Old Southeronians Association

OLD SOUTHERONIANS ASSOCIATION

CROYDON & EAST SURREY BRANCH

(Affiliated to the British Transport Pensioners Federation)

Website:

CHAIRMANTREASURERSECRETARY

Chris. MeredithJohn ParkinPeter Blanthorn,

Tel: 01672 870493

NEWS EDITOR/MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY ACTIVITIES OFFICER

Graham Harris,Gordon Burke

SPRING 2016 NEWSLETTER

Dear Friends

Spring is fast approaching, the past winter will soon to be a distant memory. Compared with some parts of the country, especially Scotland and Cumbria where there has been very severe flooding, we have been very fortunate in the South East. I hope with the ever lengthening Spring days the weather will get milder.

Our monthly Coffee Mornings at ‘The Clocktower’, in Croydon have being going from strength to strength - often with more than 20 members attending, which is very gratifying. As mentioned in the last newsletter, since January we have changed the Coffee Morning to the third Tuesday of each month. We have our exclusive area at the rear of the cafe. If you have not been before come along and join us from 1030 onwards, you will receive a warm welcome.

Once again, I look forward to meeting many of you during the year at some the events contained within our newsletters.

With Best Wishes

Chris. Meredith

Chairman

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

0LD SOUTHERONIANS ASSOCIATION - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - WEDNESDAY 20 APRIL 2016

The 77th Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held at The United Reformed Church, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon, CRO 5LP on Wednesday 20th April 2016 commencing at 12.30.

The UnitedReformChurch is approximately 5 minutes walk from East Croydon station. Cross at the tram crossing to the left outside East Croydon station and then cross the road at the traffic signals. Turn left and proceed straight ahead to the end of the road (Addiscombe Grove). Cross at the crossing and turn right. The UnitedReformChurch is on your left. Take the access road to the left of the Church to the rear entrance. A notice inside the doorway will direct you to the Meeting Room.

The Agenda for the meeting is: -

1. Apologies for absence.
2. Minutes of the previous A.G.M (a copy may be seen at the meeting) and Matters arising.
3. Chairman’s and Treasurer’s Report.
4. Goodwill Sub-Committee Report.
5. Election of Officers
6. Any other business/Open Forum

Any member wishing to submit a resolution for discussion at the AGM must send full details to the General Secretary, to reach him not less than twenty-one days before the date of the meeting.

NOMINATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO ARE UP FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2016:

Peter Blanthorn – Treasurer - re-elected on an annual basis

David Milnthorpe – General Secretary – re-elected on an annual basis

Brian Read - Goodwill Committee

A short presentation by John Parkin on "Railways inSouthern England in the past 40 years inpictures" will follow the formal meeting, followed by a raffle.

CROYDON & EAST SURREY BRANCH – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 27th APRIL 2016

The 52ndAnnual General Meeting of the Croydon and East Surrey Branch will be held at the United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, East Croydon on Wednesday 27thApril 2015 starting at 14 00.

The Agenda for the meeting is: -

1. Chairman’s Opening remarks
2. Apologies for absence.
3. Minutes of the 51stBranch AGM held on 29th April 2015
4. Matters arising.
5. General Report.
6. Financial Report and Adoption of Accounts
7. Outings & Activities Report
8. Election of Officers
9. Election of Committee Members
10. Election of Examiners
11. Presentation by John Parkin - Around Britain in Pictures – including OSA Rambles
12. Any Other Business

All members are invited to attend both Annual General Meetings.

SOCIAL EVENTS AND OUTINGS

COFFEE MORNINGS –

We changed the day of our Coffee Mornings. We now meet on the THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. .

The remaining dates for Coffee Mornings in 2016 are as follows:

We meet in the Clock Tower Café, which is adjacent to Croydon Library in Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey. The group meets in the area to the rear of the Café which is set aside for our Group. We meet between 10 30 am and 12 00 (noon) and we suggest you get there early if you want to sit with a particular friend. We are delighted that the change of day has not reduced the number of people attending. You may like to stay for lunch after the Coffee Morning. The Clock Tower Café’s has a delightful menu at reasonable prices that will please the most discriminating palate. We look forward to seeing you on the third Tuesday of every month at our Coffee Morning.

palate Lunch Group

We returned to the Croydon Park Hotel (Oscar’s Restaurant) for our first lunch group meeting in 2016. This was following many requests from members who joined us there for our Christmas lunch. It is a firm favourite and we shall be returning again during the year. We are still receiving suggestions of other favourite venues for lunch and Graham Harris (Lunch Group organiser) is researching the suggestions (this is one of his favourite jobs on the committee!). If you have not attended one of our lunch group meetings you are invited to do so. Just let Graham Harris know and he will advise you the date and details of the next Lunch Group meeting. The lunches are usually held in restaurants that offer a carvery and vegetarian meals. We try to go to restaurants that have a wide ranging menu and, of course, can accommodate a large group as ours has become. Further details can be obtained from Graham Harris (contact details appear on the front page of the Newsletter).

