Below are some photographs of our recent visit to Kew Gardens which was enjoyed by 45 members and partners:

Today was the PMA lunch at Eastleigh College, and what a good time was had by all.

The food and company were great, and the student team at the College were amazing. We were grateful to be back at the College for the first time since Covid restrictions have been eased.

If you weren’t able to join us, below are some photographs of the event.

A great time and good food was had by all at our popular lunch at Eastleigh College’s East Avenue Restaurant. Below are photographs taken at the event.

An evening of good food, good music and great company was had by all at our annual Christmas Dinner at the East Horton Golf Club.

Below are a few photographs taken at the event.

Article provided by Phil Webb

Sunday 3rd November 2019 saw our first visit to the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Sadly we didn’t fill the coach but 35 intrepid members prepared to brave the forecast inclement weather. We need not have worried, the weather was wonderful with the rain only appearing whilst we were on the coach, as we alighted the sun came out – it was all down to careful planning!

Our first stop was at Hassocks Garden Centre where we enjoyed a hearty breakfast before most of us went to view the veteran cars……. I say most of us, because several of the ladies (led I’m told by Julie Cowmeadow ) stayed in the Garden Centre perusing the extensive displays – Julie did suggest we have another trip to the same Garden Centre and ignore the cars – philistine!

Many of us took the short half mile walk to Clayton Hill where we were within 2-3 feet of the cars as they struggled up the incline. Some didn’t quite make it and passengers were ejected to lighten the load, running up the hill or giving a push where necessary. Several intrepid cyclists on Penny Farthings struggled up the hill but few actually reached the summit under pedal power. 

There was an enormous range of cars, mainly fuelled by petrol but some still running on steam, most of the manufacturers of these early cars have disappeared, but there were several large Mercedes showing off their power as they overtook the smaller cars on the hill.

Around 1.30 pm we re-boarded the coach and drove into Brighton alighting on Marine Drive (just above the finish line). Here we could see the cars close up and see the drivers and their passengers celebrating their arrival. Champagne flowed – sadly not for us – we made do with fish and chips under the arches. At 4.30 pm  we boarded the coach for a leisurely drive home – listening to the comments it was clear that everyone had enjoyed themselves, for most this was their first visit.

Another great Sunday Lunch and Skittles event (organised by Eddie and Lin Winter) – good food and super company. Below are some photographs from the day.

We enjoyed an excellent lunch today at Eastleigh College’s East Avenue Restaurant; great food, good company and many positive comments received from those who attended. If you couldn’t make it, below is a selection of photos taken on the day:

We had a great day out at Blenheim Palace, Park and Gardens on 25 September 2019. Below are a selection of photos taken on the day (including one of the stolen loo area!)

A great day was had by members who attended our tour of St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 8 May 2019.

Below is a selection of photos taken by members on the day, including some of the Firefighters Memorial which is located on the south side of the Cathedral.

A fun evening was had by all at the AGM and Pig Race on Saturday 13 April. The event was held at HFRS Headquarters, and attended by more than 70 members and guests. If you were unable to join us, below are a few photos:

A great day out was had by all at the 9 to 5 Musical in London on 20 March 2019. If you weren’t able to join us, below are a few pictures taken on the day.

Great food, great service and great attendance at our recent PMA lunch at the East Avenue Restaurant of Eastleigh College.

If you couldn’t make it this time, below are some photos, and we hope to see you at a future lunch!

The 11th November is the date that nationally we mark the end of World War One, but on this day in 2018 forty-six people gathered at Wellow Golf Club for Sunday lunch and to battle for the PMA Skittles trophy.

The skittles competition got under way at 1230 breaking at 1315 to partake of the superb Sunday lunch. By the time we got to 1615 the competition whittled down to the final contenders: Barbara House, Lin Winter and Colin Warwick. Each still had several lives left so it was all to fight for. They took their bowls in rotation and for a while it looked like we’d be there forever, but eventually, Colin Warwick was the last player still standing and the trophy was his to claim along with the pint pot full of cash.

An excellent day was had by all and a trip to Wellow for Sunday lunch and Skittles is likely to be held again in 2019.

Another great PMA lunch at Eastleigh College, provided by the catering students who always do us proud.

If you weren’t able to attend this time, below are a selection of photographs taken on the day.

Another great PMA ‘awayday’ to the Tower of London with lunch at Cafe Rouge in St Katherine’s Dock.

For those of you who didn’t manage to make the trip, below is a selection of photos taken on the day.

Keep your eyes peeled for new events next year.

Where

Members/partners and guests are invited to a 3 course Sunday lunch followed by a game of skittles at Wellow Golf Club, Ryedown Lane, East Wellow, Hampshire SO51 6BD

When

Sunday 11th November 2018
Skittles at 12:00pm – lunch served at 1:30pm

Cost

The cost per person is:

• PMA member/partner: £17.50
• Guests: £18.50

Please note that on the day an additional £1 per person will be charged as prize money.

Book your place

Please download a booking form in either Word or PDF format and return as per the instructions given. Please do not send any money now – we will advise when money is due.

• Sunday Lunch and Skittles Booking Form (Word format)
• Sunday Lunch and Skittles Booking Form (PDF format)

The closing date for the return of booking forms is 30th October 2018. Numbers are limited so please book early to ensure your place!

A thank you from the event organisers, Ed and Lin Winter:

“We’d like to say a big thank you to the 45 members that participated in the Sunday Lunch and Skittles event that was held at Wellow Golf Course today (22 October 2017). A great time was had by all and lunch was particularly good.

The winner of the event was Phil Webb, who despite being very modest about his own performance, was able to demonstrate support for other participants with good grace.”

On Tuesday 26 September a coach full of our members, their partners and friends set off for Royal Windsor.

Our trip included a cruise along the River Thames, a short walk through old Windsor, stopping at the Café Rouge for lunch and refreshments and, in the afternoon, an audio tour of the Royal Castle.

Keep your eyes open for the full article about the trip in the next Stop Message magazine.

On Wednesday 21st June a visit was arranged to the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery at Laverstoke, followed by lunch at the Test Valley Golf Club in Overton.

Part of the morning involved sampling, sniffing and selecting the spices and botanicals that each visitor preferred, which were then used to flavour the gin cocktails which were enjoyed in the Mill Bar at the end of the Distillery visit.

For lunch everyone headed to the Test Valley Golf Club nearby, where we were seated in an open-sided marquee on a wonderful sunny afternoon.

Another successful day out for a group of our past members, partners and friends.

Read the full article on this visit in the next issue of our ‘Stop Message’ magazine.