We aim to make the most of the warmer months with trips.  Here are some examples of outings we’ve undertaken.  

 

June 2026 – Brogdale Farm

With forward planning and luck, we timed our outing to Brogdale to perfection.  Despite the heatwave, cherry harvest was a very good time to visit.  We enjoyed a trip around the farm on a tractor trailer, picked some cherries and then enjoyed a really nice meal in the restaurant.  Also despite the weather, the liver and bacon proved the most popular choice from the various delicious items on the menu.   All in all it was a very popular trip which we will aim to repeat in the future.  

 

June 2026 – Capstone Country Park

A trip to Capstone Country Park is always popular.  On our most recent trip it was nice weather for ducks, and, as it turned out, birds and other wildlife more generally.

September 2025 – The Kentish Lady

On 3 September we took a trip on the Kentish Lady from Maidstone to Teston Lock.  This included a lovely fish and chips lunch onboard.  As we boarded the boat in Maidstone, the rain started.  It got heavier and heavier.  As we arrived at Farley Lock, we could see the river levels had  risen and the water was gushing over the weir.  This made the lock impassable.  Rather than cut our trip short, the boat crew turned the boat around and we headed back to Maidstone and from there, to Allington Lock.  The weather was much improved on our arrival at Allington Lock and the sun was trying to come out.  After a lovely trip, we headed back to Maidstone for choc ices.  

August 2025 – Buzz Bingo, Rochester

We were very pleased to accept an invitation to a bingo session from Buzz Bingo and the Stroke Association.  We were made very welcome by all.  There was plenty of refreshments and help with the technology was readily available so that everyone could enjoy the game and be in with a chance to win a cash prize.  Quite a few of us did.  The visit was topped off with a generous goody-bag.  A fun time was had by all.  Afterwards, some of us went off to spend our winnings, or rue a near-miss, at a nearby restaurant.  Many thanks to all at Buzz Bingo and the Stroke Association for a great day.  

 

July 2025 – Outing to Deal

We timed our July outing perfectly with the heatwave and had a gloriously sunny day in Deal.  There was lots to do and see including shopping, eating, sunbathing on the beach, sightseeing (including the castle and pier) and amusements.  Given the weather, shorts proved a popular fashion choice and ice-cream was in high demand.    

May 2025 – Outing to Hall Place, Bexley

We had a great outing to Hall Place.  Despite a wet start to the day the weather ended up dry and pleasant.  As well as exploring the beautiful gardens, a group of us went into the London Butterfly Gardens.  It was a lovely experience with plenty of different butterflies around, some landing on us.  The staff were very friendly and happy to answer all our questions.  The temperature in the butterfly house was a humid 33 degrees, and we were able to go in as many times as we wanted to during the course of the day.  After enjoying lunch at the riverside cafe, followed by a walk around Hall Place, we returned to the butterfly house to round off the day. 

March 2025 – Afternoon Tea With a Polish and Portuguese Twist at Bunny & Bear, Upnor

With spring in the air and a beautiful sunny day, we kicked-off our monthly outings for 2025 with a trip to Bunny & Bear in Upnor.  Nicola, Marek, Destiny and Ben treated us to a feast of sandwiches, savories, pastels de nata and cake, accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee.  Always a popular venue, 30 Stroke Club members made the trip and we look forward to returning before too long.  Many thanks to the wonderful team at Bunny & Bear.

November 2024 – Hollywood Bowl Followed by Lunch at The Waters Edge

Always popular with Club members, November’s trip to Hollywood Bowl proved no exception.  It was very busy but this didn’t dampen our enthusiasm.  Afterwards we enjoyed lunch at the Waters Edge.  A great way to spend an autumn day.  

 

October 2024 – Aylesford Priory

We had glorious autumn sun for our outing to Aylesford Priory and learned about its 750 year history while also enjoying the grounds and wildlife.  We tucked into a wonderful hot meal in the Pilgrims Hall which included a main course and delicious pudding.  We had such a lovely time that the Club plans to visit again as one of our 2025 outings.  We are already looking forward to it.

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September 2024 – Kent & East Sussex Railway

We had great weather for our September outing to the Kent & East Sussex Railway.  We arrived early for refreshments at the station cafe and, for those who wanted to, to have a look around the railway museum.  At 1pm we boarded the train pulled by a 4MT no 76017 on loan from the mid-Hants railway.  We enjoyed a ploughman’s lunch on the train while watching the countryside go by.  

August 2024 – Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club

Wind, sun and temperatures of 20 degrees weres ‘fore’cast for our trip to Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club.  Always popular with Stroke Club Members, a number had a practice on a specially set-up putting green with the opportunity to try short, medium and long putts.  We were also taught by a professional coach how to put spin on the ball or to hit it straight.  Some took to it like a duck (or birdy) to water, as can be seen from the pictures below.  Those feeling even more adventurous had a go on the driving range, while others relaxed on the terrace enjoying the views.  We were very well looked after by all at the golf club and treated to a lunch of sandwiches and fresh fruit salad, ‘tee’ and coffee. 

July 2024 – Stroke Club Outing to Capstone Park

The sun shone on us for our outing to Capstone Park.  We met outside the cafe and enjoyed lunch together – some brought lunch from home, others made the most of the on-site cafe.  After lunch, quite a few of us enjoyed a stroll around the lake, making the most of a lovely day out in the great outdoors. 

