Pensioners’ Newsletter – December 2025
|
To print the December Newsletter, download it here:
|
| ||
News from the South
Another year has passed and as usual the cry of “where did it go” echoes around the place. Well as far as the VPA is concerned some time was spent on the various trips that were offered to our members. Thankfully they were very well supported and credit for this goes to Sylvia, who unfortunately passed during the year, and Dave who has taken over the responsibility and is ably supported by his wife Jane. Elsewhere in this newsletter you will see the trips for 2026. These trips are, along with the golf days, the major activities that we undertake nowadays so it is vital that they are supported.
There is also an article this time concerning a Luton Council backed initiative concerning the relationship between Vauxhall Motors and the town of Luton. If you can please contact Toni to offer her your thoughts on your time with Vauxhall.
All that remains is to wish you all, on behalf of the VPA Committee, a Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years.
Norman McGregor
Another year has passed and as usual the cry of “where did it go” echoes around the place. Well as far as the VPA is concerned some time was spent on the various trips that were offered to our members. Thankfully they were very well supported and credit for this goes to Sylvia, who unfortunately passed during the year, and Dave who has taken over the responsibility and is ably supported by his wife Jane. Elsewhere in this newsletter you will see the trips for 2026. These trips are, along with the golf days, the major activities that we undertake nowadays so it is vital that they are supported.
There is also an article this time concerning a Luton Council backed initiative concerning the relationship between Vauxhall Motors and the town of Luton. If you can please contact Toni to offer her your thoughts on your time with Vauxhall.
All that remains is to wish you all, on behalf of the VPA Committee, a Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years.
Norman McGregor
News from the North
Hi Folks,
Well now I really feel that Christmas is just around the corner, I only hope that you are more prepared than I am, seeing all the Christmas trees in the shops is making me realise I had better get a move on.
I am afraid not a lot has happened with us since I last wrote, the last two afternoon socials we had had very good entertainment but sadly both were very poorly attended, I hope the people who were there enjoyed the singers. In November we had a snack lunch as there is no social in December.
We had a surprise last minute trip last Saturday to Bury market (and Wetherspoons). I had been before but not seen the famous meat and fish market; the array of fish was a feast for the eyes, fish I had never seen and some I had never heard of. Most people visited Wetherspoons at least once and some (me included) twice. All in all, a good day, lunch time drink and social chit chat. Some of the group visited the transport museum.
By the time you read this 37 of us will be away enjoying, I hope, a festive break in Bournemouth, don’t forget to pack your bathers if you want a swim.
I know this was a short one but there was little to report. So, until next time I hope you have a good Christmas. and a peaceful new year.
So, cheerio for now.
Dave Williams
Hi Folks,
Well now I really feel that Christmas is just around the corner, I only hope that you are more prepared than I am, seeing all the Christmas trees in the shops is making me realise I had better get a move on.
I am afraid not a lot has happened with us since I last wrote, the last two afternoon socials we had had very good entertainment but sadly both were very poorly attended, I hope the people who were there enjoyed the singers. In November we had a snack lunch as there is no social in December.
We had a surprise last minute trip last Saturday to Bury market (and Wetherspoons). I had been before but not seen the famous meat and fish market; the array of fish was a feast for the eyes, fish I had never seen and some I had never heard of. Most people visited Wetherspoons at least once and some (me included) twice. All in all, a good day, lunch time drink and social chit chat. Some of the group visited the transport museum.
By the time you read this 37 of us will be away enjoying, I hope, a festive break in Bournemouth, don’t forget to pack your bathers if you want a swim.
I know this was a short one but there was little to report. So, until next time I hope you have a good Christmas. and a peaceful new year.
So, cheerio for now.
Dave Williams
Vauxhall Heritage Centre
Some of you may remember and visited the Vauxhall Heritage Centre once located in the employee car park off Park Street. The Centre would open its doors annually during June to coincide with the Luton Festival of Transport, where family members were able took part in the facilities offered.
