November 10th Meeting
Hi All on this dark and damp night, what an excellent turn out for our Nov meeting a full house .Derek open the evening and welcomed Fred’s Daughter Amanda who has been a long supporter of the wine club with Dad. With Remembrance Day on 11th, Alan asked for 2mins silence as we remember those that gave their day for our tomorrow. With the Hot Pot warming in the ovens Pat run our raffle and the list was past around for our Christmas Buffet. Meeting up for a meal out was put forward and a date will be put out after our committee Meeting on 18th ,with the ovens pinging and food glorious food playing Kate & Pat served the Hot Pot why’ll a selection of music played in the background. Many thanks to all our members for making this a great evening & to Hilda for finishing the evening with her table curling, a special thanks to Pat& Kate for all there hard work through out the evening. Next Meeting Mon 8th Dec our Christmas Evening & Buffet .Chairman Derek.
SORRY ,October Report missing.
SEPTEMBER MEETING.
Hi All a good turnout for our Sep meeting ,Derek opened the evening & welcomed Jean & Joe who would like to join our club. Details went out for our Bowling @ Penketh on Mon 29th Sep. It was Memorabilia night and you did not disappoint ,Hilda’s memories & photo of her childhood ,Val’s photo of Charlie there pet dog & Charlie the Cuddly Dog ,then Kate with a trip down memory lane from 1979 & the Rainhill Trials with many photos of the Rocket , then Derek produced a mini frying pan from 1960 presented to him & Lin on there first date and dance @ the Lacarno Ballroom Liverpool on pancake night .With the buffet & raffle completed it was down to Alan to calm us all down with his Thai-Chi class. Many thanks to Alan & Pat for there contribution & to you all for a great night .Next meeting Mon 13th Oct , please bring 1 Wrapped up Raffle Parcel each , see you Fri 12th ENJOY .
Meeting 11th AUGUST 2025.
A full house for our Aug meeting, Derek opened the evening and we looked back @ our bowling from Friday 8th ,Elsa was re-presented with her name now engraved on the Lin Rowley Memorial Shield, and another date was agreed 29th Sep for the pairs cup comp, that date has now been confirmed by Jean . Viv open the liqueur tasting and was followed by Kate then Patt with all making a great impression on us all . It was Patt's talk on her life's adventures that sobered us up , so quiet you could her a grain of sand drop, with our excellent buffet awaiting we all moved quietly to the table trying to take it all in. with our raffle over Fred sent around his liqueur , then Alan asked us to remember VJ DAY 80th ANNIVERSARY as we all raised our glass's to FOR OUR TOMORROW THEY GAVE THEIR TODAY--. All the details went out for Salmesbury Hall in Sep . Our next meeting Mon 8th Sep Memorabilia night & Alan's Thai-Chi class . Many thanks to all for another great night
Meeting 14th July. 2025.
Hi All, A full house for our July meeting with a special welcome to Debbie & Lou, who were visiting for the evening & a special thank you for providing the evenings buffet. We looked back to out bowling day @ Penketh on 26th June for the Lin Rowley Shield which Elsa won , and a new date 8th Aug 11 30 am was put forward with great interest ,i can now CONFIRM the booking for that day. With 7 Summer Wines for tastings it was no surprise that the members & guests were enjoying the evening ,and it was Val last years winner that won the summer cup agai, so well don, Val. After the excellent buffe, a date finale was agreed for a visit to Salmesbury Hall on Friday 12th Sep , all details to follow later . Some interest was shown for the Hattons coach trip on 16th Aug for the 40s festiva, but no arrangements were made. Next meeting Mon 11th Aug punch & liqueur tasting , and a talk from Patt on her life expeditions . Many thanks to all for making the evening interesting . Derek
Meeting 10th June 2025.
HI All A decent turnout for our June meeting with apologies from Tom-Mike-Elsa-Hilda. Derek opened the evening and thanked those members for attending our first Bowling Day @ Penketh . Another date was agreed on Thursday, 26th June, and 11 30am, which has now been confirmed with Anita. Not much interest of days out with Hattons coach trips. With a welcome buffet on the table and with some tails by some members from the past enjoyed, then Pat set up and run our raffle . Alan’s around Britain Quiz went down very well, with Patt eventually winning the bottle of prosecco . An invitation was given to attend Patt & Roy’s Garden Open Day on Mon 14th July, at 11 am. for those that can make it . Details were given for a day out to Salmesbury Hall by Mini Bus with a Meal in the Garden Eatery ,& with our next meeting 5 weeks away may be we could meet up for lunch sometime, but no dates were agreed. Next meeting Mon 14th July Summer Wine Comp with Fred & Mike, & Alan’s Thai-Chi Class .Many thanks to Alan & Pat for their contribution to the evening & to all members that attended the meeting. Derek
12th May. Meeting 2025.
On a very warm evening, it was a decent gathering for our Mlay meeting.
Derek opened the evening with an update on
Tom and apologies from
Fred & Details went out for our bowling at Penketh which is now Wed 4th JUNE @11 30 am ,£ 8 00 each , please bring some food for the buffet table, and all so details of Hattons days out, Treasure Pat brought members upto date regarding our rent and room . Elsa invited Patt to assist her with the picture bingo which I thought was very nice, with the buffet & raffle over and with Fred’s curling not available, Derek opened up our W.i lie to you envelopes which is always a with Mike Kate. Frank & Derek. Bringing some welcome fun to the evening.Patt also gave us a description of the great wall of CHINA construction .Next meeting Monday 9th June, please bring 1 wrapped up raffle parcel.Alan has a quiz & Hilda and Val will entertain? Many thanks to you all again for making our evening . Derek.
10th March meeting 2025.
Hi All good to see you all for our return to our club after such a sad and difficult time , even though we were locked up in the clubs cupboard, we gave a warm welcome to Roy & Pat who made a visit to get the flavor of our club and signed up on the night. Apologies from Tom & Val, but I hope they will join us next month along with Lesley. President Mike treated us to a taste of Prosecco + a none- alcoholic version and that went down well, with the raffle & buffet finished Chairman Derek went through the A G M for 2024, Pat brought us up to date with our finances and the committee were asked to continue for 2025 . This was followed by the minuets of the Nov committee meeting , we all agreed to meet up for lunch @ the Cook- House in Rainhill on Tuesday 25th March @ 1pm. A good start to a very difficult meeting for us all. Next Meeting Mon 14th April Bingo with Derek & Thai-Chi with Alan and back in our big room . Derek.
December Meeting 2024.
Hi All. The tables are set for our Dec Christmas Evening and with the Christmas music playing we all sat down to enjoy. Up first was the presentation of the King/Queen of the 2024 most won raffles , and with 9 wins it was Kate who was crowned Queen 2024 . The scene was set for Blow Your Mined with each side of the table in competition , blow your streamer if you new the answers to the questions set by Derek and you rely got into to the spirit of the game with Toms side of the table winning the chocolate reindeers . With the excellent buffet set out from you all & our raffle concluded , we were all treated to a free raffle ticket for the gift that Tom brought in which Frank won. With the evening in full swing up next the generation table challenge with 15 items to remember in 1 minuet , and Pat with 14 out of 15 took home the Poinsettia . It was agreed that the Hamper we all filled would be handed over to the Salvation Army in St Helens , and Lin the great emotion from the staff and our selves did as you will see from the photo. With the 2025 calendars & diary given out and the music playing the evening came to a close . Thank you all for making this a Great Entertaining Christmas Evening also for all your lovely comments it makes it all worth whyll . Happy Christmas Lin & Derek x
November Meeting 2024.
Hi All .A near full house for our Nov meeting & Hot Pot Supper ,with a welcome return of Elsa-Fred& Tom .With the 11th being Rememberance Day Alan asked for 1min silence as we pause reflect & remember and never forget the courage & sacrifice of those who gave their tomorrow for our today. With the Hot Pots warming in the oven , details were given out regarding indoor bowling , a date was set for a committee meeting Mon 25th Nov 7 30 pm @ Frank & Kate’s, we also set a date for a meal together @ the Cookhouse Rainhill Mon 2nd Dec 1 pm & Kate volunteered to book our table .It was agreed that the contributions for the Xmas Hamper will be going to the Widnes Salvation Army with Mike in December. With the smell of food & the background of food glorious food playing it was time for our Hot Pot . Excitement was building as Chairmen Derek set out connect 4, with everybody playing it was Frank & Lin who were group winners, with Frank after 3 testing games just edging out Lin as the overall winner. Many thanks to Frank & Kate for bringing in the Hot Pot & Apple Pies, and to those that spent time in the kitchen . See you all on Mon 2nd December 1PM @ the Cookhouse Rainhill . Chairman Derek.
October meeting 2024.
