Henley Society

THE Executive Committee would like to wish all members and their loved ones a happy, healthy and prosperous year, and we look forward to meeting you all during 2026.

Our first talk of the year takes place on Thursday, February 12 from 7.30pm at the Eyot Centre. Our speaker is Richard Phelps, chairman of Henley Royal Regatta. There are still seats available which can be booked in the normal way.

Plans for our excursion to Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, March 11 are now confirmed and in place.

This outing has been heavily oversubscribed and those who were successful in the ballot have been advised and requested to pay by January 15.

Members who were unsuccessful in the ballot will be put on a waiting list and advised as vacancies occur.

We are trying to increase our allocation of places for March 11 and are also looking into an additional trip later in the year for those who missed out.

We will continue, during 2026, with our campaign, in conjunction with Henley Town Council, to keep Henley’s pavements free of commercial waste.

We have identified three outlets to contact early this month in an effort to get them to improve their waste disposal practices.

We are asking that such waste is only put out as a final act at the end of the business day — or to coincide with the arrival of the waste collection vehicle. This should mean that waste is only on the pavements for the shortest possible time.

If any member feels that they have spotted something they think is wrong please send us photographic evidence, together with the date and time the photo was taken, and we will follow up with the retailer concerned.

Our final event of 2025 was held on December 18 when members were joined by Henley Mayor Tom Buckley for a traditional Christmas lunch.

Councillor Buckley, on behalf of the town council, thanked the society for its work in improving Henley for the benefit of all.

In particular, he highlighted our sponsorship of the cleaning of more than 200 road signs, a task he described as being “beyond the call of duty” and which was completed in time for the royal regatta.

Our chairman, Geoff Luckett, thanked the Mayor for gracing us with his presence, and committee member Monnik Vleugels for organising the event in such an efficient, professional manner.

It might be useful for members who use the Oakley Wood Recycling Centre to know that as from January 14 you will need to book a slot to drop off your waste. It appears that casual drop-ins are no longer welcomed. Meanwhile, our auditor has for many years expressed a wish to stand down and therefore we seek a replacement.

Our account year runs from January 1 to December 31 and most of the auditor’s work is concentrated in the early months of the following year in preparation for our annual meeting, which is scheduled to take place in March/April each year. If any member is able to help please contact the chairman on 07860 145982.

Annual subscriptions for this year fall due this month and, unless you have a standing order set, up now is the time to pay please.

Our fees were last increased in 1993 and remain at £5 for a single member or £8 for a couple living at the same address — or any higher sum that a member might feel appropriate. We look forward to receiving your payment and continued support.

The Executive Committee