OUR Christmas meeting was well attended, with Dot Waldron presiding over a relaxed and enjoyable time. But first, Pat Tonks spoke of the death of Hilda Morgan at the age of 92, recalling the branch's early days when Hilda, a founder member, was a valued member of the committee until failing health necessitated her resignation. Hilda had made the individual tablecloths which we still use at our meetings.

During business, members voted unanimously to donate the proceeds of our Christmas raffle to Acorn Children's Hospice Trust. The Knit-athon in aid of the Children's Society had raised £135. A special raffle of a hand-knitted blanket sent by Peggy Poultney raised £28 for St Richard's Hospice, the winner being Marjorie Pitman.

Our first meeting of the New Year was held in St Mary de Wyche Church, our usual venue Wychbold Village Hall being temporarily unusable due to vandalism. Joyce Parkes, vice-president, was in the chair and recorded our thanks for the use of the church for our meeting. She reported that Acorn Children's Hospice Trust regretted that the knitted blanket that had been sent to them could not be accepted because of the rigid rules applying to all items of bedding for the hospice and the need for these to be completely sterile. The trust suggested that the blanket could be offered for sale in one of its charity shops.

Angela thanked all who had supported the Carols in the Community project, the proceeds from which had helped to swell the total amount raised in the parish for Crisis at Christmas.

The speaker was Christine Ritchie on A year in the life of an Arabian Princess. She told us about the necessary lengthy preliminaries to her appointment and actual arrival in Saudi Arabia, and her initial shock when confronted with the very different culture and way of life that awaited her. After many, to us, hair-raising incidents, she was accepted as a member of the royal household and was able to enjoy her year as companion to and friend of her Arabian princess. Thanks were given by Jan Young.

The competition for a favourite bracelet was won by Pat Tonks, with Margaret Bullock as runner-up.

The raffle was drawn and tea was served by Elizabeth Mitchell, Ann Brown and Sara Picken. Flowers were brought for the officers' table by Elizabeth Mitchell, Ann Brown and Sara Picken.

We meet next Monday at 2pm in the village hall. The speaker will be Vince Williams on mountain rescue in the UK.