Here we are again Easter, I’m sure it was only a couple of weeks ago we had Christmas. It’s frightening how time fly's. It reminds me of a good friend of mine who, when his wife passed away a few years ago, warned everybody, “Enjoy today, for tomorrow is not promised” true words we should all heed.

Hopefully you all had a good Christmas. Congratulations to the lucky winners of our grand draw. For a full list of winners and a report. Click here.

Our fun Auction in January was again a great success with just short of £500 raised on the night. This event over the years has grown into being one of our most successful evenings and every one that attends thoroughly enjoys themselves. We have all had a very busy time since Christmas. Over 80 of us went to Romford dogs in March and all seemed to enjoy themselves, and as we didn't have to stop off at a branch of “Pay-Day-Loans on the way home so we didn't lose too much either.

The highlight so far of this our 21st year was our birthday party on the 8th March where over 120 of you turned up to help us celebrate and what a night we had. For a full report with photos. Click here: On the 13th March 44 of us went to Mickie Drivers at Wood Green to see “Happy and Glorious” the show is to commemorate the Queens diamond jubilee. The show was extremely good and the meal was excellent. All in all another great day out for Take Heart.

This year we have tried a few new trips but because of the Olympics we have to stay clear of London during July and August. If you are interested in any of our planed trips just highlight them on the “Declare an Interest Form “ Click here: and return to me and further information will be sent or e-mailed to you when available. Our most exciting event this year will be our holiday to Eire in April. 50 members and friends are looking forward to going, especially as we fly out of London Southend Airport. The logistic of arranging this have been difficult to say the least but I’m sure it will all be worth it in the end. For those who were disappointed this year as this trip was well over subscribed, it is hoped we will do a similar trip again next year. Our next meeting on the 12th April is the business side of Take Heart, our AGM.

We would encourage members to attend and participate. It’s not all about patting people on the back, you can always tell us if in your opinion we are not doing things right. Richard, June and Christine are standing down this year and will be sorely missed, but have indicated that they are willing to help out should the need arise. We would like to thank them for their work on the committee over the last few years and wish them well. That means we have some vacancies for new committee members. If you can spare a few hours each month contact me or any of the committee to discuss being nominated Hazel has been very busy arranging our speakers for the rest of the year and by the looks of the list opposite we have some interesting subjects to look forward too. At February’s meeting we had The History of Finger Prints with Terry Rockall which was very well received and he is one of the best speaker we have ever had. In fact Terry said he has never come across a group with so many members who like to have a laugh and he enjoyed the night. We have invited Terry to return in 2013 so watch out for the date.

One of our members Ron Price has offered to do a Musical Quiz which has been arranged for Saturday 19th May. For further information. Click here: It is billed as being more Sinatra than Lady Ga Ga.

Hope to see you soon ...........Paul Halley Chairman