Hopefully readers of this newsletter will realise that there is much more to our Institute than just meeting once a month. There are many opportunities available if members wish to avail themselves of them. This month our book club met to discuss their latest selection – no title or author’s name to be revealed as unfortunately it wasn’t a popular choice! We all felt the events depicted in the novel did not reflect real life at all. Many topics are discussed at our coffee mornings and then there was an opportunity for members to walk and talk as we made our way around the footpaths of Chilbolton on a warm Saturday. It was relief to reach the Abbots Mitre for a welcome drink and lunch.
Several members served tea and coffee at the Fete Committee’s successful plant sale and took orders for the popular bacon butties.
At the end of the month, it was time for our Annual Meeting, which started with Fish & Chips (paid for by members). This is when our President and Secretary review the previous twelve months and thank members for their continued support. Our Treasurer gave a Financial Statement – like all organisations our funds do not go as far as they used to – costs are increasing, and our Institute’s share of the membership fees is not sufficient to continue to cover all our outgoings. Hence the need for our fund-raising tea party afternoon on 30th June. We are hopeful that the village will come and support us. You will be given a warm welcome. Our members are starting to bake scones and cakes – there is much debate about the size of scones!
Also on the Agenda was the opportunity to discuss the Resolution, on the shortage of NHS Dentists, being debated at the National AGM in The Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 5th June. From a show of hands, it appeared that only two of our members present still had an NHS Dentist, everyone else had had to go private. Our decision to support this motion has been conveyed to our Delegate for the event.
On a more positive note, Lynda Goldstone has planned our programme with some interesting speakers for the coming year, with a plant swap in July and a quiz in January 2025.
Thankfully, our President, Secretary and Treasurer are remaining in office for the forthcoming year.
The following day five of our members represented us at the Anton Danebury round of Hampshire Federation’s annual quiz. They did well, coming second by two points to Goodworth Clatford W.I. who go through to the final. As always it is difficult to decide on which round to play the Joker (doubling the points earned) and sadly the General Knowledge round was not our highest scoring subject.
Our meeting this month is unusually taking place on the afternoon of Tuesday 25th June when we are going to take a tour around Featherstone’s Flower Company’s premises in Nether Wallop. This is being funded by our Pamela King Bursary. Members, please note that you need to let Aileen know if you wish to attend. Car share is being arranged.
DIARY DATES:
05 June – Book Club – Dobbies Garden Centre 10.30 a.m.
08 June – Walking Group
13 June – Coffee Morning Sports Pavilion at 10.30 a.m. (£2 to include refreshments)
Non-members welcome
25 June – Monthly Meeting – 2.30 p.m. at Featherstone’s Flower Company (please note this is a Tuesday)
30 June – Afternoon Tea Party – Fund Raising Event – Abbotts Ann Village Hall 2.30 p.m – 4. 30 p.m.
(Tickets available from the Village Shop at £7.50 each)