic sound when more than 100 palms beat the rhythm of the same melody! The fifth day we spent in London. Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, London eye, National Gallery, Queen Victoria Memorial, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Changing the guard near it, Covent Garden, South Bank street artists, famous London cabs, red telephone boxes and red buses for tourists will never be forgotten! On the sixth day we plunged in art: we made different bracelets with the inscriptions for each other, made a small copy of the Earth with all members of the camp, painted and designed own photos. However, it was not done without extreme: we climbed the high ropes, practiced Low Zipline and Postman’s Walk. Next day we visited Rochester, incredibly beautiful town. Narrow streets, which are decorated witht flowers and bright signboards of small shops impressed us by their beauty and diversity of colour. And now = the last day of our huge adventure. But there was not time to be relaxed or sad! From the morning and till the evening funny competitions, which were called “It’s a Knockout!” were held between the teams of the whole camp – and these are 240 people! 24 commands fought for the first places. Creative games, competitions and activities now and then were interrupted by short-term rain, after which the sun was shining brightly again. And in the evening all members of the camp gathered together at the clothing ceremony. We exchanged with presents, addresse, hopes, wishes, thoughts with our new friends from the shared one tent. And we had to say goodbye to our English curators – Philipa and Ben, who were like mom and dad during these short eight days. And of course, it was the saddest moment to say goodbye to our friends: Kathie, Molly and Ryan from England, Rosa and Ebi from Finland and to the whole team from Russia, with whom we really “found the common language”. Next morning with the suitcases, unforgettable impressions, with undisguised sadness we left Swattenden Center. Already accustomed to life in the tents, to the busy day regimen, to strictEnglish discipline and to cold climate we returned home to our native Ukraine. Kent Global Camp 2012 – we are really missing you. Katia Lyzogub
Monday, 7 January 2013
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Excerpts from Newsletter No. 23, dated August 2012
Dates for your diary
The Medway Cruise on the Allington Belle will set sail from The Malta Inn, Allington at 1.30pm on Sunday 30th September.
A Quiz Night will be held at Bidborough Village Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday 27th October.
A Beetle Drive will be held at The Arc, Gallards Almshouses, Southborough at 7pm on Friday 23rd November.
The Christmas Lunch will be held at the Royal Wells Inn, Tunbridge Wells at 12.30pm on Sunday 2nd December.
Obituary – Ian Hughes Hinton
It is with sadness that we have to display yet another obituary within the pages of our Newsletter. Ian was known to many of us. At Easter, he and his family were involved in an awful road accident, to which reference was made in our last edition. He survived for six weeks under the care of both Glasgow and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals and finally succumbed to his injuries.
Ian was born in Eltham and was educated at Eltham College and Tonbridge School. He graduated from Oxford University and was later called to the Bar. He worked for a time on the editorial staff of The Times and then became a lecturer at Kingston University, but it was the sea that was always in his blood. He rose to Lt. Commander in the Royal Navy Reserve and was awarded the Volunteer Reserve Decoration. As an ardent sailor himself, he thrived on teaching others the skills of seamanship, especially with the London Sailing Project “making young lads sick for a week!” But it was as a family man, a father and grandfather (of eleven grandchildren) that he will be remembered, as well as someone who has played an active part in local charities as well as in his home village of Bidborough. He was a Reader in the local church and his spiritual side made him a person of great compassion, as well of endearing wisdom. He was also a very amusing man, revelling in a good joke and often chuckling at the surreal side of life. Taking into account his popularity, it was no surprise that Bidborough Church was packed out at his funeral, with many people standing outside the church listening to the service on the relay system. He now rests at Bidborough Churchyard.
His sort of compassion and generosity led him to join SAKA and he and Rosemary attended our various meetings and events when they could, bearing in mind that in later life Ian was suffering from painful disabilities. I and so many – whether in SAKA, Bidborough or the wider community – will miss him enormously and will count it a great privilege to have known this lovely, remarkable man.
Michael Lee
The Medway Cruise – Sunday 30th September 1.30-3.30pm from The Malta Inn, Allington ME14 3AS
£18 per adult and £10 per child, including light lunch.
“Of all the events we held last year, the most enjoyable was the cruise on the Allington Belle along the River Medway. It was so relaxing to travel along Kent’s premier river at a gentle unhurried pace, enjoying the riverside properties, gardens, the dozens of boats tied up along the banks, the bird life and the pleasant company of good friends. The delicious tea provided was much appreciated and excellent value – and the bar remained open!” –
Mike Hancock
Congratulations to SAKA members Farah and Nasir Jamil
Nasir and Farah were blessed with a baby daughter, Minal, on 17th June. As you know, Farah and Nasir hail from Pakistan. There is an Islamic tradition for the parents, in celebration, to shave the hair from the baby’s head after seven days, weigh it and donate the equivalent weight in gold as a zakat, a charitable donation to the poor. The ceremony resulted in £200 being duly sent to Nasir’s father to distribute amongst the poor in Farah and Nasir’s home village of Jalal Abad. Following another tradition, Aqeegah, within seven days Nasir’s father sacrificed a goat, the meat of which was distributed amongst the poor. Minal was appropriately born on Father’s Day. On starting school, Minal will, of course, automatically become a family member of SAKA.
Who else can claim to come from a town or village named after a relative? Jalal Abad was named after Nasir’s grandfather, Jalal Din, who was Finance Minister in the State of Bahawalpur before the partition of India.
More than one winner of Euro 2012!
So at last, The European Cup Football Tournament is over and Spain won! But what of the host countries, Poland and Ukraine, who received such a bad press before the tournament began. Did they come out of it as winners or losers?
The only disturbing incident I can recall was a clash between Russian and Polish supporters, when the two teams played each other and that could hardly be attributed to negligence on the part of the Polish Authorities. There were also some firecrackers thrown onto the pitch by one group of spectators, but the stadium stewards seemed to have dealt with this calmly and efficiently. Certainly no blame could be attached to the host country. In fact, it appears that those who attended the matches and visited both countries were treated with politeness and consideration throughout. Those who ventured into the towns and countryside liked what they saw and enjoyed the hospitality of the local people.
I hope those who visited Ukraine will wish to return in the future and get to know it better. It was a shame that the European dignitaries - who decided not to attend the tournament due to the imprisonment of the opposition leader, Yulia Tymoshenko – denied themselves the opportunity of learning more about the country and meeting some of its people. Tymoshenko herself made it quite clear that she did not want them to stay away. In an article to the Guardian newspaper, the Ambassador of Ukraine, Volodomyr Khandogiy, responded to the hostility of some of the press coverage prior to the start of the tournament. He wrote:
“My countrymen are looking forward to show our openness and hospitality to the World. Recent allegations about racial intolerance in Ukraine are scaremongering. Boycotting the Euros or Olympics would take us back to the times of the Cold War. We are not perfect, but nobody is. So instead of puzzling over finding ways to punish, it might be better to look for ideas how to help”, -I agree with His Excellency
I remember how dubious I was when I first visited Ukraine in September 2003, but being met at Borispol International Airport near Kiev with kisses, hugs and bouquets of flowers set things off to a good start and the four of us were treated throughout our stay with generous hospitality and great kindness wherever we went. No wonder I have been so often and am confident of encouraging SAKA members to visit Ukraine.
The magnificent capital of Kiev, where the final of the tournament took place, is thought of as “The Heart of Ukraine” and our friendship town of Kaniv is considered to be “The Soul of Ukraine”. I have stayed in both and rejoice that I have had the opportunity to do so. There are many other parts of this vast country I would like to have seen, but my chances of doing so are now pretty remote, so I must be grateful for past pleasures, happy memories and the many friendships made over the years since that first visit.
Despite the scare stories before the event, I believe the host countries did extremely well for their visitors. So yes, Ukraine and Poland too were, in my opinion, winners during the major football tournament of 2012.
Mike Handcock, Chairman
The Garden Friendship Afternoons in May and June
We did things slightly differently this year. Instead of having three or four gardens to visit in one day, we visited one garden each over four consecutive weekends. The first of these was Mike and Rhona Handcock’s garden in Bidborough on Saturday 12th May, followed by David Ward’s garden, also in Bidborough, on Saturday 19th. On Saturday 26th we were in Southborough at the garden of Bert and Val Alldis. On each Saturday the weather was lovely. Keith and Lynda Emberson opened their garden on the garden in the Broadwater area of Tunbridge Wells on Sunday 3rd June, the day of the Queen’s Jubilee River Pageant. As everyone will recall it rained most odf the day and therefore much of the time had to be spent indoors, but we all braved the weather for a photo! It was agreed that Val and Bert should receive recognition for their hard work and they were awarded the trophy for Best Garden. Lynda Emberson
Over the four week period £158.56 was raised to boost our funds. Altogether it was a very worthwhile activity, thanks to all our hosts and to those who visited one or more of the gardens, enjoying very pleasant surroundings and good company. Mike Handcock
Coffee Morning on Sunday 22nd July and the Lotto Club Draw
A most enjoyable social occasion hosted by Lynda and Keith Emberson at their home in Tunbridge Wells. As always the food and drink was delicious and it was pleasant enough to sit in the garden, chat and take part in a raffle.
