It's Christmas and all is well at the stable! Forty-eight members made their way to The Crown Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon for a three course meal and some singing and dancing and of course, dressing up in 70's gear. Well at least one member did and won the best dressed competition!!! As always, when the club members get together, everyone has a great time and this was no exception. It is just amazing how even the 90 year olds can come up with some special "moves" on the dance floor and did they want to come off? NO!
This is December 9th 2024
Someone once said to me, visit Thursford in Norfolk, as it is a really good Christmas Show. Little did I know that to witness what must be the biggest Christmas Show in the UK and somewhere in the region of 17 million fairy lights simply blows your mind. We took 36 Valentine members and a few friends by coach to stay at The Caley Hall Hotel. What a beautiful hotel this was. Lovely rooms, superb food and helpful staff, based only a few hundred yards from the beach bordering The Wash and to help things along, some really nice weather for November. We travelled from the hotel for about 50 minutes to Thursford where we were entertained by around 130 artists ranging from dancers and singers to acrobats and hosted by a superb "wordsmith / comedian". The lights that adorned the indoor arenas were mind- boggling and even in the sunshine, the outdoor light show was stunning. All in all, a great few days away and as testament to this, many of the group were asking when do we go back?
On return to Steeple Aston and our monthly meeting, we were told all about "Domestic Abuse" by Emma Teasdale. This is something which I think, we would all like to believe, did not happen but sadly, it is much more common than we might like to think. We were also informed of a change of venue for our Motown celebration with a three-course meal and all the trimmings which is now going to take us to Stratford-upon- Avon. With Christmas fast approaching, we all seem to be preparing for the seasonal celebrations.
Some really amazing news is that we have been awarded a grant from The Good Neighbour Scheme for £357 and from OCVA who administer the Connected Community Fund, an astonishing grant of £2,500. This will make such a difference in preparing for next year's programme of events. Thank-you All.
Take 34 passengers to Eastbourne and bring 34 back! Can't be bad.
So on a very wet Monday morning, we started our journey to Eastbourne and very quickly realised that Oxfordshire had experienced record rainfall over the previous 24 hours. After a slow start and a comfort stop at Waterperry gardens, we made our way out of the rain and into dryer conditions and the seaside. Arriving at our hotel around 4.30pm, we were made very welcome by the staff and soon settled into our rooms and ready for a n evening meal and then to the dance floor (See on recent photos) Tuesday gave us all the opportunity to travel to The Weald and Downland Living Museaum where The Repair Shop is filmed. Perfect weather and a great day out was had by all. The Wednesday left us to our own devices so many of us explored Eastbourne and as far away as Beachy Head. Again, the weather played ball. Thursday gave us the opportunity to explore Brighton and once we had got over the heavy shower that greeted us on arrival, we all had a good day exporing The Lanes, The Royal Pavilion or simply relaxing by the seaside. Friday brought back the rain but who cares when you are coming home. Everyone home safely, great hotel staff and meals and best of all, amazing company.
Our August meeting brought us a chef who had been responsible for serving meals to four prime ministers. Alan Lavender gave us all an insight into not only the meals he prepared but also his perception of the prime ministers in question. Some interesting takes on those serving from Mrs Thatcher to David Cameron.
Early September came and a trip to Stratford-on-Avon and a river trip on The Avon. As luck would have it, the weather played ball until the last few boarded the coach for our return journey. A pleasant day was had by all 55 passengers and to add to the days sightseeing was The Ganesh Festival where hundreds of Hindus from all over the country came to celebrate their day, all dressed in their finest costumes and singing and dancing alongside the river banks.
For our September meeting we were treated to a mix of ventriloquism and magic all performed by David and accompanied by Elvis, Roy Orbison and Barbara. Only the last one was what you might call "real-time" but all gave us plenty to enjoy.
