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Meeting Roundup
Our December meeting was our Christmas party with lots of festive food and merriment. We did two quizzes, one dingbat quiz and another Christmas song picture quiz. We played the bauble game and everyone went home with a new bauble for the tree. It was nice to just sit, chat and relax together.
Next meeting is Wednesday 8th January - Gill Cosford from Clay Creations
Cake Rota
Heather Smith
Louise Martin
Julie Elsom
Craft Corner
Thanks to our friend Jo from Earl Shilton WI Leicestershire who have been knitting baby blankets for us we now have 12 more blankets to give to Louise for Jessops Maternity Hospital.
We also have 5 finished trauma bears ready to give to Heather with another couple nearly completed, along with another blanket almost complete and several ‘little hats’ for the Age UK Big Knit. All our zigzag scarves sold at Christmas and over the next year we will produce more in time for next Christmas.
Monday 6 January - no meeting due to snow
All Craft and Natter dates for 2025 are now published on the Events Calendar on the front page of The Forge website
Book Group
At our December meeting we discussed The murder game by Tom Hindle which was generally not well liked by the majority of people. Some people felt that he was trying to do a ‘Christie’ in a modern setting and failed miserably. Most felt it was poorly written, with weak characters and a farcical plot.
Overall it scored 4/10. Probably rated our worst book yet!
Next meeting Wednesday 15 January 7.30 Laycocks. Killing Time by Alan Benett.
Book Group meetings - 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm at Laycocks Sports Club. For full details see Upcoming Books
Outings Roundup
The last outing of the year was to Haddon Hall Christmas market on 29 November. Haddon Hall is lovely at Christmas time with log fires burning and festive decorations throughout the grounds and house. There were lots of stalls selling a variety of food and drinks both to consume and to buy as presents. Many stalls were selling a variety of handmade goods. After a stroll round the market some of us enjoyed a warm lunch in the restaurant.
Future Outings
New for 2025 we have launched an online Outings Declaration form that must be completed by anyone wishing to take part in an outing. The Declaration can be completed online (you'll find it on the members page), or alternatively it can be completed during a monthly meeting.
Next Outing - Rescheduled Observatory 20 February 2025 - last time we tried to visit the observatory the weather got the better of us and we had to cancel. Fingers crossed for clear skies for our visit this time. We could be lucky like our previous visit and see lots of planets and a fish and chip shop or we could see just the fish and chip shop! There will be an informative talk whilst we are there too. The cost for the group is £70 which will be split amongst everyone who books on this event. We will work out the cost per person by 1st February. Money will need to be paid by 5th February and is non refundable unless you can be replaced.
Please note the observatory is very cold so wrap up with warm clothes.
Shelagh will be our host for the evening and for more information please see https://chesterfield-observatory.co.uk/
For future outings see Upcoming Outings, book online or at the Outings Desk
Charity
Our December food bank collection included lots of festive treats such as nice biscuits, Christmas cake, christmas pudding, chocolates. These were very much appreciated, as when I delivered them they were starting to make up the Christmas Special bags to go out nearer to Christmas.
Now that the weather is getting colder and winter fuel bills will bite more, the food bank has experienced a 33% rise in those needing help throughout the winter, so our donations will be much needed.
Please include warm, filling foods such as rice, pasta, soups, porridge preferably things that can be made in the microwave or using hot water from a kettle.
Our next food bank collection will be at the January meeting.
NB: In March we will be choosing a new charity to support for next year, voting will take place during February by Email.
Nominations need to be submitted to me by Monday 27 January. I will need full details of the charity and their work including their Charity commission number., also a named contact and their contact details. Any Charity nominated needs to be local and not a National Charity.
Christmas Fair Fundraising.
Any items left after the sale at Holy Trinity Church were offered for a donation to our members at the December meeting, also at Greenhill and Lowedges Libraries. The unused tombola was taken to Lowedges School Christmas fair and the proceeds shared with the school. We now start the year with a clean slate.
Have your say
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