NUMBERS were somewhat depleted at the February meeting of the Andover Homemakers’ Club, with ill health and appointments abounding.

But it was good to see several members had returned after an absence, one even on her birthday, and in a wheelchair post- op!

The national anthem was sung, and the previous minutes read, approved and signed, and it was agreed the January singalong had been so enjoyable it might be repeated in 2018.

There were reminders of the June outing to Weymouth on 20 June, and the cream tea in May. There were two posters on display, one for 10 March — a seminar on new ways of delivering adult social care, and another for 25 April — the Older People’s Forum annual meeting. Both meetings are at the guildhall and both start at 2.15pm.

There were no February birthdays other than Mrs A North’s, but before the March meeting, Brenda Daykin, Edith Morgan, Sheila Walsh, Janet Robinson, and Prim Eglington all celebrate theirs, and cards were distributed.

After the raffle there was a poem read — ‘The New Mattress’ — to laughter, before a short general knowledge quiz. Members then enjoyed two games of beetle and a further visit to the sales table. Tea followed, and two further games of beetle, with all winners awarded boxes of chocolates.

The competition was for any kind of bug, and the winner was Janet Rickwood, winning the £1 prize, with all the remaining entries showing all kinds of variations on the theme tying for second and third place.

The next meeting is 21 March, with Tony Raper talking about the Weyhill Fair, and the competition is for a sheep in any medium.

New members and guests are always welcome. Contact the club’s chairman, Jacky Hutchins, on 01264 323520 for details.