THE December meeting of SPREYTON was another excuse to party. After a brief time for business, members enjoyed a festive supper, organised by secretary Ann Winsor and exchanged Christmas cards.

After that it was quiz time. Judith Talbot produced a picture puzzle, where the answers were place names. This was won by Eve Collins.

Eve then ran a quiz which was won by: 1 Margaret Lethbridge, 2 Ann Winsor.

Margaret Lethbridge provided prizes for a raffle run by Lise Hawkins.

The competition for the prettiest brooch was won by Judith Talbot.

THE December meeting of CREDITON was held at the Masonic Hall. As this was also our Christmas party, we kept the business to a minimum. The President welcomed members.

Sadly, several members were unable to attend due to illness - we wish them well.

The Christmas tree was much admired at the Parish Church Festival. Thanks to Mrs Wood and helpers.

Our after Christmas lunch will be held, as usual, at the Devonshire Dumpling on January 14.

Our social secretary, Jean Turner, is organising a trip to Torquay, in July, to see Singing in the Rain. Anyone interested please contact Jean or a member.

The competition, for a recycled Christmas card, was won by: 1 Joan Denne, 2 Phil Salter, 3 Jean Turner. The raffle was won by Phil Wills.

As agreed at the previous meeting we did not exchange cards, but gave donations to the Children's Hospice South West. This amounted to £34.76.

A bring and share supper, plus a glass of wine, set the mood for some festive fun. Several hands of bingo whist were played.

Most members won prizes. The most words made from Christmas Wonderland, with over 100 words, was won by Phil Salter.

All members received a present from Santa's sack and carols were sung, accompanied by Margaret Vodden on the piano.

Our next meeting, on January 14, will be our 63rd birthday which we will celebrate with sherry and cake.

Ann Hosker will teach us how to make pin cushions and the competition will be "a thimble".

Sylvia Heaton, the vice president, presented a plant to the secretary and president thanking them for their hard work which was much appreciated.

Anyone interested in joining the WI will be made very welcome - just come along to any meeting and see what you are missing or contact the president (01363 774064) or secretary (01363 773222).

Happy Christmas.

JPM

PRESIDENT Margaret Tucker welcomed members to the December meeting of SANDFORD, when secretary Ann Evans gave details of a number of coming events and reminded that the voting for the Resolutions must be done by January 22.  

The first round of the Country Quiz will be held at Morchard Bishop on Saturday, February 27.   Details were given if members would like to make a memory bag for CHICKS (Children's Cancer Support Group).    

Dodie Huxter thanked Margaret Bowden for helping children make sweets and serving mince pies at the Crediton Farmers' Market, adding that at the market on January 2, hot soup would be served.  

Members were reminded that subscriptions are due at the January meeting and  each member is to bring a small draw prize. 

Winners of the annual competitions were announced: 1 Margaret Tucker winner of the cup), 2 Phyllis Conibere, 3 Margaret Phillips.  The Rose Bowl, for the Flower of the Month went to Margaret Phillips. 

Ann Evans was thanked for organising the  superb  meal for members at the Devonshire Dumpling.   

After the business, the Christmas party began with two picture quizzes, one of famous faces and the other of British birds. Winners were Sonia Irving's team and Wendy Brown's Team. Gifts from the Christmas sack was handed out by the president assisted by her Christmas elf, Margaret Phillips.   

Competition for a Christmas hat was won by Phyllis Conibere, 2 Margaret Phillips.   Flower of the Month: 1 Maureen Greenwood, 2 Margaret Phillips, 3 Phyllis Conibere.  The evening finished with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.  

 The next meeting is on Tuesday, January 12, when Colin Taverner will explain the technique of playing whist. The competition will be the highest scorers.   New Members always welcome. ^