Calendar subject to change at short notice.
Please click on an event in the calendar for full details.
Weekly meetings take place on Thursday evenings and are normally held in the ‘MBA Lounge’, formerly known as the ‘Times Square Hall’, at the VBS Community Stadium, Gander Green Lane, Sutton, Surrey unless stated otherwise under Venue in the programme.
If no specific event is listed it will usually be a social evening.
Meetings start at 20.00. – Talks start at 20.15 unless stated otherwise in the event.
Antarctica and nearby islands
On Thursday 20th April Derek will be giving an account of his recent visit to Antarctica and nearby islands incorporating zodiac landings and the associated biosecurity; colonies of penguins and other wildlife; and the scars of the whaling industry. The talk will be supported by Derek’s collection of photographs, short videos and maps of the area. Derek’s long hankering to visit Antarctica was enhanced by his interest in Shackleton and the Imperial Trans Antarctic Expedition of 1914-16. He is a member of the James Caird Society. Derek is also very passionate that wild animals should be in the wild and not in captivity (e.g. zoos). His membership of the Born Free Foundation goes back many years.’
Guided Wandle Walk
The walk will start from the Tram Stop at the Mitcham end of Bishopsfords Road and pass through Ravensbury Park and Morden Hall Park before arriving at Merton Abbey Mills and ending at the Merton Priory Chapter House excavation site. Mick will talk about the history along the walk and at Merton Abbey Mills and the person responsible for the excavation site will tell us about the site. Start time 11am To register for the walk please contact Derek.
Kenley Aerodrome talk
Kenley Airfield is less than 14 miles from the centre of London as the crow, or Spitfire, flies. If you are ever lucky enough to fly in a glider from the airfield the tall buildings of the City seem very close. In the summer of 1940 Kenley was on the front line of the Second World War as its Hurricanes and Spitfires played an essential part in the defeat of the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain. Although few of the remaining buildings survive, English Heritage (in 2000) identified Kenley as "The most complete fighter airfield associated with the Battle of Britain to have survived". Eleven of the original E-shaped blast pens remain at least in part. In 2015 we had a talk at Sutton Mariners from Alan Morgan, chair of Kenley Airfield Friends Group, who gave a presentation about the airfield and the Kenley Revival Project, which was just about to receive a large grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This Thursday Alan is back in support of Linda Duffield, Legacy Officer for Kenley Revival, who will be talking about the history of RAF Kenley and the work done by the revival project.
CANCELLED: Commodore’s Cruise presentation (+ZOOM)
Jerry Tagg and Gary Eversfield will present the plan for the Commodore's Cruise
Marchwood rally
Marchwood Yacht Club Maritime Ave, Marchwood, Southampton SO40 4ADWe will be visiting Marchwood for a rally. Weather permitted sea shanty band (The Mariners Mates) may even do a few songs on the pontoons in the afternoon around 4 pm Later in the evening there is a skittles evening to which it would be good to see as many Marchwood members attend if they would like. We will be sitting down to dinner around 7pm so expect skittles to start around 8.30 pm, look forward to seeing you all there. Marchwood Yacht Club Visitors Guide: PDF
So you think you know about the Solent and Thames
Impromptu evening hosted by Derek
Summer BBQ
Nork Village HallBring and cook your own main course. BBQ will be held at Nork Village Hall, 38 Nork Rise, Banstead SM7 1JB ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU 1. A chair for each person in your party 2. A table to cater for the persons in your party (Arrange to share with others beforehand if convenient) 3. Knife, fork and spoon for each person in your party 4. A plate, bowl and glass for each person in your party 5. A pair of bar-b-que tongs 6. The meat, fish or whatever you wish to cook on the bar-b-que 7. Your liquid refreshment – alcoholic or otherwise. There will be a bar open so no need The BBQ’s will be available plus salads and desserts will be provided. There will be a charge of £6 for these items. Please transfer the £6 payment to the club account.
Visitors are welcome on any Thursday club night held at the VBS Community Stadium