THE NATIONAL TRUST (Beckenham & Bromley Centre)

Instead of the expected talk on exploring the Waterways of England' the members of the centre were entertained with another use of water - extinguishing fires.

Dennis Ashbourne, before his retirement, was an architect and town planner with the GLC and he gave the audience an interesting insight into The great fire of 1986 and the Renovation of Hampton Court Palace.' Thankfully the Tudor building of Sir Christopher Wren was undamaged by the flames but the William and Mary wing had a large section destroyed internally by the fire and by the water used to dowse the flames.

The craftsmanship demonstrated by numerous conservators, was of the highest quality and was greatly admired.

Visitors will be welcomed to attend our next meeting at Bromley Civic Centre on Wednesday, June 14 at 8pm when David Wood will take us on a visit to Chile, land of contrasts'.

For further details of meetings and how to join our centre, please telephone 020 8466 6201 or visit our Website at www.ntbbcentre.freeuk.com