11111111111111111111111

CHEW VALLEY PROBUS CLUB: We meet monthly for fellowship, lunch and a speaker at the Mooseheart, Winscombe.

To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in.

If you are a retired professional or businessman and would like to join us please ring our membership secretary, Barry Mather, on 01934 822462, for further information. Twice yearly we hold a ladies luncheon - the next will be held this month.

Our March meeting was our annual meeting and in April we enjoyed a talk by Peter Ryalls on ‘One of the world’s biggest sea battles’.

WESTON CHESS CLUB: Weston B won their final match in division three of the Somerset leagues.

Away to Chard/Ilminster David Wood soon had the first point with a win on board three. Steve Miles drew on bottom board and, with a loss on board two, it was left to David Gough’s tense top board game to decide the outcome. After an early gain of two pawns David played carefully to convert this advantage into a win giving Weston the match by 3.5 – 2.5.

Both the Weston teams finished the season on 11 points behind runaway winners Glastonbury who were undefeated, their only draw being to Weston A back in February.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF PENSIONERS BRANCH: Welcome to all our members to our coffee morning on April 26 at 10.15am to noon at Crossroads Carers Centre in Graham Road, behind Tesco.

Come along for a chat and cup of tea or coffee.

For information telephone Tony Apperley on 01934 625973.

RAFA CONCERT BAND (BLAKEHAY RESIDENT BAND): Don’t forget our Titanic Jubilee Concert on Saturday, tickets on sale now at the Blakehay box office, telephone 01934 645493, - truly ‘A Night to Remember’.

We still have a few vacancies for competent players on brass and woodwind especially on oboe and trombone.

Visit our website www.rafaswconcertband.org.uk or ring 01934 820205 for details.

Future engagements include: Saturday, A Titanic Jubilee Concert – A Night to Remember in the Blakehay; May 31, Ensemble for dinner in Bristol; June 2, Queens Jubilee concert in Bleadon; June 8, charity dinner at the Webbington and June 15, National Memorial Arboretum-Arlewas.

PROBUS MILTON: The club meets on the second and fourth Thursday morning of each month at Hornets Rugby Club.

Speakers on specialist subjects plus occasionally club members drawing upon work/life experiences provide talks.

On April 12 Peter Lea spoke about his life and times in the theatre with most amusing anecdotes on his encounters with Princess Diana, Marlene Dietrich, Eartha Kitt etc.

For information telephone David Arnold on 01934 626270 or visit www.probusmilton.orgluk or email secretary@probusmilton.org.uk

WOODSPRING PROFESSIONAL LADIES CLUB: Members meet for lunch at Batch Country Hotel on the second Tuesday of each month.

At the annual meeting in April Geraldine Hookway, the outgoing chairman, thanked her committee and all the members for their friendship and support throughout the past 12 months and said how delighted she was that through various fundraising events the club had raised £500 for her chosen charity The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

WESTON HOMEMAKERS: The April meeting was a talk by Peter Lea entitled ‘Night with the stars’.

He told us about his life working at the New Theatre, Cardiff, and all the stars that he had met including Marlene Dietrich.

Many amusing stories were told as we were all transported back to the days of theatre and pantomime. Our notices were given.

Our next meeting is on May 1 at Weston Social Club, Devonshire Road.

HMS BULWARK ALBION CENTAUR ASSOCIATION: Did you ever serve on board any of the light fleet carriers, HMS Bulwark, HMS Albion, or HMS Centaur?

Our association is open to anyone who served at any time on these ships. We send a magazine three times per year and run events including annual meetings/social, sea trips with HMS Bulwark, and anniversary commemorations at home and abroad. Whilst our ‘home port’ is Portsmouth, last year’s annual meeting/social was held at Bracklesham Bay on the south coast. This year we will be at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool on May 12. We also sponsor sea cadets for our affiliated Sea Cadet Corps on three training ships – one sale, two motor. Membership is £8 per annum. Enquiries to Leigh Easton, Glenmoray, Hayford Place, Stirling, FK7 9JX or email ngsfo@tiscali.co.uk or visit www.bulwardassoc.co.uk

SSAFA FORCES HELP: One of our caseworkers, Jenny Nottage, is preparing to enter a sponsored parachute jump in June, but before doing so we must find the £250 registration fee.

If there are any supporters who would like to help with sponsorship could they please contact our secretary on 01934 811386.

At a recent seminar we were addressed by a representative of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund who told us that over 60 per cent of the cases that were referred to them and acted upon, were from SSAFA Forces Help, so if any reader is connected with the Royal Air Force perhaps they would like to attend our coffee morning at St Paul’s Church Hall, Walliscote Road, Weston, on May 14 at 10.30am.

