BASINGSTOKE CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP

There were 54 members at the meeting held on 3^rd May who were welcomed by the Chairman, David Cowling who then presented John Lambeth with some gardening vouchers as a thank you for his past work as chairman of the Group over a number of years. The backing from his wife, Kate, was also acknowledged when she was given a bouquet of flowers. The Secretary, Tony Brazier, then gave details of the forthcoming trips to Waddesdon Manor on Thursday 15^th June, and Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard on Monday 10^th July. The Welfare Officer, Christine Broadbent, then gave her up-to-date report and welcomed back a number of members who had not been for a while.

The speaker this month was Jackie Bond who is a Nutritional Consultant, Massage Therapist and Alexander Technique Teacher.  She spoke about her work and how she had been involved in complementary health care since qualifying as an Alexander Teacher in 1996 following lessons which completely resolved a frozen shoulder and, subsequently, chronic asthma that she had suffered with since she was 18 months old. She went on to explain the technique in more detail and gave some demonstrations using members of the group. After a question and answer session she kindly donated a private lesson as one of the raffle prizes.

The next meeting is on 7^th June which will be an Open Meeting to which guests are invited and there will be refreshments along with a Punch and Judy presentation by Alix Booth. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Brookvale Village Hall from 10 am to 12 noon and all retired Civil Servants and their partners are welcome. The year’s programme and further details about meetings and outings can be obtained from the Secretary Tony Brazier on 01256 418770 or at bjmapbr@ntlworld.com and if you would like to join us on any of our trips please contact Kate Lambeth on 01256 328791.

David Cowling