The Heritage Centre was created during the 1940s and collected cars built between 1903 to 2006, and regularly the two eligible vehicles (1903 &1904) take part in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
It was confirmed at the end of 2020, with the imminent sale of the Luton site, the Collection would be temporarily housed at the Ellesmere Port plant and in August 2021 it was announced that the heritage collection would be moved to the British Motor Museum in Gaydon.
The collection, which now totals 50 cars and vans, charts the incredible story of Vauxhall Motors rise from a niche sporting car manufacturer to one of the UK's best-known automotive brands. It demonstrates the heritage of Britain's oldest vehicle manufacturer through each decade, starting with the first 5hp four-seater in 1903. Over 30 vehicles are now on display for visitors to enjoy as part of their visit.
The following cars can be viewed on the Mezzanine, whilst others are incorporated within the main Museum displays.
The Heritage Centre was created during the 1940s and collected cars built between 1903 to 2006, and regularly the two eligible vehicles (1903 &1904) take part in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
It was confirmed at the end of 2020, with the imminent sale of the Luton site, the Collection would be temporarily housed at the Ellesmere Port plant and in August 2021 it was announced that the heritage collection would be moved to the British Motor Museum in Gaydon.
The collection, which now totals 50 cars and vans, charts the incredible story of Vauxhall Motors rise from a niche sporting car manufacturer to one of the UK's best-known automotive brands. It demonstrates the heritage of Britain's oldest vehicle manufacturer through each decade, starting with the first 5hp four-seater in 1903. Over 30 vehicles are now on display for visitors to enjoy as part of their visit.
The following cars can be viewed on the Mezzanine, whilst others are incorporated within the main Museum displays.
|
1904 6hp Light Car
1905 7/9hp 1909 B-type 16hp Semi-Racer 1926 OE-type 30-98 1930 T-type 20-60 Golfers Coupe 1949 L-type Wyvern 1959 PA Velox 1961 F-type Victor 1964 FB Victor Estate 1965 Cresta PB 1968 Bedford CA van 1970 PC Viscount |
1970 HB Viva GT
1975 Firenza HPF ‘Droop Snoot' 1979 Chevette HS2300 1980 Cavalier Mk. 1 2000 GLS 1984 Astra Mk.1 GTE 1991 Lotus Carlton 1996 Frontera World Challenge Car 1997 Calibra SE9 2.5 V6 24v 2000 Astra 888 Coupe 2004 VXR 220 2011 Ampera 2017 VXR8 GTS-R |
What is Luton Made: Vauxhall?
"Luton Made: Vauxhall" is a heritage project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, celebrating the history of Vauxhall, the car manufacturer, here in Luton.
In May 2026, the project will culminate in an exhibition at Stockwood Discovery Centre. Through a mix of oral histories, archival material, and personal objects, the exhibition will bring to life the everyday experiences of Vauxhall Motors workers told by the voices of those who lived it; from the factory floor to the design studio, from those who travelled here to be part of the journey to the families who watched generation after generation contribute to its legacy. Our aim is to celebrate Vauxhall’s impact, not just on Luton, but on the wider community and beyond.
How to get involved:
Did you work at Vauxhall Motors? Help us tell the story, by taking part in an interview with our team sharing your story and experiences.
Send an email to [email protected] or call us on 07731 802286 telling us a bit about your role at Vauxhall and how long you were there. We will contact you to arrange recording your story. Or if you are uncomfortable doing an interview, you can write down your memories and email them to us instead.
Do you have any photos that show what life was like working at Vauxhall or any other objects from your time there (ID cards, objects, letters etc.) If so, we’d love to see them. Simply send an email to [email protected].
Every memory and person is part of Vauxhall’s 120 year journey, and your contribution, no matter how big or small, is helpful to us.
Volunteer:
Interested in the project? Volunteer your time to help with collecting stories, recording interviews, researching, archiving and supporting our exhibition content. Send us an email with the subject title ‘Volunteering - NAME’ to [email protected] or call us on 07731 802286
"Luton Made: Vauxhall" is a heritage project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, celebrating the history of Vauxhall, the car manufacturer, here in Luton.
