The Summer Lunch of the Foresters Friendly Society

Court British Flag of the Foresters Friendly Society Summer Lunch was held at the King Charles Hotel last Saturday 29th May 2010 starting at the early time of Noon. This is a lovely venue for Lunches and Dinner Dances as it is easy to get there, only 30 minutes drive from the Flower of Kent Lodge, the food is first class and the Foresters are very welcoming.

Seven members of the Flower of Kent Lodge attended the Lunch. They were Pauline and Michael Josling, Christine and Stephen Howden, Dave White, Christine Howes and Doreen Lindsey. The Lunch consisted of Melon followed by Roast Beef & Yorkshire pudding, Roast Potatoes and a selection of Vegetables, to finish there was Apple Pie and Custard, Cheese and Biscuits, Tea of Coffee. The meal was also accompanied by two glasses of wine per head and for those not drinking alcohol, a glass of fruit juice of your choice.

The Foresters have a similar arrangement to Oddfellowship, their meetings are called Courts where ours are Lodges, The Court Chief Ranger Sister Gloria Cameron is equal to our Noble Grand. There was a number of Speeches including one from their High Chief Ranger Brother James Launchbury, equal to our Grand Master who aimed to raise £37,000 during his year of office, this he has exceeded already so far raising over £40,000, holding such events as a coast to coast bike ride in the North of England last week, still able to walk okay mainly due to a gel filled saddle to cushion the ride.

Oddfellows were made very welcome it was announced that all Oddfellows would be welcomed at any of their Dinners Dances. This Lunch was very good value only £5 with a voucher from the last Dinner or the full price of £10. They had a large raffle where Christine Howden got another teddy bear, Christine Howes and Doreen Lindsey won a bottle of wine. At the end of the Lunch the oldest gentleman presented the flowers on the table to one of the ladies including the vase, on our table Christine Howden was presented with the flowers, which consisted of three yellow long stemmed Roses and greenery. All who attended were also given a Foresters Mug which was used for the tea and Coffee, these had been washed before use, boxes were given out at the end of the meal to carry them home in.

Their next big dinner is the 5th Charity Dinner Dance on Saturday 9th October at the Ashford International Hotel, Simone Well Avenue, Ashford, Kent TN24 8UX 18:15 for 18:45 for a four course dinner at £26. For those who attended the lunch there is a £5 voucher off the Charity Dinner Dance.

There was information on the nearest Forester Lodge in Petts Wood which meeting next Tuesday and every first Tuesday of the Month as they are trying to get new members. The only other thing different to Oddfellows is that their existing members and new members enjoy the same payments of their benefits. All payments made for Dental and Optical is made by the Court they are registered to and they pay out according to what is in the Bank.