National Federation of Royal Mail and B.T. Pensioners - Hastings and Bexhill Branch - August 1

After the AGM in March, we had our first trip of the season, to Standen, purpose-built and furnished as a celebration to the Arts and Crafts Movement and perfectly preserved by the National Trust, even down to the original electric light bulbs.

In April, Mr. Carl Bagwell gave an illustrated talk on Rye Harbour, its environs, the size of the Nature Reserve and the phenomenon the longshore drift but, above all, the importance of Rye Harbour as a trading port.

In May, there was a trip to Hatfield House on an exceptionally hot day. The guided tour of the house was a welcome contrast to the outside temperature. The house itself is magnificent, full of treasures, some of which have been commissioned by the present family. Also in May, Mr. Hugh Miller gave a stirring account of the D-Day landings, Operation Overlord - a hard-won battle.

In June, we had an outing to Uppark, a local stately home with its curious, unique history and its recent tragedy, the disastrous fire in 1989; again, a beautiful sunny day.

The talk in June was by Mr. Keith Turner, who spoke movingly about his experience living with Alzheimers - a very uplifting talk, warmly received by the membership.