The Event
The organiser is Maria Whitehouse
"We have a lunchtime social in the Lower Parish Room. This is once a month on a Thursday (usually the third Thursday of the month) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. organised by a group of parishioners.
We have a light lunch (sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes etc) and invite a different guest speaker each month. The speaker usually gives a talk lasting about 20 minutes, followed by questions and often accompanied by digital photographs shown through a projector.
Everyone is very welcome at the lunches especially people new to the parish. Old and new parishioners welcome. Transport can be arranged (Maria 01243 782837) and a hearing loop is installed. Event details and a contact phone number are always in the weekly parish newsletter one or two weekends beforehand.
Maria and her team, who run the events
A reminder of notable past Events
On January 20th 2011 Molly Morgan delighted her audience with an entertaining and wide-ranging account of her life story, from WWII service as a Royal Navy officer, working in Naval Intelligence, firstly in Whitehall - where she encountered Winston Churchill, prowling the subterranean war rooms in his dressing gown. Later at Bletchley Park, then to the USA where she found a friend in Ian Fleming. After her marriage to a member of the Foreign Service, who became a senior diplomat, Molly went with her husband to India (where she met Nehru) and the Far East, even meeting the new King and Queen of Thailand (still on the throne today). Molly reckoned the four greatest men she met were Churchill, Fleming, Nehru and the Dalai Lama.
Maria Whitehouse reminds us - "Molly ran a 'Senior Teas' event for several years. When it closed seven years ago, parishioners prompted the present successful series of Event lunches.
Barbara Cluff gave us a fascinating and moving talk about how the faith has been kept alive in Poland over the centuries and had a marvellous display of Polish crafts, artefacts and photographs.
Father Kieron and David Rang entertained us with the impressive story of their cycle ride to Lourdes and we were privileged to hear French songs, beautifully sung by Year 1 of St Richard’s Primary School. We also heard Deacon Hilary Parsons
We also organise trips to places of interest such as our cruise down the Chichester Canal in July and Cream Tea at Stansted Park Tea Room.
We visited Ladywell Retreat Centre for a Day of Prayer and had a wonderful retreat day at Storrington led by Father Thomas.
Many will remember our Jubilee Day Out in May 08.
If you have any queries or suggestions for trips or speakers please speak to Maria on 782837