The 81st Club
From Lacey Green History
click Organisations for others
click The 81st Club Committee for officials
3rd June 1958. signed by Mesdames Rutland, Ferris, WIlliams, Clayton and Oakford. Taken from the 81st Club Album (archived in the Village Hall)
On Tuesday 3rd June the first meeting of this proposed club was held in the Village Hall, Lacey Green. About forty old people came along and transport was provided for those too frail or who lived too far away to walk to the club.
It has been felt for some time that a club was needed in the district and it is hoped that members will come from the surrounding villages if they would care to do so.
A group of helpers and under the leadership of Mrs Isdell-Carpenter has been formed to start the club and it is proposed that a proper Old Peoples' Welfare Committee will be speedily elected from this group and others in the village interested in this project.
The District Nurse, Miss ?, Miss M Straffon and Miss M L Blyth were there to help with preparations and to get the club started. Mrs Rutland has agreed to undertake the task of treasurer.
Some local fund-raising will be necessary and the old people are very keen to help with this and also with the running of the club as much as possible themselves.
1958 From the Bucks Free Press. The 81s Club was the name chosen by Loosley Row, Lacey Green and district Darby and Joan Club at its first general meeting on Tuesday. The meeting was held in Lacey Green Village Hall and the chairman was the wife of the Member of Parliament for the Wycombe Division, Mrs John Hall. The club is the 81st to be formed in Buckinghamshire.
The club was formed in June and on Tuesday a committee and officers were elected. The committee will be known as The Loosley Row, Lacey Green and District Old Peoples' Welfare Committee.
Mrs Hall congratulated the villages for starting a club and thanked the chairman, Mrs R I Carpenter for her preliminary work and Mrs P M Jourdan, who has agreed to become president of the club.
Mrs Hall welcomed the members, and said that it was encouraging to see so many. The club now has about 75 members and will be meeting monthly.
On Tuesday the afternoon started with a progamme of films which included a cartoon, a film about flower arrangement and another about boats.
A bring and buy stall raised 30shillings.
The officers elected were - Chairman Mrs R I Carpenter, Secretary Mrs K S Pickup, Treasurer Mrs F E Rutland. Committee - Mesdames N Ferris, W Oakford, M L Williams, M Claydon, M Rice, and Miss M Straffon. co-opted members of the committee - Mrs Shuttleworth district nurse, Miss Campbell health visitor, Miss M Blyth welfare worker and the Rev S H Keene. Tea helpers will include Mrs H Rixon, Mrs H Hawes and Mrs E B Cox.
1958 From the Bucks Free Press. 81st Club First Christmas Party. One feature that contributed to the "wonderful success" in the words of the chairman Mrs R E Carpenter at the 81st Club party on Saturday was that each member was able to take a guest.
More than 140 old people from Lacey Green, Loosley Row, North Dean and Speen went to the First Christmas party for members.
Mr John Hall, MP for Wycombe Division who also described the party a success and said he liked going to Lacey Green because everyone was so happy and friendly there. His wife and the vicar Rev S Keene were also among guests.
For the old people there was entertainment by a conjurer and tea, dominated by an outsize cake with 81 candles, made by a member of e committee and cut by the oldest member.
After tea they sang with West Wycombe Derby & Joan Club choir and percussion band.
Committee members were given presents off a Christmas tree and the drivers who take members to the meetings were at the party.
June 1960. From the Bucks Free Press. Second Birthday Party of the 81st Club. Dressed in their uniforms with scarlet coats, 28 Chelsea Pensioners attended the second birthday party of the 81st Club on Saturday. The party was held in Lacey Green Village Hall and there were about 145 people present
Tea was served by members of the 81st Club committee and helpers and an iced cake was made by Mrs N Ferris. This was cut by the eldest member present Mrs R Gomme and the eldest Chelsea Pensioner there.
An entertainment variety show was given by members of the Monks Risborough St John's Ambulance Brigade. As they left the party the old folk were given presents of cigarettes, tobacco and flowers.
1960 From the Bucks Free Press. 81st Club Third Christmas Party. More than 150 members of Lacey Green, Loosley Row and Speen 81st Club enjoyed their third annual Christmass party last week at Lacey Green Village Hall. The proceedings opened with a delicious turkey tea during which the large cake baked by Mrs N Ferris was cut and eaten. The folk were served by club committee members and many helpers. A gift was given to every guest from the large Christmas tree.
