During October, we have enjoyed the beautiful countryside on our own doorstep, heard all about the liner Queen Mary, attended Goodworth Clatford’s Institute meeting, learnt about the exploits of Col John Blashford-Snell and discovered more about our own members.
The first was courtesy of Jill & Mike Reynolds who kindly organised a treasure hunt on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning; we divided ourselves into teams in six cars and met at the Pheasant, on the A343, where were given our instructions. The clues and directions lead us through the pretty villages of East & West Tytherley, the Winterslows and Lockerley. Some of us were more successful than others, but we all made it to the end, the Malthouse Inn at Timsbury. True some took longer than others, but then they had more right answers. Congratulations to the two winning teams; Sheila & Ron Lockhart with Sue Hancock and Val Downing, Maureen Evans & Sandra Newland.
The following day 13 of us attended the Danebury Group Autumn Meeting, where James Montgomery shared with us the history of the famous Queen Mary liner; this was certainly a luxurious way to travel; sadly, the advent of affordable air travel meant its days were numbered as a way of crossing the Atlantic.
The following evening several of our members went along to Goodworth Clatford’s meeting where they listened enthralled to Ian Brennan who creates sculptures for clients who include Royalty and Nobility from all over the world.
Next on the calendar was Hampshire Federation’s Autumn Council Meeting at the Anvil in Basingstoke, on this occasion several of us were acting as stewards, so it was an early start. There was tangible support from Hampshire’s Members as Pat Marshall, our new Federation Chairman, took charge of her first Council Meeting; she urged us to look forward to the future, particularly to the new WI Life Magazine of which we were given a tantalising glimpse.
Our speakers were Simon Theobalds from Crimestoppers, who informed us, much to the surprise of many, that this is in fact charity and quite separate from the Police Force. In the afternoon, we were entertained by Col John Blashford-Snell who regaled us with tales of his long career in exploring some of the remotest parts of the world.
Then it was our own meeting; this month the committee had a well deserved rest and the non-committee members undertook all the necessary duties. Muriel Spanholtz organised the latter part of the evening and members were invited to explain how they had come to live in Abbotts Ann and particularly to join the WI – it is quite surprising how much we learn about each other on such evenings.
Not for the first time this year, we were delighted to welcome two new members – this is always good news.
Forthcoming Events:
01 November – Danebury Group Literary Lunch (ticket only)
30 November – Annual Meeting – 7.30 Village Hall
14 December – Christmas Party Village Hall
Our Annual Meeting takes place in November, this is when the committee for the following year is formed, and members vote for President. Naturally, the evening does have a format to adhere to, but there will still be an air of informality and time for a chat and laugh. After all, we are all here to enjoy ourselves.
Sharon King
