Month: December 2025

A good result in the local media mainly about the talk by Natalie Larner who outlined the exploits of local First World War hero, Captain John Aidan Liddell VC MC, and his burial in the Holy Ghost cemetery in Basingstoke.

Two other subjects were covered, the Basingstoke Gazette featured our trip to Calshot Spit lifeboat station although a larger version appeared on their web site, and the Villager carried the exclusive story of our member Dave Kitson having a ‘grand day out’ on the London to Brighton veteran car rally.

This year our Christmas lunch was held at the Test Valley Golf Club and they did us proud with a decorated room and round tables and provided very good food.

President Stephen and Margaret Thair presided over the lunch where Grace was said by Rev John Dawson. Thanks were given to Paul Klinger who had organised all matters of the day including creating the puzzle and purchasing the floral sprays for the ladies.

Thanks are also due to Michael Luck who acted as the photographer on the day – while it is understandable that Tony and Lesley Acheson are missing as they left early but it is a mystery that David Wickens has avoided appearing in the rogues gallery. Mary Klinger kindly took the photographs of the room settings.