DAYS OUT 2016

Gordon Burke, our Activities Officer, started our programme of events in 2016 with a visit to LondonTransportMuseum in March. Please advise Gordon Burke if you intend to take part in one of the Day’s Out. This will enable him to let you know if there is any change to the planned visit. Below you will find the details of the remaining Day’s Out for 2016.

Full details of each location can be found in the Winter 2015 newsletter. Alternatively, get details from Gordon Burke (Activities Officer) – full contact details on the first page of this Newsletter. Don’t forget to tell Gordon Burke if you are going to take part in any of the Day’s Out.

Wednesday 18th May 2016 - Hatfield House

Meet Hatfield Rail Station Ticket Hall at 11.00 off 10.35 from Kings Cross

Seniors £15.00 for visit to House, West Garden And Park. Group (20+) £13.00 (2016 prices)

Thursday 14th July 2016 - Hughenden

Hughenden – National Trust Members – Free

Adult Entry - £11.00 (2015 price)

10.18 train from Marylebone to High Wycombe then bus number 300 from Bridge Street to the Manor

Wednesday 10th August 2016 – ArundelCastle

Arundel Castle - Meet at Entrance to Lower Lodge off Mill Road at 10.30. The entrance is approximately 10 minutes from Arundel Rail Station.

Admission Charges – Various Prices ranging from Gold Plus (£18) – Concession (£15.50) allowing access to all areas - to Bronze (£9) allowing access only to Shop, Café, Restaurant, Fitzalan Chapel, The collector Earl’s Garden, Garden and Grounds – Prices quoted for 2016

Wednesday 14th September 2016 – National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

Meet at the Entrance Hall of the National Maritime Museum at 10.30

Location about 10 minutes from Greenwich or Maze Hill Rail Stations

17th October 2016 - National Memorial Arboretum

Free admission - Donation appreciated. Cafe/Bar And Restaurant on site

Train – Bus and 30 minute walk travel on 09.46 from Euston which arrives at LichfieldTrentValley at 11.15. You will arrive at the Arboretum at approximately 12.45

Train/Taxi £6.00 per person (£12.00 each direction 4 per taxi). Travel from Euston on 10.46 arriving at LichfieldTrentValley at 12.15. You will arrive at the Arboretum at approximately 12.40.

Outing to lsle of Wight Steam Railway, Haven Street on Tuesday 21st June 2016

(Hosted by Southampton and District Branch).

The OSA has arranged a visit to the lsle of Wight Steam Railway on Tuesday 2Lst June 2016. This event will be in reserved accommodation on the 12.17 from Smallbrook Junction to Wootton and back to Haven Street. The event will include lunch and a guided visits to 'Train Story" exhibition. There will be time to visit the shop, museum and carriage workshop. The return train will depart Haven Street at 15.57 and will go to Smallbrook Junction. You will then be able to connect with the 16.33 from Smallbrook Junction to Ryde.

The cost of this trip from Smallbrook Junction is £15.00, which includes unlimited travel on the steam railway and a hot lunch in 'The Calbourne Room" at Haven Street Station. There are no further reductions.

Please complete the booking form on the last page of this Newsletter for tickets. Send the booking form with a cheque for £15 {made payable to Old Southeronians Association)and a stamped addressed envelope to : David Mead,.

Bookings are limited to 100 and two sittings for lunch will be arranged, the first being at 13.00. Please indicate on form your choice. {Vegetarian option will be available}. Bookings will be dealt with on a strictly "first come first served basis" - tickets will be issued in April and the final closing date will be 23rd. May, unless it is full before.

You will need to make your own way to Smallbrook Junction and you must ensure your BR free pass or privilege ticket entitles you to the sea crossing, {Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head}, otherwise you will need to purchase a port to port ticket separately. Remember no SAE, no tickets. No refunds for no show on day.

OSA CROYDON & EAST SURREY BRANCH RAMBLES 2016 – 52nd YEAR

Our Rambles have started for the year and we are looking forward to good walking weather each time we meet. Mileages shown are approximate. The pace is always very gentle, we do not rush anywhere. Please remember that if joining our Rambles you do so at your own risk.

THERE HAS BEEN A SLIGHT ALTERATION TO OUR MAY RAMBLE. Tuesday 10thMay – HASSOCKS

Please see details in the Croydon and East Surrey Branch Rambles Timetable on the Back Page..

Please wear suitable boots or shoes and clothing. Please bring a picnic lunch and where appropriate something dry to sit on. Walks will go ahead whatever the weather but there may be exceptions in extreme conditions. There may be a pub stop en route, but this would be for a short refreshment stop rather than a meal.

The train times quoted are those applicable when the list has been compiled. Please ensure you check current times for the day. We will try to accommodate people arriving on late running trains – please note John Parkin’s mobile number to enable you to contact him on Ramble Days in case of late arrivals etc. If you have one please bring your ConcessionaryBusPass for possible use. Full contact details of John Parkin*, the Rambles Organiser, are given at the end of Rambles at the end of the newsletter

An advance “Pilot” walk is arranged to ensure we know the route and we welcome assistance in case holidays or illness prevent the normal leader from doing so. Please contact John Parkin* the month prior to a walk if you want to join him on the Pilot Walk for a particular walk.

