THE Christmas party held in early December was well attended and it was good to see Jane Thatcher to wish her well on her forthcoming move to Cheshire.

New President, Doreen Tucker, presented her with a small gift as a thank you present, and retiring Secretary Crystal Harrison and retiring Treasurer Hazel White were presented with pretty flower baskets for all their hard work.

A third basket was also presented to Margaret Adams for organising the short play which entertained everyone at the end of the evening.

Before this, business was kept to the very minimum with thanks given to the Flower Rota ladies who decorated the tables with some lovely festive arrangements.

The Rose Bowl for the year’s monthly competition results was awarded to Mary Jarrett with 15 points, closely followed by Tina Hewgill with 12 points and third place going to Margaret Adams with 10 points.

Everyone then enjoyed a scrumptious supper of cold meats, hot potatoes and salads, all organised by the committee, followed by some lovely desserts and all washed down with fruit juice or soft drinks.

The short play was well received after this, and the evening finished with coffee and mince pies and the calling of the raffle.

The first meeting of 2014 will fall on Tuesday, January 7, to start at 7.15pm as usual in St. Matthew’s Church Hall.

New members/visitors would be very welcome to attend this Social Evening, which would be a good way of meeting new people, having a chat and bringing their sewing, knitting or other craftwork to share with the others.

This will be the start of a new and varied programme of speakers and activities and the monthly competition will be for A favourite Christmas Present to include poetry, if so wished.

I hope to see you there!