HAVING enjoyed a summer with the sort of weather one usually hopes for but often doesn’t get, Bemerton TG gathered in September for the busy period leading up to Christmas.

Although there were no formal meetings after early July, the various groups pursued their activities, with Val’s Lunch Bunch meeting at the Barford Inn and the Black Horse at Hurdcott, while the Nosh and Natter group sampled the fare at Qudos.

The sketchers have also been busy, and members are looking forward to an exhibition of their work at the October meeting. The walkers, having trekked around Homington and to Figsbury Rings, wind down with a town walk in late September.

Members enjoyed an interesting evening with John Nelson, the local chairman of the RNLI, talking about the history and work of this wonderful organisation, which since its founding in 1824 has saved almost a hundred and forty thousand lives, yet is entirely supported by voluntary contributions. The first social event of the autumn continued the nautical theme with a visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where 20 members enjoyed a trip round the harbour viewing the splendour of HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, the sight of HMS Illustrious awaiting her fate, and many serving warships, before visiting the Mary Rose Museum. The next meeting will be on Thursday, October 9 at 7.15pm in Roman Road Methodist lounge. The speaker will be Nick Hingston talking about antiques, and members are invited to bring along one of their own treasures. New members and visitors are welcome, or call Chris on 01722 331275 for more information.