Edna Pike, president, welcomed members and guests to the January meeting. A sub-committee was formed to make a banner to be displayed at the Wiltshire Federation Centenary Celebrations at Wellington Academy, Tidworth, on April 2.

Nicola Rodriguez then recounted the voyages she, her husband John and their two young sons had made halfway round the world.

With no sailing experience but a desire to leave the rat race, they sailed their yacht Moonshine across the Atlantic Ocean in the Yachting Monthly Blue Water Rally.

A cracked water pipe, sea sickness and the need to keep out of the path of hurricanes were just some of the hazards they encountered before arriving safely in the Caribbean.

Sadly, ‘Moonshine’ was badly damaged in a hurricane while laid up at Grenada. With a new yacht, Seraphim, and a baby son they set off again, this time on the gentler waters of the French canal system.

Later, they shipped Seraphim to the Caribbean where they and their, by now, two young sons, embarked on a voyage of exploration.

Their next adventure would have been to cross the Indian Ocean, a risky undertaking with the real threat of pirate activity near the African coast.

With reluctance, they decided to return to Britain.

The two boys settled happily to life on land but the desire to sail sway again is still strong with Nicola and John The annual New Year lunch was held at the Grasmere House Hotel in early February.

The February meeting had to be cancelled due to local evening road closures for resurfacing work. The Annual General Meeting will be held on March 16, followed by a presentation by the Simply Fresh food store in Downton.

Monthly meetings are held in The Sherwood Rooms, Wick Lane, at 7.30 pm.

A warm welcome awaits new members and visitors.

Please contact Edna Pike on 01725 511332.