The meeting, held on Tuesday 3 March, took the form of five members addressing the club on a subject of their own choice. Margaret Vines was the first speaker; she told of her parents wedding day in 1931. The occasion had been captured in verse by the best man, Roland Davis. Margaret read this interesting poem which was composed by the father of our clubs founder, Mary Lugg.
Next, Bryan Reeves told of the interesting way he came to have a unexpected holiday in Australia, all because of a knock on his door by a man that he thought was a stranger, but who turned out to be the grandson of his Australian cousin.
Thirdly, Ivor Minty told of the Bromham village grocers and bakers shop. This was started by his many times great grandmother, Mary Ann Gee, in the 1840s and continued down through her descendants until quite recently.
Dennis Powney was the next speaker; he told of his several unusual visits to London. His first visit was during the war when he and his father travelled to Dagenham in a lorry loaded with Avon tyres.
The club chairman was the last speaker; Jean Richardson spoke of her G.W.R. childhood. It seems that most of her relations worked for the railway company as did Jean, once she left school. She said that the shortage of food during the war was helped when pigs escaped onto the line and were hit by a train; there was plenty of pork at home for a while!
On Tuesday 17 February the members travelled by coach to Bristol. Arriving in the city we were met by Mike Rowlands. Mike is a ‘Blue Badge’ guide and for the next two hours he conducted us around the city, all the while giving an insight into the history of the area. His commentary was both interesting and light hearted. The tour ended at the Clifton suspension bridge. The weather was quite kind so we were able to leave the coach and walk across the bridge, admiring the views as we walked. After saying goodbye to Mike we boarded the coach and headed for the new shopping centre at Cabot Circus. Most immediately headed to the restaurants for their lunch; we found a very pleasant one and the food was good but we coughed a bit to find that a 12 ½ % service charge had been added to the bill. Fortunately it mentioned that this payment was optional so we reduced this figure down to about 6%. Very soon it was 4 o’clock and we were on the coach and heading for home. Thanks were given to Peter, our driver from Chandlers coaches, for making this day out so pleasant.
The meeting held on 3 February, had a small attendance. It seemed that this was because of the heavy fall of snow that morning. However those that did brave the elements certainly enjoyed themselves. Perhaps fortunately, owing to the weather, there was no guest speaker and the members entertained themselves.
First they tackled a general knowledge quiz which was set by the vice chairman, Hilary Thompson. The outright winner of this was Margaret Vines, her total was 18 correct out of 25 questions; no one else came anywhere near this splendid total.
Tea, and scrumptious cakes, was then enjoyed after which several different card games were played. A great noise of hilarity came from the group who were playing UNO. Other groups played the more sedate game, whist.
Pheonix club
There was almost a full attendance of members at the meeting held on Tuesday 20 January. They came to hear the guest speaker, John Drew, talking about the island of Sri Lanca. The talk, illustrated with splendid pictures, was entitled the ‘The Resplendent Isle’. John told of the Buddhist temples and shrines and he continued through the talk to tell, at the end, of the tea plantations. John and his wife, Carol, had sponsored a Sri Lanca child through her schooling and on a recent visit to the island they were able to meet up with her, and her family. Having finished her schooling she is now training to be a nurse. John was able to answer several questions at the end and then Dennis Powney proposed the vote of thanks; this was passed with great applause.
Dennis Powney
Phoenix Club
The first meeting of the new year was held on Tuesday 5 January. The chairman, Jean Richardson, welcomed all and especially the new members who were attending for the first time. Graham Partt then organised all to sit four-to-a-table in order to play ‘Crazy Whist’. This was played as ordinary whist except that Graham, who was the M/C, would call out for trumps to be changed halfway through playing a hand, or as happed in some cases, for the players to change cards with their opponents, again this happened half way through playing a hand. This caused much laughter and merriment. At the end of the game, with everyone ready for their tea and cake, James Ladd was declared the winner and was presented with a box of chocolates. Eunice Pearce, who had the lowest score, was presented with the booby prize of a box of Turkish Delight.
On Tuesday 17th February the club is going by coach to Bristol. Here there will be a two hour conducted tour of the city; with the city guide travelling in the coach. A visit to the new Cabot shopping centre will follow the tour. Any non-members who would like to occupy the few vacant coach seats on this outing should ring Jean 01380 724210 to enquire as to availability.
D.P.