AFTER the coldest winter on record for 100 years ... or so we have been told, we got going again! It was not just the snow that held us in but the consequential broken bones and hospitalisations that have made the past couple of months a non starter.

So this week we started the New year with a very amusing talk by Elizabeth Adlam which had arisen from her latest cruise through the Panama Canal; more about the people than the terrain so we will have to have her back to finish the story ... OK Mother! as she was titled by a couple of fellow travellers ... for most of us that caused a great deal of laughter.

Elizabeth's talk was truncated because we had arranged a lunch to follow her talk. A quick rearrangement of the hall; tables were pulled out and we all sat round chatting and chomping, catching up on all the happenings of the past couple of months. The buzz in the hall was tangible and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the repast.

We can't promise to do that every month but certainly will repeat the event; so do come along to Christchurch Hall on the first Wednesday of the month. Coffee is served at 10.30am and the speaker usually calls everyone to order about 11am ... and we are very well behaved and save the rest of the conversation until afterwards!

Next month, again the second of the month we have a return visit from Jill Salmonds who was a great hit with her Chinese fabrics. She will be bringing her African fabrics this time and I am sure will give a fascinating talk. We were allowed to handle the garments that had centuries of history associated with their construction ... hopefully the African ones will be equally fantastic. And we think that we have talents?

April 6 will be with a difference as we will be going down to see the daffodils at Dymock and be served a super Ploughman's lunch by Mrs Eversham and her team (last year we dined in the Church). I need to have names and volunteers to drive a car so that those who do not drive can also enjoy the day out. I can pick up a list of names at the meeting next time or you can phone me on 01684 592709 so that I can start organising the day out.

At present our May meeting will be helmed by twinkle-toes Alan, who will be teaching us some of the basic skills of dancing; he had not yet divulged exactly what we will learn but I am sure it will be a lot of fun.

Then another to be looked forward to in June will be a return visit of Carol from the Guarlford Garden Centre with a plethora of beautiful flowers to purchase and a fountain of knowledge to solve our problems.

If you want any further information of what we are at AMITY (it means friendship) or details of any of the above events please contact me or Alan on 575671.

CHRISTINE GLEDHILL.