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.

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.

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.

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

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