Clubs and Societies, April 17, 2014

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We are holding an arts and crafts exhibition on April 26, 2-4pm in the For All Healthy Living Centre, Lonsdale Avenue. Entry is free.

There will be various arts and crafts on display or for sale, art, photography, homemade jewellery, cards, weaving, knitting, woodturning and a spinning demonstration. Something of interest to everyone. Refreshments are available and there will be a raffle.

Enquiries to Lesley on 01934 249437.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WRINGTON VALE:

Members were delighted to host an evening with Nan McCreadie, the first female president of Rotary in Britain and Ireland, which was also attended by members of 11 other Rotary clubs in the area.

Current district governor Brian Kirkup and Wrington Vale past president Peter Roswell warmly welcomed Nan, who has been a member of the Rotary Club of Feltham since 1997.

Since July 2013 in her year of office Nan has lead 53,000 Rotarians in Britain and Ireland, working with Rotary clubs in their communities, and with their partner organisations and supporting Rotary International initiatives.

During her very motivational and enjoyable presentation, Nan was able to reinforce her volunteering beliefs, which has been that many people would like to get involved in volunteering.

Her focus for her year has been attracting new members whilst remaining very aware of the need for flexibility around today’s busy lifestyles. She confirmed that many clubs have already moved away from traditional lunchtime or evening meetings, which can be incompatible with busy lives.

Nan answered many questions at the end of her presentation and Brian Kirkup, who is a member of Wrington Vale club and a Cheddar resident, thanked her very warmly and enthusiastically for her presentation, which was applauded most strongly by all members of the audience.

If you would like to find out more about Rotary in your area, please contact this year’s Wrington Vale president John Thatcher on 01934 822871.

WESTON CHESS CLUB:

Weston travelled to Taunton for a their last division three match in the Somerset leagues against Taunton Bishops knowing that only a win would give them an unassailable lead in the table.

The team started off badly with a loss on board two and, when David Gough could only achieve a draw on top board, the advantage was with the home side who then only needed half a point from the two remaining games to at least share the points.

However, Malcolm Dinham and John Parsons both battled on tenaciously and each played accurately to gain an advantage over their opponents who were both eventually forced to concede giving the match and division three championship to Weston for the first time since 1998.

WESTON OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT GROUP:

On May 12 there will be a talk by Sue Haggo on ‘Nursing in Afghanistan’, in the Academy Unit at Weston General Hospital.

The meeting starts at 6.30pm – doors open at 6pm.

Entry is £1 with refreshments at 50P.

All enquiries please to 01934 415096.

WESTON HOMEMAKERS:

The April meeting was a very amusing talk from one of our most popular speakers Susan Marshfield.

She gave us an insight into her upbringing and all the ‘characters’ in her family.

A very enjoyable evening.

Notices were given of forthcoming charity events and theatre trips.

Our next meeting is on May 6 at Weston Social Club in Devonshire Road.

BLEADON PHOTOGRAPHIC GROUP:

Members were entertained by John and Dianne Tilsley whose home camera club is Dorchester.

They presented their own impressions of places they have visited over the years with some excellent mono and coloured prints with digital images after the break. Some excellent images of characters in and around the events they had visited with matching themes. They showed how interesting character subjects can be photographed in the simplest situation. Dianne showed her own impressions landscape images from their travels around the world.

The group has their own annual competition on Tuesday with Eddy Lane ARPS, DPAGB, who will be the judge of the evening.

Bleadon Photographic Group meets on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm at the Coronation Hall, Bleadon. Why not come along, new members are welcome? Visit www.bleadonphotographic.moonfleet.com or contact Tony Gilbert on 01278 760956.

RAFA CONCERT BAND - (BLAKEHAY RESIDENT BAND):

It is just over a week until our first concert appearance in Weston this year - on April 26 the annual Music in the Air concert at the Blakehay. A potpourri of music from the Beatles to Williams and with our special guests the Waves of Harmony Ladies Chorus recently returned from their trip to Hildesheim.

Tickets are on sale now from the box office.

Requests for the band’s services are still being received - my apologies to those who have not been successful this year.

