W.I. Newsletter December 2025

All our activities this month were held during the first two weeks of the month.  First to meet was our Book Club.  Their latest selection was The New Neighbours by Clare Douglas.  As usual with Clare’s books, there were a few twists to the story and although our group didn’t particularly like the characters, they enjoyed the book as it kept them guessing.   Set in Bristol, this was familiar territory to two members of our group who had both lived there previously.

The following day was our Christmas Lunch at The Grey Hound in Broughton.  About half of our membership were able to attend for an enjoyable lunch.  Each attendee had made their choice from the menu and the food was delicious.  This was a lively event full of chatter and laughter.  All enjoyed the afternoon.  So much so that the Book Club have decided to have a lunch time meeting there in January – taking advantage of the discount vouchers discovered in their crackers. 

Members were gathered again for their monthly meeting, always held on the second Thursday in December as otherwise it would clash with Christmas.  Lynda & Roger Goldstone had put in a lot of effort to create a Quiz for the evening, comprising five rounds of 10 questions in each.  Each table was a team, and they were all creative with their names, mostly themed around Christmas or Winter.  Lots of head scratching as to when they should play their Joker which would mean doubling the points gained in that round.  There was some frustration when the answers were revealed as last-minute changes had resulted in errors!  Nevertheless, it was a tight finish with the Sparklers victorious, by two points, over The Hollies. 

Each member had brought along a plate of food as a contribution to the buffet supper, all of which was tempting with a good mix of savoury and sweet.  On each table members had the choice of Prosecco or Elderflower to drink.  Again, a lovely, if brain tiring, enjoyable evening.  

Earlier in the evening birthday posies were handed out, including a bouquet to member Sandra, who had recently celebrated her 80^th birthday.  Remember, it is only a number, and we are all young at heart.

Members were also given the opportunity to donate to The Countess of Brecknock Hospice collection in lieu of sending each other Christmas Cards.  A total of £108.35 was collected and two of our members, Sue George and Sharon King were able to deliver this personally later in the month.  Sue & Sharon were made to feel very welcome; it was a lively place that morning as there was a Christmas Party taking place, and our members were thanked for their generosity.

For our first meeting of 2026 we have invited a representative of Serv Wessex – The Blood Runners who deliver blood products, urgent samples and medication from Hospital Pharmacies. This service supports Hampshire, South Wiltshire and East Dorset and operates 24/7.  If you wish to hear more then please come to the Village Hall on Thursday January 29 for a 7.30 p.m. start.  As always, we welcome non-members, we just ask for a £5 entry fee which includes refreshments.  Similarly, if you have thought about joining us then you can try before you buy!  We are waiting to welcome new faces.

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