It's hard to believe I am writing this piece for the winter edition of our magazine as we don't really seem to have had a proper summer yet. Drought conditions seem to be what all the experts are calling it, but I don't remember many long periods of good weather just the odd short heat wave now and again. Still, we are now in September so news of what our club- has been doing through the year is what I am supposed to be telling you.
I mentioned most of these topics in the previous magazine, but to itemize some of our doings:- in April Mary Bartlam came and talked to us about patchwork quilts, bringing many of historical interest to show us. May brought Mrs. Jones speaking to us about life in Holland, and in June our speaker was Mrs. Luker on "Wedding Customs and Traditions". Unfortunately I was away for both of these evenings but I understand from members that it was agreed that both of these ladies gave them interesting and lively evenings. In July we all went to Irene's garden lunch which was a super day. The weather was perfect and so was all the food -we only hope that she can be persuaded to have us all again next year. For our August meeting June devised a Cheese and Pate Quiz (at which I must say we all seemed to fail miserably!) which was followed by a cheese and pate tasting which gave an equally dismal performance -nobody seemed to be able to tell a cheddar from a Cheshire -not that it seemed to matter as it had all disappeared by the time we went home. In September our guest speaker was Chris Brewster from the Cater Museum in Billericay, and as she was so deeply immersed in the history of Billericay and District we were surprised to find that she was American. However she gave a fascinating talk about the background of the museum and all its exhibits -and we've all got an invitation to go. Chris was also very interested to learn that our own Isabel Johnson is the instigator and creator of the "History of Ramsden" Exhibition which she produces each year in our Village Hall. Chris has said she will probably be coming along to see this for herself next year.
We have still got a talk on "The Historical City" (I'm assuming that's London) and a demonstration of Microwave Cookery to look forward to before we are once again arriving at our Christmas Dinner. This has not been booked yet, but judging by members' response it will again be at "The White Horse".
However, before then we have got a couple of outings arranged by June Oliver -one to the Victorian evening at Morden, and one to a chocolate factory (where the big attraction is obviously the free samples we hope to be allowed.)
This has been our year, so if any new residents in the village would like to come along and join in next year's programme we shall of course be very pleased to meet you on the second Wednesday in the month at the Village Hall at 8 p.m.
June Wright