WI Newsletter – August 2009

There may not have been a meeting this month, but our members have still been socialising and getting together.

Given the variable summer weather, our members were blessed with a lovely day for their outing this year. The first stop was the riverside town of Henley-on-Thames with the majority starting the day with a relaxing trip on the River Thames, but there was still time to squeeze in some lunch and retail therapy. It was then back on the coach for a short drive to Mapledurham where we were met by our guide for a private guided tour.

We started at the Old Watermill, which is the only mill on the River Thames still working and producing stone-ground flour; its other claim to fame is its starring role in the 1976 film, The Eagle has Landed. Following a tour of the Elizabethan manor house, we were certainly ready to enjoy a refreshing cup of tea, along with scones, jam and cream.

The walking group met up only a few days later and went back to Coombe Gibbet to walk the Test Way back to Linkenholt with a little variation along the way followed by lunch in the George at Vernham Dean.

This month’s “alternative coffee morning” was in reality another excuse to get together and chat in the pub – obviously aimed at those who are still working during the day, this took place in the evening.

At the end of the month was the last Bank holiday before Christmas, and where were some of us to be found on the Saturday, yes you’ve guessed it, back in the pub. This time it was for lunch and a chat at the Royal Oak in Goodworth Clatford.

Come 5th September, there will be no time to sit and chat, as we will be organising the refreshments at the Village Fete as we have done for many years.

Diary Dates:

05 September – Village Fete- WI Refreshments

08 September – Coffee Morning

12 September – Walking Group 22 September – Book Club

24 September – Meeting at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall: Tall Hats & Tall Tales – Nigel Palmer

26 September – provisional date for monthly lunch. TBC

05 October – Danebury Group Meeting (Grateley)

10 October – Walking Group

15 October – Mayflower Theatre – Sound of Music

Our next meeting is on the 24th September and our guest speaker is Nigel Palmer, who will be explaining about Tall Hats & Tall Tales.

Please put the date in your diary and come along for a 7.30 p.m. start.

Sharon King