The first set of draws took place in this year’s Lotto Club and an amazing thing happened. The promoter is always careful to ensure the cards with the members’ numbers are firmly held with the numbers face down. After each draw the winning card is returned to the pack and the pack is then shuffled. Our President, Jacqui Jedrzejewski drew the first number and then others present took turns to draw the next four winners and this is what happened:
March – winning number 22, Michael Lee
April – winning number 22, Michael Lee
May – winning number 3, Arthur Angel
June – winning number 1, Val Alldis
July – winning number 22, Michael Lee.
Thanks to all those who have joined the club so far. There are Thirty-nine Lotto Club members so far. If you would like to be in with a chance for the five months from August to December, please send in your application by Wednesday, 31st October latest! We do know that the December prize will be at least £50 and the draw will take place after the Christmas lunch.
Updating our website
Negotiations are in progress and it is hoped to be announced very soon that we have a local company sponsoring our website.
We are constantly keeping our eyes open for more interesting items about Southborough and Kaniv to include in the website. In recent months, pages have been added for Barnetts Wood, the Botticelli copy at St. Thomas’ Church and the memorial in St. Matthew’s Church to the HMS Hythe WWI disaster, Southborough and High Brooms’ worst wartime tragedy. Updates have been made to the pages for the Colebrook Viaduct, St. Peter’s Church, Southborough Common, David Salomons’ House and the C.J. Gallard Almshouses.. We are currently researching Bidborough and keeping our eyes on the planned siting by the Southborough Society of green plaques outside the homes of prominent former citizens. More information has been received from Kaniv, but it has not been easy translating from the Ukrainian originals. Take a look at the Southborough Gallery right now! Brian Dobson
Membership matters
We are pleased to welcome David Marriott to membership and hope he will be able to take part in the remaining activities we are planning for 2012.
Unfortunately Keith Bridgland is no longer able to continue his membership. Sadly his eye problems have meant he has had to give up driving and he lives out in Hawkhurst. Taking part in activities, as he would like to, has become very difficult, so it is a sensible decision to resign, but if he moves back this wa, he will rejoin. He sends his best wishes. We will miss him and wish him well in the future.
Membership currently stands at 66.
Supplement to Newsletter 23
More on the Behaviour of Football Fans
Mike Handcock shared with me his article on the UEFA 2012 Football Championship. I too was saddened by reports of alleged football violence in Ukraine, which I could not believe. From the autumn of 1999 until January 2002 I worked in Kiev and regularly attended football matches. Not once did I see the slightest sign of violence. Indeed the Ukrainians showed me something our own football crowds come nowhere near to matching for sportsmanship.
Towards the end of the season 2000-2001 Dynamo Kiev played at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, at a time when both teams were contesting the league championship. So many people wanted to see the match, that it was transferred from Dynamo’s 16,000 capacity stadium to the 85,000 capacity Olympic Stadium in Kiev. 25,000 fans from Donetsk travelled to Kiev by coach, a distance equivalent to that between London and Edinburgh, to see the match. Most Dynamo fans were seated in the main stand and all around the lower tier surrounding the pitch to create a sea of blue, while the Shakhtar fans were seated above them in the upper tier, a solid block of orange. Shakhtar won the match 2:1. At the final whistle the Dynamo fans stood up, looked towards the upper tier and burst into applause. The Shakhtar fans responded likewise.
In our media in Britain, during the 2012 Euro Championship, the role of the media in provoking violence between the Polish and the Russian fans was not reported. Take a look at the front page of the pre-match Polish edition of Newsweek. It reads “Poland-Russia. Battle of Warsaw 2012. Why in matches with Russia it is not just football.” The illustration has been mocked up to show Polish trainer Franciszek Smuda dressed in a Polish officer’s uniform, circa WWII. Remember that in 1940 Josef Stalin ordered all prisoners-of-war officers of the Polish Army to be taken to the Katyn Forest near Smolensk and be executed. Is it any wonder that emotions were running high?
Brian Dobson
The Medway Cruise on the Allington Belle will set sail from The Malta Inn, Allington at 1.30pm on Sunday 30th September.
A Quiz Night will be held at Bidborough Village Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday 27th October.
A Beetle Drive will be held at The Arc, Gallards Almshouses, Southborough at 7pm on Friday 23rd November.
The Christmas Lunch will be held at the Royal Wells Inn, Tunbridge Wells at 12.30pm on Sunday 2nd December.
Obituary – Ian Hughes Hinton
It is with sadness that we have to display yet another obituary within the pages of our Newsletter. Ian was known to many of us. At Easter, he and his family were involved in an awful road accident, to which reference was made in our last edition. He survived for six weeks under the care of both Glasgow and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals and finally succumbed to his injuries.
Ian was born in Eltham and was educated at Eltham College and Tonbridge School. He graduated from Oxford University and was later called to the Bar. He worked for a time on the editorial staff of The Times and then became a lecturer at Kingston University, but it was the sea that was always in his blood. He rose to Lt. Commander in the Royal Navy Reserve and was awarded the Volunteer Reserve Decoration. As an ardent sailor himself, he thrived on teaching others the skills of seamanship, especially with the London Sailing Project “making young lads sick for a week!” But it was as a family man, a father and grandfather (of eleven grandchildren) that he will be remembered, as well as someone who has played an active part in local charities as well as in his home village of Bidborough. He was a Reader in the local church and his spiritual side made him a person of great compassion, as well of endearing wisdom. He was also a very amusing man, revelling in a good joke and often chuckling at the surreal side of life. Taking into account his popularity, it was no surprise that Bidborough Church was packed out at his funeral, with many people standing outside the church listening to the service on the relay system. He now rests at Bidborough Churchyard.
His sort of compassion and generosity led him to join SAKA and he and Rosemary attended our various meetings and events when they could, bearing in mind that in later life Ian was suffering from painful disabilities. I and so many – whether in SAKA, Bidborough or the wider community – will miss him enormously and will count it a great privilege to have known this lovely, remarkable man.
Michael Lee
The Medway Cruise – Sunday 30th September 1.30-3.30pm from The Malta Inn, Allington ME14 3AS
£18 per adult and £10 per child, including light lunch.
“Of all the events we held last year, the most enjoyable was the cruise on the Allington Belle along the River Medway. It was so relaxing to travel along Kent’s premier river at a gentle unhurried pace, enjoying the riverside properties, gardens, the dozens of boats tied up along the banks, the bird life and the pleasant company of good friends. The delicious tea provided was much appreciated and excellent value – and the bar remained open!” –
Mike Hancock
Congratulations to SAKA members Farah and Nasir Jamil
Nasir and Farah were blessed with a baby daughter, Minal, on 17th June. As you know, Farah and Nasir hail from Pakistan. There is an Islamic tradition for the parents, in celebration, to shave the hair from the baby’s head after seven days, weigh it and donate the equivalent weight in gold as a zakat, a charitable donation to the poor. The ceremony resulted in £200 being duly sent to Nasir’s father to distribute amongst the poor in Farah and Nasir’s home village of Jalal Abad. Following another tradition, Aqeegah, within seven days Nasir’s father sacrificed a goat, the meat of which was distributed amongst the poor. Minal was appropriately born on Father’s Day. On starting school, Minal will, of course, automatically become a family member of SAKA.
Who else can claim to come from a town or village named after a relative? Jalal Abad was named after Nasir’s grandfather, Jalal Din, who was Finance Minister in the State of Bahawalpur before the partition of India.
More than one winner of Euro 2012!
So at last, The European Cup Football Tournament is over and Spain won! But what of the host countries, Poland and Ukraine, who received such a bad press before the tournament began. Did they come out of it as winners or losers?
The only disturbing incident I can recall was a clash between Russian and Polish supporters, when the two teams played each other and that could hardly be attributed to negligence on the part of the Polish Authorities. There were also some firecrackers thrown onto the pitch by one group of spectators, but the stadium stewards seemed to have dealt with this calmly and efficiently. Certainly no blame could be attached to the host country. In fact, it appears that those who attended the matches and visited both countries were treated with politeness and consideration throughout. Those who ventured into the towns and countryside liked what they saw and enjoyed the hospitality of the local people.
I hope those who visited Ukraine will wish to return in the future and get to know it better. It was a shame that the European dignitaries - who decided not to attend the tournament due to the imprisonment of the opposition leader, Yulia Tymoshenko – denied themselves the opportunity of learning more about the country and meeting some of its people. Tymoshenko herself made it quite clear that she did not want them to stay away. In an article to the Guardian newspaper, the Ambassador of Ukraine, Volodomyr Khandogiy, responded to the hostility of some of the press coverage prior to the start of the tournament. He wrote:
“My countrymen are looking forward to show our openness and hospitality to the World. Recent allegations about racial intolerance in Ukraine are scaremongering. Boycotting the Euros or Olympics would take us back to the times of the Cold War. We are not perfect, but nobody is. So instead of puzzling over finding ways to punish, it might be better to look for ideas how to help”, -I agree with His Excellency
I remember how dubious I was when I first visited Ukraine in September 2003, but being met at Borispol International Airport near Kiev with kisses, hugs and bouquets of flowers set things off to a good start and the four of us were treated throughout our stay with generous hospitality and great kindness wherever we went. No wonder I have been so often and am confident of encouraging SAKA members to visit Ukraine.
