Hemyock

The April meeting was held in the Forbes Lounge where members and a visitor were welcomed by the president Lynn Taylor. The recent group meeting at Uffculme had been enjoyed by the 12 members who had attended, where Hemyock were presented with a large silver cup for winning the group competition for skittles. Transport arrangements were made for those going to see the show 'Cats' in Torquay and also for the Spring Council Meeting in Exeter. Two members said they would attend a meeting at Uplowman about milk prices to farmers, and five members would go to the observatory at Sidmouth. A house and garden visit near Wellington was proposed for August.

Then Mr Bennett and his assistant were introduced. They spoke about the importance of making a will and also gave general advice about ways in which inheritance tax can be reduced or even avoided. A bottle of wine was awarded to Julie for making the nearest guess to the amount awarded by a judge to a widow who contested a will left by her husband to whom she had only been married a short time. The competitions for a paper weight and flower of the month were well supported.

In May, an account of the Spring Council Meeting was given by the secretary Daphne Shepherd. Lynn told of the successful visit to Torquay to see the excellent performance of the show 'Cats' and also related on the visit to the Norman Lockyer Observatory at Sidmouth by four members. After discussing the resolution re: the closure of local hospitals, members were entertained by Gabrielle Newman-Turner who had them all singing - even if they thought they could not sing.

The next meeting on June 5th will be an evening on Patchwork when members will learn the history of the subject and be able to have a go at making a piece themselves in the 'cathedral window style.' Visitors will be very welcome. There will be a competition for flower of the month, and an item of handicraft.

Brenda Calcraft
01823 681592