We have started the New Year on a very positive note. A very well attended meeting included a new member and a guest. An excellent programme has been compiled by Sheila Taylor and includes new ideas not least of which is a series of coffee evenings at which a compilation DVD of all our drama productions can be viewed. We know in advance this is going to be hilarious, members, do not miss out on this chance to be cheered up and appreciate all the hidden talents of fellow members. Possible outings include a visit to a cheese factory, Clarks’ Warehouse andWindsorCastle.

Scrabble evenings recommence, meeting at Angela Warren’s house.

The Resolutions: Sali Money spoke passionately about the possible closure of Field Study and Outdoor Education Centres – and Sheila Taylor with equal conviction regarding the Employment of more Midwives.

The Luncheon Club will reconvene in January and discussions will take place as to whether this should now become a quarterly event, bearing in mind that the Village Lunches are to take place every month in the Meadway Hall.

Skittles: A cup round against Westonzoyland will take place on Friday of this week, results in the next report. Martin Horler resplendent in uniform,

ably assisted by his lovely wife, proved to be a perfect choice for a speaker to get us off to a good start to the year.  His tongue in cheek remark that he gave his talks in the same way as his wife sang, “without any real notes” set the tone and his subject The History of the Postal Service proved to be more the story of the guards who rode on the mail coaches but was no less informative. Martin announced his arrival by the playing of his horn, Clear the Road. The West Country played a big part in the establishment of mail coaches with the Palmer family ofBathintroducing the first mail coach which left The Nails inBristolreachingLondonin 11 hours. No passengers were carried and the mail was safeguarded by the fact that an armed guard rode shotgun. It was quite a sight to see the mail coach go through the countryside and people would flock to the roadside. Naturally there was a darker side to this, there were accidents and death did occur, journeys were risky when the weather worsened particularly in the winter when large snowfalls were quite common. There were many more facts, too numerous to mention here but Martin concluded his talk with a lively repertoire on the horn of Get Ready, Start, Clear the Road and Home. The competition for Favourite Christmas Card was won by Janet Davies with joint second and third Sheila Taylor and Trish Cox. The Flower of the Month was won by Angela Castle.

Due to everyone’s hectic social schedule leading to the Christmas festivities it was decided to combine our annual Christmas meal with our party and entertainment. Members enjoyed a three course meal supplied by Kathy Fewings and her team at the Meadway Hall. As always the food was excellent and a glass of wine was partaken by the non-drivers. Cups were presented by Angela, to Christina Napper for the Flower of the Month, Angela for the Competitions and Janet Davies for the Skittles. The Shield for the winning quiche at the Flower Show was presented to Pat Maddaford and mention was made of the highest skittles score for the season of 51 pins hit by Trish Cox. Gifts were presented to Anthea for her continuing musical support for all our activities, to Wendy for captaincy of the victorious skittles team and to Verity for her writing skills put to good use in our sketches. A very testing quiz had been set by Sali Money, we proved we could still pass balloons between our knees and a grand finale was provided by the drama team with their presentation of the sketch “Australia”.  A very fitting end to a happy and fulfilling year and we all look forward to even greater achievements in 2012. Visitors are always very welcome at our meetings held at the Meadway Hall at 7.30 p m the second Wednesday of the month. Come along and try us out – you may be pleasantly surprised. A stirring rendition of Auld Lang Syne brought our evening to a close.