The magnificent capital of Kiev, where the final of the tournament took place, is thought of as “The Heart of Ukraine” and our friendship town of Kaniv is considered to be “The Soul of Ukraine”. I have stayed in both and rejoice that I have had the opportunity to do so. There are many other parts of this vast country I would like to have seen, but my chances of doing so are now pretty remote, so I must be grateful for past pleasures, happy memories and the many friendships made over the years since that first visit.
Despite the scare stories before the event, I believe the host countries did extremely well for their visitors. So yes, Ukraine and Poland too were, in my opinion, winners during the major football tournament of 2012.
Mike Handcock, Chairman
The Garden Friendship Afternoons in May and June
We did things slightly differently this year. Instead of having three or four gardens to visit in one day, we visited one garden each over four consecutive weekends. The first of these was Mike and Rhona Handcock’s garden in Bidborough on Saturday 12th May, followed by David Ward’s garden, also in Bidborough, on Saturday 19th. On Saturday 26th we were in Southborough at the garden of Bert and Val Alldis. On each Saturday the weather was lovely. Keith and Lynda Emberson opened their garden on the garden in the Broadwater area of Tunbridge Wells on Sunday 3rd June, the day of the Queen’s Jubilee River Pageant. As everyone will recall it rained most odf the day and therefore much of the time had to be spent indoors, but we all braved the weather for a photo! It was agreed that Val and Bert should receive recognition for their hard work and they were awarded the trophy for Best Garden. Lynda Emberson
Over the four week period £158.56 was raised to boost our funds. Altogether it was a very worthwhile activity, thanks to all our hosts and to those who visited one or more of the gardens, enjoying very pleasant surroundings and good company. Mike Handcock
Coffee Morning on Sunday 22nd July and the Lotto Club Draw
A most enjoyable social occasion hosted by Lynda and Keith Emberson at their home in Tunbridge Wells. As always the food and drink was delicious and it was pleasant enough to sit in the garden, chat and take part in a raffle.
The first set of draws took place in this year’s Lotto Club and an amazing thing happened. The promoter is always careful to ensure the cards with the members’ numbers are firmly held with the numbers face down. After each draw the winning card is returned to the pack and the pack is then shuffled. Our President, Jacqui Jedrzejewski drew the first number and then others present took turns to draw the next four winners and this is what happened:
March – winning number 22, Michael Lee
April – winning number 22, Michael Lee
May – winning number 3, Arthur Angel
June – winning number 1, Val Alldis
July – winning number 22, Michael Lee.
Thanks to all those who have joined the club so far. There are Thirty-nine Lotto Club members so far. If you would like to be in with a chance for the five months from August to December, please send in your application by Wednesday, 31st October latest! We do know that the December prize will be at least £50 and the draw will take place after the Christmas lunch.
Updating our website
Negotiations are in progress and it is hoped to be announced very soon that we have a local company sponsoring our website.
We are constantly keeping our eyes open for more interesting items about Southborough and Kaniv to include in the website. In recent months, pages have been added for Barnetts Wood, the Botticelli copy at St. Thomas’ Church and the memorial in St. Matthew’s Church to the HMS Hythe WWI disaster, Southborough and High Brooms’ worst wartime tragedy. Updates have been made to the pages for the Colebrook Viaduct, St. Peter’s Church, Southborough Common, David Salomons’ House and the C.J. Gallard Almshouses.. We are currently researching Bidborough and keeping our eyes on the planned siting by the Southborough Society of green plaques outside the homes of prominent former citizens. More information has been received from Kaniv, but it has not been easy translating from the Ukrainian originals. Take a look at the Southborough Gallery right now! Brian Dobson
Membership matters
We are pleased to welcome David Marriott to membership and hope he will be able to take part in the remaining activities we are planning for 2012.
Unfortunately Keith Bridgland is no longer able to continue his membership. Sadly his eye problems have meant he has had to give up driving and he lives out in Hawkhurst. Taking part in activities, as he would like to, has become very difficult, so it is a sensible decision to resign, but if he moves back this wa, he will rejoin. He sends his best wishes. We will miss him and wish him well in the future.
Membership currently stands at 66.
Supplement to Newsletter 23
More on the Behaviour of Football Fans
Mike Handcock shared with me his article on the UEFA 2012 Football Championship. I too was saddened by reports of alleged football violence in Ukraine, which I could not believe. From the autumn of 1999 until January 2002 I worked in Kiev and regularly attended football matches. Not once did I see the slightest sign of violence. Indeed the Ukrainians showed me something our own football crowds come nowhere near to matching for sportsmanship.
Towards the end of the season 2000-2001 Dynamo Kiev played at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, at a time when both teams were contesting the league championship. So many people wanted to see the match, that it was transferred from Dynamo’s 16,000 capacity stadium to the 85,000 capacity Olympic Stadium in Kiev. 25,000 fans from Donetsk travelled to Kiev by coach, a distance equivalent to that between London and Edinburgh, to see the match. Most Dynamo fans were seated in the main stand and all around the lower tier surrounding the pitch to create a sea of blue, while the Shakhtar fans were seated above them in the upper tier, a solid block of orange. Shakhtar won the match 2:1. At the final whistle the Dynamo fans stood up, looked towards the upper tier and burst into applause. The Shakhtar fans responded likewise.
In our media in Britain, during the 2012 Euro Championship, the role of the media in provoking violence between the Polish and the Russian fans was not reported. Take a look at the front page of the pre-match Polish edition of Newsweek. It reads “Poland-Russia. Battle of Warsaw 2012. Why in matches with Russia it is not just football.” The illustration has been mocked up to show Polish trainer Franciszek Smuda dressed in a Polish officer’s uniform, circa WWII. Remember that in 1940 Josef Stalin ordered all prisoners-of-war officers of the Polish Army to be taken to the Katyn Forest near Smolensk and be executed. Is it any wonder that emotions were running high?
Brian Dobson
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Excerpts from Newsletter No. 22, dated April 2012
Date for your diaries
The series of Garden Friendship Days, running throughout May, will end with the fourth to be held at the home of Lynda Emberson on Sunday 3rd June, 2.30 – 4.30.
A Coffee Morning will be held from 10am-noon on Sunday 22nd July at the home of Lynda Emberson
Obituary – Hilary Clements
Although afflicted by ill health throughout virtually the whole of her adult life, Hilary Clements was one of the most cheerful people one could ever hope to meet. It was a joy to be in her company and a great sadness to learn of her death on 15th February at the early age of 59 years. She had a wide circle of friends, despite the difficulties she encountered due to mobility problems and numerous weeks spent in various hospitals. It was no surprise therefore that her funeral was attended by some two hundred people, many of whom had travelled a considerable distance in order to be there to say their farewells to a remarkable, much loved, greatly admired lady and to support her dear mother, Dorothy, who has lost not only a beloved daughter but a best friend and wonderful companion. Hilary and Dorothy joined SAKA soon after its formation and, although unable to attend many events, they have been loyal, generous members throughout, always keen to be kept informed of our activities. Our warm friendship with Dorothy will continue just as our memory of Hilary will forever remain one of gratitude, that we were fortunate enough to know her.
Mike Handcock, Chairman.
The Hinton Family – Sam deserves a medal!
Whilst on holiday in Scotland recently, the Hintons were involved in a horrendous road accident, when the vehicle, in which they were travelling, skidded on an icy road and plunged into a loch. For some time they were trapped, with poor Ian under water. However grandson Sam instructed by his mother, Rebecca, managed to hold Ian’s head above water. When they managed to get free, Ian was helped out of the icy water and swiftly taken to hospital, where he spent several days in intensive care. Thankfully he is recovering, as are the rest of his family. Well done Sam, who, despite his own injuries, did a wonderful job in helping to save his Grandad’s life.
Mike Handcock, Chairman.
