Hello friends
New Venue. The Hub, Hamlet Court Road
Well, I think it’s safe to say that our new venue was a success and I heard a lot of comments about how bright and friendly and welcoming it seemed. There was much interest in the topic of mudlarking but I know that some of you who were sitting at the back had difficulties hearing the speaker. I am at a loss as to why so many people refuse to use a microphone and labour under the mistaken belief that their voice will be loud enough! Sam suggested that from now on we tell every speaker that they have to use a microphone, no choice, when we book them, and I think this is a good idea.
This month’s Meeting May 12th
Our May meeting has a gardening theme. Chris, our gardening expert, will be imparting his wisdom, solving our gardening problems and showing us how to take cuttings. We’re going to be getting hands on and planting up our own displays too; we’ll provide the plants and compost, you just need to bring a small container – maybe something unusual or recycled? Gloves and a trowel might be handy if you own such things. We’ll also be having a plant ‘swish’ so any donations of plants, seedlings, seeds etc would be most welcome.
On top of this, we have a lady from Healthwatch Southend, the local consumer champion for people who use health and social services, popping in to tell us a bit about what they can offer us.
Helpers
Many thanks to Sandy, Jill and Kelly who have offered to help clear up/wash up this month and to Rosie, Diane, Jenny and Marilyn who will be making cakes for us to enjoy. Baking ladies, you can get the cost of the ingredients reimbursed if you bring an invoice to the meeting.
Next month
Our June meeting on the 9th will be a Platinum Jubilee knees up with slap up refreshments, cocktails, a pianist, singing, a right royal quiz and much jollity.
Hopefully your entries for the craft competition are progressing well. You can sew, knit, papercraft, whittle, paint, cake decorate, blow glass, arrange flowers, make a life size statue of the Queen in ice, anything you want…as long as you can make a good case for it having some kind of tenuous link to the Jubilee. It would be lovely if everybody could wear something themed around patriotic red, white and blue too.
Thanks to those of you who have offered to help with the refreshments. I’ll be in touch shortly to formulate plans. If you would like to be added to the list, just reply to this email.
Ladies that Lunch
Our next get together for top chat and nosh will be on Friday 27th May. I think the venue is likely to be that nice old pub in Shoebury. The Angel, is it? Don’t hold me to that though. If you’d like to join us and you haven’t let Sam know on Facebook, drop us an email.
Craft Club
The next meeting will be on May 30th. There is still some debate re the venue though. We have been offered a very nice room at the Hub, for a mere tenner, but this relies on a committee key holder being available to open the doors to let us in. (Also the top lock is so high up that our more vertically challenged ladies can’t reach it without a ladder!!) Our lovely Christine has offered to host the next one in her home, address to be announced, and we’ll then decide where to go from here.
Trips
The mudlarking adventure in London on June 16th filled up very quickly but our resident mudlarking expert Alison (and brand new committee member) has offered to arrange something more local for us. Watch this space.
Anne has also planned a trip to Barnard’s Farm in Orsett on September 4th, which is a beautiful garden, complete with miniature train. Do let us know if you have any other ideas for trips and outings.
Can’t wait to see you all next week, you lovely lot you.
Much love
Vanessa
May Newsletter