The old folk were then entertained with a short play by the Hughenden Players, produced by Mrs B Weekes. The evening ended with community hymn singing. Among the the guests were Mr John Hall M.P. and his wife.
June 1961. From the Bucks Free Press. Third Birthday Party of the 81st Club. Eighteen Chelsea Pensioners were among the guests at the third birthday party of the 81st Club held at Lacey Green Village Hall on Saturday. The committee gave a tea of ham and salad to the 90 members and other guests.
An iced cake was made by Mrs N Ferris. The Womens Institute Drama Group gave an entertainment which was produced by Mrs A Waite (Arthur & Joyce Waite) The choir from Monks Risborough St John's Ambulance Brigade also entertained.
Mrs B Higgins won the cup at the handicrafts exhibition for members of the club.
1961 From the Bucks Free Press. 81st Club 4th Christmas Party. Special guests at the fourth annual Christmas party of Loosley Row and Lacey Green 81st Club on Saturday were the MP for Wycombe Division John Hall and his wife.
About 94 old folk went to the party at Lacey Green Village Hall. The function was originally planned for Jan 6th, but had had to be put off because of sickness and bad weather.
Entertainers were Mr Bill Meredith Concert party. Volunteer Luke Smith 79 went on stage and delighted his fellow club members by singing "Honey.honey". Mr Colin Fawcett also sang.
Oldest member at the party was 85 year old Mrs Lillah Gomme of Loosley Row.
An iced cake made by Mrs N Ferris was cut by Mr & Mrs H Benning of Picts Lane, Princes Risborough who celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary recently.
Members were sorry to learn recently that their chairman for the past four years Mrs R Isdell-Carpenter, is about to leave them on moving to Surrey.
1963 From the Bucks Free Press. 81st Club 5th Annual General Meeting. Th 81st Club had its fifth Annual General Meeting on Tuesday. Mrs Nugent Young who has attended all five meetings, gave a talk about the running of different clubs and also spoke on Hampton Court where members will be going on a free outing next week. They will also visit Kingston-on-Thames.
After the general business, a tea party was given for Mr and Mrs W H Benning of Princes Risborough, who recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. Joining in the celebration were Mr and Mrs F Plumridge of Speen, who celebrated their golden wedding in April, and Mr and Mrs B Stallwood who celebrated their diamond wedding.
Mr and Mrs Benning who cut a cake which was made by Mrs N Ferris were presented with a basket of fruit and bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers. Their daughter Mrs M Baker thanked the club for their kind wishes, and Mr and Mrs Benning gave the helpers a bottle of sherry.
The president, Mrs P Jourdan welcomed members and their friends and thanked the committee for their work. The balance sheet was said to be satisfactoy by the treasurer and secretary, Mrs F E Rutland.
Officers elected were - secretary Mrs M Probert, treasurer Mrs Rutland, chairman Mrs Rutland. Committee - Mrs J Chance, Mrs N Ferris, Mrs I Weller, Mrs M Rixon, Mrs Browning, Mr Jack Fawcett and Rev. Houghton.
June 1964 From the Bucks Free Press. 81st Club 6th Birthday Party. Scottish dancing by a group of children from Little Missenden, under the direction of Miss E Hobbs, delighted the 110 members and guests at the sixth birthday party of Lacey Green's 81st Club in Lacey Green Village Hall on Saturday.
There was a lavish tea and equally lavish entertainment and a cake to commemorate the sixth birthday of the club, made by Mrs N Ferris, was cut by the club's oldest member Mrs Sarah Rixon of Speen.
Members were entertained by Mrs B Sell with monologues and comedy sketchesanf greetings were read by Mrs F E Rutland, club chairman.
June 1966 From the Bucks Free Press. 81st Club 8th Birthday Party. The best party they had ever had
1975 From the Bucks Free Press. 81st Club 17th Birthday Party. .
In 1978 Lillian Williams reported to Hallmark for the 81st Club.
from June 1985 Harold Seymour reported in 37 editions until May 1996. Lilian Curnow reported the next 5, then Pat Brooks the next 2.
The 81st Club was founded in 1958 by Mrs Isdell-Carpenter, Mrs Frances Rutland and Mrs Ferris. It would normally have been called a 'Derby & Joan', but it was decided to call it the 81st Club because it was the 81st in the county.
