Basingstoke Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
There were 53 members at the meeting held on 6th February who enjoyed the usual tea, coffee and biscuits before David Cowling, the Chairman, welcomed everyone and gave apologies from those unable to attend. Christine Broadbent, the Welfare Officer, gave her report after which Tony Brazier, the Secretary, reminded everyone about the trip to the Theatre Royal at Winchester on Wednesday 20th March to see “The Verdict” when the coach would leave Oakley at 10.45 and the Leisure Park at 11.00
Bookings were now being taken for the trips to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery and Hinton Ampner on Thursday 18th April and to Kew Palace and Garden on Wednesday 8th May.
The speaker this month was Brian Graham from Rowhill Candles who gave a demonstration of candle making. He first explained that there are different types of wax which can be used and that they all have different properties mainly in their different melting points. For instance for gel wax it is 110°C, bees wax 62°C, paraffin wax 46°C and soya wax 45°C. As the soya wax has the lowest melting point, and is also more environmentally friendly, this is the one mainly used by those wanting to make candles at home. He went on to demonstrate the process by firstly melting the wax in a double boiler along with the required fragrance and colouring. He then inserted the wick of a suitable length into a container and secured it in a vertical position before pouring the wax around the wick leaving about 1cm showing. He then went on to show how different effects in the colouring could be obtained and explained the way that candles of different sizes would burn. He had brought with him a selection of products to buy along with some kits for people to make their own at home.
The next meeting is on 6th March which is the AGM followed by lunch at the Conservative Club. The speaker at the meeting will be from Co-op Insurance to give a talk on “Tax, Care and Toy Boys”. 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. Details can be obtained from the Secretary Tony Brazier on 07715 640171 and for information about our trips please contact Kate Lambeth on 01256 328791.
