How the Autumn has flown! It seems only a short while since I was writing to let you all know about our plans for the barbeque at the Winslow Show at the end of August.  Well what a Show we had! Thanks to the weather and the increasing attendance, the barbeque sold out once again despite there being a substantial increase in the amount of food available. A huge thank you to all who gave up their time to make the event the great success that we now expect. I would like to particularly thank Georgina for coordinating staffing and food purchase and of course the barbeque crew. Thanks also to Linda Shiner for preparing and managing the publicity stand. A big thank you also to Cauldron Foods for sponsoring the vegetarian menu for the second successive year.

Since I last wrote we enjoyed an excellent ‘French style’ meal in the cosy bistro atmosphere at Rigby’s on the 8th October. The evening was so successful that we are trying to organise another similar event in February as requested by several members.

The next event in our calendar is the Festive Progressive supper that is being organised by Liz Smith and Hermione Longton. Many thanks to all who are hosting a course, your participation at this busy time of year is much appreciated. I’m sure that we will all enjoy wonderful food, excellent company and have a great evening together, I look forward to seeing you during the course of the evening.

The committee are all very busy planning our next visit to Cours-LA Ville due to take place on the last weekend of May. Current thoughts involve the ’main party’ leaving by coach on the evening of Thursday 27th May, returning Monday 31st May although we are investigating extending the visit until Tuesday 1st June. It would be most helpful at this early stage if you could indicate if you were interested in travelling with the main party or making your own way there. Either way, it is essential that the committee are aware of your plans so that  we can advise our French colleagues so that catering for the communal events can be adjusted accordingly. Next year’s visit will be the 30th Anniversary of the twinning and I know that they are planning many special events that you will not want to miss. You may be pleased to know that Cours-La Ville have offered Winslow 50 roses to mark the occasion. The rose is named after ‘ Mary-Ann de La Martine’ who was the English wife of Alphonse de La Martine one of France’s 19th  century romantic poets, I include a photograph of the rose in the newsletter.

It is hoped that these will be planted with a suitably engraved plaque in a prominent position within the town, We are investigating reciprocating with a traditional red post box. 

In advance of the AGM on Tuesday 5th January, can I repeat my request for members to come forward to join the committee; as you are aware the committee is comprised of only 6 members and to maintain the Association’s level of activity and our ability to run efficiently we really need to increase this by 2 at the AGM. I would be grateful if you could  give the matter some serious thought and if you are able to help we would be delighted to hear from you.

Gordon

Addition: View 'Thirty years of fun and friendships' here