WI Newsletter – December 2013

Despite all the storms that have lashed the UK in recent weeks (and are continuing as I write this in January 2014) we managed a walk this month; the first one since September. Thanks to Helen Stuart, who invariability comes up with ideas, we rambled around the picturesque Whitchurch. For those who merely pass through, this is a gem to walk around with streams, countryside, lovely gardens and most important of all a pub – The Kings Arms – in which to lunch afterwards.

Returning to the Black Swan in Monxton, for their festive menu, members of The Supper Club had a delicious meal. Only one of us could manage all three courses (no name) and most either had a starter or dessert to accompany their main course. Coffee followed with the most delicious macaroons. Following a minor complaint that one wasn’t enough, the chef kindly send out more. A lovely evening, but disappointingly we were the only party in the dining room, which was a shame as it affected the general atmosphere.

No time for lunch club or coffee morning this month, but I believe the Book Club followed their last meeting of 2013 by going to out to lunch.

This month’s meeting took place on the second Thursday of the month, to avoid clashing with the festive period, and we were delighted to welcome Chapter & Verse to Abbotts Ann for a return visit to the village; this is a group of amateur actors based in and around Winchester, who tour local clubs and societies with programmes of readings ranging from the light-hearted to the serious and thought provoking.

They entertained us with a selection of such festive offerings – the Christmas cake recipe which involved a lot of sampling of alcohol was a hoot and brilliantly portrayed. The thought provoking included The Christmas Truce by Carol Ann Duffy. This was followed by an “American” supper courtesy of our members, which as always meant tables groaning with a variety of delicious food.

At our first meeting of 2014 we have invited Ambassadors from the Enham Trust to update us on what is happening in nearby Enham Alamein. We also have representatives from the Andover Food Bank coming along to accept the proceeds of our 2013 Coffee Mornings and donations in lieu of sending Christmas Cards. Our members have been very generous in supporting the AFB this year by bringing along donations of food and other necessities to our meetings, but especially in November in time for the festive period. Aileen Catterson has been brilliant in collecting and delivering all these offerings where they are weighed apparently. No doubt, we will have the final total shortly.

So if your New Year Resolution is to get out more, then please do think about giving the W.I. in Abbotts Ann a try and put Thursday 30th January 2014 on your calendar – come in time for a 7.30 p.m. start (in the Village Hall).

Diary Dates

07 January – Reading Group

09 January – Post-Christmas Dinner in the Village Hall (7 p.m.)

11 January – Walking Group

25 January – Lunch Club (to be confirmed).

30 January – Monthly Meeting – 7.30 p.m. in The Village Hall – Ambassadors from The Enham Trust

Sharon King