In 1959 Mrs Rutland became the chairman.
Report by Bob Sanders, son of Wilf & 'Rene Sanders who moved into Stocken Cottage no 4 in 1966.
Rene became involved in the 81st club and eventually became Secretary working with the other ladies involved. I remember her involved in so many day trips and of course there was always the hugely popular Christmas dinner cooked by Irene and the other willing ladies.
In 1974 Mrs Frances Rutland was still the Chairman of the 81st club
1979 The 81st Club Mrs. Williams reporting
We held our Harvest Festival in October. The tables were laden with Produce and Flowers brought by members. Mrs. K. Church conducted the service of Hymns, Readings and Remarks. I am sure everyone enjoyed the afternoon. Many thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Williams at the Whip who kindly lent us the organ, not forgetting Mr. Bert Dell who transported it and Mr. Harold Williams the organist.
It was nice to be back in the Village Hall for our November meeting, with plenty of room to spread ourselves. Mr. Stuart King gave us a very interesting talk with films on the history of chairmaking. He showed us some beautiful models.
The Annual Bazaar was held later this year and it was a great success. We greatly appreciate all the donations of prizes and goods for sale, and are also most grateful to those who bought tickets for our Draw.
Hallmark Report by Harold Seymour. "At the AGM on 4th November the President put forward a new constitution to members and that was accepted, being proposed by was M Adams and seconded by Mr L Williams and carried.
It was then announced that Mr Seymore, Mrs Spurry and Mrs Franklin would be retiring and three new members were co-opted onto the the committee. At the next meeting the following officers were approved :- President - Mr H Seymore; Chairperson - Mrs V Webster; Secretary - Mrs P Brooks; Treasurer and Transport Secretary - Mrs U Glyn-Jones; Entertainment Secretary - Mrs M Rodes; Outings Secretary - Mr J Blackwell.
I would like to thank Mrs W Carter for the grand job she has done as Secretary.
Hallmark June 1987. report by Harold Williams. On May 5th a talk was given by Mrs J Woodham( Marks & Spencer plc) on Marks & Spencer from its begining to the present day. Some interestig questions were asked by members afterwards.
On June 7th we had our 28th Birthday Lunch. We were entertained by pupils from Wellesbourne School who gave a good half hour's entertainment.
The lunch was super; the main part was being done by members of the committee and the final preparation by the W.I. Thank you all very much.
Mrs L Williams made the cake which was cut by Mr Goodchild.
We regret the death of three of our members; Mrs Tobbutt, Mrs Storey and Mrs Jones. We have sent our sympathy to the families.
I would like to remind members that we are having a Jumble Sale on Saturday October 3rd, so please do not forget to have a look in those wardrobes and drawers.
Hallmark August 1987. report by Harold Seymour. On July 7th we held our Garden Party in the grounds of Lane Farm, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Clay.. Thank you both. I think we must be lucky as we enjoyed a sunny afternoon once again and the children from St John's School gave us a fine display of gymnastics which all members enjoyed.
On August 4th we had a film show, this was rather disappointing as we could not have the film which was in the programme.
On August 18th ten members were invited to Speen W.I.'s luncheon. A good time was had by all, and I would like to say 'Thank you' to the ladies of Speen.
I am sorry to have to report the death of another member, Mr Oakford, who died on August 5th. Our sympathy has been sent to his family.
We were pleased to hear that Mrs Witcher, one of our drivers, is now out of hospital and making progress.
We welcome 4 new members to the club, Mrs Jackson, Mr Rowe, and Mr and Mrs Booth. It would be nice if any others would care to join us.
Hallmark October 1987. report by Harold Seymour. September was a busy month with our Harvest Festival on the 1st. Father Raymond Maynard led the service, Mrs K Church read the lesson and Mrs Maynard played the piano. Afterwards the gifts of flowers and vegetables were sold in aid of Club and a local charity. £42 was raised.
On the 8th Mrs V Webster arranged a Coffee Morning at her home, Walnut Tree House, Goodacres Lane, which was well supported by members and others -we 'made' £118 - I thank Mrs Webster her grand effort also those who helped.
Then on the 10th members were invited by The Dolphin Players to see a play (Move Over Mrs Markham). Transport was provided by The Rotary Club. This made a very enjoyable evening for those members who attended. Thanks to all concerned.
