EVENTS
Events are a great opportunity for members to get together socially and create new friendships. Typical events are a mixture of outings, social meet-ups and monthly meetings - there is something for everyone!
Monthly Meetings
Our monthly meetings take place on the second Thursday of each month at Roding Valley Hall in Buckhurst Hill when we have a variety of Speakers, as well as giving everyone a chance to catch-up with friends and make new ones!
Our next meeting is on Thursday 12th November. Doors open at 1.30pm to give you a chance to have a cup of tea and a chat, before the Talk starts at 2 o'clock.
Forthcoming Talks
| Thursday 12th November 2026 The Print industry: A talk by Ken Stanger |
| Thursday 10th December 2026 Christmas Afternoon Tea and Entertainment! BOOKING ESSENTIAL (A Booking Form will be issued nearer the time) |
| Thursday 14th January 2027 "Guilty or Not Guilty: You are the Jury" Philip McKinder will be exploring the prosecution and defence of a perfect murder! |
| Thursday 11th February 2027 'Where do writers get their ideas?' Drawing on the experience of many well-known authors - in an entertaining, informative talk - author and public speaker Bobbie Darbyshire will explain how the complex fictional world arrives in a novelist’s mind. Bobbie is an award-winning author of five novels, including The Posthumous Adventures of Harry Whittaker and The Third Bus. |
| Thursday 11th March 2027 The RNLI: A talk by Paul Danvers |
| Thursday 8th April 2027 Open Gardens and the National Garden Scheme: a talk by David Davis |
| Thursday 13th May 2027 'Lighting the Fuse' : A Bomb Disposal Operator's Story, a talk by Lucy Lewis who was the British Army’s first female bomb disposal expert. She will talk about Army life as a woman as well as her experiences in bomb disposal. |
| Thursday 10th June 2027 AGM |
| Thursday 8th July 2027 More Stories from a Prison Governor: A return visit from Lindsay Whitehouse after his very popular talk last year. |
| Thursday 12th August 2027 The White Mouse - Nancy Wake: A return visit by the ever popular Paul Barwick. This is the remarkable true story of a highly successful secret agent of the Special Operations Executive who lived with the daily threat of death at the hands of the Gestapo during World War 2. The Gestapo nicknamed her’ The White Mouse’ due to her amazing ability to escape their clutches. She became one of the most decorated Allied secret agents of the war. Paul explores her life, lived to the full, and salute her tremendous bravery. |
Forthcoming Events
Booking Forms for Events are issued with the monthly Newsletter. Booking Forms are also available in hard copy at Monthly Meetings.
A VISIT TO SIPSMITH GIN DISTILLERY
Date: Friday 6th November 2026
Time: 2pm
Venue: Sipsmith Gin Distillery 83 Cranbrook Road, Chiswick, London W4 2LJ
Cost: £25
Availability: 15 tickets available (first come, fiorst served)
Travel: Make your own way there (District Line)
Members only
Gine Lovers, join us for a Distillery Tour and Tutored Tasting of Sipsmith Gin!
The Sipsmith Distillery is a beautifully presented gin haven, while still being a modest and functional home for the globally successful brand. From their classic London Dry and their navy strength VJOP Gin to their latest release, Orange and Cacao Gin, the tastings are a delight.
The Booking Form was issued with the August Newsletter.
AN EVENING QUIZ
Join us for an Evening Quiz. There will be a series of rounds and prizes for the winners. Please bring your own food, drinks and glasses. Tables are for 6 people. We will provide water and sweets for all tables.
To book your place, please return the booking form by Friday 13th November at the latest.
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
Time: 7pm for a 7.30pm start
Venue: Roding Valley Hall, Station Way, Buckhurst Hill IG9 6LN (car parking is available on-site).
Availability: 70 places only, so book early to avoid disappointment
Tables of 6 Please indicate who you would like to sit with, otherwise, don't worry as you will join other tables.
Cost: £5 per person
Members Only
The Booking Form was issued with the October Newsletter.
A VISIT TO ROCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET
Set in the spectacular Rochester Castle Gardens with the impressive back drop of the 11th Century keep, the Market is regarded as one of the UK's premier events, with over 250,000 visitors. It has over 120 stalls selling sustainable gifts, distinctive clothing and homewares and a wide variety of artisan goods and foods. Something for everyone.
Rochester town centre is within walking distance and offers another excellent source of shopping and food and drink.
Entry to the market is free and the cost is for coach travel only.
Date: Friday 27th November 2026
Depart: The Monkhams Pub at 10am.
Leave: Rochester Castle at approx 4.30pm, return to The Monkhams approx 6.30am (depending on traffic)
Cost: £23.50 per person
Availability: 70 places, first come, first served.
Members only
The Booking Form was issued with the June Newsletter.
VISIT TO A PRIVATE CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW AT ROYDON, ESSEX
We are very lucky to be invited to a private viewing of tone of the most outstanding Christmas light Shows in Essex. The show has literally thousands of lights and numerous attractions.
There is very limited parking but there are surrounding roads and a small car park nearby.
Date: Thursday 3rd November, 2026
Venue: The Mount, Epping Road, Roydon, Harlow Essex CM19 5HT
Open: 5pm - 8pm
Cost: per person £10 - if you make your own way there
OR £30 which includes entry and a minibus. (14 places available on the minibus which departs from The Monkhams
at 4.30pm, returning approx 7.30pm
Members only
The Booking Form was issued with the October Newsletter.
A SCOTTISH HOLIDAY IN THE HIGHLANDS 2027
7th - 13th May 2027
Would you be interested in joining us for this holiday?
We have been offered places on Newmarket Holidays’ tour of the Best of the Scottish Highlands.
We would fly from Heathrow on Friday 7th May 2027 at 1.00pm. This holiday would be for 6 nights (half board) at the Carrbridge Hotel on the banks of River Dulnain.
Price: Double and Twin Rooms £1419.00 per person. Single Room £1746.00 per person
Deposit: £275.00 per person.
All tours, transfers and guide are included in the price.
From the stunning Road to the Isles and legendary Loch Ness to the mysterious Black Isle, this holiday features a host of Highland highlights. Take a cruise on the Moray Firth, explore the mythical waters of the Loch Ness, and a cruise to take in views of the scenery; and the ruins of Urquhart Castle, Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family, with time to see Crathie Kirk, and the Victorian village of Ballater. Continue with a journey along the ‘Road to the Isles’ from Fort William to Mallaig, passing through charming villages and breath-taking landscapes, including the enchanting Isle of Skye. Conclude with a trip to the Victorian seaside town of Nairn and the poignant grounds of Culloden Battlefield.
Places will be held until Monday 31st August 2026.
Please contact Hilary Wrightman via the Outings link if you are interested.
FUTURE EVENTS (Booking not yet opened)
| 12th December 2026: Breakfast at The Monkhams |