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It has been another busy month for our members. As well as reading, walking and drinking coffee some of us have been to London. There was some debate as to whether we would have sufficient people to make our proposed trip to see the Christmas Lights a viable proposition. We needn’t have worried, as the date approached, we had further requests for seats on the coach, so thank you to family, friends and others from the village and Andover for supporting us once again.
We were fortunate to have Joseph – grandson of the founder of Mervyn’s coaches – again to drive us. Once again, he regaled us with historical information and anecdotes as we approached the City. We were dropped off outside the Natural History Museum, with freedom to enjoy the day however we wished to spend it. Many of us took the chance to visit either the NHM or the V&A just next door. There is so much to see and enjoy. Others hopped on a bus, visited old haunts or popped along to Harrods.
However, Lynda our lovely organiser was the only one who was aware there was some jeopardy involved in our return journey. Apparently since we waved farewell to Joseph, he had started to feel unwell. He contacted his brother back in the office and discussions took place as to a replacement driver travelling up to take over. However, ever the performer (he has had parts in musical theatre) Joseph rose to the occasion and picked us up, just a little later than planned, and took us on a tour of the lights. There is a lot of traffic in London, so this took a while, but was worth the effort. Nevertheless, in order that he could get home a little quicker and recover, Joseph did swap with Keith, who had driven up, at a services just outside the City. We wished him well. To compensate for the added stress, the Company then sent us an unsolicited credit note to be used against our next booking. What a great company – no we are not their PR advisers.
We were delighted to have received a grant of £700 from the Fete Committee to be used for speakers’ fees for 2025. Thank you very much. A lovely reward for all the hard work put in by our members.
We then had a crafty evening for our meeting this month. Our instructor was Brian Graham from Rowhill Candles. Before we were let loose on candle-making, Brian gave us some background on his life before retirement. He had worked for the NHS for 35 years – not as a clinician but as a provider of vocational activities, particularly at Broadmoor Hospital. During various re-organisations within the NHS his role changed, but basically, he provided off-ward activities including woodworking which as you can imagine involved using all sorts of tools with sharp blades. Fortunately, Brian never encountered any problems.
When he retired a few years ago, it was made plain to him by Mrs Graham that he had to find something to do, he wasn’t going to be allowed to just sit and do nothing! He had a few false starts, but then came upon beeswax products and got into candle making. He was asked to do a demonstration at a local WI, and then had to face the dreaded audition process to be accepted as an authorised speaker on the WI Circuit. He was delighted and amazed to find he passed.
It was then our turn. He told us he hadn’t put the kits on the tables before we sat down, as Adults (is that what we are?) tended to “fiddle.” He then gave us all a cellophane package which included four rectangular beeswax sheets, two white, one green and one red, plus two white triangular shaped sheets.
First, we had to take out the smallest of the white sheets and put it on the roll-out sheet, using the shiny side of a used sheet of labels (great re-purposing), place the shortest length of cotton wick along the top and then roll-up gently. Once finished we then had to gently roll the seam once on the roll-out sheet to seal. We then picked up the cocktail stick provided to crimp the seam. If our candle had a wobble when it was stood up, then a thumb imprint on the bottom should sort that out. We then had to repeat the rolling, folding, crimping and wobble rectifying for the three other candles. The red and green ones had extra technical requirements. We had to wrap a triangular piece around them for added effect. We now had four candles (not fork handles – Brian said he judged the age of his audience by the mention of the Two Ronnies sketch) with wicks trimmed to take home and light – perhaps. An enjoyable crafty evening
One of our members thought it was a good activity for grandchildren – just as well there is an obligatory safety sheet included in these kits.
There was also an opportunity to purchase other items from his stock.
Our next meeting is on 12 December, and this will have a festive theme. Our President indicated that festive wear was obligatory and that we should each bring a plate of food to share for a buffet supper. Local vocalist Jake Ward will be entertaining us with a selection of favourite songs through the decades as well as those familiar Christmas tunes.
DIARY DATES:
04 December – Book Club : The Plough, Longparish – 12 noon
12 December – Monthly Meeting – Abbotts Ann Village Hall – 7.30 p.m.
14 December – Walking Group
19 December – Christmas Lunch – Poplar Farm Inn : 12 noon for 12.30 p.m.
Abbotts Ann Players
