Andover Homemakers’ Club AFTER their summer break Andover Homemakers’ Club met at St Ann’s Hall for their September meeting.

Their chairman, Jacky Hutchins, welcomed a large gathering, and was pleased to note Sheila Walsh had joined them. The National Anthem having been sung, and the July minutes read, it was agreed that the previous meeting had been an industrious and absorbing get together with members busy making ear rings or key rings under Geri Underhill’s supervision.

Members were reminded of the additional outing on 30 September to Lepe Country Park and Romsey, leaving St Ann’s at 9am and Romsey at 3pm. Town maps would be available on the coach, thanks to the Romsey Tourist Office, and Jacky hoped members would call in there during the visit.

The Christmas lunch venue had yet to be decided upon, but details would be revealed at the October meeting, when names would be taken. Birthday cards for those celebrating in August and September had already been distributed, but Doris Barnes and Eileen Underhill had birthdays before the next meeting so cards went to them too. Jacky would be happy to know of any special birthdays expected in the near future. Some very belated mail had turned up, with one item of interest, perhaps, from a TV programme on antiques and collectables called ‘Secret Dealers’ whose flyers were available for anyone interested.

Following the raffle, Jacky introduced Chris Surtell and his wife Jill, who have a long association with the firm of Portals, the paper and bank note makers in Overton, and there was an interesting talk on the history of this very paternalistic firm, illustrated with a slide presentation and a short film. Banknote production continues there to this day, though now in the hands of DelaRue. The business was handed down through generations of Portals, and the family became wealthy and influential while remaining great benefactors to their workers and surrounding villages. Lady Portal even delivered a wedding present in person to the occasion of the Surtell’s marriage. It was interesting to hear that two members had actually worked once at Portals and that the brother of another had been head water keeper for the estate at Bere Mill.

There was a sincere vote of thanks for an informative and interesting afternoon, then, tea being served, winners were announced for the ‘Most Interesting Paperweight’ competition: 1, Jacky Hutchins and with three joint second places, Doris Barnes, Win Cartwright and Eileen Underhill.

Members were reminded that the 21 October meeting was the annual open meeting / bring and buy sale, and were asked for some nice items / cakes / produce to sell, as this was the year’s main fundraiser. A special raffle would be provided and the speaker would be Ros Liddington. Her subject: ‘Ladies Underwear’, which promises to be very entertaining.

New members and guests are always welcome. Call Jacky Hutchins on 01264 323520.