ANN Sammons opened the annual meeting, welcomed members and recounted the past year’s events including the successful flower show, and the outings, speakers, craftwork and lunches we have enjoyed together.

She thanked the committee and officers for all their hard work, and Beatrice, Frances, Helen, Pam and Joan for organising the sales table, raffles, flowers, women’s charity collections and taking the minutes.

Ann was re-elected as president. Jean and Pauline remain as treasurer and secretary respectively and Joan will continue to take the minutes.

Astrid and Jan will remain as committee members.

Ann welcomed Phoebe Merrick to talk to us about the Romsey Remount Depot.

The Remount Service was established in 1887 to provide horses to the military for use in the Boer War.

Following the outbreak of the First World War, the Romsey Depot was created, along with others across the country.

The demand for horses was so great, and the UK stock so depleted, that the search spread to North America.

The Boer War had been a learning curve for the care of horses during transportation to the frontline and much greater care was now taken with their welfare.

Horses may have travelled from the American mid-west to the east coast to board ships for England, and during the journey would have been rested and given veterinary care.

In this year in which we commemorate 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War, this was a fascinating extract of local history.

The next meeting at the village hall will be on Wednesday, April 9 at 2.15pm.

New members are always welcome.