HI All, with a few empty seats for our October meeting Chairman Derek opened the evening with a look back @ our day out in Sep for the 40s festival in Grassington , and thanked Frank & Kate for all their hard work in setting up our meal up @ the Devonshire Arms. With the Hilda Dykes Shield now engraved with Pats name for 2024 it was re-presented for her safe keeping . With some raffle parcels still to come in , it’s just a reminder that the raffle each month and bums on seats is our only revenue that supports our funds as our £15 membership pays our rent . Winter Warmers many thanks to those that brought in , 2 Mulled Wines & a Chocolate Mint. During the buffet Derek gave out the would i lie to you envelopes which seems to be a great success to be returned in NOV/DEC, & with the raffle over Frank & Kate set us all a general knowledge quiz which was excellent , with Alan winning first prize with 16 correct. Next meeting Mon 11th Nov our” HOT POT SUPPER ” & Apple Pie which will be FREE, , with the evening coming to a close Derek treated us all to a Brandy Bean
September Meeting 2024.
Hi All . A near full house for our Sep meeting , with a memorable night to come Chairman Derek opened the evening and welcomed all . It was good to have Tom back after his short spell in Hospital, also a welcome return for Viv . Details were now in place for our visit to Grassington with a meal @ the Devonshire Arms . Our bowling is now booked for the Hilda Dykes Shield @ Penketh Wed 25th Sep 11 30 am . Focus was now on Memorabilia and what a start with Hilda’s Past Times of St Helens, Viv with her magnificent embroidering map of Australia ,Tom’s Ancient pistols belonging to his grandad , Alan’s 1933 Football Echo Pink & his RAF Yard Stick Mace , followed by Lin’s 1966 Highway Code . We were all now ready for our Buffet & Raffle . All was not done when Derek’s Superlambanana made a surprise visit, along with 125 Photos in his Album , it was now down to Alan to take us all under his wing with his great new Thai-Chi Class , we were all refreshed but it was time to go home. .Many thanks to everybody it was a brilliant evening enjoyed by all . Next meeting Mon 14th Oct Winter Warmers and Frank & Kate’s quiz , also please bring 1 wrapped parcel for the raffle box. Next up 1940s festival .
August meeting 2024.
Hi All, A near full house for our Aug meeting, with a surprise visit from Tatty Head, the disappearing Scarecrow. He was looking for his owner Frank, when they should have been united @ our garden party on Sat , their was tears & cuddles when finally met up. Alan & Fred were presented again with the now fully engraved Pairs Bowling Cup. Frank & Kate finalized the menus for our meal when we go to Grassington . Some bowling dates were agreed on Wed, 11th & Fri 25th Sep , i will confirm when I agree with Penketh. 3 liqueur samples from Pat-Hilda-& Lin rely went down well, & Lin gave us all an update on Tom who had been detained @ the nurses’ pleasure in Whiston Hospital, and is now @ home recovering. Hilda taxed our brains with a science & history quiz , but the evening was all about Tatty Head finding his DAD . Next meeting Mon 9th Sep Alan’s Thai-Chi and Memorabilia Night were you can bring in anything that is memorable to you that you would would like to share with us all. A big thank you to all for making this a brilliant evening, Chairman Derek.
July meeting 2024.
HI All Chairman Derek opened the evening with apologies from Elsa, who was not so well. Pat gave us an update on our 1/2 year finances, which are looking good . The engraved bowling trophies were presented to Hilda & Frank along with details for Friday 12th July 11 30am for the new Pairs Cup competition ,£7 00 each and something for the buffet table, please do your best to attend this great afternoon. Everything is now in place for our Hattons coach trip to Grassington on Sun 22nd Sep & Kate will try to book us all in for lunch at the Devonshire Arms for lunch at 2pm , also Kate will be celebrating her 80th Birthday on 4th Aug and would like us all to join her & Frank @ the Ship Inn Rainhill on Tuesday 6th Aug @ 2 pm (all meals are well priced ). Alan & Pat have set a date for our garden party Sat 10th Aug 1pm -5pm and moor details will follow soon. With the Wordsearch under way, it was Kate leaving everybody in her wake, sweeping the board with all 21 words correct to win the bottles of wine. With the buffet & raffle over ,Alan’s Thai-Chi class was just what we needed to calm us all down .Next meeting Mon 12th Aug Punch & Liqueur tasting with Lin Pat & Hilda ,also Hilda’s game/quiz to look forward to .Many thanks to all for making this another great night with lots more to come . See you all on Friday @ Penketh
June meeting 2024.
Hi All . A good turnout for our June meeting, Chairman Derek opened the evening and welcomed Fred’s return , we are a close group and will always look after one another in good & sad times . Derek also welcomed Viv whom was very interested in joining our club & i hope we made Viv very welcome, It was also good to see Tom’s return as we have all mist him. Mike & Fred opened the summer wine comp with some 8 bottles to judge & with the tasting ove, it was V, whose’s commercial wine won 1st prize. A lot of interest was shown for a return visit with Hattons to the 1940s festival in Grassington on Sun 22nd September £28 & i will bring you all up to date of the booking when i have been in touch with Hattons. Pat & Alan have volunteered to hold our garden party atheirre house and we will start arrangements when they return from holiday .With our buffet & raffle over Alan, tested our wine confused brains with a general knowledge quiz which Elsa won. Next meeting Mon 8th July with Alan’s Thia-chi ,please bring your 1 wrapped up raffle parcel, lets hope the sun shines for our bowling @ Penketh on Mon 17th June 11 30 am ,£8 00 each & some table buffet .Many thanks to all those who were involved on this very busy night. Lin & Derek
May 2024 Meeting.
Hi Everybody A good turnout for our May meeting with a special welcome to Roy who joined us for the evening with an interest of becoming a member of our club, we all made Roy very welcome and are looking forward to Roy returning . Chairman Derek gave out some Hattons leaflets on days out and we hope to book an outing next month, also some bowling dates were put forward and Mon 17th June was agreed. Our theatre visit was a great success and we are all looking forward to another visit soon. At this point Derek paid tribute to Angela who past away in April , and with a wonderful world playing in the back ground we all raised our glass for a very special lady and dear friend . With an excellent buffet waiting and our raffle to come ,Lin & Derek prepared for their UK Eurovision Song Quiz , which after some singing & scratching of heads Pat & Alan won the prizes . With the evening coming to a close Kate & Mike opened their would i lie envelopes with some amazing stories & with Roy chipping in with a story to be concluded next month, which is Mon 10th June our summer wine drive with Mike + Alan’s quiz . ,i will keep you informed when the bowling date is confirmed . A rely brill night , thank you all for your support Lin & Derek
April 2024 Meeting.
Hi all a good turn out for the April meeting. with apologies for Fred & Angela who was not so well. Derek opened the meeting by wishing Val a Happy Birthday and gave all a reminder of our meal together on Wed 10th @ the Lymewood Farm , with no days out with Hatton’s suitable we agreed to look again later in the year, with Pat giving us an update on our first 1/4 finances it was eyes down for our first bingo game of the night, with Alan the 1 line winner and Hilda winning the full house. With the excellent buffet awaiting and the raffle it was then time for 3 games of Lesley & Elsa’s picture bingo, with Pat winning 1 & Kate 2 . With time on our side out came Val’s would i lie to you envelope with a memorable story of cholamendy from the 1050’s which turned out to be true, not like Hilda’s story of lipstick on her sister’s dress which had most of us fooled. It was now time to go home!!!!! but wait with a knock on the door and thinking we had just started was Julie hoping to get a flavor of our club . We all welcomed her and ask her to come to the May 13th meeting which starts @ 6 15 – 8 30 pm .Many thanks to you all for making this another good night. We have now had our meal together @ the Lymewood farm , hope you all enjoyed the food and the afternoon , nice to see Tom again who donated a large bottle of whisky which Val won in the raffle, our next outing is 7th May @ the Brindley , see you all then.
March Meeting 2024.
Hi All a near full house for our March meeting with apologies from Lin who was a bit under the weather & from Jean & Bill who hope to be with us at the April meeting, and a welcome return from Lesley & Elsa from their holidays. Derek opened the meeting with a look back at our visit to the Brindley for the Ella Production of Oliver, amazing- fantastic- “OH WHAT A SHOW” with 6 curtain calls and all those that had the privileged to attend agreed. No decision was made regarding a coach trip with Hattons but will look again in April. Wed 10th April was agreed for a meal out @ the Lymewood in Haydock , Alan has now confirmed the booking for 16 arrive 12 30 for 1pm lunch. Hilda & Val tested our brains with a general knowledge quiz with Mike -Angela -Alan with 11 points each involved in a 3 question tie breaker with Alan being the eventual winner .With an excellent buffet awaiting and Pat & Angela running the raffle it was Alan who brought us all out of our seats to stretch our body’s as he took us all into the world of Thai-Chi .With our rent & internet accounts paid up to date we looked @ our next meeting Mon 8th April Lin & Derek’s night ,also please bring in 1 wrapped up parcel each for the raffle . Many thanks to you all for making this another great night
Meeting Report February 2024.
