The focus of activities was the monthly lunch. We continued to be well-served by the Southampton Park Hotel with accommodation, food and service being exemplary. Our speakers covered a diversity of topics which were, without exception, most interesting. For the first time we met at the hotel for our Christmas Lunch which was well supported and most successful. We were graced at this lunch by the presence of a number of the widows of past members. Another dining occasion which we enjoy from time-to-time are our meetings at the Brockenhurst Hospitality Department and this year we met there twice to partake of its excellent fare.

Our Coffee Mornings held at the Southampton Hilton Hotel on the fourth Thursday of each month were greatly enjoyed especially as our members’ ladies were able to become part of our activities.

Our varied programme of visits had patchy support.. A historical focus was not popular – except for our visit to Stratfield Saye. One impediment is the increasing cost of coach travel. Winchester Cathedral and College was very well supported – and much appreciated - and we had to organise two parties. Burseldon Windmill proved to be both a popular and interesting example of industrial archeology. Of course, our annual gathering at the Old Bowling Green for a Skittles Evening was much appreciated.

Our web site suffered a bit of a setback when its host computer moved from the USA to the UK. In the transfer we dropped the ball as we lost some updates and fell foul of the change of address. However, we are now back on an even keel. Two new members have joined us after seeing the site which, is a good return for a very modest outlay (less than a lunch for one member).

I am indebted to the members of our Committee who have made an invaluable contribution to maintaining the ethos and momentum of the Club although I am bound to say that enrolling fresh blood – and, of course fresh ideas - is a persistent problem.

I have enjoyed my duty as Chairman; all-in-all, I think that I can report a successful year and I wish the new Committee good fortune for next year.