MAY

So much for taking advantage of lockdown easing! With the unseasonal wet, cool and windy weather, we’ve all been driven back indoors! However, we’ve made the best of the few brighter days and managed some outdoor meet-ups, in gardens and on the Rec.  Thank you to the members who have arranged and hosted these.  There have also been plenty of walks together, between the rain showers! We’ve continued to support each other with regular phone calls and our WhatsApp group chat. Lots of thoughts, shared moments, empathy and laughs!

Our May meeting was again on Zoom and the speaker was Marion Dale, a horticulture expert and garden designer. She has a vast knowledge of plant origins, their contextual history and place within societies. She gave a fascinating talk on “Plants which Changed the World – or Tried to!” 

She showed pictures and gave details of plants from all around the World and demonstrated how, over the years, we have adopted and used them. From the humble, domestic potato to more exotic and broader use plants which have formed the basis for some brilliant, life changing inventions and industries. Rubber, Hemp, Ferns/Coal, Silk, Perfume, Quinine, Agave – to name but a few! 

At the end of May we had a Zoom coffee morning with a theme of May celebrations.  Seven ladies joined us for a lively chat with some interesting topics coming forth.  One lady told of her childhood memories of May Day at Turville in Buckinghamshire – better known as the location for the windmill in the Chitty film and many Midsomer Murders scenes. 

We also heard of a lovely day out at The Newt in Bruton. One had many friends and family all celebrating birthdays in May – so a busy time with cards and gifts. Somehow we moved onto Studland beaches and Naturism and much other general news and fun shared.  Although more ladies are now out and about, it’s still nice to have a catch up with a small group whilst sat at home with a cuppa.

Tai Chi is starting again in the Hall. Numbers are obviously restricted indoors so booking in advance is key. From County News, there is an upcoming visit to Hauser and Wirth in Bruton and Food/Craft show in Taunton.

Our next speaker’s theme on Monday 14 June will be on “Beautiful Somerset”. A chance to uncover some of the hidden delights of our glorious County!  This will also be a Zoom meeting. 

However, before then we are planning a picnic lunch at the Recreation Field (weather permitting!) on Monday 7 June. This will be the first time since March 2020 that we will have had the chance to meet up as a whole group together!

If there are any ladies in the village who’d like to join in and get to know others, you are very welcome to our zoom talks. No commitment! Contact Mary on 01373 812415.