Hi All . The nights are getting lighter and with a full program of events to come all are members are looking forward to 2024.Chairman Derek opened the the meeting and welcomed Jean & Bill who had joined us for the evening for a flavor of our club. With the fish & chip supper arriving on time a quiet came over the room as we all “TUCKED IN ” ,a cup of tea was available and the Haggen Dazs Ice Creams went down well. Jean & Bill were introduced to all members with details of our club, after the raffle it was Table Curling with Angela & Fred, competitive you bet ,Reds v Yellows and after 3 games the yellow team after some gamesmanship from some of the red team won by 1 point . Derek with the highest overall score took home the bottle of champagne . Hope Jean & Bill enjoyed their visit and we can welcome them into our club. Many thanks to you all for making our evening a success . Next Meeting Mon 11th March Hilda & Val’s quiz & Thai Chi with Alan . Derek.
Meeting Report Jan-2024.
HI All A cold & dark Jan night but a full house for our 1st meeting of 2024. Chairman Derek opened the meeting & wished all a Happy New Year. It was sad to hear that Tom was not renewing his membership ,but lets hope that he will return at a future date, he is always welcome @ our events through out the year as are all past members. President Mike treated us all to a taste of some, not all excellent wines from Spain/Tesco, we then enjoyed a well laid out buffet ,with the forms going out for our fish & chip supper in Feb- Pat & Angela followed around with the raffle . Chairman Derek opened the A.G.M and read through his report for 2023 to include Treasurer Pat’s first report since her appointment and was excellently delivered, followed by Secretary Kate’s summing up. Kate then asked for nominations for President – Chairman-Treasurer- Secretary ,all were voted in on block. The A.G.M was closed . Chairman Derek read through the details from our committee meeting on 27th Nov and the new program papers went out, Pat collected members subs for 2024. Many Thanks To you all, its our Members Friendship & Contribution that Makes it all worth while . Next Meeting Mon- 12th Feb- Fish & Chip Supper and we will be entertained by Angela & Fred with Table Curling . Once Again Many Thanks To All . Lin & Derek.
Meeting 11th December 2023.
Hi Everybody many thanks to you all for being part of our Christmas evening, with only 9 members to serve from the excellent buffet a second visit to the table was a must. Alan with 8 wins over the last 12 months was Crowned Raffle King 2023, Lin & Derek then introduced the generation table challenge a game of memory ,after a very close contest it was Lesley who won the Poinsettia prize with 12 out of 15 right with Pat 2nd on 10. With the Ferrero Rocher going around the table it was the raffle that brought the attention of Raffle King Alan winning the first 2 prizes . The members thanked the Chairman for their Calendars / Diaries & Christmas cards ,and with some music playing out the evening Alan & Frank opened their “W-I-LIE ” ????? Envelopes . With so much time & preparation put into the evening I can’t thank you enough for coming and being part of our Christmas evening.
Next meeting Mon 8th January 2024 President Mike’s Wine Tasting, Committee meeting Minuets ,our A.G.M ,and please bring 1 WRAPPED RAFFLE PARCEL EACH. From Lin and I have a good Christmas and the best of health for the New Year .
November 13th Meeting. 2023.
Hi All . A cold dark and wet night for our Nov- meeting, but warming in the oven was our Hot Pot and Apple Pies . Chairman Derek opened the full house meeting and welcomed all also Sheila who was visiting with a view to may be joining. A date was agreed for our committee meeting Mon 27th Nov 7 30 pm @ Frank & Kate’s house , Lin collected the Christmas buffet list and with the raffle over Pat opened her- Would I Lie to You envelope, which relived a Bank Robbery when she worked in the Bank it turned out to be a lie “SORT OF ” next up was Derek with his Rock Star portrait and after much debate was true when he produced the said portrait . Details went out for Oliver @ the Brindley 18th Feb 2024 , Angela has now booked all 8 seats could you please bring your £20 50 ticket money to the Dec meeting. Angela & Fred finished the evening with Table Curling with Derek the over all winner. Many thanks to all for making this another great night. Next meeting Mon 11th Dec- our Christmas evening & Buffet .
Meeting 9th October 2023.
Hi All a few apologies @ our Oct meeting with special thoughts for Tom who has been in hospital for a few days , Lin &I have since visited Tom and he is feeling a lot better. An excellent Sloe Gin winter warmer from Pat brought a lot of interest and realy went down well, also Alan’s Memorabelia of old newspapers brought back some memories as to Lin’s old highway code .Alan was presented with the engraved Hilda Dykes Bowling Shield and Frank & Kate’s quiz was won by Alan . During the buffet Lin & Derek made a special announcement of there forthcoming 60th Wedding Anniversary, by inviting all the members to join them @ the Everglades Hotel Widnes on Sun 22dn Oct @ 1pm . Next meeting Mon 13th Nov Angela & Fred’s table curling & our free ” yes ” free Hot Pot Supper , anybody not having Hot Pot will have free fish & chips in Feb 7if you have not brought in your RAFFLE PARCELS & W.I.LIE TO YOU ENVELOPES please bring them in . Thanks to all for making this a most enjoyable evening
Bowling 28th September 2023.
Hi All It was a surprise after all the wet weather we have had that our bowling @ Penketh was not canceled , but under grey skies our hardened bowlers would not be put off dispite constantly having to clean the mud off our bowls. With some of the best bowling we have seen for some time , it was Alan on 14 points leading after 2 games and Irene in close contention on 11 points , with a welcome break for a cup of tea and a snack we where out again ,everybody keen to get their name on this magnificent Hilda Dykes Shield ,and it showed again with some top bowling. With Fred on 18 points and looking menacing it was Alan who increased his lead to 19 points to win the shield . Pat & Hilda both on 14 Irene 13 Derek 12 Angela 9 Lin& Val 8 all put in a memorable performance , well done to you all .
Another good day out .
Grassington Day Out. 17th September 2023.
HI All “WOW” what a fantastic day out we had in Grassington the weather was perfect ,with the village set out as a film set of the 1940s ,the music complemented the theme .With people dancing anywhere their was space it was a none stop day, except for food & drinks & when we paused to listen and joined in with the excellent singers .As you will see by all the photos it was a great day out . DO IT AGAIN YOU BET WE WILL. (See Photo Gallery)
Meeting 11th September 2023.
All A full house for our Sep meeting, Derek opened the evening with Pat our treasurer bringing us up to date with our finances and new bank details. Their was a lot of interest shown for our first memorabilia night which will carry on into Octobers meeting , with all 3 liqueurs left over from Aug tasted we looked for another date in Sep for bowling @ Penketh, 28th Sep has now been booked for 11 30am for the Hilda Dykes Shield please try to come . envelopes went out for the start of would i lie to you so please bring them back in Oct, with the buffet and bingo over Alan calmed us all down with a relaxing 30 mins of Thai-Chi . With all pick up times now in we are looking forward to the coach trip for the 1940s event on Sun .Next meeting Mon 9th Oct Winter Warmers ,Frank & Kates quiz, also please bring 1 wrapped parcel each for the raffle table and bring in your Memorabilia if you did not show it @ the last meeting . Many thanks to Angela & Fred for producing our first members poster & to you all for getting involved in making this another great night .
Bowling 7th September 2023.
Hi All A lovely day for our bowling @ Penketh with the smell of new cut grass and a small amount of dew on the green , the 4 ladies completing for the Maureen Harrison Cup were soon showing some great bowling with Elsa bowling for the first time showing some great skills, after 2 games they were all neck & neck . The 3 men were enjoying the peace & calm of the morning and after 2 games Fred & Derek had made a good start, so away from the heat and into the club house for refreshments. With us all now fed & watered we were raring to go again, so out we came for the final , Angela Elsa Irene Lin soon into their stride with Irene & Elsa finishing on 17 points , it was a 2 end play off with Irene just pipping Elsa for the cup. The men were late coming in with Mike making a late surge , but Derek just pipped Fred winning the Dave Williams cup with 12 points from Fred’s 10 . Well done all and thank you for supporting the bowling again. See you all on Mon 11th , lets try to make it a full house for memorabilia, Alans Thai-Chi and last of the summer liqueur tasting Lin & DerekMeeting 14th August 2023.
Hi All a few apologies for our Aug meeting , with no birthdays since our last meeting Chairman Derek opened the evening by looking back @ our excellent meal & gathering @ the Limewood in Haydock and later @ Bents Garden Center. Our coach trip to Grassington 1940s Event on 17th Sep is now booked and we are looking forward to the day out. Our new account with Lloyds Bank is near to completion and Pat our new treasurer has been working hard to set this up , new dates for the bowling @ Penketh Thursday 7th & 21st Sep have now been booked so please everybody that can please support our bowling before we loose it , we always have a great time so please join in .What a show for our liqueur tasting as 6 bottles were up for tasting , with us all starting to see double it was decided to limit it to 3 & keep 3 for next month. With the buffet & raffle over it was Lesley & Elsa who run 3 games of picture card bingo with Mike 2 wins & Derek 1 , so many thanks to you both for getting involved. Fred has looked at ways to attract new members by bringing our Web page up to date and Derek asking all members to try and do the same. Next meeting Mon 11th Sep Memorabilia night everybody to get involved, also would i lie to you envelopes going out and Alan’s Thai-Chi class . Please let me know A.S.A.P if you are coming to the bowling on 7th Sep so i can set up the matches Chairman Derek
Meeting 10th July 2023.
