Our January meeting saw us welcoming our first 'Inspiring Woman' of the year when Philippa Joyner of Hollingbourne spoke to us about how she started writing her children's books –‘The Anouka Chronicles’. The protagonists are based on her own children and the story-line evolves as she travels on her daily commute to London. She must be one of the few commuters actually to welcome a delay! She read extracts from her book and a kaleidoscope of observations of her fellow travellers, which might well form the basis of another book. It was a privilege to meet such a charming real-life author.
Four of us enjoyed a larger than life performance of 'Cilla' at the Dartford Theatre — bringing back memories of a recent trip to Liverpool.
The Lunch Club started the year at the Sugar Loaves’ in January.
The ‘Sugar Loaves’ was also the venue for our darts matches against both Allington and Loose WIs, although, while enjoying the blazing log fire and a sausage and chips supper, we could not appreciate two defeats in a row and being knocked out of the Federation tournament. Mary, Penny and Janice produced some game-winning doubles to save our honour.
We thought the Wizard of Hozz was the best-ever panto with a wide range of colourful characters and we just loved the songs.
The sun shone brilliantly for the Pancake Race on Thursday, 8th February. The Playgroup and Hollingbourne School were feisty competitors, running with such energy. The school's VIPs - a team of year 6 pupils - acted as race judges, winners' escorts, pan returners and generally good eggs. The races would not have run so smoothly without them!
Our next meeting on Tuesday, 20th March, feature the Hollingbourne Meadows Trust. We all know about the Trust's imaginative work which has created tranquil, accessible green spaces around Hollingbourne. Their vision has given us an opportunity to enjoy a unique environment which has been recognised nationally as an exceptional amenity. Ben Williams and Shaun Cardwell will remind us what the Trust does and the plans for the future. They promise a 'practical touchy-feely element of some sort during the presentation' - difficult to resist on a spring evening. Tickets are £3 on the door. We start after 8pm when the business part of our meeting is over. We hope to see you there.
Report by Val Williams
Secretary Hollingbourne WI
