Kempston Over-50's Club

27/05/2026

NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY 4 JUNE - 2.00 to 4.00pm
KEMPSTON EAST METHODIST CHURCH HALL, FOSTER ROAD, KEMPSTON MK42 8BT
'BEING QUEEN VICTORIA' BY EVE BACON

A royal visit to Kempston is long overdue and this serious omission will soon be put to rights as Queen Victoria will be granting an audience to members of the Kempston Over 50's Club at their next meeting. Former teacher Eve Bacon was frequently told she looked like Queen Victoria and being the same height as the late Queen (at the same age), she researched and developed her characterisation of the former monach. Using historical experts to design and make her costume, Eve not only transforms into an uncanny representation Queen Victoria but talks about the life and times of this fascinating character. Followed by light refreshments, a raffle and some friendly chit-chat. Non- members and guests are always most welcome to attend. For more details please contact David Longman on 07999200704

29/04/2026

NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY 7 MAY - 2.00 TO 4.00PM
KEMPSTON EAST METHODIST CHURCH HALL, FOSTER ROAD, KEMPSTON MK42 8BT
‘STRANGERS IN MY HOUSE' BY DAVID LONGMAN
Anyone thinking about a holiday is faced with an almost bewildering choice of accommodation. A cabin on a cruise liner? A hotel room at an all-inclusive resort? A private villa (with or without swimming pool)? Bed & breakfast? Country cottage? Rooms in a pub? AirB’n’B? The list is almost endless. But there is another option. Why not temporarily swap your house for one in another country? The idea of ‘home exchange’ first started as long ago as 1953 and has been steadily growing in popularity with over 200,000 people now active participants. This month’s speaker, David Longman, will be talking about the highs (and occasional lows) that have occurred during his 30 years of exchanging his home with properties in the USA, Canada, France, Spain and The Netherlands, the cars he has driven, the cats he has looked after and the international friends he has made. Followed by light refreshments, a raffle and some friendly chit-chat with friends old and new. Non- members and guests are always welcome to attend. For more details contact 07999200704

25/03/2026

NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY 2 APRIL - 2.00 TO 4.00PM

KEMPSTON EAST METHODIST CHURCH HALL, FOSTER ROAD, KEMPSTON MK42 8BT

'WOMEN PILOTS OF THE A.T.A' BY TED MARTIN

As Mary Ellis climbed out of a Wellington bomber during World War 2, the waiting ground crew refused to believe she was the pilot and climbed into the aircraft in search of 'the real crew'. In fact Wellingtons, Lancesters, Hurricanes and Spitfires were just some many aircraft flown by the female 'ferry pilots' of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). Ofter refered to as 'The Spitfire Girls' these courageous young women were trailblazers breaking the gender barrier and making a huge contribution to the war effort. Ted Martin will be telling the story of these amazing women at this month's meeting of the club and expressing the debt of gratitude we owe to them. Followed by light refreshments, a raffle and some friendly chit-chat. Non- members and guests are always welcome to attend. For more details please contact David Longman on 07999200704

25/02/2026

NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY 5 MARCH - 2.00 TO 4.00PM
KEMPSTON EAST METHODIST CHURCH HALL, FOSTER ROAD, KEMPSTON MK42 8BT
‘HOW WE SHOPPED: BEDFORD IN THE 1950S–1970S’ BY BOB RICKETTS
The streets of Bedford were once home to well-remembered stores such as Longhurst and Skinner, Braggins and Dudeney and Johnston. With its thriving market, independent shopkeepers and institutions such as the Cadena Café the town centre was once a busy bustling hive of commerce. Local historian Bob Ricketts will be looking back to this bygone era and recalling how the people of Bedford shopped in the days before the rise of the supermarkets, out- of- town retail parks and on-line shopping.
Following Bob’s presentation there will light refreshments, a raffle and a chance to meet, chat and share reminiscences with friends old and new. Non-members are always welcome to join us - just come along and enjoy an afternoon of nostalgia. For more details please contact David Longman on 07999200704

