Metheringham Over 60's Club - Spring 2012

On Wednesday,7 December, 129 members and guests attended our annual Christmas Dinner, held in the village hall Metheringham. An excellent meal was followed by our annual draw. A number of vouchers were donated by the Lincolnshire Co-operative Society with the remaining prizes donated by members. Coffee, mince pies, sherry and boxes of chocolates were also given to everyone.

Our first meeting in 2012, held on Wednesday 4 January, was well attended and members were entertained by "Country Contrast", musicians and singers Anita & Nick. Nick arranges, produces and records the music to accompany them. Anita plays a mandolin and Nick mainly the guitar and keyboard. Although their music is ostensibly country based they included music from Pat Boone, Jim Reeves, Frank McCaffrey, Julie Durham, Louis Armstrong "Wonderful World" and David Essex "It Was Only A Winter's Tale", and many others. A thoroughly entertaining evening.

More recently, 1 February, we were entertained by singer Tara Stafford-Allen from Spilsby. During the first session, dressed in an Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) replica uniform, Tara sang 19 songs from the 40s and 50s. This included music from Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, Judy Garland, The Andrew Sisters, The Platters and many others. Following a break for tea/coffee and biscuits, having changed into a stylish modern dress, Tara sang a further 14 numbers covering ballads and up tempo songs. Covering songs from Doris Day, Elvis Presley, Bette Midler, Patsy Cline, Dusty Springfield, The Carpenters, Queen and four Abba numbers, "I Have A Dream", "Money, Money, Money", "Super Trouper" and "Mama Mia".

Tara's singing throughout the evening was very good. She was very well received by our members who joined in many of the songs. The enthusiastic applause at the end was a good indication that we did not want her to leave. On a cold and icy evening, a few members erred on the side of caution by not venturing out of their homes but if you missed the show folks, don't worry, we're pleased to say that she will be back!

Margaret Amos books all our entertainers and has a knack of picking very good ones.

All Club events are held at the Village Hall, Metheringham, commencing at 7.00pm with doors opening at 6.30pm, unless otherwise stated.

Diary events:
Wed 7 Mar. Annual General Meeting
Sat 10 Mar. Coffee Morning
Wed 4 April Members signing on night - entertainment by "The Starlight Variety Show"
Wed 2 May New Members signing on night - entertainment by returning singer "Judith Hibbard"

Watch out for the posters displayed around the village as a reminder of forthcoming events and we looking forward to seeing you all.

Coach Trips - Fred Deacon will present a selection of coach trips, for this summer, at the AGM when members will vote for their preferences and we hope to publish details of these in the next edition of this magazine. Our trips are self-supporting and naturally members take priority but they are open to guests if there are seats available. Trips are usually on the first Wednesday of June, July, August & September.

Summer Holiday 2012 - will be from Tuesday 11 to Sunday 16 September staying at The Green Dragon Hotel, Hereford. Hereford is a place of nostalgia for many ex-Royal Air Force people who will have passed through there as recruits. It features one of the oldest Cathedrals in the country, dating from the 12th century and the World Famous Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world dating from the 12th century and the Chained Library where reference books are secured by chains to prevent removal. The Francis Trigge Chained Library in Grantham, established in 1598, is a similar system and these were early examples of public libraries. There is a medieval stone bridge over the river Wye and riverside walks all close to the hotel.

Excursions will be made to the Cotswold villages of Stow on the Wold, Moreton in the March, Bourton on the Water and Broadway. Additional visits will be made to Hay on Wye and Stratford upon Avon, the home of Shakespeare and Ann Hathaway's Cottage. The cost includes, full English breakfast, evening dinner, entertainment, all rooms with private facilities and lift access to all floors, no single room supplement, holiday insurance and a resort manager with you throughout the holiday at a cost of £348 per person. We have spare places available and enquiries should be made with the Chairman Margaret Amos.

Non-members are welcome to join us on member's evenings at a cost of £2.00 per visit. This includes a half-time cup of tea or coffee when we also serve biscuits. New members are accepted into the club at our May meeting. We have a waiting list for full membership but should you wish to add your details to this please contact the Chairman Margaret Amos on Tel: 01526 321049.

Dave Williams - Secretary