A Message from Our New President, Jacqui Jedrzejewski
As you will see from this edition of the Newsletter, it has been a very active last few months, the highlights being our AGM and our “Start of the Year Dinner”. It was my great pleasure to be selected as your new President at the AGM and I very much hope to be able to continue to champion the SAKA twinning activities and fundraising events over the next twelve months. Being the current Town Mayor, as well as a Councillor, I hope to be able to raise the profile of SAKA and meet as many of you as I can over the coming months ahead. Of course my acceptance of the role is bittersweet, given that the vacancy was due to the sad passing of Councillor Peter Crawford. I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to Peter, who did so much for our Association and was such a keen supporter. You will all know by now, to our great regret, that he died suddenly at home in January. I am passionate about twinning and enabling communities from different countries to establish a link which enables the citizens of both those communities to get to know each other. The aim is, quite simply, to let people discover what life is like in the twin town; how the people live, work and play. The building of individual friendships and shared experiences plays a vital part in better overall international relations and highlights how we can help support each other. I am keen to widen our base of supporters in the area and want to try and establish a list of residents in and around Tunbridge Wells, who were perhaps born or have lived in Ukraine. I am sure, that, if we can locate them, they will be interested in joining SAKA. I would also like to personally thank all the committee members for the continued enthusiasm and hard work in keeping the Association going and for all that they do. They are the driving force behind all the activities we get to enjoy and frequently give many hours of their own time to this good cause.
Jacqui Jedrzejewski.
The annual “Start of the Year” Dinner
A reasonably-priced three-course meal with three choices was offered by a hard-working team. It was a social occasion, which was well supported by members and guests, and included our newly elected President. Despite her injured right elbow, Cllr. Jacqui Jedrzejewski, the Mayor of Southborough, managed to attend and enjoyed the occasion, as we all did. Our congratulations to Elaine Lawrence, whose idea and ambition it was to provide a community facility for the people of Southborough and High Brooms to enjoy. Bliss Café is much more than a place to eat. There is a well-used billiard table, a room upstairs where meetings can be held and a toddlers’ playpen. Well done Elaine as once again you did us proud. Keep up the good work! Thank you!
Contact with Friends in Molo
Good neighbours of mine, Val and Tony Fitzpatrick, have recently visited Molo in Kenya, so I had the opportunity of sending with them a letter for Anthony Wainainah, whom we met with his colleague Stephen Ikenye, when they joined us for a Christmas lunch at the Abergavenny Arms in 2010. They have kept in touch since and Bert has emailed to them our newsletters. So I was delighted to receive letters from both our friends, when Val and Tony returned home. This is what Anthony wrote and I would like to share it with you.:-
Dear Mike,
I too couldn’t miss this wonderful opportunity to salute all of you good S.A.K.A. friends. I must admit I was elated to receive the letter thru’ Val and Fitz! We are all good friends and God loves us ALL.
The week has been busy, dusty and dry! Val and Tony have been around. They have been having good times with the community. God willing, you will also have the chance to come and visit us.
Thank you for your prayers, which were helpful, and continue praying; and we will also keep praying for all of you.
We will continue communicating through the emails. Tell the S.A.K.A. members to keep up the good work they are doing for the community. God bless them all. I’ll e-mail soon.
Bye to you all,
Tony Wainainah
I also received an interesting letter from Stephen – thanks to them both. Whilst it would be great to visit Molo, I think it unlikely for me. A number of us showed support for our Kenyan friends by attending the Nairobi Chamber Chorus Concert at Salomons. The Choir is performing at Windsor Castle in the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant.
Mike Handcock, Chairman.
The Annual General Meeting, 18th February 2012, at Gallards
Sadly our Chairman, Mike Handcock, had to start the proceedings by acknowledging the deaths of our former President, Councillor Peter Crawford, who died on the 21st January, and also Bob Constable, Pat Heywood-Young and most recently, on 15th February, of Hilary Clements. Members stood for one minute’s silence in memory of those four loyal and generous friends, who are much missed. Reports were then received from the Chairman Secretary and Treasurer. These were duly approved. Copies are available on request from the Secretary. Councillor Jacqui Jedrzejewski, Mayor of Southborough, joined us last May and agreed to become our new President until her term of office ends twelve months later. She has now confirmed her willingness to continue beyond then, a decision about which we are very pleased. Jacqui presided over the election of the Committee, at which the existing members were re-elected for another year. A very interesting illustrated talk was given by Brenda Greenwood about the excellent work the charity “Hope Now” is carrying out in Cherkassy, which is the main city of the region in which Kaniv is situated. This made a very pleasant ending for the 24 people present and our thanks go to Barbara and Phil & Vera Sandford. Phil and Vera are local members of “Hope Now” and arranged for Brenda to be our speaker.
Keep an Eye on the Website!
Work is in progress to add some new pages to the website. In addition we shall be adding new photographs to some of the existing pages.
Global Camp 2012, Cranbrook, 28th July – 5th August
Following the success of Euro Camp 2010 the Kent Youth Service is organising another such event this summer at Swattenden, near Cranbrook. Iryna Datsenko and Svitlana Yakymenko, who both teach at School No. 6 in Kaniv, will lead the group from Ukraine. Some of the youngsters in the group have attended previously and Iryna has been a welcome visitor to Southborough on four occasions. She speaks and understands English very well and it will be great to see her again. Svitlana is fluent in French, superb on the dancefloor (where language skills do not matter at all) and her English is improving. We have no plans to host our friends as we did in 2010, but it is hoped that some provision can be made for those members, who wish to meet them.
Membership Update
We now have 67 members, of whom 34 have already renewed their membership, and five have standing orders to renew on specific dates during the year. At the AGM it was agreed that we would retain the cost of membership at the same rate as last year: £4 per adult or £7 for a family membership. May we please issue a gentle reminder to those intending to renew.
Lotto Club 2012
The series of Garden Friendship Days, running throughout May, will end with the fourth to be held at the home of Lynda Emberson on Sunday 3rd June, 2.30 – 4.30.
A Coffee Morning will be held from 10am-noon on Sunday 22nd July at the home of Lynda Emberson
Obituary – Hilary Clements
Although afflicted by ill health throughout virtually the whole of her adult life, Hilary Clements was one of the most cheerful people one could ever hope to meet. It was a joy to be in her company and a great sadness to learn of her death on 15th February at the early age of 59 years. She had a wide circle of friends, despite the difficulties she encountered due to mobility problems and numerous weeks spent in various hospitals. It was no surprise therefore that her funeral was attended by some two hundred people, many of whom had travelled a considerable distance in order to be there to say their farewells to a remarkable, much loved, greatly admired lady and to support her dear mother, Dorothy, who has lost not only a beloved daughter but a best friend and wonderful companion. Hilary and Dorothy joined SAKA soon after its formation and, although unable to attend many events, they have been loyal, generous members throughout, always keen to be kept informed of our activities. Our warm friendship with Dorothy will continue just as our memory of Hilary will forever remain one of gratitude, that we were fortunate enough to know her.
Mike Handcock, Chairman.
The Hinton Family – Sam deserves a medal!
Whilst on holiday in Scotland recently, the Hintons were involved in a horrendous road accident, when the vehicle, in which they were travelling, skidded on an icy road and plunged into a loch. For some time they were trapped, with poor Ian under water. However grandson Sam instructed by his mother, Rebecca, managed to hold Ian’s head above water. When they managed to get free, Ian was helped out of the icy water and swiftly taken to hospital, where he spent several days in intensive care. Thankfully he is recovering, as are the rest of his family. Well done Sam, who, despite his own injuries, did a wonderful job in helping to save his Grandad’s life.
Mike Handcock, Chairman.
A Message from Our New President, Jacqui Jedrzejewski
As you will see from this edition of the Newsletter, it has been a very active last few months, the highlights being our AGM and our “Start of the Year Dinner”. It was my great pleasure to be selected as your new President at the AGM and I very much hope to be able to continue to champion the SAKA twinning activities and fundraising events over the next twelve months. Being the current Town Mayor, as well as a Councillor, I hope to be able to raise the profile of SAKA and meet as many of you as I can over the coming months ahead. Of course my acceptance of the role is bittersweet, given that the vacancy was due to the sad passing of Councillor Peter Crawford. I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to Peter, who did so much for our Association and was such a keen supporter. You will all know by now, to our great regret, that he died suddenly at home in January. I am passionate about twinning and enabling communities from different countries to establish a link which enables the citizens of both those communities to get to know each other. The aim is, quite simply, to let people discover what life is like in the twin town; how the people live, work and play. The building of individual friendships and shared experiences plays a vital part in better overall international relations and highlights how we can help support each other. I am keen to widen our base of supporters in the area and want to try and establish a list of residents in and around Tunbridge Wells, who were perhaps born or have lived in Ukraine. I am sure, that, if we can locate them, they will be interested in joining SAKA. I would also like to personally thank all the committee members for the continued enthusiasm and hard work in keeping the Association going and for all that they do. They are the driving force behind all the activities we get to enjoy and frequently give many hours of their own time to this good cause.
Jacqui Jedrzejewski.
The annual “Start of the Year” Dinner
A reasonably-priced three-course meal with three choices was offered by a hard-working team. It was a social occasion, which was well supported by members and guests, and included our newly elected President. Despite her injured right elbow, Cllr. Jacqui Jedrzejewski, the Mayor of Southborough, managed to attend and enjoyed the occasion, as we all did. Our congratulations to Elaine Lawrence, whose idea and ambition it was to provide a community facility for the people of Southborough and High Brooms to enjoy. Bliss Café is much more than a place to eat. There is a well-used billiard table, a room upstairs where meetings can be held and a toddlers’ playpen. Well done Elaine as once again you did us proud. Keep up the good work! Thank you!