Hi All A near full house for our July meeting Chairman Derek asked all members for there approval & support for our new Treasurer Pat. With a very busy night ahead we looked back on our coach trip to Windermere which was a great success and set down Sun 17th Sep for another outing to Grassington in Yorkshire 40s Event which seemed to catch the attention of all .With our Bowling cancelled on Fri 14th July due to green problems some new dates were looked at Thurs 27th July & Thurs 10th Aug , 11 30 Start. At last some response on a meal out and Wed 2nd Aug was agreed, Angela’s book club is going in the right direction and maybe later in the year a visit to the theatre might be on the cards .Some interest was shown regarding our garden party with a final decision being made @ the next meeting.
Lin and I finally got the wordsearch going after a few months and with all members heads down and 100% focused for 10 minuets Pat & Val found all 16 words , Pat solved the anagram in the tie breaker and took first prize . With the evening running out of time fast Elsa & Lesley will now run the picture bingo @ the Aug meeting which is Mon 14th Punch & Liqueurs with cheeses “n” ham crusty bread, still bring your food for the buffet. I CAN NOW CONFIRM our meal @ the Limewood Haydock Wed 2nd Aug arrive 12 noon table for 14 under Rowley and later for those that can, a visit to Bents Garden Center 20mins away .
Also booked Hattons coach trip 16 seats to Grassington 40s Event Sun 17th Sep cost £27 please phone Hattons to pay with the usual arrangements , will send confirmation of our bowling when i have it
Chairman Derek
Meeting 12th June 2023.
Hi All a few apologies for our June meeting, Chairman Derek opened the meeting and began with setting out the nights agender . It was with great sadness that since our last meeting our long serving treasure Dave had passed away on 18th May. Derek paid his own tribute and then tributes were made from most of the members, Dave will be a great loss to our club as he had been involved for many years both as a committee member and treasurer and will always be remembered for his competitiveness on our bowling days and our garden party’s . With our summer wine competition underway we all raised the first glass in memory of Dave ,with Hilda winning her first trophy for her summer wine , it was time for our Buffet & Raffle. Derek put 2 bowling dates forward Thurs 13th & Fri 14th July with Fri 14th being the most popular and he will confirm with Penketh bowling , members were reminded of our forthcoming coach trip to Windermere . Derek asked members for an interest in holding our garden party, no venue was put forward , Chairman Derek informed the members that after a long discussion with Lloyd’s Bank that our funds are locked in David’s personal account and inquiries are being made for their release. Next meeting Mon 10th July Elsa will be running the picture bingo with a little help from a friend, & Lin & I will try again to deliver our Word Search .Please bring in 1 wrapped up parcel each for the raffle table . Chairman Derek.
Meeting 15th May 2023.
Hi all. Only a small turn out for the May meeting , Chairman Derek opened the meeting and we all spread out around the table. Derek brought everybody up to date regarding David who is still in Hospital, and we all send our best wishes to both Irene & Dave. some dates have been put forward from Penketh Bowling June 22nd & 23rd and a decision on these will be made at the June Meeting.
We were all looking forward to Angela’s Quiz and as always she didn’t let us down with Mike winning with 13 points .The sausage rolls made an unexpected return to the buffet table , and with Lesley assisting Angela with the raffle, it was eye’s down for 3 games of Bingo, Elsa must have had her lucky charm with her as she won all 3 games. We all raised our glass’s to Lesley who has taken her retirement from work. Next meeting Mon 12th June Summer wine drive with Mike & Fred , please bring one bottle of your choice all members will be tasting and judging for the summer wine cup which Alan won last year, Alan could you please bring in the Cup, also Lin & I are trying for the first time Wordsearch We will also be looking for any members to host this years garden party so please give this some consideration . Many thanks to all for a great evening .
Meeting 17th April 2023 .
Hi All. With the nights getting lighter Chairman Derek opened the meeting and thanked everybody for attending. We all send our best wishes to Dave who is going through a difficult time and having a stay in Hospital, our thoughts are also with Irene and hope you both have a speedy return to our club. All 12 seats are now confirmed for our coach trip to Windermere on Sun 25th June, also as Mon 8th May is an additional Bank Holiday our meeting is now Mon 15th . The main event was not far away, the wine circle grand national , with all 12 horse’s mounted on fairy cakes and members as jockey’s we were off with commentary by Derek , after jumping 9 fences it was Mike 1st on Winter Warmer 2nd Demi- John & 3rd Mad Merlot .After Derek recovered we opened the Buffet & Pat & Angela run the raffle, but sitting on a horse is not good so Alan had us all on our feet as he took us through 15mins of stretching & keep fit .And we all went home with our ache’s and pains to follow the next day, many thanks to everybody for taking part in a great night . Next meeting Mon 15th May
Meeting 13th March 2023.
Hi all ,it was a dark cold & wet night outside, but thanks to the warmth from all our members we all settled in for a great night. Chairman Derek opened the meeting by thanking the members for the gift as a thank you to Wife Lin & Himself for our contributions throughout the year. Interest was shown for a coach trip to Windermere on Sun 25th June , Angela’s book club has really taken off , & a new date because of a Bank Holiday in April was agreed as Mon 17th . Val then set us all a quiz followed by Hilda’s – Find me this game , the buffet was opened & Pat & Angela ran the raffle , Angela & Fred finished off the evening with a competition on the curling table with Irene the overall winner.
Many thanks to Val -Hilda-Angela- Fred and to all for making this another great evening.
Next meeting Mon April 17th with Bingo & the Wine Circle Grand National with Lin & Derek.
We can now confirm the booking for Windermere Sun 25th June please phone Hattons A.S.A.P to pay for your seat and place of pickup on 01744 359022 could you please let us know when you have paid .
Meeting 13th Feb-2023.
HI All a near full house for our Feb meeting & fish & chip supper , Chairman Derek opened the meeting with details of venues visited for a meal out and asked if members had other venues that would be of interest . Leaflets of Hatton’s Day Trips for 2023 were given out with a possible decision on both at the March meeting. Secretary Kate read her minutes from the A.G.M and Treasure Dave gave us an update on our Finances , with the aroma of chips filling the air we all settled down to our meal. Angela’s book club was up and running who along with Pat ran our 2nd raffle of the year, Alan then brought us all down to earth with another excellent Thai-Chi class, the meeting was brought to a close with details for the March 13th meeting, Hilda & Val’s contribution and Angela & Fred’s mini curling and a possible decision on a meal out and a day trip . Many thanks to all for a most enjoyable evening. Derek
Meeting Jan- 23rd 2023.
Hi All, with a virus around @ the begin of Jan we finally opened our first meeting of the year , Lesley was welcomed back after an absence of 4 years, then President Mike treated us all to a taste of some excellent wines from Spain & Portugal .A tribute was paid to Gillian who passed away on 5th December, we then enjoyed a well laid out buffet waiting for us, with the order forms going out for our Fish & Chip Supper in Feb, Pat & Angela followed around with the raffle. A suggestion of a small book library went down well and will start in Feb. Chairman Derek then opened our first A.G.M since 2019 , with Secretary Kate reading a summary from 2018-2019 minutes, no details of our funds & bank balance were recorded by Treasurer David but he agreed to address the situation @ our Feb meeting .Chairman Derek then read through his report from the last 18 months . Secretary Kate asked for nominations for :-
President – Chairman-Secretary- Treasurer for the next 12 months all were voted in on block .The A.G.M was closed and Chairman Derek read through the details from the committee meeting which took place on 30th Nov and gave out the new 2023 program papers , at this point the members presented Lin & Derek with a gift in appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the club over the past year . Many thanks to you all for our afternoon tea & bubbly, it’s all our member’s friendship and contribution that makes it all worth while . Next meeting Mon 13th Feb – Fish & Chip supper, don’t forget your plate/knife & fork & mug if you want tea , salt/vinegar/bread & butter /tea provided , and Alan will be treating us to another session of Thai-Chi . Once again many thanks to you all Lin & Derek
December 12th 2022.
