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THIS month we are pleased to welcome new members Virginia and Ian Crosbie, Eleanor Wills and Scott Thompson and Margaret Spratley.

On Remembrance Sunday committee member Joan Clark laid a wreath on behalf of all members at the town’s service on the steps of the town hall.

Our second autumn talk, held on November 13, attracted 67 members and guests and was given by Richard Pinches, chairman of the Henley branch of the Royal British Legion.

His subject was Henley during the Civil War and his talk was full of interesting facts and stories.

Richard added to the sense of nostalgia by dressing in the costume of the day.

Our first talk of 2026 will be given by Richard Phelps, chairman of Henley Royal Regatta on Thursday, February 12 at 7.30pm in the Eyot Centre.

Richard succeeded Sir Steve Redgrave as chairman of the committee of management this year. He was himself an Olympic oarsman, a member of the Team GB eight at Barcelona in 1992 and was an Oxford Rowing Blue in 1993, 1994 and 1995. He also umpired the Oxford/Cambridge Boat Race in 2014 and 2019.

The lengthy trial of solar compactor bins, which we promoted to the town council in 2022, has proved successful and, once again, we are sponsoring the bin at Singers Park while Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak continues to sponsor the bin at the “top shops” in Greys Road.

In addition, Henley Town Council has sponsored a further bin at the Fairmile Cemetery.

The bins hold more rubbish than the standard bins around town, compress the rubbish by solar power and send a signal to base when they require emptying.

Savings are therefore made in manpower and vehicle fuel and there is a consequent reduction in air pollution.

Members will remember that we were honoured by the presence of the Speaker of the House of Commons at our Lenthall plaque unveiling in Hart Street.

During his visit he kindly invited society members to attend Prime Minister’s Questions in the House and we have booked to attend on Wednesday, March 11 (date subject to confirmation by the Serjeant at Arms) and full details will be published shortly.

For the moment we ask that if you are interested in being among the party, perhaps you could email and we will put you on the list with no commitment.

We are restricted to
40 attendees and we intend
travelling to the House by coach.

Finally, members will not need reminding that we are holding our Christmas lunch at Henley Rugby Club on Thursday, December 18, from 12.30pm to 1pm.

We have been able to negotiate an extra 10 places. Tickets are priced at £32 please call 07860 145982 if you would like to come.

We would like to wish all members and their loved ones a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

The Executive Committee