Contact with Friends in Molo
Good neighbours of mine, Val and Tony Fitzpatrick, have recently visited Molo in Kenya, so I had the opportunity of sending with them a letter for Anthony Wainainah, whom we met with his colleague Stephen Ikenye, when they joined us for a Christmas lunch at the Abergavenny Arms in 2010. They have kept in touch since and Bert has emailed to them our newsletters. So I was delighted to receive letters from both our friends, when Val and Tony returned home. This is what Anthony wrote and I would like to share it with you.:-
Dear Mike,
I too couldn’t miss this wonderful opportunity to salute all of you good S.A.K.A. friends. I must admit I was elated to receive the letter thru’ Val and Fitz! We are all good friends and God loves us ALL.
The week has been busy, dusty and dry! Val and Tony have been around. They have been having good times with the community. God willing, you will also have the chance to come and visit us.
Thank you for your prayers, which were helpful, and continue praying; and we will also keep praying for all of you.
We will continue communicating through the emails. Tell the S.A.K.A. members to keep up the good work they are doing for the community. God bless them all. I’ll e-mail soon.
Bye to you all,
Tony Wainainah
I also received an interesting letter from Stephen – thanks to them both. Whilst it would be great to visit Molo, I think it unlikely for me. A number of us showed support for our Kenyan friends by attending the Nairobi Chamber Chorus Concert at Salomons. The Choir is performing at Windsor Castle in the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant.
Mike Handcock, Chairman.
The Annual General Meeting, 18th February 2012, at Gallards
Sadly our Chairman, Mike Handcock, had to start the proceedings by acknowledging the deaths of our former President, Councillor Peter Crawford, who died on the 21st January, and also Bob Constable, Pat Heywood-Young and most recently, on 15th February, of Hilary Clements. Members stood for one minute’s silence in memory of those four loyal and generous friends, who are much missed. Reports were then received from the Chairman Secretary and Treasurer. These were duly approved. Copies are available on request from the Secretary. Councillor Jacqui Jedrzejewski, Mayor of Southborough, joined us last May and agreed to become our new President until her term of office ends twelve months later. She has now confirmed her willingness to continue beyond then, a decision about which we are very pleased. Jacqui presided over the election of the Committee, at which the existing members were re-elected for another year. A very interesting illustrated talk was given by Brenda Greenwood about the excellent work the charity “Hope Now” is carrying out in Cherkassy, which is the main city of the region in which Kaniv is situated. This made a very pleasant ending for the 24 people present and our thanks go to Barbara and Phil & Vera Sandford. Phil and Vera are local members of “Hope Now” and arranged for Brenda to be our speaker.
Keep an Eye on the Website!
Work is in progress to add some new pages to the website. In addition we shall be adding new photographs to some of the existing pages.
Global Camp 2012, Cranbrook, 28th July – 5th August
Following the success of Euro Camp 2010 the Kent Youth Service is organising another such event this summer at Swattenden, near Cranbrook. Iryna Datsenko and Svitlana Yakymenko, who both teach at School No. 6 in Kaniv, will lead the group from Ukraine. Some of the youngsters in the group have attended previously and Iryna has been a welcome visitor to Southborough on four occasions. She speaks and understands English very well and it will be great to see her again. Svitlana is fluent in French, superb on the dancefloor (where language skills do not matter at all) and her English is improving. We have no plans to host our friends as we did in 2010, but it is hoped that some provision can be made for those members, who wish to meet them.
Membership Update
We now have 67 members, of whom 34 have already renewed their membership, and five have standing orders to renew on specific dates during the year. At the AGM it was agreed that we would retain the cost of membership at the same rate as last year: £4 per adult or £7 for a family membership. May we please issue a gentle reminder to those intending to renew.
Lotto Club 2012
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Excerpts from Newsletter No. 21, dated February 2012
Date for your diaries
Start of Our Year Dinner, Saturday 17th March at 7.30pm
This popular annual event will be held once again at Café Bliss, 142 London Road, Southborough.
Excerpts from Newsletter No. 21, dated February 2012
S.A.K.A. Quiz Nite – Saturday 12th November 2011
Our third annual Quiz, held at The Day Centre Hall, Christchurch, Southborough, was a very pleasant occasion with five teams contesting a very close competition to become Champions. Five testing rounds of questions finally resulted in a win for the team consisting of Bob & Colette Marsh and Alain Lewis. Well done, also to both Lynda Emberson and Marian Attwood and her husband Chris, who provided everyone participating with a delicious Ploughman’s Supper, plus extras. A splendid team-effort, which also involved them in shopping for the food beforehand and clearing everything away carefully afterwards to ensure that our deposit cheque was returned to us uncashed. We were also grateful to Peter Jervis of Downinghbury Farm, Pembury, who kindly donated a generous number of his tasty desert apples once again. Altogether, it was a pleasant occasion and good value for the £6.50 it cost each person attending. Our thanks go to the Church authority for allowing us once more to use the venue.
Christmas Lunch Saturday 3rd December 2011
Rather disappointingly only eight people attended the lunch held at The Abergavenny Arms at Frant. As we tried to organise it we became aware that a Saturday just before Christmas when shopping and other festive commitments are on peoples minds is probably not the best time to try and organise such an event. In 2010 it was held on the first Sunday of the month and was much better attended, but the Abergavenny Arms had decided this time not to make the Sunday available. However, those who did attend had a very nice meal in good company so it was enjoyable and a pleasant start to the Festive Season.
Visiting Kaniv in 2012
In our last Newsletter (No. 20), which is still included below, we reported that it is hoped to gain sufficient support amongst our members to arrange a group visit to Kaniv in 2012. September would appear to be an ideal month for such a trip, when both “The Day of Knowledge” and “The Day of Kaniv” are celebrated against a colourful backdrop provided by Mother Nature as she provides her traditional Autumn splendour. Read again the letter from Alina Kharchenko entitled “The Day of Kaniv is our Local Holiday” and the detailed article on how to enjoy “A visit to Kaniv in 2012”. Under the “Kaniv” section of this website you will find details of all the many interesting attractions to be seen in and around Kaniv. We are invited to stay with our Kanivian friends in their homes. It offers a unique opportunity to sample the Ukranian way of life and enjoy the warmth of affectionate Ukrainian hospitality. To express your possible interest in visiting Kaniv in September, please contact our Chairman, Mike Handcock.
SAKA Lotto Club 2011
Final draw on Saturday 3rd December
After the Christmas Lunch the Draw was made to discover who the winners were for the last five months of the year:-
August Vanessa Andrew
September Shirin Hague
October Jacqui Jedrzejewski
November Peter Hayward
Each won £15.50
December Tom Rusbridge
The Top prize of £45.50
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS IN THIS THE FIRST YEAR OF THE LOTTO CLUB!
Thirty-six people joined the Club which means that £180 was paid out in prize money whilst the other £180 went to S.A.K.A. funds to help towards our small projects in Kaniv as agreed at last year’s A.G.M. Certainly we didn’t raise as much money as we have done in past years, when we held a Grand Draw, but circumstances have changed and it was the right decision – again agreed at the 2011 A.G.M., to set-up the Lotto Club. The Licensing Authority is happy for us to have a Lotto Club 2012 and as the Committee supported the idea for the final decision to be taken at this year’s Annual General Meeting. Thanks to everyone who took out membership of the Club in its first year.
Secretary’s Report
Another year has passed and we have once more achieved what has seemed at times like the impossible. Thankfully I have had some additional help from Marian Attwood to become Assistant Secretary. Her help has been much appreciated these last few months. Again it has been an eventful year with Our Annual Dinner, a very successful River Cruise, Afternoon Tea, Cabaret, QuizNite and a Christmas Lunch to mention a few. Some have been more successful than others but they all take valuable time to organise and much of this has been done by your Chairman – Mike Handcock. In addition Mike has introduced the Lotto Club which has been a great success in raising additional funds for SAKA, but has also produced additional work. We hope he will be able to continue with this in the future. I would like personally to thank other members of the Committee for their contributions, their time in particular and their patience when I have not produced something that has been requested on time. Bob Constable died suddenly last March. He had attended the Dinner a week earlier, so it was a great shock to us all. I didn’t know Pat Heywood-Young personally, but I did get to know Peter Crawford – our late President, a very generous man, who came to my house for our Coffee Morning event last Summer. My thanks to Jacqui Jedrzejewski, who stepped in to act as President. We said farewell to Mike Bailey who moved to Ireland earlier this year and had done a grand job as Membership Secretary, we wish him well in the future, and hope he keeps in contact with us all. I stood in as acting Membership Secretary until someone could be found to replace him. I have told the Committee that I am willing to stand as Secretary for the coming year while Mike Handcock is our Chairman if no one else comes forward. However this might be a good time to think about the organisation’s future as my work and family commitments are increasing and I will not be able to continue in my present role indefinitely. We need fresh ideas and more Committee members so please consider joining the Committee.