Hi all .A good turn out for our Christmas evening, after a delayed start due to a wi-ifi problem at the center, we managed to open the evening @ 7pm with a TV musical theme quiz. It took us all back to the days of sitcoms & comedy , with 14 out of 17 correct it was Alan who won the prize of a poinsettia to take home. Elsa filled the raffle table with some well presented prizes so many thanks to you, with the buffet table bursting with goodies it was time to feed. We all received our 2023 Diaries/Calendars and with the freezing weather outside it was warming as Derek presented us all with a photo from our Hawaiian Garden Party .As Alan with 10 raffle wins picked up the King of the raffles certificate 2022 , it was time to dance off the mince pies. Many thanks to you all for making this a most enjoyable evening. Next meeting Mon 9th Jan 2023 , President Mike’s wine tasting, A. G. M our new raffle system as we all bring 1 wrapped parcel each , details from the committee meeting and your £15 membership.
Wishing you all best wishes for Christmas and good health for the New Year .
After writing this report we have just been informed that Gillian one of our longest serving members sadly passed away on Mon 5th December peacefully in Halton Haven Hospice with her Family in attendance .We will all miss you Gill. God Bless Rest In Peace. Chairman Derek
November 14th 2022.
Hi All. A near full house for our Hot Pot Supper, Chairman Derek opened the evening and with the Hot Pots warming in the oven we all joined in to sing happy birthday to Frank-Dave- Fred -Tom and with Irene’s coming up on 19th Nov it was a great start to the evening. As we all settled down it was time for an update on Gill who is going through a very difficult time and is being taken care of in Halton Haven Hospice, also Kath who is making great strides after her operation, flowers and cards have gone out and all members send their best wishers. The requested visit from a wine expert was not accepted and Chairman Derek said that we have Mike & Fred our very knowledgeable wine experts if we needed a talk on wines. The request to look into changing the meeting Day/Times was quickly brought to a conclusion as we all agreed to stay as we are 2nd Mon 6 15-8 30pm,Angela & Pat run the raffle & Lin took details for food for the Christmas Buffet, the system put forward by Derek regarding the 2023 raffles was agreed and would start in Jan for a 6 month trial with Pat & Angela running them every month, also Kate agreed to look after the club boxes which have now been up dated with Irene replacing any items required. Lin & Irene served up the Hot Pot & Apple Pie and we all joined Angela for the table top curling which seems to be making a great impact on us all, with ice cool Frank proving to good for us all as he was the out-right winner. Many thanks to all of you for making this a really good Hot Pot Night, next meeting Mon 12th Dec our Christmas Evening & Buffet with Elsa’s raffle & who will be King or Queen of the Raffles, don’t forget your Christmas tops. Derek.
October 10th 2022.
Hi All a few apologies for our October meeting although we were all in great !! spirits !! well some of us were or may be one of us was. With punch & liqueurs to taste from Alan- Lin & Fred the evening was opened with the details of our bowling @ Penketh on 23rd Sept- with congratulations from all to Lin who won the Hilda Dykes Shield, and Mike just pipping Val into 2nd place .With some excellent liqueurs from Lin & Alan it was time to open the buffet & sample Fred’s punch , all 3 went down well so many thanks to you all for bringing them in. Next up was our raffle of gifts taken from the raffle table during the year, we all emptied are pockets & purse’s for change & I rooted through my box for any raffle tickets I could find and like always we were in luck. Alan ran a quiz to suit us all and Mike with 17 points out of 20 was the winner, we all gave Lin our order for the November Hot Pot which Irene & Dave will be looking after & Angela is bringing in her table top curling ,interest was put forward regarding changing our meeting to a later start time , I will speak to the centre in due course and report back. Next Meeting Mon- 14th November. Derek.
September 23rd 2022.
Hello . What a lovely day for our bowling after all that rain, we are truly blessed with some great weather for our functions. With the green keepers doing an excellent job in preparing the surface and with Dave taking over the marking and the Hilda Dykes Shield up to be won,out we went for the start. Lin strolled into the lead and after the first game had 8 points on the board with Val & Mike on 6 points each, after game 2 Lin increased her lead to 13 points and we retired for tea & sandwiches.
With the sun really warm,out we came for the final, every body wanted to get their hands on the trophy but Lin was tiring but found some extra energy to push her score to 18 to win the Hilda Dykes Shield.
Val & Mike on 15 points played a 3 end play off with Mike winning 3&2 taking the runners up trophy.
Many thanks to all for making this a lovely day out. (IT’S COMING HOME) Derek.
Meeting 12th September 2022.
HI All A near full house for the Sept-meeting . Chairman Derek opened the evening and Alan led the toast to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2 and our new King Charles 3 . God Save The King
The tables were set for Gill’s raffle & the buffet and the kit wine tasting, with 5 bottles from the Soloman Grundy selection to taste, most of the comments concerned the amount of sugar content that was required, with all 5 bottles judged it was time to raffle & mark them. Mike’s Bilberry wine with 109.5 points just winning ahead of Alan’s Peach on 105.5 points, £11 was raised from the wine raffle which was returned to our funds.We then opened the buffet & Gill’s raffle, we looked back at the Bowling @ Penketh on 7th Sep and Fri 23rd Sep was set for a return to Penketh for the Hilda Dykes Shield(this is now confirmed for 11 30am please bring a sandwich ect to put on the buffet table).Our Hawaiian Garden Party on 24th Aug was a great success and many thanks came from all the members to Lin & Derek for all their hard work , as also from Lin & Derek to every one for contributing to make it a day to remember. Our trip to Portmeirion was excellent with a special mention to Hatton Driver Jamie & Billy for their services. Next meeting Mon 10th Oct, Punch & Liqueurs, the raffle is from the prize’s collected during the year & Alan is bringing in a quiz. Don’t forget Sep 23rd Bowling 11 30am at Penketh.
Many thanks to you all for your contribution to the evening.
Bowling 7th September 2022.
Hi All What a lovely day for our 1st bowling for 3 years, all those that came no matter of their ake’s and pains were out there to enjoying themselves and that’s what it’s all about. With the sun in our face’s the Ladies started 2 of their games followed by the Men, with ooh’s & arrr’s coming across the green it was Hilda on 13 points & Alan on 11 points at the break for refreshments. Fed and watered out we came again into the warm sunshine, with some excellent bowling from all and with Alan & Mike tying on 20 points after 4 games out they went again for a 2 end play off, with Alan cleaning his bowl’s and in top form he pulled out some excellent shots to win the Joe Evans cup with 22 points .With the Ladies in fearsome competition it was Angela in fantastic form winning her first bowling trophy with 23 points and just edging out Hilda on 22 points to win the Maureen Harrison Cup .What a great afternoon and we all went home worn out and into a thunder storm , well worth it .Many thanks to you all for your company see you again on Sun for Portmeirion
Garden Party Linda and Derek 24th August 2022.
Hi All “WOW” many thanks to you all for all your great comments & photos from our Hawaiian Garden Party, what an amazing colour extravaganza, you certainly excelled .When Lin & I look back @ 3 weeks of preparation that went into this one off Garden Party it’s all the support you give that makes it worth while, from the opening with Lin’s coconut rum to Irene helping with the buffet , Kate collecting the £8 00, Pat with the name the scarecrow card, Val & Hilda collecting the raffle parcels to Alan on the not so scratch off card you where all amazing. As to was the Wine Circle Games one of the closest contests we have had , with captain’s Irene- Kate- Alan in fearless competition , it was Team Alan that won the 2022 1st prize rosettes with 2.422 points , 2nd Team Kate 2.283 points , 3rd Team Irene 2.088 points, with Elsa winning the rosette for the highest overall score with 564 points. The selection of music i set up also brought some brilliant comments and the weather was just “PERFECT” , but most of all your company , what better friends could we wish for . Next up our bowling @ Penketh Bowling Club Wed 7th Sep 11 30 am – 3 00 pm the Men’s Joe Evans Cup & the Ladies Maureen Harrison Cup ,cost just £5 00 , please bring something for the buffet table see you then . Lin & Derek
Monday 8th August 2022
Aloha . With the very warm whether it was good to see a big turnout for our Aug meeting, Chairman Derek opened the meeting by bringing ever body up to date regarding our Bowling, which is now Wed 7th Sep @ 1130 am @£5 00 each please bring some food for the buffet table, this is now confirmed with Anita @ Penketh Bowling Club. Also final details for our coach trip to Portmeirion on Sun 11th Sep , Hattons will confirm pick-up-times with those that are going 1 week before . also details of our Hawaiian Themed Garden Party on Wed 24th Aug 1pm at Lin & Derek’s House/Garden , buffet & themed afternoon will be £8 00 , please bring one wrapped parcel each to put on the raffle table. bring your own drinks . Many thanks to Hilda & Val for bringing in a quiz & Mike for setting out the raffle , it was in Alan’s hands when we all needed some calm, and he did not disappoint . Many thanks to all for making this another brilliant night will see you all on 24th Aug 1pm ,don’t forget your coconuts . Mahalo Chairman Derek
Monday 11th July 2022.