In May 2026, the project will culminate in an exhibition at Stockwood Discovery Centre. Through a mix of oral histories, archival material, and personal objects, the exhibition will bring to life the everyday experiences of Vauxhall Motors workers told by the voices of those who lived it; from the factory floor to the design studio, from those who travelled here to be part of the journey to the families who watched generation after generation contribute to its legacy. Our aim is to celebrate Vauxhall’s impact, not just on Luton, but on the wider community and beyond.
How to get involved:
Did you work at Vauxhall Motors? Help us tell the story, by taking part in an interview with our team sharing your story and experiences.
Send an email to [email protected] or call us on 07731 802286 telling us a bit about your role at Vauxhall and how long you were there. We will contact you to arrange recording your story. Or if you are uncomfortable doing an interview, you can write down your memories and email them to us instead.
Do you have any photos that show what life was like working at Vauxhall or any other objects from your time there (ID cards, objects, letters etc.) If so, we’d love to see them. Simply send an email to [email protected].
Every memory and person is part of Vauxhall’s 120 year journey, and your contribution, no matter how big or small, is helpful to us.
Volunteer:
Interested in the project? Volunteer your time to help with collecting stories, recording interviews, researching, archiving and supporting our exhibition content. Send us an email with the subject title ‘Volunteering - NAME’ to [email protected] or call us on 07731 802286
VPA Facebook
We can confirm the Facebook page was 10 years in being in November. It is a testament to the efforts made by Bill Saul that it has been as successful as it has been - so congratulations and thanks to him.
We can confirm the Facebook page was 10 years in being in November. It is a testament to the efforts made by Bill Saul that it has been as successful as it has been - so congratulations and thanks to him.
|
Remembrance Service - November 9th
As usual the VPA organised the Service which this year was held on November 9 at the Memorial in Kimpton Road at 8:30 am. It is held this early as David Alexander, who officiates, has other duties to perform at 11 am, as does Martin the bugler. Nevertheless, an attendance of 21 VPA members was pleasing given the stark weather conditions. Wreaths were laid by Peter Durham and John McIntyre (for Vauxhall) and Nigel Smith (for the VPA). After the service Strawberry Star, who own the surrounding buildings and land, kindly provided refreshments. Strawberry Star also maintain the condition of the Memorial, and we thank them for keeping it in pristine condition. |
The VPA Golf events for 2026
On a “Swing and a Prayer” the VPA are organising three Golf Days next year and the details are:
Thursday, May 14 - Texas Scramble at Abbey Hill Golf Complex in Milton Keynes
Thursday, June 25 – Singles Championship at Harpenden Common Golf Club
Tuesday, September 15 - Aylesbury Vale Golf Club
All registered players will be sent entry forms by email, and should any other VPA Club golfer wish to join in these events the contact is Mike Roberts – [email protected]
On a “Swing and a Prayer” the VPA are organising three Golf Days next year and the details are:
Thursday, May 14 - Texas Scramble at Abbey Hill Golf Complex in Milton Keynes
Thursday, June 25 – Singles Championship at Harpenden Common Golf Club
Tuesday, September 15 - Aylesbury Vale Golf Club
All registered players will be sent entry forms by email, and should any other VPA Club golfer wish to join in these events the contact is Mike Roberts – [email protected]
Trip reports
Thursday, October 16 – Millbrook Garden Centre
A virtually full coach of budding Percy Throwers arrived at the destination after a relatively shortish journey. The garden centre is located at Gravesend in Kent and offers a good variety of plants and shrubs along with the obligatory Christmas choices. The restaurant was very good with a varied selection of foods.
Judging by the goods put on the coach for the journey home I would guess that the centre profited from the use of GM pensions! All in all, a good day was had by all and thanks to Dave for organising and Andy for driving
Monday-Friday, November 3-7 – Warner Hotel
34 VPA members set off from the Luton Bowls Club for a 4 Night Break at Warners Studley Castle, stopping off at Coventry on the way. The lively entertainment consisting of Tamla Motown and Soul.
Coach trips were also arranged to Warwick and to Worcester where members were able to take the opportunity to visit the cathedral and the Museum of Royal Worcester. Those not wishing to leave the hotel had the opportunity to partake in the facilities including archery, rifle shooting, axe throwing, or just relaxing in the spa. A big thank you to Dave and Jane for organising the trip.