UPHILL WI: At our monthly meeting on April 11 we celebrated our 66th birthday with the help of members from local WIs and friends, along with a one husband who, under our constitution, had to pay £3 to join us!

Entertainment was provided by The Rainbow Singers, the highlight being a medley of songs from our favourite shows.

Our next meeting will be held in Uphill’s Victory Hall on May 9 at 2.15pm. Our speaker will be Paul Temple who will talk about the Luhimba Project.

Visitors are always welcome. For further information please ring the secretary on 01934 633946.

WESTON PHILATELIC SOCIETY: At our last meeting on April 10 we held the society’s competitions for which there were 10 entries.

The results were as follows: Thematics: first, Bill - Mining Phosphates; second, Sue – Textiles Silk; third, Graham - New Zealand Birds. Airmail: first, Bill - Indian letter cards; second, Carl - Austrian Airmails. General: pre 1940, John - The Brooke Family Administration. General: post 1940; first, John Sarawak; second, Carl PMV.

Our next meeting on the Tuesday is the annual meeting and our last meeting until the Annual Stamp Fair on July 21.

The committee members will give a 10 sheet display and there will be an opportunity to bring and buy any items you may wish to dispose off, or acquire. The meeting will take place in the upstairs committee room of the Conservative Club at 24/26 Alexandra Parade, 6.45 for 7.15pm.

REPORT OF INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WRINGTON VALE: President Pauline Alvis and 11 members attended the annual National Inner Wheel Conference this year held in Bournemouth.

Association president Phyllis Carter has had as her motto for the year ‘Think Ahead – Aim High’.

The conference opened with a celebration of Friendship Service with the collection of £8,340.24 being donated to ‘Winston’s Wish’ a child bereavement network.

Other speakers were the president of International Inner Wheel, Catherine Repabert and Rosie Swale-Pope who sailed single handed across the Atlantic. Members were also entertained by Rotary Young Musician finalist Charlotte Fletcher.

The final speaker of the day was Olivia Giles who due to meningococcal septicaemia had required quadruple amputations to survive. The evening entertainment involved a fashion show by House of Fraser.

Day two of conference opened with the annual meeting where it was reported that Inner Wheel Clubs had raised £1,251,332.00 for national charities and £400,300 for overseas charities during the past year.

Adam Henson the BBC Countryfile presenter entertained members for the final session.

MARK FRIENDSHIP CLUB: Chairman, Arthur Hill, presented the winner of the Easter Bonnet Parade, Joan Goodman, with her first prize certificate and an Easter egg.

Out of some 20 entries, Eileen Goundry secured second prize, with Doris Coleman coming third.

Isabel Lillico had the difficult task of judging some very strong contenders for the top spots, not least of which was the hat of Frank Shepherd which depicted the Hill of the Crucifixion complete with three crosses. Frank’s entry had a special mention for originality.

WESTON BRASS: With the busy summer season fast approaching Weston Brass are using this time to prepare for the band’s 50th anniversary CD, due to be recorded in June.

The music will be a celebration of the wonderful repertoire of music, currently being played by brass bands, up and down the country.

Most of the numbers featured will be in the programme for many of the band’s concerts this year. The band hopes that this recording will be made in the band’s own rehearsal rooms in Church Road.

The band is always keen to welcome new members and would be especially keen to fill the vacancy for solo tenor horn. This position is currently being covered by existing players, but a new player in this position would be made most welcome.

More information on the band can be gleaned from our website www.westonbrass.com or by ringing Gill Rogers on 01934 824461

NORTH SOMERSET THERAPISTS: On April 30 in Locking village hall, the group is holding its 26th meeting.

Celia Stewart is giving a presentation on Bach Flowers Remedies. Celia will talk on the history and use of the remedies. There will be an opportunity to purchase literature and bottles on the evening. Organised by North Somerset Therapists the meeting is open to all. Doors open 7.35 for 7.45pm start.

The group operates under the umbrella of the FHT. The meetings make a good base for local therapists to meet, make friends and share knowledge. Entrance is £4 with refreshments included and two CPD points will be gained by attendees.

The group website is www.nsomersettherapists.org

For details contact coordinators Conrad on 01934 822452 or Vivien on 078720 12191.

WESTON FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY: The society will meet again on Wednesday when Carole Evans will be our demonstrator. Her subject will be ‘Around the World in 80 minutes’. Arrangements will be raffled following refreshments. All visitors are welcome, entry £4.

BLEADON PHOTOGRAPHIC GROUP: The group held a Digital Excellence Competition inspired by Dino Michael, with the theme of ‘Surreal photography manipulation’ with the artist Salvador Dali in mind.

