July 2022 Newsletter
It was lovely to see so many of you last night. The last-minute speaker was really entertaining. Makes me think I have got quite a few ‘talks’ in me!
As I said last night, we no longer expect an apology from you if you can’t make the monthly meeting. It is a tradition that seems outdated, and it was never done in the past. Of course, you can if you want to!
The recent visits to Chatham Synagogue, Oare gardens and Downderry Lavender Nursery were really good. The Synagogue was so poorly attended but the garden and nursery had a nice turnout. I really would like some thoughts from you all regarding which trips you would like. The committee want to provide outings that you want. The monthly meetings are great fun, but we have so little time to get to know each other. One really important thing that the trips provide is an opportunity to talk with someone you might not necessarily talk to at a meeting. This is what makes the WI so important to me. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
Our actual 100th year will be celebrated with a meal on Thursday 24th November in our village hall. We have got a caterer arranged so we do not have to do the hard work on our special night. We really hope that you will all join us on this once in a lifetime event! Since you will be paying for the meal, we are not going to have our Christmas meal for this year only.
The cost is £30 per head, bring your own drink. There may be a little fizz too.
The menu is
Potted Ham Hock, pineapple chutney and sourdough
Or Brie, caramelized onion tartlet
Breast of chicken, pressed leek, and serrano Boulanger potatoes
Or Butternut squash, mushroom, and spinach wellington
Lemon Posset and shortbread.
If you have any dietary requirements, allergies etc. please let me know. We really hope that as many of you as possible can make it. It will be a lovely evening.
The list is going out next month if you could please let us know asap so I can finalize everything with the caterer. We can take cash or a cheque for the cost of the meal.
The Centenary Rose is doing very well outside the Village Hall, it magically moved to the left! Donna’s husband is very kindly making us a plaque to go on the wall marking our 100 years. He also made the banner on the railings by the hall. If you have any printing or signage needs etc., please get his number from Donna! Thank you both for all your support.
A date for your diaries is Friday 23rd September. Denise and her husband will be doing another wine tasting for our fundraising. The evening will start at 7pm. The cost is just £10 each. You do not need to know anything about wine (or even drink wine!) as it is just a bit of fun and a chance for a nice evening together. We will have a list out next month.
If you would like a WI diary for 2023, please let Dilys know. They cost £7.
Barbara has organized a Film Night for Friday 15th July 7.45pm £4.50 at the Avenue Theatre, Sittingbourne. The film is Operation Mincemeat, one film we missed earlier. Please let her know if you are going.
We will meet for coffee on Thursday 14th 1.30pm at Bredgar Farm Shop. Let me know if you would like to join me.
If there are any keen quizzers amongst us who fancy forming a quiz team for the East Kent quiz on Wednesday 21st September 1.15 for 1.45 start in Canterbury can you, please let me know.
There are several events and trips organized by the East Kent Federation which are on the EK news digital newsletter. They include a Quiz Walk around Canterbury next Thursday 14th 1.30pm or paddleboarding at Hythe 27th July 2-4pm. If you want to book these, please contact Marcelle or Dilys and we can book it for you.
Don’t forget to check out the East Kent FB page, all their events are on there. I also try to put them on our FB page. IF you are not a member of our group yet, please join it. It’s an easy way to keep up to date and informed.
Next month we have a speaker talking about ‘How to enjoy your driving’ – does he know about Operation Brock!!! I have no doubt it will be a very interesting talk. I hope to be on holiday so will miss it unfortunately.
The following month we have a talk about Queen Elizabeth II.
If anyone fancies a trip to the wartime tunnels at Maidstone Grammar School let me know and if enough of us want to go, we can arrange a date to suit.
Sending all our love to both Elaine and Jean who are both unable to attend at the moment – we miss you both.
I have also attached a copy of the report from the Annual Meeting in Liverpool last month. If you are interested in the resolution there is a lot of information on the National website. If there is anything you would like us to do to support this very important subject just let us know.
Please call me on 07729828959 if there is anything you want to know about WI Angela xx
2022
July 14th Coffee afternoon Bredgar Farm Shop 1.30pm
July 15th Film Night 7.45pm Avenue Theatre Operation Mincemeat
August 4th Monthly meeting How to enjoy your driving
September 1st Monthly meeting Queen Elizabeth II
September 23rd Wine Tasting 7pm £10
October 6th Monthly meeting Understanding special needs
November 3rd Monthly meeting Delivering like a Diva
November 24th 100th Birthday Party at the VH 6.30pm
December 1st Monthly meeting Chocolate demonstration
Words Angela Coleman
President