Lynda Emberson
Cabaret Evening – Saturday 1st October
This turned out to be a successful evening although attendance was low. The young String Quartet did amazingly well and has been asked to entertain other local organisations since. Colette Marsh managed to put together some songs and sketches which were well received and included not only an amusing sketch from Colette but also contributions from Mike Handcock, David Ward and Val Davis. Mary Cottle sang beautifully (as always) and it was good to have her as a guest for the second year running. We changed the venue for this event this year to St. Thomas’s Church Hall in Pennington Road and I think I can speak for all those that attended that the venue was ideal for our needs. I am sure we will be planning a similar event for this year. Do make sure you come along and see the talent that we have in our community. Well done to all of you who took part.
Newsletter Support
If you know of anyone who would be willing to support us by advertising in our Newsletter we would like to hear from them. A new printer is required in the future to support the volume of work created by our success.
Tee-Shirt Orders
Summer is coming and white shirts can be ordered with our SAKA logo in a range of sizes priced at approximately £15.00 depending on the volume of orders. Please contact Lynda Emberson for further details.
Membership Report
Welcome to our newest members for the year 2011/2012:-
Mrs Anne Newman
Mr Christopher Attwood
Mrs Chris Day
Cllr. Alain & Mrs Katherine Lewis
Steve & Beverly Henderson
Obituaries
Pat Heywood-Young
It was with sadness that we learnt of the death of Miss Pat Heywood-Young who had been a member of our Association since its early days. Although Pat was not able to be an active member she regularly renewed her membership because she supported the aims of the Association and liked to be kept informed of our activities. She was also a member of SHDOFA and served on their Committee for many years being largely responsible for organising their very successful raffles.Pat was one of a small group who met on a regular basis to improve their French conversation ability and it was always a pleasure to go to her home in Pembury for the lessons as she provided excellent, home-made refreshments. She was a member of the Women in Harmony Choir and a kindly neighbour for ever attending to the needs of those who lived nearby. When we learnt she was terminally ill we took flowers and a card to her home and though not in she was soon on the phone to the Chairman to thank us for the offer of help and, “The beautiful bouquet of flowers very much appreciated”. She is much missed, a lovely lady and a true friend
Our President – Peter Crawford
Peter became our President in 2010 and it was with great sorrow that we learnt of his death as January drew towards its close. He made a good recovery from the illness he experienced last Autumn, was back working hard for the people of Broadwater Ward which he had served for 10 years as a Borough Councillor. An ex-Serviceman, come rain or shine, he travelled into Tunbridge Wells to collect for the Poppy Appeal at Central Station. He must have raised thousands of pounds over his years of endeavour. For an active person it must have been particularly frustrating when he became an amputee but he coped magnificently and didn’t grumble! For SAKA he was a good President and loyal supporter helping out in anyway he could. He will be sorely missed but not forgotten. We have sent our condolences to his family.
Committee Members 2011
Chairman and Events Organiser Mike Handcock
Vice Chair Bob Marsh
Treasurer Bert Alldis
Secretary and Newsletter Editor Lynda Emberson
Membership Secretary on retirement of Mike Bailey Lynda Emberson
Assistant Secretary Marian Attwood
Publicity/ Website Editor Brian Dobson
Committee Members Patrick Moran and Trevor Poile
We would also like to acknowledge the work taken on by James Muir who is the webmaster of the website
Start of Our Year Dinner, Saturday 17th March at 7.30pm
This popular annual event will be held once again at Café Bliss, 142 London Road, Southborough.
Excerpts from Newsletter No. 21, dated February 2012
S.A.K.A. Quiz Nite – Saturday 12th November 2011
Our third annual Quiz, held at The Day Centre Hall, Christchurch, Southborough, was a very pleasant occasion with five teams contesting a very close competition to become Champions. Five testing rounds of questions finally resulted in a win for the team consisting of Bob & Colette Marsh and Alain Lewis. Well done, also to both Lynda Emberson and Marian Attwood and her husband Chris, who provided everyone participating with a delicious Ploughman’s Supper, plus extras. A splendid team-effort, which also involved them in shopping for the food beforehand and clearing everything away carefully afterwards to ensure that our deposit cheque was returned to us uncashed. We were also grateful to Peter Jervis of Downinghbury Farm, Pembury, who kindly donated a generous number of his tasty desert apples once again. Altogether, it was a pleasant occasion and good value for the £6.50 it cost each person attending. Our thanks go to the Church authority for allowing us once more to use the venue.
Christmas Lunch Saturday 3rd December 2011
Rather disappointingly only eight people attended the lunch held at The Abergavenny Arms at Frant. As we tried to organise it we became aware that a Saturday just before Christmas when shopping and other festive commitments are on peoples minds is probably not the best time to try and organise such an event. In 2010 it was held on the first Sunday of the month and was much better attended, but the Abergavenny Arms had decided this time not to make the Sunday available. However, those who did attend had a very nice meal in good company so it was enjoyable and a pleasant start to the Festive Season.
Visiting Kaniv in 2012
In our last Newsletter (No. 20), which is still included below, we reported that it is hoped to gain sufficient support amongst our members to arrange a group visit to Kaniv in 2012. September would appear to be an ideal month for such a trip, when both “The Day of Knowledge” and “The Day of Kaniv” are celebrated against a colourful backdrop provided by Mother Nature as she provides her traditional Autumn splendour. Read again the letter from Alina Kharchenko entitled “The Day of Kaniv is our Local Holiday” and the detailed article on how to enjoy “A visit to Kaniv in 2012”. Under the “Kaniv” section of this website you will find details of all the many interesting attractions to be seen in and around Kaniv. We are invited to stay with our Kanivian friends in their homes. It offers a unique opportunity to sample the Ukranian way of life and enjoy the warmth of affectionate Ukrainian hospitality. To express your possible interest in visiting Kaniv in September, please contact our Chairman, Mike Handcock.
SAKA Lotto Club 2011
Final draw on Saturday 3rd December
After the Christmas Lunch the Draw was made to discover who the winners were for the last five months of the year:-
August Vanessa Andrew
September Shirin Hague
October Jacqui Jedrzejewski
November Peter Hayward
Each won £15.50
December Tom Rusbridge
The Top prize of £45.50
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS IN THIS THE FIRST YEAR OF THE LOTTO CLUB!
Thirty-six people joined the Club which means that £180 was paid out in prize money whilst the other £180 went to S.A.K.A. funds to help towards our small projects in Kaniv as agreed at last year’s A.G.M. Certainly we didn’t raise as much money as we have done in past years, when we held a Grand Draw, but circumstances have changed and it was the right decision – again agreed at the 2011 A.G.M., to set-up the Lotto Club. The Licensing Authority is happy for us to have a Lotto Club 2012 and as the Committee supported the idea for the final decision to be taken at this year’s Annual General Meeting. Thanks to everyone who took out membership of the Club in its first year.
Secretary’s Report
Another year has passed and we have once more achieved what has seemed at times like the impossible. Thankfully I have had some additional help from Marian Attwood to become Assistant Secretary. Her help has been much appreciated these last few months. Again it has been an eventful year with Our Annual Dinner, a very successful River Cruise, Afternoon Tea, Cabaret, QuizNite and a Christmas Lunch to mention a few. Some have been more successful than others but they all take valuable time to organise and much of this has been done by your Chairman – Mike Handcock. In addition Mike has introduced the Lotto Club which has been a great success in raising additional funds for SAKA, but has also produced additional work. We hope he will be able to continue with this in the future. I would like personally to thank other members of the Committee for their contributions, their time in particular and their patience when I have not produced something that has been requested on time. Bob Constable died suddenly last March. He had attended the Dinner a week earlier, so it was a great shock to us all. I didn’t know Pat Heywood-Young personally, but I did get to know Peter Crawford – our late President, a very generous man, who came to my house for our Coffee Morning event last Summer. My thanks to Jacqui Jedrzejewski, who stepped in to act as President. We said farewell to Mike Bailey who moved to Ireland earlier this year and had done a grand job as Membership Secretary, we wish him well in the future, and hope he keeps in contact with us all. I stood in as acting Membership Secretary until someone could be found to replace him. I have told the Committee that I am willing to stand as Secretary for the coming year while Mike Handcock is our Chairman if no one else comes forward. However this might be a good time to think about the organisation’s future as my work and family commitments are increasing and I will not be able to continue in my present role indefinitely. We need fresh ideas and more Committee members so please consider joining the Committee.
Lynda Emberson
Cabaret Evening – Saturday 1st October
This turned out to be a successful evening although attendance was low. The young String Quartet did amazingly well and has been asked to entertain other local organisations since. Colette Marsh managed to put together some songs and sketches which were well received and included not only an amusing sketch from Colette but also contributions from Mike Handcock, David Ward and Val Davis. Mary Cottle sang beautifully (as always) and it was good to have her as a guest for the second year running. We changed the venue for this event this year to St. Thomas’s Church Hall in Pennington Road and I think I can speak for all those that attended that the venue was ideal for our needs. I am sure we will be planning a similar event for this year. Do make sure you come along and see the talent that we have in our community. Well done to all of you who took part.