We have a few vacancies for competent players to join us so if you can you hit the right notes please visit our website www.rafaconcertband.org.uk or ring 01934 820205 for details.

Future engagements include: April 26 - Music in the Air concert, Blakehay, Weston; May 8 - Formal dinner – Whiteladies, Bristol; June 20 - National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas; June 21 - Armed Forces Day, Weston.

NORTH SOMERSET FAITH, COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL FORUM:

The group, which promotes social inclusion and friendship, is holding its first AGM on April 26 at 10am in the Boulevard United Reformed Church Hall in Waterloo Street, Weston.

After the AGM, there will be a social gathering with music and entertainment. Tea, coffee and a light lunch will be served. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. More information at http://ns-bmenetwork.org/forum/nsfccf or call 01934 414455.

UPHILL WI:

At the meeting on April 9 our president welcomed members and guests from Worle, Kewstoke and Walton in Gordano WIs to our 68th birthday party.

After a short business meeting our speaker Pat Downes gave an interesting talk while demonstrating on ‘A life in flowers’.

The Easter arrangement was beautifully done and this floral display was given into our raffle which was won by one of the Uphill members.

Members from Uphill WI attended one of our bi-monthly lunches in March at the Dolphin Inn, Uphill.

Members and visitors then enjoyed an afternoon tea followed by a piece of birthday cake.

Our cake had been made by one of our members and our oldest member Marion Hall who was 100 years old in February, cut the cake.

Our next meeting will be on May 14 at 2.15pm in Uphill’s Victory Hall.

The speaker will be from Thatcher’s Cider.

We have a full and varied programme for 2014.

Visitors are always welcome to join us. For further information about our WI please phone 01934 416541.

WESTON WOODTURNING CIRCLE:

Members will hold the next meeting today (Thurs) 7pm at Weston AFC, Winterstoke Road, Weston.

Club members will be demonstrating how to make egg shaped wooden items.

In addition tuition will be provided by one of our more accomplished woodturners for to those learning the skill of woodturning.

Non members are welcome to join us by just turning up on the night to our friendly and welcoming club.

Should you require more information you can refer to our website www.weston-woodturning-circle.co.uk or call John on 019834 510862.

ROTARY CLUB OF BURNHAM:

Three should be something for all tastes when members sponsor a charity exhibition of paintings at The Princess Theatre in Princess Street, Burnham, from today (Thurs) until Saturday.

Nine local artists will be displaying their paintings for sale, a variety of styles and media, from representational art to more abstract work depicting various subjects in oil, acrylic and watercolour will provide interest for art lovers. A percentage of all sales will be donated to Rotary charities. The exhibition will be open from 2-4pm today and 10am-4pm tomorrow (Fri) and Saturday. Admission is free – for further information please ring Michael Squire on 01278 788001.

On Saturday evening an international cheese and wine festival will be held at The Princess Theatre, 7 for 7.30pm. The exhibition will remain on display and for sale, and several donated paintings will be auctioned during the evening.

Tickets prices £10 to include a wide selection of wines and cheese are available from The Princes theatre booking office – 01278 784464 or Ashley Edwards, funeral director in Church Street, Highbridge on 07766 228676. All are welcome at what looks to be a most friendly and enjoyable occasion.

WINSCOMBE WI:

The group celebrated its golden anniversary on April 9 with cake and bubbly. Members from the Roman Way group joined the celebration along with the Avon Federation chair Donna Butcher.

Our speaker, Dr Francis Burroughs, gave us an interesting and humorous talk about the ‘Wonderful world of glass’.

Toasting and cutting the cake are (from left to right) Sheila Ogborne, Kay Hayden, Carol Hudson, Rosalind Symonds, Lyn Sims (Winscombe chair), Donna Butcher (Avon Federation chair), Jackie Hawkesby and Sue Sandifer.

WORLEWIND BAND:

The band continues to prepare for the summer season and have some fabulous new music...popular songs, songs from the shows as well as well as a little jazz.

There are several concerts planned and some Sunday afternoon sessions in Grove Park the first on June 8 - let’s hope the sun is shining.