June 2024 – Stroke Club Outing – Hall Place, Bexley

We had lovely weather for our outing to Hall Place, Bexley.  Located on the banks of the River Cray, Hall Place was once the residence of Sir John Champneys a wealthy Tudor Merchant.  Always popular with club members, twenty of us made the trip.  The gardens were particularly enjoyed, accompanied by a picnic or lunch in the cafe.  

March 2024 – Stroke Club Outing – Os Camacheiros, Upnor

Our first outing of 2024 was to Os Camacheiros in Upnor, where a great turn out of 36 of us enjoyed a really excellent buffet meal of traditional Madeiran delights.  These  included hors d’oeuvres of olives and a selection of cold meats, followed by squid, bacalhau (salted cod), chicken pears (rather like scotch egg but better), fishcakes and halloumi, all served with different dips.  Afterwards an amazing selection of Portuguese desserts were available including molotov, pastel de nata, passion-fruit pudding, creme caramel, cheesecakes and various cakes, all washed down with tea and coffee.  We celebrated a couple of club member birthdays .  We also marked the occasion of Denise leaving the Stroke Association after many years with the presentation of a photobook.  Exactly as we were on our most recent visit to Os Camacheiros we were were brilliantly looked after by Fatima, Nidia, Lydia, Destiny, James, Tatiana, Gabi and Connor.  We look forward to returning in the future.  

 

November 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Hollywood Bowl and Lunch, Medway Valley Leisure Park

Despite the sunny and windy autumn weather, our November outing was indoors with a game of 10-pin bowling for 3 teams of 6 plus spectators, and with assistance from bumpers and bowling aids where needed. There were a few spares and strikes and some scores of over 100. Bowling was followed by lunch at the Waters Edge just a short distance away where club members enjoyed a catch-up over a lovely meal.

 

October 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Os’ Camacheiros – Upnor

Twenty-seven of us enjoyed a very warm welcome and a delicious taste of Maderia at Os’ Camacheiros in Upnor. A marvellous spread was laid on by Fatima and her wonderful team. We enjoyed a selection of savouries including platters of olives and cold meats and hot buffet items of Portuguese cod, calamares, tuna, pork, chicken and prawn delicacies and tortilla. After the savouries, we enjoyed an amazing array of sweet treats including the famous Pastel de Nata, macaroons, homemade cheesecakes and every sponge cake you can imagine. All washed down with tea and coffee. We ate our fill and there was enough left for doggy bags. We hope to return soon.

 

September 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – The Fenn Bell Inn – St Mary Hoo

We made the most of the late summer weather when 23 of us made a trip to the Fenn Bell Inn where the temperature was a very pleasant 20 degrees despite the cloud. We arrived in time for lunch from a very comprehensive menu and exceptionally generous servings, including cocktails.

Following lunch we took a stroll around the zoo where we saw foxes, toucans, various kinds of parrots and macaws, enormous pigs, flamingos, otters, owls, various wildcats and ……. meerkats, among other beautiful and very well cared for wildlife. Many of the animals were taking the opportunity of an afternoon nap, very considerately in full view of visitors. We rounded off our day with a trip around the gift shop and an ice-cream for those who had room.

 

August 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Golf Club

On 16 August, the sun shone for our popular outing to Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club. It was a busy day for golfers and for those enjoying a tea or coffee on the terrace with its beautiful views. Our coach for the day set up a putting course especially for us and showed techniques including one-handed putter swinging (like a pendulum). There were no bunkers or lakes to watch out for but, even so, there were no holes-in one or birdies on our 4-hole, 8 par fun course. This was followed by freshly prepared sandwiches and fresh fruit on the terrace. A lovely occasion whether you like a round of golf or just catching up with friends.

 

August 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Picnic at Capstone Farm Country Park

On 2 August, about 20 of us enjoyed some quality time at Capstone Farm Country Park. Some enjoyed a picnic brought from home and others purchased lunch from the onsite cafe which sold a variety of treats, hot and cold drinks and ice-creams.

It was a very social occasion and a great opportunity to chat or take a stroll around the lake for a closer look at the swans and mallards. Not all of the birds were a welcome sight – one of us had a close encounter of the messy kind with a pigeon. The weather defied the forecast and we enjoyed sunshine and only a few light showers.

 

July 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Herne Bay

On 19 July we enjoyed an outing to Herne Bay. The weather remained dry enabling us to enjoy the sites including the pier, Central Parade, amusements, clock tower and mini-golf. Following fish and chips and ice-cream some indulged in a bit of a workout using the on-beach fitness facilities.

 

June 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Kentish Lady II

On 7 June, 30 of us enjoyed a wonderful 3 hours cruising the Medway from Maidstone to Teston and back again taking in the views along the way.  We set off in cloudy 16-degree windy conditions but by early afternoon the sun shone through.  Our voyage started with delicious fish and chips followed by fresh fruit before many of us made use of the onboard bar.  We saw mallards, butterflies, swans, dragonflies and other wildlife during our leisurely 4 MPH amble along the river.  We were very well looked after by Michael and Nick who filled us in on interesting facts throughout the journey and went out of their way to ensure that everyone had a good time.  Many of us enjoyed a choc-ice on our arrival back at the riverside. 

 

May 2023 Stroke Club Outing – Eagle Heights

Our outing to Eagle Heights on 17 May was amazing, the weather was lovely and the views from Eagle Heights glorious.  Just sitting in the sun was a pleasure and the shows spectacular.