On 20 June 2012 we will be joined by local archivist Jackie Smith for a walk around Albert Park to discover the history of the area.  Some of you may remember a previous talk by Jackie on the History of Abingdon back in 2011.  We will therefore not be meeting at the British Legion and instead will meet at Conduit House which is situated at the south-east entrance to Albert Park opposite the top of Conduit Road.  After the walk we will meet back at the White Horse pub on Spring Road for a well-earned drink.

In May we were delighted to welcome back to the fold one of our members Carole Hollingsworth following her successful completion of the Marathon Des Sables.  Reclaiming its title as the toughest foot race on earth, Carole amazed and enthralled us, recounting details of her training and preparation as well as the highs and lows of the 154 mile trek across the Sahara Desert.  Carole was finished 7th in the UK veteran category, whilst raising almost £2,000 for Walking with the Wounded.

In addition, we also held a fun blind-tasting session, trying to identify  six common buttery spreads and rating them by preference.  The results were surprising!

On 18 April 2012 we were joined by Sam Mallett of Notcutts Garden Centre for a talk entitled “Plants for all aspects of the garden”.  As well as providing us with hints and tips on how to get the most out of our garden, Sam also brought along a selection of plants and shrubs for both sunny and shady aspects.  These included plants that might cope well under drier conditions, as Oxfordshire’s hosepipe ban begins.  It was a very informative and interactive discussion.

We held our Annual Meeting on 21 March 2012.  Presidents and committee members were elected and the financial statements for the preceding year were proposed and adopted.

Our treasurer, Margaret McWhirter gave a demonstration of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, using techniques learnt on courses held at Denman College.  All attendees took home their own individual arrangement.

Ikebana

In February we were joined by David Ehteridge, the Chief Officer of Oxford Fire and Rescue Service, who has been in service for 27 years.  As Chief Officer, David came up with a 10 year vision – 365 Alive – to educate the local population on fire and road safety in order to save 365 lives in Oxfordshire and save the taxpayer £100 million.  He gave a most interesting and information talk, punctuated with astonishing facts and amusing anecdotes.

David Endacott gave an interesting  talk on Bats and the Oxfordshire Bat Group.

In  December we had a meal at the Bath Street Bistro.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and happy new year.

We have an exciting program of meetings in the new year starting with a talk by David Endacott on Bats and the Oxfordshire Bat Group in January.

On November 16th we will be treated to a hand bell-ringing session with Susan Read and friends.

There will also be a plant sale

 

In October we were  joined by Anne Borrowdale who gave an amusing talk on the invigilator who set fire to his trousers: tales from the exam hall.

In  September we were joined by Carol Hunt who gave us tips on reinventing our wardrobes.  Covering alterations, re-styling, repairs, embellishment, dyeing and lots more.  It was a very enjoyable evening.