People who play short mat bowls, golf croquet, whist and skittles, beware, there is a new kid on the block. Curling is about to set the pace.  Played indoors requiring a well polished floor; four members of Walton W I gave us a detailed instructed introduction to this phenomenon.  Members formed teams and tried their hand at this new occupation. Skills varied but it was a great experience enjoyed by us all, spectators and participants alike. Thank you Walton ladies.

The Annual General Meeting was chaired by Angela ably assisted by Susie deputising for Janet who is sunning herself in Spain. Edna was welcomed as our guest. Pat presented the Financial Statement.

Angela gave us further information as to how we are to take part in the recent item in County News, Fun with a Fiver in that our annual Fish and Supper evening August 14 will be followed by a Beetle Drive. This event is open to all and we will be playing host to the Mums and Toddlers Group with games for the children.

Skittles: Playing Walton W I in the semi final of the County Cup competition, we came second but hope to do better in our first league match to be played at the Ring of Bells Ashcott Thursday 9 May at 8p m when our opponents will be Puriton W I.

The correspondence included a thank you letter for our hosting of the recent meeting from the group chairperson.

Important Notice: There will be no meeting in June due to the refurbishment of the kitchens at Meadway Hall. Pampered Chef has been rescheduled for January 2014.

Ladies who lunch will meet at the Lime Kiln Wednesday May 15.

At the July meeting we will be joined by our friends from Bucklers Mead W I. Members to bring a plate of food and there will be entertainment. Featured will be No Mean Feet Appalachian Dance Team and the competition will be for a Dancer in any Medium.

In June Ladies who Lunch will attend the summer garden party to be held at the home of Ann Mumford at the Estate House Pitney. The choice is coffee. lunch or afternoon tea or all three. Posh hats optiional.

Angela presented a card to Sheila who is celebrating her golden wedding anniversay at the weekend. All our good wishes go to the happy couple.

The competition for indivdual member’s photographs from childhood through to the recent day was won by Pat, with Mary and Angie second and third and the Flower of the Month was won by Wendy with some luscious lilies of the valley.

Wendy Edwards.

Our speaker, Lloyd Tucker gave us one of the most inspirational talks and it is a great pity that this meeting did not attract more members. Lloyd is a previous BBC Young Butcher of the Year, the son of a local farming family and he expertly took us through the various rounds of the competition.  From practicing making pork pies in the kitchen at home to the final task of mounting a Christmas display of 12 items of meat to represent the 12 days of Christmas in which Lloyd’s highlight, which proved to be a favourite with the judges,was a squirrel stuffed with nuts and raisins. The first question in the questions and answers section was what is Mortice, no one knew but apparently it is Spanish blood sausage. Despite this Lloyd proceeded through the rounds and on telephoning his brother to report on his progress, he was unable to tell us  just what his brother’s comments were except they were not complimentary!  Throughout the whole competition Lloyd’s mother and father were totally supportive, also Lloyd owes much to his confidence to being a member of Young Farmer’s Club. Since receiving his trophy Lloyd has given talks and demonstrations, one of the highlights being at Wedmore Harvest Home. Whilst dancing at Rookery Manor he was approached by a very attractive young lady who requested his photograph, Lloyd was delighted to agree only to have his hopes dashed by her comment that her mother was in love with him. Lloyd works locally and we all agreed with him when he said it is not more expensive to buy good quality meat and for the younger generation, who are nervous of just how to cook joints, etc, he is always pleased when customers ask for advice. Wendy thanked Lloyd for such an entertaining evening.

Compton Dundon hosted the recent Polden Hill Group Spring Meeting at which Wafaa Powell demonstrated Lebanese  Sweetmeats and Belly Dancing. Walton W I were presented with the county cup for skittles.

Skittles: We won our last round of the county cup skittles against Evercreech.  The semi final will be played at The Quarry Inn Keinton Mandeville on Wednesday April 24 when our opponents will be Walton W I.

Please note this match will start at 7.30 p m.

Luncheon club ladies enjoyed a very good meal at The Retreat Ashcott and our next venue will be at Langport April 17.

Angela thanked Trevor Davies for presenting us with a small wooden lectern to be used for Speaker’s notes etc and Janet Davies was thanked for organising the recent visit to Wyke Farms which was enjoyed by everyone and we are now much more knowledgeable as to how many different delicious cheeses are available.

The Annual General Meeting  will take place in May this will be open to all and the competition is for photographs of members from birth to present day. Members please bring a plate of food.

The competition for a Meat Platter was won by Susie Robertson with Sheila Taylor and Angela Castle runners up. Flower of the Month went to hyacinths brought from her garden by Joan Carbin.

Wendy Edwards.