A number of elaborate artistic entries were judged by Dino Michael, who always sets a challenge to members. The winning entry was by Sally Green for her inspired image of ‘Road to Nirvana’. The group annual competition will be held on Tuesday with John Tilsley as the judge. Why not join us for an interesting evening at the Coronation Hall, Bleadon? New members are always welcome, please visit the website www.bleadonphotographicgroup.moonfruit.com or contact Carol Wilson 01934 628070.

THE NOTABLE CLUB (NOT ABLE): Members enjoyed lunch at the Woolpack in St Georges.

Volunteer helper David Elsey was welcomed to give an interesting presentation of his visit to Taiwan. He backpacked around the island via public transport including Sun Moon Lake where marriage and honeymoon is the speciality, ‘101 Tower’ which was built to resemble growing bamboo shoots - it is no longer the highest building in the world. Lift from ground to 89th floor (one stop) in a few seconds, this was an ear popping sensation.

The Notable Club is a weekly, socially active lunchtime club for physically disabled people aged 16 to 60 years. Contact Dina on 07845220349.

KENNETH ALLSOP MEMORIAL TRUST: The trust owns and runs Steep Holm as a nature reserve and has over the years produced several island related stamp issues. The latest features some of the seabirds that live and breed on the island.

Following a successful trip in March that coincided with a gloriously sunny, warm day, the trust hoped to launch the stamps on the island on April 9. Unfortunately strong winds and rain intervened but the launch still took place instead in the comfortable warmth of Dr Fox’s Tearoom on Knightstone Island.

The stamps are purely decorative although highly collectable and a popular souvenir.

A limited edition of 100 first day covers, designed by local artist Rosie Smith are available including 25 signed by wildlife presenter Simon King.

For further information call 01934 522125 or visit the website www.steepholm.org.uk

CONSERVATIVE LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB: The Conservative Ladies Luncheon Club held its last meeting of the season on Friday 13, when John Penrose MP was the speaker.

A very enjoyable meeting which was well attended. The next meeting will be in September.

SANDFORD WI: The Pampered Chef was the topic of our April meeting.

A demonstration and display of useful kitchen gadgets tempted some members to replace or add to their equipment. A very tasty pie was cooked by the demonstrator and enjoyed by all. Members were asked to consider taking part in an organised village litter pick up and as several readily volunteered a date is to be decided. Two members attended the annual meeting at the Winter Gardens. Sarah Dudley gave a short report and said how much they had enjoyed it. After the success of the walk around Cheddar Reservoir another walk is to be arranged for May 17. Venue to be advised later. The killer skittles match is on Friday at the Woodborough Inn. We are looking forward to a talk by Robbie Burns about the Calendar Girls on May 14. New members will always be warmly welcomed for information contact Margretta Bailey or Wendy Pready or just turn up.

A1 CAMERA CLUB: A busy March saw A1 compete against Reflex Camera Club of Bristol with a wide range of subjects and photographic styles for the judge to assess.

On the night Reflex secured the victory in a closely fought competition and the members of both clubs enjoyed the opportunity to get together. A second evening of macro photography was arranged early in April and the following week was a DVD based Photoshop tutorial to help broaden the skills of all those present. We are now looking to our exhibition at Weston Museum that runs for a week from July 7, with all members being encouraged to put forward the images they wish to be shown.

WESTON CONSERVATIVE CLUB: Throughout April we have entertainment every Saturday as well as Bingo played on Saturday nights at 10pm and Tuesday afternoons from 3pm.

The more people attending, the bigger the prize fund, so come along and support your club.

The weekly draw has been moved to Friday nights to be drawn just before the meat draw

This Saturday we have Chantel Chilton entertaining us with her amazing Mezzo Soprano voice. She performs across a spectrum of operatic arias, popular songs and musical theatre. All members with their guests are welcome.

St Georges Day is on Monday and the club will be reducing the price on all English beers, cider and some spirits.

For further information please contact the secretary on 01934 621231.

WORLE LIONS CLUB: Members held their annual Worle High Street Collection on Easter Saturday, where we were generously supported.

We would also like to thank people who have supported our monthly quiz evenings at the Windsor Castle on Upper Bristol Road. All funds raised at events go towards helping people in the Worle area.

Members are also looking forward to supporting the forthcoming bowling tournament for visually impaired players at Clarence Park starting on May 5.

On the social side we have club charter dinners which several of our members will be attending and partying into the early hours.

The club is also working closely with the Worlebury residents association to organise a picnic party in Weston Woods on June 4 to celebrate the forthcoming diamond jubilee and raise money for Weston Hospicecare.