This month’s meeting took the form of our annual summer picnic – once again generously hosted by Jan in her lovely garden. As with all our social events, there was no shortage of delicious food and despite the date coinciding with ‘flying ant day’ we all had a delightful evening.

The early heatwave meant there were only a few intrepid walkers on the Gladstone Park walk, but numbers picked up later in the month for a perfect Walking Club outing from Otford to Eynsford in Kent. Our route followed a shady river, passed fields of lavender, and included a stop at the remains of a Roman villa – a truly scenic and varied walk. That historical thread continued with a day trip to St. Albans, where Frances led a small group on a fascinating tour. Highlights included the Clock Tower, St. Michael’s Church, the Verulamium Museum, and, after a hearty pub lunch, a visit to the cathedral – offering insights into Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and medieval history all in one day.

Meanwhile, our weekly Double Tennis sessions are in full swing. The courts around us are now filled with children on their summer holidays, enthusiastically learning the game – and often putting our skills to shame! It’s a lively contrast to the quieter winter months when we have the space to ourselves.

An afternoon spent at a Pick Your Own farm recently provided enough fruit/veg for some sizeable batches of raspberry jam, strawberry jam, and beetroot chutney – all with our stall at Queen’s Park Day on 14th September in mind!

We had outdoor tables both for Craft Club (in Caroline’s garden) and for Dining Club when we had flavoursome Burmese cuisine at ‘Laphet’ in Covent Garden. Desi had organised a set menu ‘feast’ allowing us to sample a wide array of outstanding dishes in great company.