Chairperson Martin Brown welcomed nearly 50 Members to our Coffee Morning on 2nd March at The Bold Dragoon, and as ever what a busy morning it was. Martin also outlined the various forthcoming events.

Vicky Ivan gave a very thought provoking talk on 5G.

It was good to see Councillor Mary Markham, along with her colleagues Stephen Legg and Andy Kilbride.

PCSO Dan Freeman and PCSO Steve Whiting were also in attendance for a short while before they were called out to an emergency.

Thank you to the Members who donated raffle items.

As ever our appreciation goes to Julie for providing refreshments.

Around 50 Members attended our Coffee Morning on Monday 3rd February at The Bold Dragoon, and what a busy and lively morning it was.

Una McIntosh reported on the forthcoming event on 8th May at the Bold Dragoon celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day. This is going to be a fun packed afternoon with several activities. More details will be available to sight imminently on our Noticeboard next to the Church Hall in the High Street.

Our Speaker was the Reverend Matthew Smith who is the new Curate at St. Peter’s Church. Matthew is here for 3 years whilst he trains to become a Vicar, and he gave a very interesting talk on his duties and said how much he looked forward to serving the Community.

Chairman of Northamptonshire, Stephen Legg, introduced Councillor Andy Kilbride who currently represents Billing Ward and is one of the Candidates for the new extended area which incorporates Riverside (our ward).

PCSOs Dan Freeman and Steve Whiting were also in attendance.

Liz Gausden and Martin Brown outlined the many forthcoming events within the village.

Around 50 Members attended our first Coffee Morning of the New Year at the Bold Dragoon.

Our PCSO Dan Freeman, along with his colleague Craig, attended for the first time to introduce themselves and answered questions from residents.

Liz Gausden outlined forthcoming events.

Speaker was Hilary Stacey from the “Wild about Hedgehogs” Group. She gave a very interesting and informative talk on Hogs and how to look after them. There were several “Hedgehog” related items for sale to support their work. £42 was raised from the sales.

As ever Julie looked after us all with refreshments (including biscuits and mince pies).

A good time was had by all.

Over 40 Members attended our final Coffee Morning of the year on 2nd December. 

After several announcements Liz Gausden handed out Song Sheets and we all joyfully sang Christmas Carols, as well as munching on mince pies provided by Julie, who also kept everyone lubricated.

The Raffle, organised by Carol Askew in her own inimitable style, was a huge success, raising £105 for WFVRA funds.

Afterwards Julie and her Staff served  a delicious Christmas dinner for all those who had booked. Liz thanked them for their hard work and we all gave a huge round of applause.  Sincere thanks must also go to Mary Markham for providing, yet again, such scrumptious desserts.

50 Members attended another happy gathering at our Coffee Morning on 4th November at the Bold Dragoon (organised as always by Liz Gausden). Many of us received a warm welcome from Milo (the resident canine).

Clare Robertson-Marriott is currently endeavouring to raise awareness of Climate Change. Her talk this morning was most informative – the impact on the environment from the moment the coffee tree is planted to when the consumer drinks coffee and discards the dregs. She is holding an Open Public Meeting on Climate Change at 3pm on Sunday 10th November in St. Peter’s Church Hall. Everyone is welcome.

Rachel Boyles was selling a delightful array of Birthday and Christmas Cards, along with Advent Calendars, etc.

Sincere thanks, as ever, to Julie for providing refreshments and supporting us by allowing us to have our get togethers in the Bold Dragoon.

As ever the Coffee Morning on Monday 7th October was well supported with over 40 Members in attendance.

Andrea Newman gave a most informative and interesting talk on “Leonard Cheshire”  – a major health and welfare charity working in the UK and running development projects around the world.

Thanks to Julie who provided refreshments for this happy gathering.

The Coffee Morning at the Bold Dragoon on 5th August proved to be as popular as ever with over 40 members in attendance (a good number in a holiday period).

The speaker was Amanda Seka (dress designer) who originates from Ghana and now owns a shop on the Wellingborough Road. She gave a most informative and interesting talk about her life in England, explaining how important it is for her to help the community, and culminating in the proud announcement that she is now Reverend Amanda Seka.

Many thanks as ever to Julie for providing refreshments.

Another well supported Coffee Morning on 3rd June at the Bold Dragoon, with over 50 Members in attendance.

Liz Gausden, in her own inimitable style, announced forthcoming social events.

Speaker was Rosie Rushton who gave a very informative and interesting talk on how she became an author and details of the books she had written. It was apparent from the silence and concentration of the audience that they were all enthralled by her talk. We imagine all Members are now rushing to Waterstones to purchase copies.

For those Members who had booked lunch followed.

Many thanks to Julie and her team for firstly providing refreshments at the Coffee Morning, and then for a most delicious lunch afterwards.

Also sincere thanks to Mary Markham who provided absolutely scrumptious desserts.

Another good attendance at the Coffee Morning on 1st April.

Unfortunately Liz was ill so Josephine stood in to announce events and Speaker.

Duncan Anderson and Volunteers were thanked for all their hard work in assisting with the Great British Spring Clean and ensuring the Village and Ways looked pristine.

Josephine informed that the Quiz on 14th March raised £310 for the Hope Centre, Northampton.

Sue Richards outlined details of the Fiori Musicali Concert to be held in St. Peter’s Church on Sunday 9th June.

It was good to see PCOS’s Steve Whiting and Nat Shaw in attendance to speak to Members.

Speaker was Richard Pestell who gave a very interesting and informative talk on St. John’s Rest Home.

As ever thanks to Julie for providing refreshments and delicious cakes and biscuits.