Newsletter Support
If you know of anyone who would be willing to support us by advertising in our Newsletter we would like to hear from them. A new printer is required in the future to support the volume of work created by our success.
Tee-Shirt Orders
Summer is coming and white shirts can be ordered with our SAKA logo in a range of sizes priced at approximately £15.00 depending on the volume of orders. Please contact Lynda Emberson for further details.
Membership Report
Welcome to our newest members for the year 2011/2012:-
Mrs Anne Newman
Mr Christopher Attwood
Mrs Chris Day
Cllr. Alain & Mrs Katherine Lewis
Steve & Beverly Henderson
Obituaries
Pat Heywood-Young
It was with sadness that we learnt of the death of Miss Pat Heywood-Young who had been a member of our Association since its early days. Although Pat was not able to be an active member she regularly renewed her membership because she supported the aims of the Association and liked to be kept informed of our activities. She was also a member of SHDOFA and served on their Committee for many years being largely responsible for organising their very successful raffles.Pat was one of a small group who met on a regular basis to improve their French conversation ability and it was always a pleasure to go to her home in Pembury for the lessons as she provided excellent, home-made refreshments. She was a member of the Women in Harmony Choir and a kindly neighbour for ever attending to the needs of those who lived nearby. When we learnt she was terminally ill we took flowers and a card to her home and though not in she was soon on the phone to the Chairman to thank us for the offer of help and, “The beautiful bouquet of flowers very much appreciated”. She is much missed, a lovely lady and a true friend
Our President – Peter Crawford
Peter became our President in 2010 and it was with great sorrow that we learnt of his death as January drew towards its close. He made a good recovery from the illness he experienced last Autumn, was back working hard for the people of Broadwater Ward which he had served for 10 years as a Borough Councillor. An ex-Serviceman, come rain or shine, he travelled into Tunbridge Wells to collect for the Poppy Appeal at Central Station. He must have raised thousands of pounds over his years of endeavour. For an active person it must have been particularly frustrating when he became an amputee but he coped magnificently and didn’t grumble! For SAKA he was a good President and loyal supporter helping out in anyway he could. He will be sorely missed but not forgotten. We have sent our condolences to his family.
Committee Members 2011
Chairman and Events Organiser Mike Handcock
Vice Chair Bob Marsh
Treasurer Bert Alldis
Secretary and Newsletter Editor Lynda Emberson
Membership Secretary on retirement of Mike Bailey Lynda Emberson
Assistant Secretary Marian Attwood
Publicity/ Website Editor Brian Dobson
Committee Members Patrick Moran and Trevor Poile
We would also like to acknowledge the work taken on by James Muir who is the webmaster of the website
Friday, 6 January 2012
Friday, 23 December 2011
Excerpts from Newsletter No. 20
DIARY DATE
AGM – February 2012
Exact date to be advised. To be held at The Ark, Gallards Close, Southborough.
A LETTER FROM KANIV
“The Day of Kaniv” is our Local Holiday
from Alina Kharchenko.
Member of KASA (Kaniv and Southborough Association)
Every year we’re admired and surprised by the beauty of Autumn which is special in our place. It comes with golden, purple, green and yellow leaves. The fragrance of bright flowers, cool fresh mornings and the warmth of the passing summer.
September brought a remarkable holiday – The Day of Knowledge which means the beginning of the new school year. Groups of school-children dressed in smart clothes with bouquets of flowers filled the streets of my native town hurrying to their classrooms. They’re welcomed by teachers and parents.
There’s one more holiday which is so important for the residents of my town. It’s our local holiday – The Day of Kaniv – annually marked in Autumn. This year it fell on 17th September. It was very pleasant to watch the changes – my town like a child was washed and dressed, that is cleaned, decorated with posters and flowers. What is more, a big square in the centre of the town was reconstructed and a new river-bus terminal was opened. Now it’s the favourite place of rest for our people.
On that day thousands of inhabitants of our town got together to entertain, to see the exhibitions of painting, embroidery, to admire the work of craftsmen. Some concerts of amateurs and professionals were also held. Everybody had a chance to hear Ukrainian songs and watch Ukrainian dances. The next day, (18th September) was the day of a fair when farmers from all the districts of Cherkasy Region sold farm produce and food products.
The weather during the holiday was so warm and sunny as if nature gave a chance to people to enjoy time. I looked at their smiling and happy faces and was proud that I am Ukrainian.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Firstly, I would like to welcome Marian Attwood onto the Committee. Initially, she was going to assist me with just the odd letter but due to the fact that Mike Bailey is no longer acting as Membership Secretary it was necessary for someone to take on that role as soon as possible. Marian has very kindly offered to take over the Minutes which is always very time consuming. Thank you Marian for volunteering your services.
AGM – February 2012
Exact date to be advised. To be held at The Ark, Gallards Close, Southborough.
A LETTER FROM KANIV
“The Day of Kaniv” is our Local Holiday
from Alina Kharchenko.
Member of KASA (Kaniv and Southborough Association)
Every year we’re admired and surprised by the beauty of Autumn which is special in our place. It comes with golden, purple, green and yellow leaves. The fragrance of bright flowers, cool fresh mornings and the warmth of the passing summer.
September brought a remarkable holiday – The Day of Knowledge which means the beginning of the new school year. Groups of school-children dressed in smart clothes with bouquets of flowers filled the streets of my native town hurrying to their classrooms. They’re welcomed by teachers and parents.
There’s one more holiday which is so important for the residents of my town. It’s our local holiday – The Day of Kaniv – annually marked in Autumn. This year it fell on 17th September. It was very pleasant to watch the changes – my town like a child was washed and dressed, that is cleaned, decorated with posters and flowers. What is more, a big square in the centre of the town was reconstructed and a new river-bus terminal was opened. Now it’s the favourite place of rest for our people.
On that day thousands of inhabitants of our town got together to entertain, to see the exhibitions of painting, embroidery, to admire the work of craftsmen. Some concerts of amateurs and professionals were also held. Everybody had a chance to hear Ukrainian songs and watch Ukrainian dances. The next day, (18th September) was the day of a fair when farmers from all the districts of Cherkasy Region sold farm produce and food products.
The weather during the holiday was so warm and sunny as if nature gave a chance to people to enjoy time. I looked at their smiling and happy faces and was proud that I am Ukrainian.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Firstly, I would like to welcome Marian Attwood onto the Committee. Initially, she was going to assist me with just the odd letter but due to the fact that Mike Bailey is no longer acting as Membership Secretary it was necessary for someone to take on that role as soon as possible. Marian has very kindly offered to take over the Minutes which is always very time consuming. Thank you Marian for volunteering your services.
We say goodbye to Mike Bailey who is moving to Ireland. He will be greatly missed. The Committee gave him a small leaving present presented to him at the last Committee Meeting. He has done a splendid job in the past of encouraging new members and I hope I can fit quietly into his shoes until someone else comes forward to take on this task. Good Luck Mike, we will keep in contact.
So with my Membership Secretary hat on, I would like to say that we have at present 50 paid-up members, of whom 6 have recently joined. I would personally like to welcome:-
Steve and Bev Henderson of Allington, Maidstone, Alain and Katharine Lewis of Southborough and Mrs Chris Day and Anne Newman both of Bidborough. Welcome to you all and we hope that you will participate in our future events and support a worthy cause.
Also – hot off the press we welcome Jamie Johnson and Kellie Wort who have renewed membership while preparing this newsletter. – Welcome!
We do have some past members who have not renewed and we would like to encourage you back into the fold. We will be sending you a Newsletter and would ask you to respond to my plea to support us please. Every subscription is important and we need new ideas and help at events. The more support we have the less work for each member. If you know of someone who might be interested in joining we would like to hear from you.
The Committee, together with Mike Handcock and myself have a variety of jobs to attend to. It would be really great if members would offer to help in some small way. We have a Committee Meeting once a month and we usually meet at my home and I provide light refreshments. It would be really beneficial to the organisation to have some fresh blood on the committee. Please think about sparing a few hours a week to support us.
Lynda Emberson (Secretary/Membership Secretary and Newsletter Editor)
Cabaret Evening – Saturday 1st October 2011
St. Thomas’s Church Hall was an excellent venue for our evening of entertainment and supper. We are grateful to the Church Authority and the Vicar for their kindness and understanding. So many people helped us including Felix Buser and his highly talented young cellists who got the evening off to a good start for us. Thank you Isabel Ormsby, Finlay Cole, Selina and Miranda Buser. We were delighted by the selection of music you played for us and will look forward to listening to you in the future.
Robert Prance was in his usual good form as our M.C. and there were amusing contributions from Mary Cottle, Colette Marsh, Val Davis and Mike Handcock. David Ward entertained us with his Accordian and this led to some audience participation in songs from around the World.