On October 3rd we held a Jumble Sale. This was not a very great success as the wrong date was in the local press. We did manage £185.
I am sorry to report the death of Mrs Russell, one of our members who has not been able to attend the club for the last 3 years due to ill health. Our sympathy has been sent to the family and a donation to The Heart Foundation.
At the October 6th meeting we held our 28th AGM. The chairman gave her report on the years work of the club; followed by the treasurers report.
It was announced that Mrs D Harris and Mrs P Frazer would be retiring from the catering. We thank them for their services to the club. Mrs G Croucher and Mrs E Dean will be the new caterers. The remainder of th committee agreed to carry on.
I would like to thank the committee for their service over the past year, and members for their support.
Happy Christmas and New Year to you all.
Hallmark December 1987. report by Harold Seymour. On November 3rd a talk was given by Mrs Fryer which was on 'Christmas Customs'. I did not think this was quite as good as her previous talks have been.
On December 1st we were looking forward to our 29th Christmas Party. During the morning we were told that Mrs Lennard had been taken to hospital. However we made all the preparation and the afternoon was a success. Entertainment was given by 'The Happy Gang' from Hughenden and as usual they gave us a good afternoon. The tea which was prepared by members, was good and I thank them all for their support. The cake was made by Mrs Turner and cut by Mrs Orritt, one of our older members.
Hallmark February 1988. report by Harold Seymour. After the festive season I suppose it was only right that our first meeting of the year should be 'Keep Fit'. On January 5th a demonstration of 'Keep Fit' was given by Mrs Frazer and her class from Naphill. A number of the movements could be performed sitting down so that some of our members had a go, and enjoyed it.
On February 2nd a film was shown on the life of H.M. the Queen. Most members enjoyed this, which was a change from the usual advertising film.
A number of events are being arranged for the coming months. The first is a Coffee Morning to be given by Mrs E Deane at 'Griston' Goodacres Lane at 10 o'clock on Tuesday 10th May. This is also a 'Bring and Buy'. Please all support it.
I am sorry to say that we lost our oldest member in the club, Mrs Orritt, who passed away on February 7th. A message of sympathy has been sen to the family.
Hallmark April 1988. report by Harold Seymour. On March 1st a talk and demonstration was given by Mr Mr Stiff on wooden models of farm carts made to scale, and all the different types used from all the various parts of the country.
On April 5th the speaker was Mrs K Gammon from Wycombe General Hospital on 'Patient Care'. A little disappointing, but learning afterwads this was her first talk , that could be the answer.
April 14th saw the first of the year's outings - a Mystery Tour - with a stop for the usual fish and chip tea.
The coffee morning and bring and buy given by Mrs Deane made £102 for the club funds. Our thanks go to Mrs Deane and all wo attended.
Hallmark June 1988. report by Harold Seymour. On 3rd May we had the company of Mrs Frankie Plowman who gave us a talk on New Zealand. This included some lovely slides of different parts of the country which made an interesting afternoon. She also judged the best dressed doll competition, the winner being Mrs Mary Adams with Mrs Grace Lawence coming second.
For our June meeting we celebrated our 29th Birthday with a much looked forward to lunch and what a splendid lunch it was. Prepared by members of The Womens Institute I would like to congratulate those ladies responsible for making apple tarts. Guests invited to join us at lunch were all the regular helpers and drivers, some members of the Naphill club and a special welcome to Mr and Mrs Sanders as Mrs Sanders was the chairman or many years before moving from the village. Mr and Mrs C Stevens and Mr and Mrs S Williams celebrated their golen weddings and both were presented with bouquets. The birthday cake was cut by Mrs Sanders and the after lunch entertainment was provided by Vic Smiths, Linda Longurst, Bill and Madeline Cleaver with Madeline Forester at the piano.
Hallmark August 1988. report by Harold Seymore. On July 5th we held a Garden Party but for the first time for a number of years the weather upset our plans and we had to hold it in the Village Hall. Apart from the children not having much space in which to perform, everything went fine. The children have us a good display of gymnastics for which we thank the headmaster Mr Green and the teacher in charge of the children.
On August 2nd we had a talk on 'Security in the Home' by the Thames Valley Police. P.C.Hale was the speaker. The trouble with this subject is - each person that talks on this subject has different views - therefore people get confused more so the older ones.
