dialogue Winter 2013-14 | Page 72

BRANCHES 1066 Our May meeting was held in the Bistro run by Bexhill High School, with a lecturer to oversee and direct students for a possible career in the catering industry. It is also from these students that we continue to encourage, by presenting the most improved students with an award each year. Our Annual General Meeting was held in June, this year we tried to do something new and held a lunch-time meeting. The Chairman (Marie Parkinson) welcomed our President, Baroness Fookes of Plymouth DBE DL and on this occasion we were pleased to also welcome Mr Arthur Collins OBE Chairman of S.E. Region. Following our AGM, we had an amusing talk by Baroness Fookes with some of her anecdotes of her early elections, when there were very few women MPs. On 13 July a number of members gathered at the home of our Chairman for our Summer Afternoon Tea Party. Among the people to seek shade, by remaining in doors were two of our oldest members Horace & Eileen Davidson, who both celebrated their 97th Birthdays this summer. September saw them holding their 70th Wedding Anniversary. We don’t hold events during August, living on the coast we all either have visitors or try to take advantage of the sun ourselves. 70 | dialogue On 4 September Josephine Stanley, the Librarian at Bexhill High School led a talk. Her great enthusiasm for books and encouraging the pupils to read was wonderful. Her enthusiasm really did come across. Mr and Mrs Davidson