April 21st
Robin Francis gave us a very interesting talk about the history of Dover Docks and some of his experiences as Master on the cross-channel ferries.

November 20th
Our annual dinner was again held at the Ship Hotel in New Romney and was the usual great success with excellent food, wine and company. The raffle raised a considerable sum for the Chairman’s charity.

October 16th
This “Surprise Session” by Peter Webb turned out to be a most interesting talk, followed by a discussion, on the possible flood risk to the Romney Marsh area. There were several maps and diagrams of the areas at risk and we discussed the probabilities of flooding due to either the sea or excessive rain such as was recently experienced in large parts of the country. Some practical measures to reduce the risk of damage to business premises were covered. After the discussion we adjourned o the Warren Inn for the usual informal chat and networking session (and of course the refreshments!).

July 17th
Our “Jazz & Trap” Barbecue was held again this year at the Warren Inn, New Romney. A great time was had by all and the rain managed to hold off for the entire evening, which was a bonus. We were entertained by “The Red Herrings” jazz band  (www.the-red-herrings.com) and the grand raffle raised a considerable sum for our charity.

June 19th
This meeting, on Disaster Recovery, was held the same evening as one of the heaviest falls of rain for many years (which resulted in the flooding of large parts of Sheffield). We had our fair share of this in New Romney too as you can see here:  news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/6220880.stm. The effects were evidenced by the need for one of our late-coming members to remove his shoes and socks and wade to the door of our meeting place! Although Stuart Whorlow’s talk, and the discussion that followed were most informative and stimulating, attendance on this particular evening was disappointing due to several members trying to keep the water out of their homes or businesses - thereby preventing a disaster to be recovered from. Just goes to show the need....
Stuart’s most excellent notes will be published to members shortly.

May 15th
This meeting was originally supposed to have been a visit to Romney Marsh Visitor Centre but this had to be cancelled at the very last minute. However our disappointment was soon dispelled by an extended neworking and chat session in the friendly atmosphere of Warren Inn. We were fortunate in having several new and prospective members come along and also Cathy Knamiller from Bradford University, who was able to seek the views of our some of our Lydd members about the compuslory water metering which is being introduced in Lydd as a pilot scheme for the rest of the Marsh area. One could tell by the volume of the buzz of conversation that everyone had an interesting meeting.

April 17th
Jason Martin told us about the new FM radio project for the Romney Marsh - details available at www.romneymarsh.fm - and afterwards John Shaw gave us an update on the new HIPs (Home Information Packs) to be required of home sellers. Lively and fairly lengthy discussion ensued on both subjects, causing a serious dehydration problem for some members!

Domestic Electronics (March  20th)
Andy Foord gave us an interesting talk on the history of the television and imparted a lot of useful information about recent advances in technology, digital TV and other appliances. A lively discussion followed on the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive and how the compliance schemes are supposed to operate. The meeting was followed by a drink and chat in the Warren Inn in Dymchurch Road.

10 Myths about the M.O.T. test (February 20th 2007)
Phil Bowman led a very interesting discussion about MOT testing and gave us a lot of insight into how VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) police the testing process. It was quite evident after the discussion that the car owner actually gets pretty good value for the test fee. After the meeting we had the usual chat and refreshments in the Howey, across the road.

Annual Dinner (November 21st 2006)
This event was held this year at the Ship Hotel in New Romney and was attended by a total of 36 members and guests. A great time was had by all and thanks must go to the management of the Ship for the most excellent food and friendly and efficient service. A tidy sum was made for charity on the raffle with its seemingly never ending stream of prizes.

Finance for Small Business (October 17th 2006)
Ian Netherton of Business Link Kent gave a well informed and most interesting talk about sources of finance, including a lot of interesting information on how banks lend money, along with other possible sources of finance such as Invoice Financing (Factoring), venture capital and “Business Angels”. Ian gave us a very realistic view of the motivation of the various lenders. The meeting was followed by the usual chat and networking session across the road at the Captain Howey Hotel.

Taxation Update (September 19th 2006)
Stuart Whorlow of Finn, Kelcey & Chapman Accountants gave us lots of interesting information about different types of trading entities and their treatment by the Revenue. There was also some useful insight into decisions to be made when trying to be “tax efficient” over inheritance tax. A lively discussion ensued when members’ questions were answered.