On August 14th we served teas at the Home of Rest for Horses, Speen Farm, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs J Spurry. Owing to a fine response from members with their home-made cakes and prodce the result at the end of the day was very good as we made £22.25p. I would like to thank Mrs Spurry for the help she gave us.
Hallmark October 1988. report by Harold Seymour On 6th September we held our Harvest Festival; as we prepared the hall on that morning it did not look as if we would get much produce but by the afternoon once again the members came up trumps and when the meeting started we had a fine show. Mrs Church led the service and Mrs Stevens played the piano. The sale of gifts made £25 which was shared by two charities.
On 4th October we held our AGM. The Committee were thanked for their services over the year then the Chairman gave her report of the year's work of the club; the Committee were all re-elected to stay on for another year.
I think members wold agree that we have had another happy year together and on behalf of them I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
Hallmark December 1988. report by Harold Seymour. We are looking for new members - give us a try! On 1st November we had films on flowers. This made a pleasant afternoon with plenty of colour which was enjoyed by everyone.
on 6th December the members had their 30th Christmas Party and although funds were not too good before the day, owing to the generosity of some members and others, things did turn out well in the end. I would like to say 'Thank You' too them all. We were entertained by the 'Happy Gang' from Hughenden. Everyone had an afternoon of fun and laughter. Members had prepaed a lovely tea and the committee wish to congratulate them on a job well done. The cake was made by Mrs L Williams and cut by Mrs A Janes.
On 7th December we were invited to the school for entertainment and tea. This was once again a fine performance by the children and a lovely tea prepared by the PTA. I say 'Thank You' to them, the headmaster and teachers.
We finished the festive season as usual by being invited to see the young ones of the village perform. We say 'Thank You' children and Gill Gosling and helpers for the mince pies and drink.
We started the year on a sad note. Three of our members passed away. Mrs T Stevens on 18th December, Mr F Ginger on 25th December and Mrs B Dormer on 8th January.
Messages of sympathy have been sent to the families also donations have been given to charities of their choice.
If there are any senior citizens in the village who would like to join us on the first Tuesday of each month the committee and members would be pleased to make them welcome.
December 1988. Committee Members. In front Mrs V Webser and Mr Harold Seymour. Behind l-r. Mrs E Dean, Mrs L Curnow, Mr J Blackwell. Mrs G Croucher, Mrs M West
February 1989. Extract from report by Harold Seymour. We started the year on a sad note. Three of our mebers passed away. Mrs T Stevens on 18 December, Mr Fred Ginger (click Fred & Madge Ginger for more) and Mrs Beatrice Dormer (click Fred & Beatrice Dormer) on 8 January.
September 1991 Harold Seymour reported in Hallmark, the following: - "The 81st over 60 club. For our August meeting we were to have had a flower arranging demonstration by Ursula and Lilian, but owing to illness this was not possible, so we had to fall back on the old faithful bingo.
September 3rd was Harvest Festival, and this year the service was conducted by the Rev. Williams from the Methodist Church, not many members were present only 36 so that by the end of the afternoon the result of the sale of produce only came to £23.10p which is to be donated to a local charity.
I wish we could attract new members to join our club, as it is becoming more and more difficult to finance our programme. Perhaps someone would tell me why my constant appeals for new members has so far failed." Don't forget our Coffee Morning and the usual bring and buy, at the Village Hall on Tuesday, October 29th.
1992. From the Album. The 81st Club held its 34th Christmas party
July 1992. From the Album. Visit to Milton-Under-Wychwood W.I. on 7th July 1992
From the Album. Outing to Brill Church and Windmill with tea afterwards gven by members of Lacey Green Church
1993. From the Album. The 81st Club held its 35th Christmas party
June 1994. From the Album. The 81st Club held its 35th Birthday Party (lunch)
1994. From the Album. The 81st Club had a boat trip on the Thames in July 1994
1995. From the Album. The 81st Club held its 37th Christmas party in 1995
1997. From the Album. The 81st Club held its Harvest Festival in September 1997
Hallmark February 1998. Message from Pat Brooks. The members of the 81st Over 60's Club would like to thank Lynne from The Black Horse for the splendid Christmas Lunch she provided for them in the Village Hall on 9th December. The meal was delicious as too was the wine and everyone wishes to thank her for her kindness and generosity. Thank you Lynne.