Trentham Gardens and shopping village
On what can best be described as a fine August morning, members of the club travelled to Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire for another day out by
coach. On arrival, we experienced a short shower but that was all the rain we would see for the rest of the day. The gardens were looking pretty amazing as always and the 80 retail cabins were all very busy with offers that many of our members could not refuse. With a vast array of eateries we had such a choice of meals and some of the group managed to walk all the way around the lake which is approaching two miles. Just to the side of the gardens is one of the largest garden centres you could wish to visit so even more retail therapy. Our next coach trip is to Stratford-on-Avon before we venture on holiday to Eastbourne. No time to be bored whilst part of The Valentine Club.
Two fine days in a row. Can't be bad for what can be best described as a changeable summer!
For our monthly meeting we moved venues to Rousham House with its world renowned gardens and amazing landscape. The marquees were up and as we arrived, the sun came through and we were all set for a wonderful afternoon. We had time to wander around the grounds taking in all that Rousham has to offer and then, tea was served. What a tea! Ann, Sue and Jane brough out plates upon plates of homemade cakes, sausage rolls and cream topped scones. Tea or coffee was on tap for all and everyone had a superb afternoon relaxing in the peace and quiet of the countryside. Thanks have to go to the three ladies I have already mentioned but also to Charles and Angela Cottrell-Dormer for their kindness and generosity in allowing us all to enjoy this fantastic venue at no charge. (Some pictures on "recent photos")
The next day we awoke to sunshine and warm temperatures. This has to be mentioned as these sort of days have been few and far during the summer of 2024 so far. A large coach picked all 52 members up for a trip to the seaside. Buckets and spades at the ready, we arrived at Weston-Super-Mare in time to see the sea in the distance and then find our way for a spot of lunch. Might have been fish and chips, a sandwich or in my case, a seafood stack with all the trimmings. As the afternoon progressed the temperatures rose and it was time for an ice-cream or two and a paddle in the warm sea. After what seemed like no time at all, the coach arrived and we all returned safely back home.
It is the hottest day of the year so far as we board the coach for a trip to Painshill Park and then onto Denbies winery. A good journey down to Painshill where we are greeted with tea / coffee and a biscuit. This was followed by a brief history of the park before starting our discovery of the parkland. Lots of history here and in the shade of the trees or the crystal grotto, we kept cool and back in time for an ice-cream and back on the coach for a short journey to Denbies. On arrival, the land-train was there to transport us to the restaurant for a two course lunch which I must add, was superb. If any complaints, it was a bit hot in the glass covered conservatory where we ate. Then onto the cinema room where we learnt all about the history and the growing of the grapes. After a very informative briefing of the winery we made our way through the vats and bottling section to the cellars where three different wines were there for our approval or not. I think everyone thought they were great as there appeared to be bottles rattling in the bags as we made our way back to the coach after a very enjoyable day in the Surrey hills.
Just occasionally, things don't go as expected. The evening before our meeting in June, we received an email from our entertainment agent to say that our arranged singer was unable to come as he had broken his ankle and thus unable to drive. However, not to worry as we had a new performer who was going to come and sing. Really did not need to worry as ROSIE arrived with all the gear and most importantly, a superb personality and ability to sing just about anything. Although she had a "play-list" the club threw a curveball when asking for something well outside her planned repertoire. But just like the true professional she is, requests were performed and everyone had a great time. Thank-you Rosie! See pictures on "recent images"
Saville Gardens and The River Thames - 23rd May 2024
Following a torrential downpour the previous day, it was time to set off with a full coach, all 56 of us, to visit Saville Gardens and then take a cruise down The River Thames on what turned out to be a really nice day with no rain and a fair bit of sunshine. On arrival at Saville Gardens, the restaurant was opened especially for us to serve vast quantities of tea, coffee and cake then out into the amazing gardens with the fantastic array of Rhododendrons. After time for a bite to eat we made our way to Runneymede to join our boat for a two hour cruise accompanied by a wonderful cream tea. The sun shone and the scenery was amazing whilst passing Windsor Castle and the royal estate. After a long but enjoyable day, we all retuned home ready to plan our next day out with The Valentine Club
May 21st 2024
There are moments in this life when you are taken back by the reaction of someone's story. Their life changing from all OK to the bottom and beyond. The Valentine Club witnessed a story told by the guardian of Charlie, a medical detection dog that has changed his life beyond all recognition. Such is the work of The Medical Detection Dogs that a person's life is, for lack of a better description, brought back from despair and desperation. As the "organiser" of this club for around 20 years, I have never witnessed a reaction to a story of how a dog such as Charlie can change a life which brought many members near to tears. Such was the outcome of this presentation that an amazing £257 was donated by members of the club at our monthly meeting.
