OUR president, Chrissie, welcomed members to the meeting informing them of forthcoming events.

These included various walks, a centenary picnic on June 16 at Highnam Court, a visit to the Synagogue in Cheltenham, a talk on the work of a criminal barrister, the Lady Denman competition and a campaign and debate day on April 23.

Unfortunately our Scrapbook wasn’t placed in the competition but it seems like there was a strong field with 27 entries.

After the financial statement, final arrangements were made for the Centenary celebrations at Whitminster Village Hall on March 17.

As this month is so full it was decided to hold the next WI lunch in April.

Our speakers this month were Brian and Pauline who gave a fascinating talk on Newark Park House.

Originally built in1550 as a hunting lodge, the owner spent a fortune on a new wing in order to receive King Henry VIII, who spent just one night there.

After the dissolution of the monasteries, however, Sir Nicholas Poyntz was granted 570 acres of land.

Over the years, the Lodge has seen many changes including moving the original front door.

The many carriages were in danger of eroding the land as they approached the house and falling into the ravine below otherwise.

When the house came into the Clutterbuck family, two separate lodges were made into one large house by the Reverend Clutterbuck.

He made it look aesthetically pleasing by the addition of false windows to match the original building.

Subsequent owners added a wing for servants and turned the grounds into beautiful gardens.

Sadly, the house fell into disrepair before the National Trust took it on, primarily it has to be said at that point, for the gardens.

Luckily an American, Robert Parsons, took on the tenancy in return for renovating what were now virtually ruins.

He uncovered an original Tudor fireplace although Health and Safely no longer allow the kitchen to be used as a café.

It is thanks to Robert Parsons that this wonderful house with its Tudor heritage and the garden with the crinkle-crankle wall is still here today.

We enjoyed a truly delicious spread from hostesses Beryl and Kay.

The competition for an item beginning with the letter J was won by Beryl with some juniper berries, second was Jeanette with a picture of Jerusalem and third Chris with a jigsaw.

It was decided to give the flowers to Linda.

The next meeting will be on April 9 at 7.30pm in the village hall.

The competition will be ‘Something beginning with the letter K.’

New members and visitors are always welcome.