HI All .Chairman Derek opened the meeting and thanked ever body for attending with apologies from Frank & Kate who where away & also Gill who was a bit under the weather he also welcomed back Tom . The nights raffle was Frank & Kate’s and Irene & Pat volunteered to stand in so many thanks to them, Irene & Dave brought in an excellent sweet quiz ,all heads went down and with a lot of (tutting & “oh no” ) Alan came out on top and won the first prize , you guest it Galaxy chocolate bars well done Irene & Dave for stepping in again .In the mean time Angela tested our muscles in guess the weight of the box & it’s contents , with Mike hiding his case scales under the table he was the nearest, upon opening the box, a cause for celebration with a box of chocolates . After emptying the buffet table up came the raffle , Derek thanked those who attended Hilary’s Funeral and thanked the group for the donation to the hospice . The trip on the canal was not available as the company had closed down, details of the Garden Party on 24th Aug were set out & we had some feed back on the Kit Wines. Next meeting Mon 8th Aug , Alan Tie/Chi and Hilda & Val said they would look @ something to bring in .I have been in touch with Hattons regarding a day out and that is now looking to go ahead to Portmerion on 11th Sep could all members that have not responded to a YES/NO please do so A.S.A.P Chairman Derek
13th June 2022.
Monday 13 June Meeting
Hi all a near full house for our June meeting on this bright and sunny evening, Chairman Derek opened the meeting with the sad news that Hilary one of our active members had died. Hilary was a member of our circle for many years and was the partner of our retired secretary Alan Dykes , her funeral will take place on Mon 20th June @ the United Reformed Church Middlewich @ 1PM.
We then continued with the evening and Angela set us all a general knowledge quiz of 20 questions ,but oh dear I think we were all waiting for the Wine Tasting to start as the scores never got past 10 with Frank taking the 1st prize . We then opened a very nicely laid out buffet then the Kit Wines where given out for the competition in September, Alan & Pat ran the raffle with some well presented gifts and then Fred & Mike set up the Summer Wine Competition with 7 bottles on show, we had a runaway winner with Alan winning his first wine trophy . Derek gave out the not so good details on Salmesbury Hall and then with some good news that we will open up our Garden Party , our 1st since the lockdown ,and after some consideration Lin& Derek agreed to hold it at theirs on Wed 24th August @ 1pm . Some interest was shown about a return visit to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canal Cruise , I will bring some details to the next meeting which is Mon 11th July , Kate/Frank will run the raffle with Angela bringing in a surprise , we still need someone to fill in after the buffet, so come on we need input from all members with new idea’s please . Many thanks to Alan & Pat for the raffle, Fred & Mike for their hard work setting up the wine comp- and Angela for her quiz, another very busy & entertaining evening . Chairman Derek.
9th May 2022.
Hi All It was a good turn out for the May 9th meeting , Chairman Derek opened the evening and hoped all the members had recovered from last months night @ the racers and sausage roll buffet. Best wishes for a speedy recovery from us all to David who is having a short stay in hospital and to Irene who will her self be having a short stay in hospital. As we went around the room it was clear that some of us also had experienced some medical problems since our last meeting , i think the sausage rolls must have had some bearing on this,(moving on) Hilda &Val volunteered to run the picture bingo & Kate & Angela the raffle in the absence of Irene & David so many thanks to them. 3 kit wines will be given out in June & 3 in July for those who would like to make them with a competition in September , it was decided that after 3 years that our garden party will start up again may be in Aug with a decision of the venue @ the next meeting , also we are full steam ahead for our Summer Day Out with Samlesbury Hall as our choice ,i will bring all the details to the next meeting . it was then time to kick of our shoes with Alan as he brought us all down to quiet & relaxing 30 mins of TAI-CHI . Next meeting Mon 13th June Pat & Alan’s raffle , Angela’s quiz and a summer wine drive with Fred/Mike , and we all went home after another enjoyable evening.
11th April 2022.
Hi All Chairman Derek opened the meeting by thanking everybody for attending and also thanked the members for there best wishes and concern for Lin after her fall, it was mentioned that enquiries have been made regarding a summer day out with details at the May meeting. The atmosphere was building as we opened up the Bingo with 3 games each won by Alan – Pat & Elsa , the buffet well it was a night of the sausage rolls with musical accompaniment by Alan . The main event was to follow “The Wine Circle Grand National ” when all 12 horse’s mounted on cakes and member jockey’s came under starters orders with commentary by Chairman Derek ,and with the members cheering on there horse the race was won by Val on Demi “John” 2nd was Gill on Mad Merlo 3rd Hilda on Merry Sherry . After Derek recovered a photo was taken of the night’s winners. Next meeting Mon 9th MAY Angela’s Quiz has been moved to June with Irene & Dave bringing in there picture Bingo , they will also be running the raffle ,and AJ will be relaxing us all with Tai-Chi , What a night and we all went home exhausted . April 11th meeting.
14th March 2022.
Monday 14th March Meeting
Hi all .A good turn out for our March meeting apologies from Tom who was feeling a bit under the weather , lets hope
he gets better soon. Chairman Derek opened the meeting by thanking all the members for there kind comments from last months Valentines night , he also thanked Fred for setting up the Blog for the next 12 Months @ a cost of £51 , he also expressed his thanks to all for there kind support on the app for the the people of Ukraine . Hilda brought in 1 bottle of the Kit Wine she made in 2018 it had matured well and was excellent , a lot of interest was shown in making wine again from Kits and Derek said he would purchase some , David gave us an up date on our Bank balance which is looking very healthy and the details of the rent paid, Derek gave the members a break down of the cost of the Fish & Chip night. A nice selection of food was on the buffet table along with some excellent prize’s for the raffle which was run by Angela & Fred , they also introduced us to a new experience of table top curling which rely hit the ice running
with the Red team winning (see photo ) . Many thanks to Angela & Fred and to all for making this a great evening. Chairman Derek closed the meeting by asking all for there opinion on the opening up of the Garden Party later in the year and looking @ a summer day out . Next meeting 11th April 6 15 pm Lin & Derek’s Bingo & Grand National Night
(CAN’T WAIT)
Chairman Derek.
14th February 2022.
Hello to you all , OH what a great night , a full house for our fish & chip supper and Valentine’s night.
The chairman opened the party “oops ” it wasn’t a party it was a meeting and you could bring your own drinks , he set out the evening programme, and with
the fish & chips arriving it was time to dine, It all went down well followed by ice cream, and a cup of tea was available . As we all sat back after our meal Tom ran the raffle with some interesting gifts.
Derek used his old DJ skills with a selection of music and then Lin & Derek run the secret box game when small boxes are past around to guess what is in them. With Tom -Irene-Elsa- Frank finishing on 9 points Frank solved the box 13 riddle and
won back the cost of his fish & chips. We were all treated to a LOVE WHIP for Valentine’s night and Chairman Derek presented Gillian with a Red Rose for her contribution to the evening. Many thanks to our members for all their kind remarks on the evening .The next meeting March 14th Angela & Fred’s raffle and we are all looking forward to their Mini Curling night, this was our 4th meeting since our return and the sense of interest is amazing, everybody is looking forward to our meeting again. Chairman Derek.
10th January 2022
Hello to you all, with a few members missing due to various problems Chairman Derek opened the first meeting of the year and wished all members a happy new year , the programs for 2022 were handed out. It was our first wine tasting for nearly 2 years and our president Mike did not disappoint , he brought in 2 bottles for tasting with Blossom Hill picked as the most suited by the members, his talk on various grapes & vin yards was very interesting and we all appreciated his great knowledge of wines and there history. Hilda run the raffle with many interesting gifts and nearly everybody won a prize . David collected some of the members subscriptions for 2022 with the rest being collected next month, we were then treated to 30mins of TYI-CHI from Alan with most of the members tacking part Alan brought a cense of calm & relaxation to the group with a very professional performance and we returned to our seats
“Ready for bed” . Lin handed out the order forms for next months Fish & Chip Supper which has shown great interest
( payment will be on the night ) there can be no refunds once the order is placed so please let us know if you are not attending the meeting as early as possible , i will be placing the order on 10th Feb ,please bring your own cutlery /plate
and mug , bread & butter salt & vinegar & tea provided . And we all contributed to a most enjoyable evening , next meeting Mon 14th Feb . Chairman Derek
13th December 2021.
Hello to you all , “WOW” what a great night for our first Christmas back in 2 years, a near full house .The Chairman opened the evening and thanked all for coming on such a wet night , we started off with a quiz from the musicals with a magnificent Poinsettia as the prize , this really tested our members who warmed them selves up with a sing-a-long
our excellent buffet was opened followed by Elsa’s well presented raffle and all members received their 2022 calendars/diary’s & Christmas cards , our guest from last month Margaret did not attend to receive her gift. Lin collected all the quiz papers and the Poinsettia was presented to the winner Alan . Chairman Derek gave out the details for the January 10th meeting and then the members could not contain them selves to put on hold for one night all the frustrations of lockdown as the music was ramped up they danced away the rest of the evening . If anybody has taken photo’s of the evening could you please send them on to Fred. From Lin & Derek many thanks to you all for making our Christmas night a success . Hope you all have a good Christmas and stay safe .Chairman Derek
8th November 2021.
