SAD NEWS
I am sure you will be saddened to hear of the recent sudden death of Gill’s mother, Phyl. She came to live with Gill and Steve some years ago and soon became part of the village community. She joined the Twinning Association and joined in many of our functions, until becoming increasingly frail during the past couple of years. On behalf of our membership, I send condolences to Gill and her family.
THE EXCHANGE WEEKEND
Nineteen French guests arrived on Friday of last week, to be welcomed and taken home by their host families for supper. On Saturday, we visited the Museum of Kent Life near Maidstone, which explored the lives of the Kent hop farm workers up to the 1950s. The French were very taken with this and we had an excellent guide, who took us round as a whole group speaking equally fluently in English and French. There was something for everybody, from hop farm history, machinery, animals, houses and other village premises, reflecting the history of the various ages. (Some of us recognised the artefacts in the 1950s house!). There was an attractive picnic area for lunch and in the afternoon we either walked the river path, took a boat ride or went back into the museum.
In the evening we met at the White Hart Inn for the evening meal in the 16th century barn. It was a hot evening and those on the long table were a bit too cosy, but the food was good, we tried to keep the speeches concise. We were given a gift of two hibiscus plants - any suggestions for a suitable area to plant them? The consensus was that it was a very enjoyable evening. I must once again thank the committee for the hard work in organising and researching this, particularly Gill for producing the programme and menus, Daphne for sorting out all the money, Lesley for booking the trip, Terry for printing the name places and table plans and Sandy for wrapping the gifts so amazingly.
On Sunday, some people went to morning service at the St Mary’s Church and we all joined various groups for long and leisurely lunches – some fitted in trips to Brighton as well.
In the evening we gathered in the Seaforth Hall for a shared supper and on Monday morning, we bid farewell to our French friends and went home to put our feet up!
This time there were insufficient French people to warrant a coach, so they came by car.
As we too were fewer than expected last year, I would like to ask you to think about whether you are able to commit to the Twinning weekend next year. We have been given two dates to choose from, (24 July or 28 August). In the next newsletter I will include a form for you to indicate a preference to give us an idea of the numbers involved.
The coach/ferry group rate is based on a minimum of 30 people. We need to book this at the beginning of 2009. Therefore we need to know how many people wish to come to France next summer. Of course I understand that unavoidable circumstances may arise which prevent some people from going, but if we are a small number it is more practical to go in cars, as we do for the mini-weekends. We have not yet worked out relative costs, but will let you know these as soon as possible.
BOULES WITH TURNERS HILL
A group of us met with members of the Turners Hill Twinning Association last Friday at the Red Lion pub for a natter, fish and chips and a good attempt at playing Boules in the dusk. We were made very welcome, the weather was fine and we had an enjoyable evening.
FUTURE EVENTS
PROGRESSIVE SUPPER
The progressive supper will be held on Saturday September 13th. As numbers are limited, it will be ‘first come first served’. Please book with Gill before Saturday 6th, so we can begin the complicated arrangements! Price £10.
TREASURE HUNT
This will be on Sunday 5th October in the afternoon. It will be on foot around Handcross, followed by a cream tea in the Parish Hall. Further details to follow.
CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Parish Hall has been booked for Saturday, 6th December, so we welcome any suggestions, comments or offers of expertise to make this evening go with a swing.
Newsletter - August 2008
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April 2008
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June 2008
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July 2008
