Well this was an unusual evening. We had 4 visitors - some of whom may well join so that would be good news. Also we had lots of samples - Nivea cream sachet, 50p off Cafe Direct coffee and some vitamins to help eyesight if you wanted them (limited numbers of these). Off to a good start then as everyone likes a freeby!
After an update of news from National and County there was much scurrying (to look for speaker). The evening took an unexpected turn and continued ad lib as our planned speaker just did not appear!! Ruth, our resident poet had at least 4 fantastic poems to entertain us - they were all about events attended during the summer and were very amusing - especially the one about Cothay Manor!! Then members took over - Kath was our first volunteer followed by Iris, Mary Williams, Thelma, Beryl, Ruth and one of our visitors - they all gave us their view of events around the time of the Battle of Britain. Members were really interested to hear these 'true memories' - so the evening was rescued by their input. In fact one member had to decide whether to go to the bunker or get married when the sirens went - yes, she decided to get married (she was only 17!). (Funnily enough the idea of asking members to participate in this way had been suggested at the last committee meeting as 'something' to do to fill a gap AND the first meeting of the autumn proved an ideal opportunity to put this suggestion into practice!)
Then at refreshment time Kath brought a bonus of some cake for us all from her diamond wedding celebrations plus there were masses of activities to sign up for. Our only query - what did happen to the speaker!! Unfortunately our speakers rep was on holiday - so he may have left a message on her phone - something to remember for when she is next away!
