ON Wednesday, December 7, Shobrooke Friendly Club held a Winter Social Afternoon in the Village Hall.

A total of 28 attended, and this was made up of club members and friends from Crediton.

The afternoon’s entertainment and tea was free, and was a way of saying “Thank You”, to all club members and to those from Crediton who regularly support the Club’s outings.

On arrival each person was greeted with either a glass of sherry or non-alcoholic wine, dispensed by Dave Lee. All the tables were tastefully decorated including crackers.

The tea, which was served by Committee Members wearing festive hats, consisted of a variety of sandwiches, savouries, cakes, and mince pies and cream, all donated by Committee Members.

There was also a draw, the prizes for which had been supplied by various Club Members, and others attending. Prizes were also donated by Morrisons and Tesco.

The main entertainment this year took the form of magic tricks performed by Crediton magician, John Neiass, known as "The Friendly Cheat".

He went around to each table in turn, and performed a series of close up tricks with cards, which changed colour, and £10 notes which changed into the currency of another country right under one’s nose, and other tricks as well. I wish I could turn my £5 notes into £20’s, but nothing works at the moment!

Jacqui Lee read one of her poems about a homeless girl, and the afternoon concluded with Club Member, Mrs Barbara Paddon, thanking the Club Committee for arranging and putting on an excellent afternoon, and for everything that the Committee had done during the year in arranging speakers, outings etc.

Each Member was given a copy of the Programme of Events of the Club for 2017.

On December 14, 18 Club Members met at The Red Lion, Shobrooke for their annual Christmas Lunch. Unfortunately some members were unable to attend owing to prior engagements or illness.

There was a choice of Roast Turkey, and all the trimmings, Beef Bourguignon, Baked Haddock or Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese, followed by either Christmas Pudding, Apple Pie or Ice Cream, and of course tea or coffee.

After the meal there was a free draw, the prizes being provided by the Club.

Natalie and her staff were thanked for providing a wonderful meal.

The next meeting of the Club will be on January 18 when Felicity Jones of Mid Devon District Council will discuss Recycling with members, and answer any questions on the subject.

Norman Gale