Report : August  and September 2017

                                                                                                                
 
Our August meetings are always arranged  by a specially appointed committee rather than the main committee and the subject matter or theme is generally kept as a surprise to all the other members. What a lovely surprise it was this year as we were greeted with a cup of fruit punch and entertained by a group from the Chester Ukes, a Chester based ukulele club with over 25 members. These talented ukulele players performed a very varied selection of songs. Their leader, Gary who had broken his foot (fortunately it didn’t affect his playing!) spoke briefly about the differences between the various  types of ukulele, which range from the small soprano to the much larger baritone. Everyone left with a big smile on their faces and humming some of the tunes they had heard.

At our September meeting Angie Lopez, a member of the Fundraising Team at the Countess of Chester Hospital, talked  about their latest appeal to raise £26,000 for two vitally needed kidney dialysis machines which would be in addition to the 21 provided by the NHS. Angie told us how the staff on the Renal Unit work hard to create a cheerful atmosphere because dialysis is extremely draining for the patients, as the body experiences the same impact during each treatment as running a marathon and she is always impressed by how  well the patients cope.  
 
Sandwiched between these two meetings was our Summer Garden Party held at the home of Dot Berry. By some miracle it didn't rain and the sun even came out occasionally. About 40 members attended and were welcomed with a glass of Bucks Fizz followed by a great afternoon tea comprising a selection of sandwiches and a fantastic array of delicious cakes baked by our members. Dot's garden looked splendid and she had prepared a very entertaining quiz which kept us all guessing. Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Now Summer has almost ended and Autumn is on the way you might be looking for something to do on the long, dark evenings to come. Why not join us on the first Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church School Room. You will hear interesting speakers, make new friends and learn new hobbies. At our next meeting on October 4th the guest speaker is Christina Spencer who has worked as the archivist for the Liverpool based Bibby Line Group for over twenty years. Christina will be telling us about the history of The Bibby Line which began trading in 1807. It should be an interesting talk and will be followed by the usual tea, coffee and cake.
( Avril Butler)