29/01/2026

NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY - 2.00 TO 4.00PM
KEMPSTON EAST METHODIST CHURCH HALL, FOSTER ROAD, KEMPSTON MK42 8BT
‘THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A DAME’ BY JOHN DOWELL
Pantomime dames are much loved British institution. Usually played by older male actors in flamboyant female clothing they are central to any great pantomime performance (oh yes they are!) Following in the footsteps of such legends as Danny La Rue and Christopher Biggins, local performer John Dowell (aka Florrie Floppybottom) will be taking a look at the history, traditions and behind the scenes secrets of being a Dame and of all things to do with the production of a pantomime. Following John’s illustrated presentation there will light refreshments, a raffle and a chance to meet and chat with friends old and new. New and non-members are always welcome to join us - just come along and enjoy the fun. For more details please contact David Longman on 01234-303737
(Photo: Christopher Biggins as Widow Twankey)

30/12/2025

NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY 8 JANUARY - 2.00 TO 4.00pm
KEMPSTON EAST METHODIST CHURCH HALL, FOSTER ROAD, KEMPSTON MK42 8BT
‘HEARING DOGS FOR DEAF PEOPLE' BY JOHN ALLISON
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a national charity working to provide canine assistance to people with severe to profound hearing loss. Since their foundation in 1982 they have trained thousands of dogs to support those in need, either physically or emotionally. This months guest speaker, John Allison, will be explaining how puppies are taught the essential support skills and giving examples of the intense bond between dog and owner. John will also talk about the important role of volunteers, caring for 'dog mums' and sponsorship of their work. Following John's talk there will be the usual raffle, refreshments and a chance to chat with friends old and new. New and non-members are always most welcome to join us - our modest meeting fee includes refreshments and the raffle. More details from David Longman on 01234-303737

26/11/2025

NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER - 2.00 TO 4.00PM

KEMPSTON EAST METHODIST CHURCH HALL, FOSTER ROAD, KEMPSTON MK42 8BT

‘SWEET MEMORIES’ BY KEVIN VARTY

Who can forget the magic of heading off to the sweet shop with a few pennies to spend and endless choices to be made? Or the delights of Fry's Five Boys or a Cabana bar. Or maybe it was Opal Fruits that made your mouth water? This months speaker, Kevin Varty, will be leading a nostalgic look-back at sweets from the past – from the first solid chocolate bar produced in the 1800’s to the iconic sweets of the 1980’s, some of which are still popular today. Just don't mention Wagon Wheels! Following Kevin's nostalgia fest there will seasonal refreshments, a raffle and a chance to meet and chat with friends old and new. New and non-members are always welcome to join us - just come along and enjoy. For more details please contact David Longman on 07999200704

Reminder - Christmas Lunch payments and menu choices due!

01/11/2025

01/11/2025

NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER - 2.00 TO 4.00PM
KEMPSTON EAST METHODIST CHURCH HALL, FOSTER ROAD, KEMPSTON MK42 8BT
‘ROYAL IMAGES ’ BY MIKE O’KEEFE
Royal Images is the company responsible for the official royal image library of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh since 1983 as well as the latest official portraits King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Whilst the press and public make take and publish unofficial images, official photographs normally involve a formal sitting by the subject and there is a strict control over who may use these images and in what circumstances. Our speaker, Mike O’Keefe, heads up the company charged with administering this library and will be showing a selection of portraits from the collection. Following Mike’s presentation there will light refreshments, a raffle and a chance to meet and chat with friends old and new. New and non-members are always welcome to join us - just come along and enjoy. For more details please contact David Longman on 01234-303737

26/09/2025

NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY 2 OCTOBER - 2.00 TO 4.00PM

KEMPSTON EAST METHODIST CHURCH HALL, FOSTER ROAD, KEMPSTON MK42 8BT

‘NOTABLE WOMEN IN FOSTER HILL ROAD CEMETERY ’ BY ANNI BERMAN

Opened in 1855 the cemetery in Foster Hill Road is the burial place of a suffragette, a religious leader, a World War I nurse and a Polish freedom-fighter. This month's guest speaker, Anni Berman, will be talking about these and many other pioneering women laid to rest in the town cemetery, some widely remembered and others less so. Following Anni's talk there will also be the usual raffle, refreshments and a chance to meet and chat with friends old and new. New and non-members are always welcome to join us - our modest meeting fee includes refreshments and the raffle. For more details please contact David Longman on 01234-303737