JUNE was a busy month as we took full advantage of the summer weather.

It will be seen that we live up to our aims - to be active in mind and body.

A group of members visited the Palace of Westminster to meet our Member of Parliament - Michael Fallon - and to have tea on the terrace overlooking the Thames.

Some members were able to enter the visitors gallery of both chambers - the House of Lords and the House of Commons to listen to the debates. A very splendid afternoon.

A visit was made to the Broadstairs Pavilion for a lunch and a show.

Included in the cast of entertainers were Paul James and Billy Nutt - two favourite of Swanara.

Three days later we were off to Alton in Hampshire for a visit to the Mid Hants Railway, better known as the Watercress Line.

The occasion was a re-enactment of War On The Line evoking many wartime memories for those of us who remember the trials and tribulations of the Second World War.

We were able to travel on steam-hauled trains from Alton to Mepsted and Four Marks, Ropley to the western terminus of the line at Alresford.

It was here that three of our members met a lady and gentleman from the area while having lunch in a restaurant.

After lunch they were taken on a tour of the area by the two people in a 1947 Morris saloon car which was in immaculate condition.

Our ladies claimed afterwards that they had been treated like royalty.

Both these events were voted great successes and thanks are due to the organisers of each of them.

The monthly meeting was given over to the Annual General Meeting.

Our Chairperson Yvonne Pile stood down having held the position for the past two years and has been succeeded by Frances Atkins.

However, Yvonne will continue as a member of the committee.

Margaret Croucher, who has been a very good and efficient secretary over many years, has stood down to be replaced by Gerry Dawson.

Eileen Dunn and Jim Jones did not seek re-election and they were replaced by Jo Hyams and Valerie Burrell.

There were presentations made to all the retiring members of the committee as well as to Jessie Jones who has been helping to run the monthly raffle for the past ten years.

After the AGM Jim Jones presented a short quiz.

It was a happy afternoon despite the break-up of an extremely effective and well-run committee.

A large group of members went to Swanley Bowls Club for a fish and chip lunch.

Our walking and ten pin bowling groups are taking a short break.

Otherwise the association continues in its activities.

All members wish to thank Yvonne Pile for her hard work over the years and wish Frances Atkins good fortune in her first year in the chair.