A great turn out for our 1st meeting with all members together for the first time in 18 months and a welcome to Margaret who was visiting for the first time she was made very welcome by all . The Chairman read through the minutes for those not at the start up meeting in Oct – and then opened the evening . The buffet was opened @ 7pm . The new start & finish times will take some getting use to , Lin & I ran the raffle and got into some difficulty with the raffle book with some old raffle ticket stubs still in the book from when it was last used, but all went well with our guest Margaret winning a nice plant . Frank & Kate ran a quiz with Alan & Mike sharing 1st place on 13 points, and after a long play off of 5 questions Alan took the first prize . A new Register was set up which Val is taking care of and a new program for the monthly raffles is in place and will follow with our functions later. Gillian’s idea of a fish & chip supper was well
accepted and will be introduced in the new year ,and apart from the annual wine comps all other wine tasting will continue . Dec- A.G.M has been postponed due to only being back 1 month , a list was made for our Christmas buffet and Elsa is running a raffle and we are only selling the tickets at the end of the buffet as it gives everybody & the sellers time to have some food. Birthdays in Nov Frank 9th — David 10th — Fred 13th — Tom 14th — Irene 19th , the Chairman thanked all those who have kept us amused over the 18 months on the app and asked them to continue . It is most important that we try to start and finish on time as any over run could be charged, the next meeting Mon 13th Dec start @ 6 .15pm our Christmas buffet evening if you have a Christmas hat-tie- sweater – top any thing please put it on lets ENJOY OUR RETURN . Chairman Derek
16th October 2021.
Hello to all .Our wine circle is up and running again, with a good turn out for our first meeting since 4th March 2020 to look at The Way Ahead . It was great to see us all together again after such a long time. The Chairman opened the meeting and listed the options for Days/Times/and rooms available, we looked at all situations and settled on 2nd Monday in the month to start on Mon 8th November at the new time of 6 15pm-8 30pm it will take a short time to get back into the swing of things so for our first meeting please bring something to put on the buffet table ,Frank & Kate will start us off with a quiz and Lin &I will run the first raffle , you will receive all the rest of the details set out at the meeting on 8th Nov . Really excited that we are back and looking forward to your support & company again. Derek
9th September Update.
UP DATE ON OUR WINE CIRCLE
To all our members hope you are well and enjoying this long spell of warm weather , i have again been in touch with Alison / Mark at the center and ” GOOD NEWS ” they have been given the go ahead to open the rooms for meetings with a maximum of 20 people , our room is not available but as i said in Septembers letter we have been offed the cafe room which is our old room from years ago and is excellent for us . The only day available at this moment is a Thursday afternoon 12-30 TILL 2-30 so i have booked a provisional date for Thursday 14th October ,so if you can make it this looks like we can re-open our meetings after 18 months , please get in touch and let us know if you will be attending . It will be great to see you all again after all this time. “GREAT NEWS ” Chairman Derek
1st September 2021.
Hello Everybody Hope you are all well ,Lin & I have been to the community center to see Alison the situation to date is the council did not get in touch with Alison on 12 Aug so they are still in the dark as to when the rooms for social activities will be aloud to open, she will let us know if /when the situation changes . It looks like our room will not be available for us but the large room we did have years ago will be but things can change when the council gets in touch. It is now 18 months since our last meeting and a lot has changed , so as i have said many times in my monthly letters it may be a good idea to meet up for lunch so that we can put forward any idea’s we have for the future of the Wine Circle.
Are you still making wine , Lin has just bottled some Peach & Black Cherry and made some Apple Jam ,what are you doing let us all know, there are no Birthdays in Sep but some coming up in Oct Hope to here from you all soon . Lin & Derek
August 3rd, 2021.
Hello to you all Hope you are all keeping well, looks like we are finally coming out of lock down but like most even though we have had are 2 jabs i can only say that we still have to be on are guard . I have not had any information from Penketh Bowling , but as i see it not many of us would be ready as yet so if you are still interested i think next year would be the time to look @it again. I have been in touch with Alison @ the center and the room we use is still being used for tests & injections and no decision is being made by the council until 12 Aug , but as it stands Alison said that most of the rooms would only be available during the day , so it looks like evening meetings may be the thing of the past for now .I agreed that i will visit the center after the 12 Aug to see how the situation is and what rooms would be in use ,i will keep you all informed as to how we will move forward regarding the center . There are 2 Birthdays in Aug Kate on the 4th & Hilary on the 5th so Happy Birthday to you both , they all seem to be coming around for the second time . I mentioned in my last letter in June that if you would like to meet up for lunch and had any suggestions i will make the booking for us but i had no feed back from my letter , it would have been our garden party this month something we all looked forward to . Keep in touch Derek & Lin
27th May 2921.
Hi everybody not been in touch since April , the first 2 weeks in May I was out of action due to gastroenteritis really knocked the s… out of me so to speak but all is well now, I have been in touch again with the center and our room is still being used for testing & vaccinations till at least the end of June and they will let me know when back in use for our return. Birthdays coming up Lin 28th May so Happy Birthday to Lin , also coming up in June Mike on the 5th , Gillian on 18th, Alan j on the 20th, Pat on the 27th will sent best wishes to them later . As I said early on in the year when the time comes if you like we can arrange for us to meet up for lunch now that restrictions are lifting, so those interested if you have any idea’s let me know so we can look at a venue suitable for all. Let hope we are looking forward to returning to some kind normality and it’s not long when we can meet again , I will send these details out by text for those members not on the internet . Lin & Derek.
Wednesday 8th April 2021.
Hello to you all . Hope you are all keeping well, April 7th 2021 !! What happened to April 2020 seams like a life time since we were all enjoying our meetings , functions and days out . I have been in touch with Mike at Penketh Bowling Club to wish them all well as they start to return to out door events and to let us know if we would be able to use there greens again, they would be delighted to welcome us back when circumstances permit . I have also contacted our center for an up date on re- opening and await there reply , we have seen Elsa / Hilda and taken a card and flowers around for Val’s 80th Birthday and spoken to Joe and all are doing ok , Lin & I are good but can’t wait for the Hairdressers to open my hair is ready for a pony tail so i may keep it like that , we will be in touch with you all again soon so look after your selves as we come out of lockdown again . Lin & Derek
3rd March 2021.
Hello to all our members we seem to be moving in the right direction but to early to make any future arrangements , i think we will only re-open our wine circle when you are all happy with the situation which could be around July/Aug. I will speak to the center over the next few weeks and let you know how we stand , if all go’s to plan with coming out of a full lockdown may be we could meet up for lunch later in the year , but lets see how it all go’s. Twelve months is a long time and things will have change a lot and it will so strange to us all , hope you are all keeping well and may be enjoying this nice spell of sunshine we are having it’s great to see spring is busting out all over. I received a letter the other day from the Minister of silly talks saying that only Maris Piper Potatoes can be used for making MRS Potato heads , And King Edwards for MR Potato heads , seems like a half baked idea . Please look after your selves Best Wishes Lin& Derek
WEDNESDAY 3RD February 2021.
Hi to all, today would have been our Feb meeting when we set out our program for the year ahead so lets hope that at some time soon we can enjoy some time together . With us all being in lockdown i bet you have all been clearing out your draws !!! i have and what a load of junk, old keys – pens that don’t work rubber bands – marbles -old coins ect ect it has taken most of Jan to clear out the shed with many a trip to the re- cycle tip , some good news is that Hilda is now a Great Gran Mother so congrats to Hilda , David is now home and we have had a chat and he is coping very well Lin has been in touch with most of you as i with Joe -Irene- Elsa – Hilda- Tom . We have some Birthdays this month Angela on 3rd Feb & Elsa on 6th Feb and since my last letter Joe 0n 24th Jan so from all of us Very Happy Birthday to you all . Fred has renewed our subscription for the website for 2021 of £51 so i will send over a cheque from our funds later on , lets hope the weather starts to improve as we all need some sunshine as a pick up , please stay safe & well. Lin & Derek x
January 5th 2021.
Happy new year to you all i hope all are members and there families are staying safe in these turbulent times, the 6th of January would have been our first meeting of 2021 how times have changed over the past 12 months. You have all been amazing keeping in touch since our last meeting in March 2020 and i know that will continue even now as we entre another total lockdown , It is a pleasure to have you all as friends. We all send our best best wishes to David and wish him a speedy recovery as he go’s through some very difficult times , also best wishes to Irene who is David’s rock we are all thinking of you . It’s time to put up your calendars & start off your diaries for 2021 so lets look forward to better times , i will be sending some photo’s as a blast from the past over to Fred soon so something to have a look at or not !!! , i am starting to make up all the Birthday dates for 2021 it seems like we have missed a year of our age which can’t be a bad thing, we will be in touch with you over the next few weeks as also those that are not on the APP , so please stay safe so that when the time comes we can all join together for a glass of wine. Love and best wishes Lin & Derek
24th December, Christmas Eve.
