OUTINGS and coffee mornings have been the feature for members recently.

An enjoyable visit was made to Danson House, built in 1766 and set in Danson Park, Bexley.

A guide gave an interesting talk about its history and restoration by English Heritage.

A second outing took members to see a very enjoyable performance of Singing in the Rain at the Churchill Theatre.

It was a lovely sunny day when a member opened her house and garden to fellow members for a well- attended coffee morning.

At their last meeting their guest, Mr Ball, spoke about the history of coffee houses.

He said the coffee plant originated from Arabia. It was first brought to England as a drink in 1637 and by 1652 the first coffee house, called Pasqua Rosee, was opened near Cornhill, London.

Their popularity grew and merchant bankers and traders would meet in the coffee houses to discuss news and business.

From these meeting places the origins of many of today’s great institutions developed, such as Lloyds of London, The Baltic Exchange and the Stock Exchange.

The demise of coffee houses was partly due to the introduction of tea and the greater influence businesses and the government had in countries where tea was grown.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 2pm in Farnborough Village Hall.

Visitors and new members are welcome.

For further information, call 01689 820541.