Thursday, November 27 – Brick Lane Christmas Show
For the last trip of the year 55 VPA members took the coach to the Brick Lane Music Hall.
Following a three-course meal the group were entertained by a comedic compare, along with cast members giving renditions of songs from musicals and popular Christmas tunes, old and new. Also, the violinist, Victoria Yellop, encouraged everyone to joint in Scottish jigs.
To finish off the day we viewed the Christmas lights of Oxford Street and the “Spirit of Angels” on Regent Street, and some of the larger stores – Selfridges (Disney-themed) and Fortnum & Mason (themed as a giant Advent calendar).
A virtually full coach of budding Percy Throwers arrived at the destination after a relatively shortish journey. The garden centre is located at Gravesend in Kent and offers a good variety of plants and shrubs along with the obligatory Christmas choices. The restaurant was very good with a varied selection of foods.
Judging by the goods put on the coach for the journey home I would guess that the centre profited from the use of GM pensions! All in all, a good day was had by all and thanks to Dave for organising and Andy for driving
Monday-Friday, November 3-7 – Warner Hotel
34 VPA members set off from the Luton Bowls Club for a 4 Night Break at Warners Studley Castle, stopping off at Coventry on the way. The lively entertainment consisting of Tamla Motown and Soul.
Coach trips were also arranged to Warwick and to Worcester where members were able to take the opportunity to visit the cathedral and the Museum of Royal Worcester. Those not wishing to leave the hotel had the opportunity to partake in the facilities including archery, rifle shooting, axe throwing, or just relaxing in the spa. A big thank you to Dave and Jane for organising the trip.
Thursday, November 27 – Brick Lane Christmas Show
For the last trip of the year 55 VPA members took the coach to the Brick Lane Music Hall.
Following a three-course meal the group were entertained by a comedic compare, along with cast members giving renditions of songs from musicals and popular Christmas tunes, old and new. Also, the violinist, Victoria Yellop, encouraged everyone to joint in Scottish jigs.
To finish off the day we viewed the Christmas lights of Oxford Street and the “Spirit of Angels” on Regent Street, and some of the larger stores – Selfridges (Disney-themed) and Fortnum & Mason (themed as a giant Advent calendar).
George and Lynda taking part in axe throwing
|
|
|
December Quiz
The theme this issue is, by way of surprise, Christmas. 1. If born on Christmas Day what would your sign of the Zodiac be? 2. What colour are mistletoe berries? 3. In which year was the first Christmas card sent - 1743, 1843 or 1943? 4. What ocean is Christmas Island in? 5 Which of Santa's reindeer has the same name as the god of love? 6. How do you say Merry Christmas in Spanish? 7. What is the period leading up to Christmas called? 8. Which angel visited Mary? 9. December 26 celebrates which saints’ day? 10. What is the Christian name of Scrooge? 11. Which plant is usually associated with Christmas? 12. What is the shortest day of the year called? 13. What did Santa have in his sack when he got stuck up the chimney? 14. Which noted scientist was born on Christmas day 1642? 15 In which country did egg nog originate? 16. Which tin of chocolates contains the green triangle? 17. The Japanese traditionally eat which takeaway food at Christmas? 18. what is the name for a male turkey? 19. What is the "buche de Noel " known as in English? 20. What are pigs in blanket called in Scotland? Enjoy the quiz and as usual answers will be shown in the next newsletter. |
October Quiz answers
1. Henry Cooper 2. Jesus wept 3. Serene 4. Tom Finney 5. Jules Verne 6. Houston 7. Abacus 8. Gregor Fisher 9. September & October 10. Snooker 11. Nitrogen 12. Dads’ Army 13. Dennis Potter 14. Queen Victoria 15. Spain 16. 1/16th 17. 11 18. Cheating 19. Panda 20. 1st |
If you have a story you would like to tell, then please get in touch with the newsletter editor Norman McGregor via email: [email protected]
For Upcoming Events go to this page
For Useful Contact Information go to this page
For Upcoming Events go to this page
For Useful Contact Information go to this page
