Our July Hall meeting saw the return of the very popular ukulele band: The Ukulaviators. Led by Steve Ball, this group of enthusiasts, based in Orpington, played a selection of well-known songs mixed in with a dose of humour. As when they last came to the Branch, they provided an excellent afternoon's entertainement. The Committee has booked them again for next year!

On Monday 15 July we had a presentation by Adrian Clark on the valuable work done by the Kent, Surrey, and Ssussex Air Ambulance. Following the meeting, a donation of £186.26 was made to the charity by the Branch.

Subsequently, a letter was received from KSSA thanking us for the donation.

On Monday 17 June the Branch was treated to a most interesting presentation entitled: The Dambusters: Barnes Wallace and 617 Squadron. We heard the story of Operation Chastise, the May 1943 attack on German dams, with which most of us were familiar as a result of having seen the 1955 film starring Richard Todd as Wing Commander Guy Gibson and Michael Redgrave as Barnes Wallis. iAs welll as information on the people involved and on the bouncing bombs specially designed for the raid, we were told a number of lesser known facts. In addition, the differences betweeen what was portrayed in the film and what actually happened was explained.

Best of Broadway

On 15 May a number of Members made their way to the Mercure Hotel at Brands Hatch for a 3-course lunch followed by entertainment: 'The Best of Broadway.' The keyboard player and the singer presented a variety of songs, most of which were very familiar to the audience.

Harpist

At our regular metting on 20 May, the Branch was entertained by harpist Margaret Watson. Not only did she provide some excellent music, but she also explained the technical aspects of her instument. As a result, the meeting was both entertaining and informative, and was very much enjoyed by the Members. Following this there was a buffet served.

At the April meeting, on the 15th, there was a quiz organised by Terry Stockwell. There were five rounds, which included a number of challenging questions, and a picture round to be completed during the afternoon. As usual, there were a number of occassions when cries of 'I knew that, but couldn't remember' were heard. There were seven tables with between 4 and 8 Members on each of the teams. After some confusion, it was announced that team 7 had won, with a score of 103 points, with team 3 in second place with a score of 96.

The afternoon ended with the usual raffle, for which there were a number of prizes donated by the membership.

Thames River Cruise

A number of Branch Members participated in the Thames River Cruise. An excellent meal was provided and everybody seem to enjoyed themselves.

On Monday 19 March the Branch held its Annual General Meeting. There were 39 Members in attendance, with apologies received from another 14. Reports were received from the President, the Acting Chairman and the Treasurer. The Accounts for 2023 were adopted. The following were elected to serve on the Committee for the coming year:

Branch President: Lorna Culver
Branch Chairman: Ray Welch
Branch Secretary: Ray Welch
Branch Treasurer: Mick Veness
Committee Members: Diana Hill, Carole Orris, Roger Mitchell, & Hilda Mitchell

Following the AGM, there was a presentation by Alan Haines, which combined role playing and a talk, on the Life and Times of Max Miller.

After this, following a short presentation by the County Chair, Tim Meadley, Members were asked to indicate, by a show of hands, if they wished to remain as a part of AMKKM. The overwhelming majority indicated that they wanted to leave the Association. It was announced that a formal vote would be held later to confirm this decision.

The meeting ended with a buffet and the usual raffle.

Annual Duck Race

The Branch held its Annual Duck Race on Monday 19 February at Beechen Hall in Walderslade.

Before the event started, the County Chair, Tim Meadley, assisted by the Vice Chair, David Woodnott, presented the Sunley Bowl to Harry Whitbread, Grants Manager of the Bernard Sunley Foundation. The Bowl had been gifted to the Association in 1959 for presentation at an annual golf tournament by Bernard Sunley, a very successful propoerty developer born in Catford. A year later he established the Foundation, a charity which has given over £136 million to community projects, educational facilities, health care, and mental health support. The Chairmen of three other Branches were in attendance.

Sunley Bowl Presentation

With the ducks all in good form, and a large turnout from the membership, a great time was had by all. Betting was, as usual, brisk. Some headed for home after the meeting with a few extra pennies in their pocket, and some left a little lighter than when they came.

New Year Lunch

The Branch held its Annual New Year Lunch at the Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Golf Club (a new venue for the Branch) on January 17. The meal was excellent and the fellowship, as usual, made for a very enjoyable get together. Unfortunately, health problems prevented one or two members who had planned to be there from attending. Here are a couple of pictures: