In the build up to the event we had a great response from the PMA membership and managed to fill a 50 seater coach. In addition others decided to get there under their own steam and join us when we arrived.

Hever Castle had much to offer. Set in 125 acres of glorious grounds, the romantic double-moated 14th century castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. Visitors also discovered award-winning gardens, an impressive mock Tudor village, numerous fun distractions, such as the water maze, and the rich and varied history of the property through the ages.

Pete Cowmeadow and I were the organisers for the event and things couldn’t have gone smoother. Little did we know that Mother nature would a have a surprise or two for us to contend with on the day.

We’d hope for good weather for the trip, given that we’d be outside most of the time. We hadn’t however reckoned on a heatwave. As the week went by the temperatures just continued to grow. Two days before our departure we knew we might be in 40°C heat.

Once this was known 4 attendees cancelled due to the health warnings being given out. With 49 people still up for it we held our nerve. In the 24 hours before departure a further 10 people also declared that they would have to withdraw.

The remaining 39 left our departure point(s) and arrived in Kent at 11:15am. The coach, driven by a very smart Joseph, was fully air conditioned for our journey. It was very comfortable. On arrival however we were greeted by the heatwave and it was certainly fierce!

Everybody was dispatched with extra bottle of water to that which they brought themselves to make sure they stayed hydrated. Thankfully the castle was able to accomodate us almost straight away and many took this option. Others however explored the magnificent Tudor village and the extensive gardens first.

It was a great place to visit and with a little shade, care and hydration in one form or another, it came as no surprise when people found themselves at the end of the day. Most took advantage of a cooling ice cream before walking back up the hill to the coach park ready for our 5:30pm departure.

Despite the weather a great day was had by all that got to Hever Castle. All left with the view that the attraction was of exceedingly high quality, with many saying they would return.

It was a shame that so many weren’t able to make the day, but they made a wise choice, given their own personal circumstances. We look forward to welcoming everybody on our next trip.

Eddie Winter

The Sunday Lunch and Skittles event is an annual PMA event run at Wellow Golf Club and has been running since 2016.

Starting promptly at 12:15pm when the 46 attendees are pre-warned of the rules of ‘Killer Skittles’, the game commences. Basically each player bowls a single ball at what’s left at the alley when it’s their turn. Each has a total of 4 lives and a ‘life’ is lost each time a player fails to score when it’s their turn. The game progresses until there is only one player left eligle to play a shot, and they are the winner.

We took a 90 minute break at 13:15 pm for an amazing 3-course lunch, and completed the game by 16:45.

Having squeezed 45 other attendees out of the game, Alan Simpson was the 2025 Champion.

Organisers Eddie and Lin Winter thanked everybody for coming, congratulated Alan Simpson his success, and wished all a safe journey.

If you missed out this year, then we look forward to seeing you in 2026.

Eddie Winter

Five teams joined the staggered start of the treasure hunt. The lead player in each case was:

• John Davenport with ‘Im & ‘Er
• Alan Wells with ‘Mystery Masters’
• Colin Warwick with ‘Raining Champs’
• Nick Winter with ‘Alton Hunters’ and
• Terry Burton with ‘TB+1’

After nearly 4 hours the results on the day were:

• Second place with 22.5 points, Colin Warwick’s team ‘Raining Champs’.
• First place with 23 points was secured by Alan Wells’ team ‘Mystery Masters’.

Congratulations to the winners and runners up for a closely fought competition, and to all the other teams that participated, even if you had to subsequently withdraw due to the heatwave.

You all showed grit, determination, and a great sense of humour. I’d like to thank you all for your support.

Eddie Winter

Another great trip to Beaulieu Motor Museum, organised by Graham Reeve, was enjoyed by PMA members on 14 May 2025.

Below are some photographs from the event.

Sixty of our members and guests shared a superb lunch today (28 November) at Eastleigh College.

It was a lovely Christmas themed get-together where a good time was had by all. Below are some photographs from the event.

A delicious meal and fun competition was enjoyed by all at the Lunch & Skittles event on 13 October 2024, with Graham Reeve taking the first prize – congratulations Graham!

Another successful day out was enjoyed by members who visited Bucklers Hard, enjoyed lunch and a trip up the river as well as each other’s company. Below are a few photographs from the event.

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.