Watch this space for more information or see our website http://www.worlewindband.co.uk/

PROBUS MILTON:

The club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 10.30am in the Milton Methodist Church Hall.

After coffee and a chinwag we settle and listen to the current speaker.

This week Cyril Routely presented an in-depth talk about ss Great Britain - well appreciated by members.

The theme is continued on April 24 by Ian Caskie.

For any further information telephone 01934 813841 and speak to George Wiseman or visit www.probusmilton.org.uk or email secretary@probusmilton.org.uk

New members are most welcome.

WESTON CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP:

Our last outing to Portsmouth was very successful and now we are preparing for our next outing on May 13 to Cheltenham and a round trip on the Warwick railway. A cream tea is also included.

All retired and serving civil servants are most welcome on these trips and also to our coffee mornings which are held on the first and third Thursday at 10am.

These are held at the Friends Meeting House, High Street, Weston. For all enquiries please telephone our chairman, Alan, on 01275 858766.

WESTON YOUTH ORCHESTRA:

The next concert will be held at The Playhouse in Weston on April 27 at 5pm.

The concert will feature both our junior and senior orchestras as well as solo items from Annabel Hancock on violin and Anna Whiting on oboe.

Tickets cost £9 for adults and £5 for children aged 12 or under and can be purchased from The Playhouse box office, from any orchestra member or from Coles Shoes in Orchard Place, Weston. Join us for an enjoyable evening featuring the music of Beethoven, Mozart, Saints-Saens and much more.

For more information about Weston Youth Orchestra including how to join us as a member please visit our website: www.westonyouthorchestra.org.uk

WESTON PHILATELIC SOCIETY:

At our last meeting Derek made a good show with a thematic display of Australia’s heritage in stamps, starting with a George 111 coin (as they did not have postage stamps then).

A most commendable first effort.

Phillip followed this with most comprehensive display of Machin definitives.

The next meeting is on Tuesday and is the society competitions’ evening, this includes a bring and buy/dealing session and will previous winners please bring back the trophies in a cleaned condition.

This will be as held as usual in the small committee room upstairs in the Conservative Club, 24/26 Alexandra Parade, 6.45 for 7.15pm. For any further information please call Graham on 01934 622318.

WESTON ROTARY CLUB:

On Saturday afternoon, St Pauls Church Hall in Weston was packed with over 90 party-goers for the club’s annual Easter Party for the elderly and disabled. Everybody tucked into homemade sandwiches and delicious cakes and the Queen was properly toasted with a glass of sherry.

The party was started by a welcome from president Stewart Evans and after a few words by the Mayor Cllr Keith Morris and Mayoress Jocelyn Holder the entertainment began.

Paul Temple and his wife Wendy of Bulldog and Luhimba fame got everybody singing the old favourites.

Cllr Roz Willis encouraged the dancing including a line dance (of sorts) with the Rotary current, immediate past, and next in line club presidents - being Stewart Evans, David Ray and Terry Gilbert.

All the transport to and from the party was provided by Weston and District Community Transport and as well as thanking the members of Weston Rotary Club, President Stewart also particularly thanked the ladies of West Woodspring Inner Wheel for their tireless work all afternoon making sure everybody was well fed.

For more information about Rotary activities and membership see www.westonrotaryclub.org.uk and www.facebook.com/westonrotaryclub or telephone secretary Peter Castell 07904 925048.

WESTON CONSERVATIVE CLUB:

Entertainment on Saturday is with Kartoon Hedz, the party duo. Please come along and show your support to these fantastic entertainers.

The Easter draw is now up and running. First prize is £200 with lots of other prizes on offer including spirits, wines and chocolates.

The fortnightly quiz has started to great success. The next quiz will be on April 30 - £1 per person in teams of two-four. Lots of great prizes to be won.

Anyone wishing to go to Dartmouth on May 18 for the music festival please pay your deposit and enter your name on the list in the club foyer. Date for your diary: Bank Holiday Monday, Kathy Jane will be providing the entertainment. There will also be a free buffet and the Easter Bonnet Parade. All are invited to participate in the fun. Any queries, please contact the secretary on 01934 621231 or email wsmconclub@zen.co.uk