Dungeness Lifeboat (August 15th 2006)
We were invited by Coxwain Stuart Adams to visit Dungeness Lifeboat Station, where we were given a most interesting talk about the background of the RNLI and its purpose and how it is funded entirely by public donations. This was followed by a look around the boathouse and a viewing of the boat with a detailed explanation of all its equipment and facilities. Definitely a most interesting visit. Members may like to know that the RNLI are having an open day at Dungeness on Sunday, 27th August and expect to launch the boat at 2pm. More information on their website at www.dungeness-lifeboat.org.uk

Bat & Trap (July 18th 2006)
This year our annual summer event was held at the Warren Inn in Dymchurch Road, New Romney. It was well attended and we had the benefit of excellent weather for what was a most enjoyable evening. The Bat & Trap playing started off a bit wobbly but improved as the evening progressed. That old cliché “moving the goal posts” now has a new meaning! (those who were present will know what I mean). The food was excellent and we were really impressed with the venue.

Time Management (May 16th 2006)
Mr Peter Webb of Marsh Training Services managed successfully to condense a good bit of useful information and training into this 45 minute session on the important subject of Time Management. I know that both the “regulars” and the prospective members present at the meeting found this useful and will no doubt be considering how they can put some of the tips into practice. The meeting was followed by some excellent refreshments and a chat at The Captain Howey.

Inheritance, Will Planning and Tax (April 18th 2006)
We were given a lively talk by Graham Fuller of Kingsfords on this subject, with further information on the rules regarding paying for long term care. Information on ways to make the most of the Inheritance Tax allowance was put over in a most interesting discussion. We again adjourned to the Howey afterwards for refreshments and a chat. It was good to see three new faces at the meeting this month.

Marketing (March 21st 2006)
This month we changed venue slightly for the start of the meeting and met in Phil Bowman’s car showroom where an interesting talk was given by Roz Glick, who is Marketing Communications Manager for Business Link Kent. She gave us some useful tips on marketing, advertising, PR and the press, and has kindly offered to assist, along with Jason Martin of Romney Enterprise Gateway, in checking any press releases that members may wish to send out.
This talk was followed by refreshments and our usual charity raffle and an informal networking and general chat session in the Captain Howey, across the road.

Annual Dinner (November 15th 2005)
Our annual dinner was held this year at Herons Park Restaurant, which is part of the Lydd International Raceway site.

Winning Techniques (September 20th 2005)
We were treated to some excellent 10 minute talks from several of our members on the subject of what they think they and their businesses do best. Far from being an opportunity for their egos to get out of control, it gave members some good ideas for improvements they might make to their businesses. Well worth a year’s subscription just for this one!

Barbecue/Bat and Trap (June 21st 2005) at the Cinque Ports Inn, New Romney) proved very successful again. Players seemed more confident than last year and those not playing were able to enjoy the quick quiz and, of course, the food which was to the usual high standard

Business Security (May 17th 2005)
Mark Eckersley of Marsh Keyholding Services gave us some useful advice and provoked lively discussion on the subject of security and keyholding services. He explained about the forthcoming regulation of the security industry.

Robert Alston (April 19th 2005)
We were visited by a most distinguished guest speaker in the person of Mr Robert Alston, who gave us an interesting talk about some of his experiences, particularly relating to Afghanistan. Robert, although now retired, has been British Ambassador in Oman and British High Commissioner in New Zealand and the Cook Islands and Governor of Pitcairn. He has also worked for the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Electrical installations in your property (March 15th 2005)
Malcolm Reynolds gave us information and led a most interesting discussion about recent changes in the building regulations covering electrical installations and heating systems.

Employment Law (February 15th 2005)
Mr Mark Skilbeck, a knowledgeable local solicitor and one of our members, gave us a most informative talk on the subject of Employment Law, with an emphasis on new laws on written warnings. See the DTI and ACAS links on our links page for full details.

Annual Dinner (November 23rd 2004)
We had a most enjoyable meal at Lydd Airport. Thanks go to John Shaw, Edna and her team and Charlotte Watkinson for arranging this.

Development of the Road Network (October 19th 2004)
Frank Nunneley, who used to be with Kent County Council, gave us an excellent presentation covering the development of roads throughout the ages. We thought before the meeting that this was going to cover only Kent, but this was plainly not the case as at the start of the talk we were shown a map of Africa! Frank took us from ancient times through Roman, Saxon and Viking invasions and the effect on roads and methods of transport. Frank also showed us some very beautiful views, mainly in Kent and Sussex and he discussed local road schemes including proposed new roads that never got built.

A European Woman’s Life in Japan (September 21st 2004)
Ms Leslie Gould (hope I’ve got her name right) gave us a most interesting and lively talk on this subject and brought with her a vast array of beautiful items that she came back from Japan with. The information given us on the interesting and sometimes comical ways of the Japanese will hopefully stand us in good stead should any of us go there on business or pleasure! One of our members, Spencer Laycock, was also in Japan for a time and contributed to the discussion.