Hawkinge Acrise and Paddlesworth WI meeting June 2007

An extremely pleasant afternoon was begun by the President conveying birthday greetings to Mesdames Moore and Wethered. June Moore was especially pleased that another June birthday was being celebrated as she had been the lone guest at the birthday table for many years.

 Not too much business to get through but as luck would have it the speaker had not arrived by the start of the meeting and as 2.30pm approached the president was casting nervous glances towards the front door. At last Mrs Ward burst into the hall with rather loud and not very complimentary comments about the M20 and lack of movement on it. Unfortunately she also suspected that her exhaust had blown as it had started making rather strange noises whilst she was sitting in the traffic jam!

However, she was a consummate professional and did not let this rather bad start to her afternoon affect the brilliant delivery of her talk. A first class raconteur who delighted us with tales of her travels around the world – (could you manage a three day round trip just to see the Taj Mahal?!) - alas some were rather overshadowed by disaster which did make us glad we were not accompanying her on those trips.

During social time the ladies were encouraged to try a new competition about “The Queen” – I thought the questions almost impossible to answer but several did and there was a tie for the winner between Gillian Philcox and the speaker Yvonne Ward; another quick fire question and Gillian won outright.

The monthly competition for two fruit scones was also won by Gillian (certainly her afternoon!) – it was gratifying to see so many entries this month – well done ladies. There was time during the afternoon to book for the outings planned this year; in July a trip on the Paddle Steamer Kingswear Bay and in October a visit to Westminster Abbey. The East Kent Federation is also putting on a “Federation Day” in Dover Town Hall in September and several of us hope to attend. Of course this venue is very tight on visitor numbers and we hope we will not be disappointed in our bid for tickets.

So, apart from the monthly meetings there is a monthly craft club and a monthly walking group and lots, lots more to enjoy – why not come along and see if you would like to join us. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 3rd July when we have the yearly Garden Party. If you are interested in coming along to that please contact Carole Seabrook our President on 891420 and she will make the necessary arrangements for you.

Linda Barnes

Committee Member