We have put a number of walks in different areas on this year’s programme with a number of linear walks and hope that they will be supported. Some are taken from guidebooks or walking magazines, whilst others are from personal experiences.

*Full contact details of John Parkin, the Rambles Organiser, are given at the end of the list of Croydon & East Surrey Branch Rambles at the end of the Newsletter.

Please go the to the back of the Newsletter for a list of Croydon & East Surrey Branch 2016 Rambles

London West Branch - Rambles

Rambles are also arranged by the London West Branch and you can find a list of the remaining rambles in their programme for 2016 at the end of the Newsletter.

MEMBERSHIP

The Croydon & East Surrey Branch has not had any new members since our last Newsletter. Do you know someone who worked in any of the British Railway Southern Region Companies and is receiving a Railway Pension? Are they a member of the Old Southeronians Association? If not and they are interested please ask them to contact Graham Harris (Membership Secretary) or Peter Blanthorn (Secretary) for a membership form and/or further details – contact details are on the first page of this Newsletter.

It is with sadness that we have to report the passing of the following two members. Our thoughts are with their Families and Friends.

Mrs Winnie Byronlived in Bexley, Kent

For those who have recently celebrated their Birthday or Wedding Anniversary we would like to wish you many Happy Returns of the Day. For those who have moved to a new home we wish you happiness at your new address. If you are in hospital we wish you a speedy recovery.

If you or your Partner’s circumstances change in any way, (for example a Birth, Marriage, Move of House or Passing On) please advise Graham Harris (Membership Secretary).

We have lost touch with one of our Members. If anyone knows the whereabouts of Mr David Edward Jones who lived in Tunbridge Wells, Kent can you please ask him to make contact with Graham Harris (Membership Secretary) – full contact details on the front page of this Newsletter.

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION

The 2016/2017 Newsletter subscription of £3 is due to be paid on 01st July 2016. The cost of postage is increasing again at the end of March 2016 and we are unable to send Newsletters by post unless we get the full Subscription in advance. If you pay by Cheque please send your Subscription of £3 to Graham Harris (Membership Secretary) – contact details appear on the first page of the Newsletter. Your cheque should be made payable to Old Southeronians Association – Croydon and East Surrey Branch. For those of you who pay by Direct Debit via your Bank please ensure that the payment is for the full £3. Many Members do not now receive the Newsletter because they have either forgotten to pay the subscription or have not increased their Direct Debit to the current subscription.

NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL

Did you know you can get your newsletter by email? You will receive the latest newsletter as soon as it is published. Receiving your newsletter by email is completely free of charge. To receive your Newsletter only by email please send an email with your name and address to Peter Blanthorn ()who will add your details to the mailing list. If you opt for news by email and by post it will still be necessary for you to pay the £3.00 subscription fee.

NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL (continued)

If you are happy to receive your Newsletter only by email please send us an email at least once a year confirming your name and address and passing on any news you may wish to share with us.

TRAVEL MATTERS

Police Warning re Hotel stays - Information courtesy of: Metropolitan Police, London.

Have you ever wonder what is on your magnetic Hotel room key card?

Answer: a) Customer's name, b) Customer's home address, c) Hotel room number, d) Check-in date and out dates, e) Customer's credit card number and expiry date

When you hand Hotel room key card back to the front desk your personal information is there for any employee to access by simply scanning the card in the hotel scanner. An employee can use the information on a laptop computer and go shopping at your expense.. Hotels don't erase the information on these cards until an employee reissues the card to the next hotel guest. At that time, the new guest's information is electronically 'overwritten' on the card and the previous guest's information is thus erased. But until then it usually is kept in a drawer at the front desk with YOUR INFORMATION ON IT

The bottom line: NEVER leave them behind in the room or room wastebasket, and NEVER return them to the front desk when you check out of a room without first making sure your details are deleted.

Always take a small fridge magnet on your holiday, then, when you are due to leave, pass it across the magnetic strip several times. Try it in the door, it will not work. It erases everything on the card. Or, if you do not have a magnet, keep the cards, take them home with you, or destroy them.

For the same reason, if you arrive at the airport and discover you still have the card key in your pocket, do not toss it in an airport litter bin. Take it home and destroy it by cutting it up, especially through the electronic information strip.

PRIVILEGE RATE OYSTER CARDS

Members are reminded that Privilege Rate Oyster Cards need to be revalidated once you receive your new Staff Travel Card for 2016/2017. With the closure of all Tfl (Transport for London) Ticket Offices, this can now be done at any of the ticket machines at Tfl stations. The ticket machines have been modified to enable a member of the railway personnel on duty to revalidate your Privilege Oyster Card for you. There will be a member of rail staff available to assist you. Please ask for assistance to revalidate your Oyster Card before using the ticket machine.

BLUEBELL RAILWAY

We have been advised that with effectfrom 1 April 2016 a 50% privilege rate will be available on Bluebell Railway on production of RST Staff Travel Card – you do not need to date a box for this.

If you are joining us for any of the Day’s Out, Rambles or other events I hope you have an enjoyable time. Let me know what you thought of the event and suggestions for other Day’s Out

From

Graham Harris