Thank-you to all those wonderful people who have supported this amazing charity.
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The Isle of Wight April 2024
So, here we are again. Norton Grange on the Isle of Wight just outside Yarmouth. A superb journey down by coach for all 38 of us with two members travelling in their own car. You never know what weather you might get in April and the hope for good weather is all one can ask but on this occasion, the weather behaved wonderfully and little or no rain. The hotel was as good as ever as was the food and entertainment but most of all, great company. Our first full day allowed us to visit Quarr Abbey and St Mildred's Church where Queen Victoria frequented on many occasions. The Wednesday was a "free day" where we could venture out on the local bus service or simply take a walk along the sea front or play bowls or miniature golf. Thursday was by far the warmest, in fact pretty hot as we walked along the promenade at Ryde and enjoyed an ice-cream, After a few hours soaking up the sunshine we journeyed on to the island's donkey sanctuary where we adopted two donkeys this year. Woody and Jimbob. (pictures on "most recent") I think it was fair to say we all had a great time and helped by good weather and most importantly, fantastic company.
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For many of us, March brings with it some pretty changeable weather but for the club it brought us Tony for the first time to Steeple Aston and his amazing variety of music from country to rock, classic 50's to modern day. Along with his Telecaster guitar, he entertained the group and kept all those feet tapping for over an hour. (See "Most recent pictures") We have arranged for a holiday to The Isle of Wight in April and to Eastbourne in September plus a break to Thursford Christmas show in November.
Some great news has just arrived from Cherwell District Council and their Cherwell Lottery in as much as the club has been granted £1,000 subject to presentation of relevant invoices over the year and this has a lot to do with the support many of our members and supporters provide each week with their ticket purchases.
2024 is here and the club has met for the first time this year in Steeple Aston village hall. A great turn-out to hear Jackie Maynard sing and get us all in the mood for another successful year.
A few of our members took advantage of a very cheap holiday in Weymouth curtesy of InterChoice and a great time was had by all who went.
For our February meeting we were treated to a visit by Class six of Dr Radcliffe's Primary School who sang three songs and it has to be said, to a very high standard. This was followed by a talk by Ian Saxton from the Co-op on "tax or toyboys". This talk proved to be very enlightening on how we could or possibly should manage our affairs as we get that bit older.
Then the club had a chance to decide on which trips they might like to participate in this year and maybe decide to go on one or more of the three holidays that are being arranged over the next few months. Someone once said to me, what ever will you find to do when you retire. The answer is, "I don't know" as either I am finding so many things to occupy my time or maybe I am just getting that bit slower!
It is the time of year for the Valentine Club to celebrate yet another successful year and Christmas. To start the proceedings, 53 club members made their way to The Delta Marriot Hotel in Warwick where we were given a superb three-course lunch and helped down with a serving of "The Beatles" music and dancing, plus a quiz and a raffle. Then, in December, the club filled, and I mean filled, Steeple Aston Village Hall in readiness for our annual Christmas meal plus entertainment. S & J Cuisine provided yet again, a superb meal (some say the best yet) with seriously large helpings of turkey and a variety of puddings. This was accompanied by a large cheese board and wine or soft drinks. Again, almost without doubt, the largest raffle you will see anywhere and then, the entertainment. That started with a "recital" and I use that word very carefully, by Mr Alan Brewer and accompanied by Santa Claus. Word has it that it might have been Vaughan dressed up but that has yet to be verified! How do you follow that? Not easily but thank goodness we had The Wilkinson Brothers, Lee and Jamie, to perform music from across the decades along with a few anecdotes, often referring to Lee's family members. All in all, a wonderful afternoon spent in great company and loads of laughter and what can only be described as an amazing group of friends.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY NEW YEAR FROM US ALL.
