Recent Events

Tuesday 14th September

A talk was given by Jan Blankenstein on the history and modern day treatment techniques of a Chiropractor to maintain a healthy skeleton structure.  He explained how the brain can get mixed messages due to pressure or entrapment of parts of the nervous system due to joint movement or their component parts. A skeleton structure was used to indicate problems people encounter and why some disabilities are caused. Sections of the spinal cord skeletal frame were viewed and the component parts associated with the articulation of the spine explained.

Tuesday 10th August

This day was our mystery tour. We started with a tour through Bath to see the many Georgian properties in the city. The driver, who used to live and drive buses in Bath, told us how most people are under the impression that it is a city influenced by Roman occupation. The only roman influence is the baths. The city is predominantly Georgian. Our onward journey took us through the Chew Valley to Western-Super-Mare. When the trip was planned the new pier was scheduled to be open for our visit, as it is still not open we shortened our time there and went on to the Cadbury Garden centre. The trip back took us through Cheddar Gorge and passed the Chew valley Lake with views of the Mendip Hills.

Tuesday 20th July

Our outing was to the Black Country Museum it included a boat trip through the Dudley Tunnel. It was an insight to find out the extent of tunnels that are in the area from the mining era. Some more sections of the old tunnels may be worked on to open them to the public. We had a few showers but this did not effect the meandering around the museum and feedback was that it was an enjoyable day out.

Tuesday 13th July– in the Village Hall

A presentation on Concorde was given by Doug Newton who was one of the team involved in the flight testing of Concorde. He gave us an insight of how the team conducted their tests with a slide show and commentary. The action of competing countries to try to combat Concorde success was also talked about. Items of memorabilia were on view for us to examine and discuss.

Tuesday 8th June. Club AGM– in the Village Hall at 7.00pm

The minutes of the previous AGM and the audited accounts were given to members to review and comment on. All the current members of the committee were re-elected at the meeting for another year. Following the AGM a cake decoration demonstration was given by Emma Tanner who showed us the art in preparation and use of the basic materials and how to make flowers. A rose was made and used on the cake together with other flowers and decorations. It is well worth while looking at Emma’s web site cakes2enjoy@yahoo.co.uk.

Tuesday 15th June – Outing

Our trip to Stratford-Upon- Avon proved to be a pleasant trip. The fine weather allowed some members to take the opportunity to go on the open top tour bus to see the attractions. Our day also include a stop at Moreton-in-Marsh on the outward journey to visit the market.  A good time was had by all.

Tuesday 11th May

The evening entertainment was by Ray Bewes who told us yarns based on true events and read poems he had written. He also works on a programme on community radio 105.5 FM and would be happy to have music requests sent in to him. After the entertainment the chair of the Parish Council, Colin McEwen gave a talk about the forthcoming workshop evenings on the Village expansion being run by NEWMasterplanning , consultants to the P.C.

Outing on Saturday 8th May

We went to the Malvern Spring Show. Though it was cold and wet at times it did not spoil the enjoyment of the day. All the members and those from the Gardening Club who joined us were satisfied with the outing.

Outing on Tuesday 20th April

Our outing took us on a very picturesque drive through the Stroud Valley with an interesting commentary given by the diver. we stopped at the 3 Shires Garden Centre at Newent before carrying on to Labels Outlet Shopping Centre. The drive back was also very pleasant driving through the Forest of  Dean. The weather was very good  and all enjoyed the day out.

Tuesday 13th April

The talk on the history of the ukulele given by Richard Bending followed the early years of its development in Hawaii about 150 years ago to its further development mainly in the USA. Richard brought along some of his collection of ukuleles for us to see. Some of the most novel and unusual models were one made from a cereal box another from a coconut shell and a $4.50 plastic one to accompany a TV programme teaching people to learn to play the ukulele. The talk was linked in with a sing-along by Richard, Barry and Chris using some of the old instruments.

Tuesday 9th March

Returning to the club, Ian Purvis talked to us about his collection of Sea Shells, and where they were collected. He had a large collection of interesting shells.

Tuesday 9th February

A talk was given by Lorraine Stanton of Vowley Farm on the subject “From Boardroom to Barn.” This was riches to rags story. After receiving an inheritance her family left the boardroom and moved to Wotton Bassett to start organic farming with 20 cows, completely unprepared with what was ahead. After a lot of hard work the farm has now progressed to include pigs, turkeys and chickens. The farm is still not able to make a sustainable income and is about to branch out to sell their produce prepared and cooked by themselves. It will be sold at country fares, pop concerts and similar venues. Lorraine concluded she has never worked so hard for such little return. You will find her at the Farmers Market at Swindon Outlet Centre on Sunday mornings.

Tuesday 12th January 2010

Due to the snow conditions we were down on members attending this meeting. However our meeting commenced with a presentation given by Ashley Heath, BBC journalist, on the Harold Jolliffe One Act Play Festival being held on Thursday 11th February to Saturday 13th February to be held at the Swindon Arts Centre. For information see http://www.swindonweb.com/hj10. This site will give you the programme of events and prices. This was followed by our main activity a talk given by Sheila Parsons her topic titled “Spotting and Spinning” was tales of working behind the microphone in BBC studios interviewing people and presenting programmes. Sheila also gave a brief history of the starting up of local radio stations.

Future Events.

Tuesday 14th December – Christmas Lunch.

The Christmas Lunch will be held in the Kingsdown P.H. followed by musical entertainment by Ken & Steve.

Tuesday 8th September 2009

This afternoon meeting was the start of our Autumn/Winter programme. We were entertained by Lynda Warren who told us humorous tales on making shows and films with the many unusual props that were required for them. Lynda had lots of photographs of the props and show shots for us to view after the talk.