“Not the Friday Club”

Friday 16th June saw the first meeting of “Not the Friday Club”. We met at the Ponda Rosa, Ashey at about 11:00. The disbanded Friday club needed to be replaced and reconfigured to suit the way it will now work.

What a great turnout for the first meeting, eighteen people! Formalities were kept to a minimum but Peter did just thank Daphne for her efforts in finding a new venue for the group. It was suggested that the group be self-governing on an informal basis. Daphne was volunteered to act as treasurer to hold a small petty cash generated by raffles. It was decided that no other ‘officers’ were needed as the group should be informal and open to anyone who wishes to attend.

It was such a pleasure to see that that so many old friends were able to get together for Fridays meeting. The day unfolded like this. Arrive about 11. Coffee tea or soft drinks. I noticed that at least two people had a large glass of red wine. We all put the world to rights for a while before the raffle was drawn. Some time was then spent studying the menu before ordering meals. I think most people enjoyed the excellent carvery. Beautifully prepared and great value at £4.95. I saw some people with other dishes including a rather filling pasta dish with turkey and gammon and others eating a nice aromatic curry. The sweets looked ‘to die for’ as the saying goes. After the tables were cleared bingo was available but not compulsory. Thanks to Harry for his uncomplaining enthusiasm in calling the numbers.

Having enjoyed a thoroughly sociable day we set off home at about 2:00 pm, all looking forward to the next luncheon date.

I would like the thank Brian and Maggie, our hosts at the Ponda Rose for their kindness and putting up with us.

Competition.

Suggestions were requested for the name of the group and the best that was offered was “Not the Friday Club”. I think that you can do better than that so invite you to enter our great free to enter competition. First Prize will be a lunch for the winner at one of our groups meetings. I think most people would consider the group to be a ‘Luncheon Organization” – rather than a MS Club. It will be loosely associated with the MS Society, but be open to anyone who wants to join in. This will include carers and supporters of people with disabilities or MS.

Please send your suggestions to Peter Lano, 5 Adelaide Place RYDE PO33 3DP or email him - peter@iwcn.co.uk. The most suitable name, in the opinion of the judges, will be adopted by the group and published in this Newsletter. Please forward your suggestions by 31st August. Usual competition rules apply – ie what the judge says is all there is to it – no arguing!