YOU CAN VIEW OUR 2024 PROGRAMME ON "PROGRAMME"
November 21st with Juniper House and Bicester U3A Ukulele group
Talk about overloading. The stage was heaving with eighteen ukulele players from Bicester U3A producing music so recognisable from the 60's and onwards and accompanied by various castanets and tambourines, possibly unwisely handed out to Valentine members. To say this was great entertainment would not convey the enjoyment portrayed on the faces of all present. We were so pleased to be able to welcome residents and staff from Juniper House in Brackley who were able to present a cheque for £535 to the club to help with ongoing projects. Thank-you so much!
See pictures on "most recent images".
At our October meeting in the village hall we were able to enjoy fish and chips accompanied by home made puddings supplied by the members.
This is obviously a popular event as 72 members were present plus a couple of helpers and Matthew Barber from Thames Valley Police who promised not to make any arrests unless absolutely necessary!
A quiz followed, really to test the theory of fish and brain power but no real evidence to suggest fish helps.
A great afternoon, enjoyed by all.
Further great news is that Barchester Foundation have given the club a grant of £535 to help with our existing programme. Thank-you Barchester!
BREAKING NEWS
The Valentine Club has just been awarded a grant of £2,000 to assist us in our ongoing work with the senior members of our community.
Coach trip to The National Memorial Arboretum
Another fine day for 43 members and friends of The Valentine Club to travel "up North" to The National memorial Arboretum for a very enjoyable and reflective tour around the amazing space that is the NMA. The staff and volunteers that greeted us were so friendly, and informative and enabled us all to get a better understanding of the lives and sacrifices so many have given to this country to keep us all safe. For many of us, one of the highlights was the fantastic meal provided by their catering staff. It would not be too much of an exaggeration to describe it as bordering Michlin Star quality.
A great day out for us all and a chance to reflect on the wonderful tribute the NMA pays to so many.
Group holiday to Llandudno
Five days and four nights in Wales with a mix of weather and a great bunch of friends. We all arrived at the four star hotel, The Dunoon, after a relaxing journey to be greeted by some wonderful staff and a welcome drink. The hotel was situated in the perfect spot, close to the sea and even closer to the numerous shops and cafes. The day trip to Portmerion was a little wet although it dried our during the afternoon but the scenery did not disappoint. On Wednesday we had a "free day" so members went off in their chosen direction. An open-top bus tour seemed popular with a journey along to Conwy and its castle. What a beautiful place it is! On Thursday we travelled all over Snowdonia, taking in the amazing scenery and stopping off a coupe of times for refreshments and a stroll. The hotel was superb with amazing food and very helpful staff. Our driver, Tony, was wonderful and kept smiling throughout the tour even when things didn't go his way. What makes these holidays so wonderful is the company, as I think it is true to say, we are all good friends and that is what the club is all about. Roll on the Isle of Wight next April!
Neil Richardson WOWS the club with his singing!
Every now and again, you get something special and at our September meeting, we did just that. Travelling all the way from Kettering, Neil Richardson came to sing songs from the 50's up to today and what a singer.
We are now, about to take 35 members to Llandudno for a week so bucket and spades at the ready along with a pack of cards for those quieter moments.
Sometimes things don't always go according to plan!
With one day to go to our coach trip to The National Memorial Arboretum, our usual coach company sadly went into voluntary liquidation leaving us with no option but to postpone our trip for another day. It is always sad to see any business suffer and for Heyfordian, especially sad, as they had been going for over 70 years and was well known to us and the local neighbourhood.
