FOR the first meeting of the year we welcomed new members and lots of visitors. The business for the evening showed that it is going to be busy with federation meetings, invitations to other groups, our own packed programme and the summer outing now announced. This will be on August 26 to Blenheim Palace. Blenheim has a new Churchill exhibition celebrating his life and work. The centenary celebrations in September will be a community event, note the date now Saturday 12. One of the speakers will be Reg Moule, BBC gardening expert. There will be MORE!

The federation history book is to be updated to take in the period from 1980 to 2018. If anyone has photos, old programmes or a memory to share please contact me on 01386 860521.

Our February speaker explained how to have the right clothes for a versatile wardrobe. We were advised how to shop for the right colours, our own body shape, sensible budget and the number of items really needed as essentials. Gasps of surprise or was it horror at the thought of only four pairs of shoes and two handbags. I think we all agreed we probably own too much but hate to throw things out. Do we need a Swish/Swap night?

The next meeting will be a flat, sensible shoes night for Short Mat Bowling. We meet at Cropthorne and Charlton Village Hall at 7pm on Tuesday, March 10. We will coordinate transport to travel to Abbey Park Pershore and the Bowling Club. Don’t worry if you aren’t a flexi person you can carry out this activity sitting on a chair! There is no charge for this event it’s part of the programme. As the evenings are getting lighter and you may be starting to garden remember that we have a Bring and Buy in May where plants are always popular. Also start to look out a photo for the April competition “Famous People”.

If you are interested in joining or just want to come along to one or two meetings contact the secretary on 01386 860617.

DIANE BARLOW