News

Some fifty ladies attended the February meeting which was a thoroughly enjoyable affair (who suggested putting only forty chairs out! – shame on her!)

Since our President, Carole Seabrook was in America visiting with her grandchildren it was the Vice-President, Hettie Quinn, who opened proceedings and after Jerusalem was sung and birthday greetings accorded to Christine Allard, Phyllis Leonard and Ros Allen she went on to tell us of the many events happening not only in our own institute but also at Group and Federation level.

This can be quite a lengthy business but as we all like to be kept informed it is a very necessary part of the meeting.

One very important event coming up is the Spring Jumble Sale, due to take place on Saturday, 8th March – quick, put it in your diary now – and members were asked to bring items for the Tombola to the next meeting. Veterans of the Jumble Sale will know that it starts at 10am in Hawkinge Village Hall and it is advisable to arrive early to grab the bargains.

Christine Wethered then told us of a proposed visit to Faversham where we will have a guided tour of the town and more importantly for some a guided tour of the Shepherd Neame brewery. With lunch as well this sounds like a very good day out – did you get your name down on the list?

Then it was time to introduce Mrs Joan Finney who gave a very amusing and in some parts quite shocking account of her early life as the Wife of a Royal Marine Bandsman. All of the events mentioned took place in the early fifties and I don’t think I know of one young person now who would put up with the conditions she did (fiancé away for two years to start with). In fact her husband bought her a medal for her “service” and she wears it with pride. A lovely lady and a very good speaker; most enjoyable.

Then it was time for tea, the birthday ladies joining Hettie on the Birthday Table for their celebratory cake.

Once again there was a very large entry for the monthly competition which was for a Valentine card in any medium and either bought or hand made. Janet Cripps was the winner and it was gently joked that she was working hard to keep the marvellous new green and gold trophy that is famously adorning her mantelpiece this year.

The next meeting takes place on Tuesday, 4th March, starting at 2pm in Hawkinge Village Hall when Allison Ellman-Brown will introduce “Sorry say that again”, a talk about the deaf.

If you have that afternoon free come along and join us, we would love to make you welcome. For more information please contact our secretary, Christine, on 01303 863146.

Linda Barnes
HAWKINGE ACRISE AND PADDLESWORTH WI