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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)