Who would have thought that a few hours chosen for a lunch outing in February several weeks beforehand, could have been dry, when one considers the torrential rains we had during the month. That being so, we were able to have a mini tour before arriving for lunch just the other side of Guildford. There was a very varied menu, and everyone appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves, including two visitors from Canada.

You could call it a 'Do it yourself afternoon', when Members were asked to bring along something they treasure. The meeting was quite well attended (in spite of the rain). Nine Members participated only, which was rather a pity, as afterwards others said "I suppose I could have brought something" !!   It did not have to be of monetary value, and each person was asked about their particular piece. First up was a charming little lady which was the only remaining from a dolls house way back in the 1930's then a lovely old teapot, probably Victorian, which was heavily decorated with flowers and animals, a telescopic toasting fork which had been given to a members sister when she was a little girl for running errands, a porcelain miniature jug in colours of pale lemon with dainty flowers, which had been given when she was a little girl about 5 years old, an imitation pearl necklace which was given as the first present by her late husband after they were married 60 years ago, a beautiful enamelled powder compact which had been given by her late husband 50 years ago just before their marriage, a gold ring and bracelet given when the owner used to attend dances, a single stem vase decorated with lilies of the valley, which had been used for 4 generations to decorate the top of wedding cakes containing lilies of the valley, a porcelain basket of flowers which had been presented as a farewell present on leaving St. James School as a dinner lady for many years, and a sapphire and diamond ring which had been designed by the owner's late husband, who had trained as a Silversmith and had bought the gems separately. It all led to a very interesting afternoon.

There was a good tea served by our ladies, and then the usual raffle.
This month Mrs Holmes, Plant hunting in East Africa.