However, where there is a problem, there is always an answer and the trip has been rearranged for early October.
Our meeting during August welcomed Lee Wilkinson back to the club after a gap of four years. Lee is always popular and must be one of the countries best guitar players and can also sing and keep the audience amused with his tales of family and friends.
Bournemouth - July 2023
On what can be best described as a fine, warm but slightly windy Wednesday, many of the club packed their bucket and spades and set off for a day by the beach. Bournemouth never fails to please as there is always plenty to see and do, be it visiting a museum, shopping or taking a steady walk along the promenade. One thing that seemed very popular was the attraction of fish and chips and possibly a glass of wine. The journey there and back was very smooth with no hold-ups and everyone returned safely and had at least had the chance to see the sea!
Middle Aston House - July 2023
The club visited Middle Aston House for what can best be described as "high tea". Vast amounts of sandwiches and home-made cakes were devoured along with copious cups of tea or coffee. (See photos on "all images".) As usual, the food was plentiful even though at one point, there was a moment when some members thought it had all be devoured, but no need to worry as the catering staff brought our more and more plates of freshly prepared food. What is always nice about an occasion like this is the opportunity given to simply have a chat and enjoy each others company.
River Trip June 2023 with Hobbs of Henley
On a hot and sunny Wednesday, 63 members of The Valentine Club took to the waters of the river Thames to be transported along this wonderful river for four hours whilst enjoying a wonderful ploughman's lunch and accompanied by a variety of beverages. The crew were amazing from the captain down to the superb bar staff and the excellent catering team that provided such a wonderful spread. To see pictures of our trip go to "IMAGES" where you might wonder who exactly was piloting the boat!
Visit to The National Space Station during May 2023
Another fine and dry day sees us go on a journey of discovery as we enter the age of space exploration.
After a very relaxed journey to the North side of Leicester we arrived at The National Space Centre to be welcomed by a cup of tea or coffee and cake of pastry.
For many of us, sorry, all of us, we were transported back to the days of the first moon landing and the days of exploration to the planets. The exhibition told many stories of the first and more recent journeys into the unknown.
It was quite surprising to many of us of how primitive the technology was back in the 60's and what was achieved by the scientists of the day and what might become the norm in the future.
May is a month of surprises for not only did we go to The Isle of Wight but guess what; Elvis appeared for just one afternoon to entertain the club members and what a performance. As can be seen on "most recent images" he looked the part and sang all those great songs from the King himself.
The Valentine Club on holiday on The Isle of Wight - May 2023
Members and friends of The Valentine Club, 42 in total, arrived at Norton Grange to a cloudy reception but fine and settled down to some wonderful meals, great entertainment and most importantly, fantastic friends. Some members enjoyed the facilities on site whilst others relaxed in what turned out to be a mild and part sunny few days. If you go to "recent images" you will see some of the activities including the slightly worrying sport of axe throwing. We made two excursions whilst on holiday, The first was to Osbourne House where we viewed the magnificent house and grounds and two days later we visited The Isle of Wight Steam Train and Donkey Sanctuary. Five days sounds like a nice break but before we knew it we were on our way back home but planning more breaks in the future.
Our April meeting was very informative with advice on scams and doorstep crime provided by Cheryl Harrison from Oxfordshire Trading Standards and Troy Bryan from AGE UK Oxfordshire on the services available from them. A lot of interest was generated from this presentation and hopefully, all club members are a little more ware of the criminal activity that surrounds us all today.
Some really great news is that Thames Valley Police has awarded the club a grant of £500 towards the work that we do and the funds come from recovered contraband that has not been reclaimed by the owners. Thank-you TVP!
March meeting brought a superb singer by the name of Eyrlis with songs from the 50's through to modern day. Eyrlis had a most wonderful voice and what a pleasure to welcome such a talented singer to the club.