NOVEMBER started with a bang.

In the first week we hosted the Downland Group Meeting, and marked our 70 years since inception with a 1940s style tea party. This was conceived and organised by an inspired group of members who invited us all to come in suitable period dress and enjoy afternoon tea.

What fun – the response to the challenge was impressive and varied! The magician was amazing and the raffle raised enough money to fund a bench and commemorative plaque for the urology department at Salisbury District Hospital.

At our monthly meeting details of forthcoming events at institute, county and national level followed. Our theatre group, walking group, pins and needles group, book club and skittles team were all meeting this month. The county centenary celebrations in spring 2015 would be held in Swindon and Tidworth. There would also be two county visits to Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm next March.

The visiting speaker was Bridget Duff, a Salisbury Hospital dietician, who gave us information and advice on her topic of ‘Diet and better bones’. It’s all downhill after 35 for our bones apparently, but with greater awareness of our daily intake of calcium and vitamin D we could protect them. Bridget reminded us of the best ways to source these elements. December 8th is the Christmas meeting with entertainment, a bring and buy stall and a raffle. Members were asked to wear festive hats and to bring a present for the Morning Star Appeal.