Andover Homemakers’ Club

DESPITE the very hot weather there was a good attendance at St Ann’s for the July meeting of Andover Homemakers’ Club, which took the form of a jewellery demonstration.

Jacky Hutchins was pleased to welcome two new members, Maureen (Mo) Welton, and Geri Underhill, who was also their speaker. In addition she also thanked Deci Watson and Vi Hill for their offers of help, and renewed her appeal for further committee members.

Business followed the singing of the National Anthem, with Jacky reviewing the very successful ‘May Tea’ — despite the rain — and the June visit to Bournemouth in glorious sunshine. A further outing was planned for 30 September, leaving St Anns at 9am, travelling to Lepe Country Park and Romsey. Cost £5 for members and £10 for guests.

Barbara Adams, Audrey Cane, Jan Appleton and Joan Hunt were celebrating birthdays in July and August, with an 80th birthday for Martina Walker, so cards were distributed, following which the raffle was drawn, and Geri Underhill introduced.

Having studied ‘Art and Design’, and been awarded a ‘Triple Distinction in Design Craft’, Geri showed some of her work and the different styles of jewellery and materials she worked with, before distributing materials for making either a pair of earrings or a key ring, with a huge variety of beads, metals and so on to choose from. There was a great deal of concentration as, assisted by Geri, the items took shape — (the chairman being particularly proud of her efforts!) and Brenda Daykin gave a vote of thanks for a very different and interesting afternoon.

The competition, for the prettiest pair of earrings, was won by Prim Eglington, with runner up Jan Appleton, and in joint 3rd place, Janet Rickwood and Jacky Hutchins, and the meeting closed as usual with tea and biscuits.

There being no meeting in August, the next meeting of the club will be at St Ann’s on 16 September, when Chris Surtell is to talk on Portals, the banknote printers, and the competition is for the most interesting paperweight. Guests and new members always welcome. Contact Jacky Hutchins on 01264 323520.