Meow’s supper was up to its usual high standard and Sally Andrew’s anniversary cakes made a very tasty dessert. The raffle did well and it was a pleasant social occasion.
The Allington Belle – September 2011
We had a much needed relaxed afternoon on the Medway and can’t wait until next year when it is hoped to be repeated. The heavens had opened that morning, but by the afternoon the clouds had dispersed and the sun was shining, which was a bonus to a well-organised event - thanks to Mike Handcock with his events organiser’s hat on.
We met at the Malta Inn at Allington and took a peaceful 2 hr trip towards Maidstone town and beyond.
Drinks were available at the bar, and later the proprietors surprised us all with a wonderful spread of sandwiches, scones and cake and as much tea and coffee as we wanted.
Music played in the background and in between chatting to members and buying raffle tickets one or two even dared to have a twirl on the dance floor a real party atmosphere.
The proprietors had gone to a lot of trouble to decorate the boat and make the event personal to S.A.K.A. Thanks to Steve & Bev Henderson, together with their daughter. We hope to see more of you in the future, since becoming members.
Lynda Emberson.
Keeping up with the News from Ukraine
Ukraine features very rarely in our media. When it does, the stories are usually controversial and bad news. Seemingly the good news is either not considered of interest to their readers or viewers by editors or it is squeezed out by the sheer volume of domestic news and top-of-mind international stories.
Make this website your source to the news of Ukraine. Just click on Weblinks at the top of this page.
Obereg Foundation – Diabetes in Kaniv
Studies suggest that the number of people with diabetes in the world is expected to double between 2000 and 2030. However, this disease is particularly prevalent in Kaniv where nearly 2000 are officially registered as diabetics out of a population of 40,000.
Obereg is a charitable organisation with official status which urgently needs money to purchase insulin, syringes, blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, test strips, etc. to support sufferers in Kaniv.
The Chief Doctor of Kaniv Hospital pays tribute to the Foundation, thanking God that in Kaniv there are “people who are not locked in their own troubles, not only in words but in deed proving their interest in the outcome of diabetes. These people care not only about themselves but about those close by. “What a tribute”
We often complain about our NHS, but we are so fortunate compared with our “neighbours” in Kaniv. Would you like to become one of those people who care for others less fortunate?
If so, please send your donation to me. Any help will be much appreciated and well spent by the Foundation.
Your donations will be added to the £75 already received. For further information please refer to our Chairman’s letter in Newsletter No.19.
Bert Alldis, Hon. Treasurer SAKA
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a common life-long health condition. There are 2.8 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and an estimated 850,000 people who have the condition but don’t know it.
Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. This is because the pancreas does not produce any insulin, or not enough, to help glucose enter the body’s cells – or the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance).
Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter the body’s cells, where it is used as fuel for energy so we can work, play and generally live our lives. It is vital for life.
Glucose comes from digesting carbohydrate and is also produced by the liver. Carbohydrate comes from many different kinds of foods and drink, including starchy foods such as bread, potatoes and chapattis, fruit, some dairy products, sugar and other sweet foods.With diabetes, the body cannot make proper use of this glucose so it builds up in the blood and isn’t able to be used as fuel.
There are two types of Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2.
Diabetes UK – The charity for people with diabetes www.diabetes.org.uk
A visit to Kaniv in 2012
Next Year – 2012 will be a busy year for international events both here and in the Ukraine. Together with Poland, Ukraine will co-host the UEFA Euro 2012 Football Championship from 8th June to 1st July. We ourselves are looking forward to the Olympic Games from 25th July to 12th August. Also in this year our friends in Kaniv hope a party of SAKA members will be able to visit Ukraine – possibly the latter half of May for the annual commemoration of the reburial in Kaniv of Ukraine’s greatest poet and patriot Taras Shevchenko, or early in September.
As always, the hands of friendship are being offered by the Kanivians for us to stay with them in their homes. It is a pleasurable experience, which ordinary tourists are unable to enjoy. Those of our members, who have visited Kaniv in the past, will confirm that the hospitality extended is both warm and affectionate and that a visit is very rewarding.
Ukraine has stepped out of its communist past, but the cultural values of family and friendships are as strong as they have always been. We know that our members will be cosseted from the time they step off the aeroplane at Borispil Airport in Kiev, throughout their stay, until they are delivered back to the airport on their return.
We can be assured a number of events will be staged to prove to our party that the help being given to the needy and to students in Kaniv are very worthwhile and very much appreciated. In Kaniv there is much of historical interest to be seen. The main attractions concern the life and works of Ukraine’s greatest poet and patriot, Taras Shevchenko, who is buried on a hill overlooking the River Dnieper, as was his wish. It is a site for pilgrimages. World War II hit Kaniv particularly hard. The monuments to the heroes of both the Soviet forces and the civilian population and the stories behind their bravery are of great historical interest. To read about what is to be found, click on Kaviv in the heading of this page. As always there will be plenty of social enjoyment and fun in Kaniv.
Would those amongst our membership, who may wish to take part in the visit, please contact our Chairman, Mike Handcock. Obviously it is too early to expect firm commitments, but it would be useful to know the volume of interest.
Brian Dobson, Publicity Officer
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day at the SAKA Christmas Lunch! Saturday 3rd December at the Abergavenny Arms, Frant
What better day to hold our now annual pre-Christmas lunch than just before the feast day of Britain’s most popular saint, at least amongst children, St. Nicholas! Good Old Santa Claus! A splendid opportunity to begin your celebrations early in the company of your friends and colleagues of The Southborough and Kaniv Association. Your personal guests too will be most welcome.
Price of the 3 course meal is £18 per person.
Call Lynda Emberson to book your table place. You will receive a menu upon receipt of payment and your courses have to then be ordered in advance, to assist the caterers.
Price of the 3 course meal is £18 per person.
Call Lynda Emberson to book your table place. You will receive a menu upon receipt of payment and your courses have to then be ordered in advance, to assist the caterers.
Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day at the SAKA Christmas Lunch! Saturday 3rd December at the Abergavenny Arms, Frant
What better day to hold our now annual pre-Christmas lunch than just before the feast day of Britain’s most popular saint, at least amongst children, St. Nicholas! Good Old Santa Claus! A splendid opportunity to begin your celebrations early in the company of your friends and colleagues of The Southborough and Kaniv Association. Your personal guests too will be most welcome.
Price of the 3 course meal is £18 per person.
Call Lynda Emberson to book your table place. You will receive a menu upon receipt of payment and your courses have to then be ordered in advance, to assist the caterers.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
THE SAKA QUIZNITE
Saturday 12 November 2011, prompt start at 7pm
at the Day Centre Hall, Christ Church,
Broomhill Park Road, Southborough
Tickets £6.50 each, includes Ploughman's Supper. Order now from Mike Handcock.
An evening of fun with a blended mixture of trivia and skill. Members are invited to bring guests. Teams, each consisting of up to four persons, will compete for the honour of being the SAKA Champions of 2011.
at the Day Centre Hall, Christ Church,
Broomhill Park Road, Southborough
Tickets £6.50 each, includes Ploughman's Supper. Order now from Mike Handcock.
An evening of fun with a blended mixture of trivia and skill. Members are invited to bring guests. Teams, each consisting of up to four persons, will compete for the honour of being the SAKA Champions of 2011.
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Grand Charity Cabaret
Grand Charity Cabaret
With a traditional fish and chip supper
Saturday 1st October 2011, prompt start at 7.00pm.
St. Thomas’s Church Hall, Pennington Road, Southborough.
Tickets priced at a reasonable £8.50.
A new venue for us to enjoy, as we present our fifth annual Grand Charity Cabaret, featuring a highly talented Cello Quartet and our popular, perennial troupe of artistes to entertain and amuse you. The price includes your Fish and Chip Supper from Meow’s in Western Road, which always provides good quality fare. No Grand Draw this year, but there will be a rather special raffle. The charity aspect of the evening is to raise funds for our initiatives in Kaniv, including help over the winter months for a number of elderly folk and an environmental educational project now in its third year. Good entertainment, good food, good causes at a good venue! Please contact our Chairman Mike Handcock to make your booking.
With a traditional fish and chip supper
Saturday 1st October 2011, prompt start at 7.00pm.
St. Thomas’s Church Hall, Pennington Road, Southborough.
Tickets priced at a reasonable £8.50.
A new venue for us to enjoy, as we present our fifth annual Grand Charity Cabaret, featuring a highly talented Cello Quartet and our popular, perennial troupe of artistes to entertain and amuse you. The price includes your Fish and Chip Supper from Meow’s in Western Road, which always provides good quality fare. No Grand Draw this year, but there will be a rather special raffle. The charity aspect of the evening is to raise funds for our initiatives in Kaniv, including help over the winter months for a number of elderly folk and an environmental educational project now in its third year. Good entertainment, good food, good causes at a good venue! Please contact our Chairman Mike Handcock to make your booking.
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