News

After the absolutely splendid meeting in September this month’s meeting could have been something of a damp squib. But any such worries were unfounded as under the excellent guiding hand of our president the afternoon proved quite delightful.

Only six of our ladies had birthdays!; Joan Basset, Pam Hoy, Ann Orchard, Daphne Sayer, Tricia Sherratt and Margaret Wood who joined the host of ladies from September on the Birthday Table. The cake, made by Hettie, looked really delicious and I’m sure it was enjoyed by all.

There was masses of business to be got through; with updates on recent resolutions adopted by national WI; information on the next Group Meeting to be held at Whitfield, the competition then is for “A Fan in any Medium” and Hilary Clarke has made a stunning one for our entry; reminders of both the Curry Lunch being offered before our November meeting (as a fund raiser and cooked by Carole) and the Christmas Lunch in December – have you got your name down?

There was also a report by those ladies who manned “the gazebo” at Hawkinge Fun Day. They were very pleased with the interest shown which was generated mostly by the archive board that was on display celebrating our 80 years, this proved very popular and jogged quite a few memories - or was that due to those two gentlemen opposite in their military uniforms?! Talking about uniforms the Craft Club has knitted 100 hats for the troops in Afghanistan – very well done ladies.

At last business came to a close and it was time to settle back and listen to Joan Finney telling us about her journey to and living in New Zealand.

The original speaker had been obliged to drop out and as we had all enjoyed Joan telling us about her young life married to a Royal Marine bandsman at an earlier meeting she was asked to return and carry on with her story. And wonderfully entertaining it was too.

Joan is a master of the understatement; regaling us with the difficulties in getting a visa, her train journey from Ramsgate to London to catch the ship, the six weeks voyage, (I won’t mention the cabin!) and arrival and housing once there. All this was undertaken with two very young children in tow; (oh yes and after the cabin another one on the way!). Of course her husband had “eighteen men to look after” and couldn’t understand that she found it all rather overwhelming at times! I’m sure she will be invited back to resume her story as the “trailer” had us all wanting more.

Once again Brenda Smith was the winner of the monthly competition with a lovely arrangement of autumn berries. You could be taking that trophy home Brenda!

Next month, on Tuesday 4th November in Hawkinge Village Hall, the Annual Meeting takes place when the Financial Statement is presented, a review of the year’s activities given and a new committee elected. But prior to this at 1230pm there is to be the Curry Lunch (non-curry choice if you prefer) and if you haven’t already said that you would like to come for this lunch please contact Carole on 01303 891420 to get your name on the list.

The meeting proper will start at 2pm. For any more information or if you would like to come along on that day please don’t hesitate to contact Carole on 01303 891420 or Margaret (Assistant Secretary) on 01303 893294.

Linda Barnes
Committee Member
HAWKINGE, ACRISE & PADDLESWORTH WI