STURMINSTER NEWTON

Our 2007 outing season was most enjoyable, with trips to West Bay, Swanage, Lytchett Matravers, Wells and Portland - drives through beautiful countryside and some excellent meals at our destination, and we are grateful to the company's drivers for their help with members. Unfortunately the increasing cost of coach hire means that we shall have to reconsider this part of our programme for 2008. On the credit side we have received a generous bequest from one of our members, as well as a number of donations from local organisations - this, with out monthly raffle is enabling us to keep our heads above water! Monthly lunches through the winter months have continued.

During the summer we made the decision to move our venue to Manston, where The Plough has been looking after us well, with a particularly good Christmas Lunch enjoyed by all who were able to attend. Our volunteer drivers have performed sterling service taking members from home to pub. The local pantomime provided an entertaining evening and we look forward to Dick Whittingham this year.

We were sorry not to be able to come to the Carol Service for 2007, but look forward to the next one. Membership has changed somewhat - we were saddened to lose quite a few over the past 12 months, including Dorothy Burrows, May Garner, Ted Macfarlane, Audrey O'Hara and Phil Pope. At the same time we have welcomed several newcomers and look forward to their company in our activities.