Dec 24th Christmas Eve. To all our members it’s been a very difficult year who thought that we would still be in lock down at this time of the year , but hear we are and we are all doing the best to stay safe and make the most of Christmas . we have been in touch with members that are not on the App -Tom-Val- Elsa-Hilda-Joe-and all are good . I have phoned Irene, and David is now in Broadgreen Hospital waiting for an operation and she will keep in touch when there is any news so lets wish him all the best , I have also managed to speak to Gillian as her Mobile phone was not working and she also is doing good, Lin has been in touch with Alan & Pat and also Hilary & Alan and they are also well, Hilary has just made a Gin & Plum Wine so “cheers ” , it looks like I have coved all your Birthdays for this year please let me know if I have missed any , Lin & I are both well lets hope its not to long before we open up are Wine Circle Again and may be have our Christmas Party in June 2021 . TO YOU ALL very best wishes for Christmas and a healthy New Year We miss you all loads Lin & Derek
1st December 2020.
Hello to all our members
It’s been a difficult time for us all this year and we have missed our wine circle meetings since March and our social functions , I can’t believe it’s Dec and we would have been having our Christmas Party tomorrow night . I thought it would be a good idea to still have our Diaries , Calendars & Cards as usual so Lin & I went out and bought them , I hope you all have them by now if not please let us know as some have been sent by post. Dec would have been our A G M and the election of the committee so with your permission I would like to continue as your Chairman for 2021 hope we can all meet up soon , I will ask David for an up date on our finances and will let you know in Jan . Kath has had her Hip operation and is now @ home and making good progress and Lin has made a good recovery from her knee operation and is walking well I hope you all are keeping well to , . Many thanks to those of you that have been keeping us entertained on the wine circle app during the year . Have a good Christmas and best of health for the New Year
Chairman Derek.
27th October 2020.
Hello to all our members
We are now coming up to 8 months on Nov 4th with our last meeting on 4th March, Nov dark-cold- & wet and with the clock’s going back who wants to go out at night , so lets stay in and think about what we would have done . That’s it Nov is Hot Pot and apple pie night and a winter warmer and Lin & Irene slave in over a hot stove in the kitchen why’ll we all sip our winter warmers , and then by magic the warming smell of cooking drifts through from the kitchen,( IT’S READY COME AND GET IT ) sounds good doesn’t it ! well we can dream . Hope you are all keeping well , Lin is now home from hospital and starts the long road to recovery , many thanks to you all for your best wishes both to Lin and to me for my Birthday . Kath is going in to Whiston Hospital on Wed 28 Oct for her hip operation so best wishes Kath we are all thinking about you , I will keep you all up to date of her progress . And a mention for Nurse Irene who is putting up with David , he’s not a good patient . I see that we have a shed full of Birthdays coming up in November starting with Frank on 9th— David on 10th— Fred on 13th— Tom 14th — Irene on 19th , we could have had a good knees up ” Sorry Lin ” so from Lin & I look after your selves and we will meet up very soon .
I will send a photo of Hilda having a swinging time on her 80th Birthday
[23:17, 27/10/2020] Fred Taylor: Thank you Derek.
1st September 2020.
Hello to you all Where has this year gone I thought we would be back for the Sep meeting so Lin and I paid a visit to the centre to see how they were coping , to our surprise the centre was open with some activities running. We waited to see the centre manager and she said if we wanted to we could return on the 3rd Sep, we thought this would be to soon to organise the meeting and thought some of you would be away over the Bank Holiday, so we have pencilled in 7th October . We would be social distancing in the room but she feels that other meetings have taken place and all was good, we have arranged to visit again at the end of September to see what the set up is and if we can still attend and will report back to you all if that’s ok . We have asked if the room is not being used about 6 30 pm could we start back @ that time for our 1st meeting and may be just have 2hrs till 8 30 pm , we will find out when we visit @ the end of Sep.
How do you all feel about returning on 7th October . Lin & Derek.
3rd July 2020.
Hello to you all
Hope you are all well and getting fed up with this lockdown like me & Lin , it’s over four months and we have just missed another meeting on 1st July , oh well we are all in the hands of B J who said and” I quote ” it will be all over by Easter and we will send it packing “un quote ” Oh well”. I have been in touch with Mike again at Penketh Bowling and they are open but members only & no comps only social bowling and with no toilets the bowls are going all over the place with their crossed legs ,” Hey Ho “. I have also been in touch with Ditton Community Centre as their website says they are open 10am – 9pm , they said the centre is closed and the website should have been changed , they are may be looking to open in Aug/Sep but are waiting for guidance as to how to manage social distancing , and of course if we are likely to return under the present situation, they will be in touch as soon as they have any information & guide lines , Lets hope it’s no to long. With the hairdressers starting to open again I think we must all look completely different since we were @ our last meeting in March , any way thanks to all for keeping in touch via the app , no Birthdays in Aug , so lets hope we can beeeeeeeeeeee back soon Lin & Derek
19th June 2020.
Hello to all, hope you are all well and Gill is having a wet but Happy Birthday , it’s not the same without our monthly meetings every thing always falls into place on the evening and we all bring our ideas for the year ahead .We are in June and have only had 3 raffles , and Alan J is already up front with 4 wins . Lin has been in touch with Joe and he is well and said he is only loaning the wine trophies to this years winners as he will be winning them back next year . Elsa has had a fall @ home ( to much wine ) and has broken her wrist and has a lot of bruising but she is OK , we have 2 Birthdays coming up with Alan J on Sat 20th June , followed by Pat on 27 June so best wishes to them , and Gill from all of the wine circle have a brill day Happy Birthday . Lets hope we will all be back together soon . Lin & Derek. Lets hope we will all be back together soon . Lin & Derek.
Sun 10th May.
Hello hope you are all keeping well, looks like you have been having some quality time with the 75th year celebrations , Lin has been showing me some of your photos on the app , we had a great afternoon with our neighbours some we have not even spoken to before, it’s amazing how the community comes together when we have a national problems or even a world pandemic. It was all about our families that were involved during those very difficult times and those that didn’t come home . We had 3 hrs of war time music outside and all keeping are distance except for one 80 year old Ladywho wanted to show off her dancing skills , it was the OKI- COKI which was her downfall
with a paramedic & ambulance in attendance when she fell over , she’s ok they kept hern hospital over the w/end, but it didn’t stop the party continuing after the ambulance left.
What brilliant weather we had just like we expect when we have our Wine Circle Events , still we could always have it again when we return , it’s Kath’s Birthday on Wed 12th so let`s send her our best wishes . Please take care of yourselves and we will all be together again soon.
Lin / Derek.
1st May 2020.
Fri 1st May Hello to all our members.
We are now in our 6th week of lockdown, as Victor Meldrew would say (I don’t believe it) with another meeting cancelled for May I wonder when we will be back , I would like to thank Fred for the work he has put in setting up the app which you are mostly involved in, it is helping to keep us in touch and I have seen some great photo’s & video’s although it’s been on Lin’s phone as I don’t have an I phone . I will send some photo’s over to our web site soon. We have missed Val’s Birthday on 2 April but we took a card around for her and Hilda made her a cake & bought her a bottle of wine.
(never got any). Kath’s birthday is coming up on 12 May so happy Birthday to you both, we are both well and have seen Irene David Elsa & Hilda on our walks in this great weather, we should be Bowling, never mind our health is the priority. Please look after yourselves as when we get back we have a lot of catching up to do and a Garden Party to enjoy. Stay safe and keep in touch.
Garden Party 11 Aug- 2018.
What a brilliant day for our 2018 garden party which this year seen us return to Bloomfield lane in Timperley , everybody looks forward to this annual event and we didn’t disappoint .
With are hosts Amanda- John- Elizabeth & Wills they laid out a magnificent buffet , with everybody a winner on the afternoon raffle & Chairman Derek winning the £10 on the scratch card his team of Lin-Hilda-Val-Barbara-Kathy also won the quiz which was run with expertise from Elizabeth & Will but the main event of the Garden Games seen 3 teams of 7 competing for the gold medals , competition was very high which always is from all the members , Joe’s team of Kath- Elizabeth-David-Lin-Hilary-Alan scored 1662 points Kate’s Team of Gilly-Val-John-Derek-Amanda-Kathy scored 2206 points it was Captain Irene who rallied her team of Frank-Hilda-Barbara-Wills-Angela-Fred and pushed them to a world record of points to win the medals with 2360 points.
John won the rosette for the highest individual score with 629 points.
Many thanks again to Amanda – John & family for working so hard in helping to make the Garden Party a success , the group presented them with a floral hanging basket and they gave us all a box of biscuits each and we all went home tired . What a great day.
Widnes Social Club and Wine Circle. 