1st anniversary for Hooe Open Group

The group meets at Hooe Village Hall once a month, on the second Friday of every month at 2.30pm, to enjoy get-togethers in an informal and friendly atmosphere.

Chairman Edna Wallis said: "Throughout the year we have had speakers, shows and lunches, but for our first anniversary in January we just had a members' afternoon to discuss what is going on in the club and if members are happy with it.

"We did celebrate with lunch at the Cooden Beach hotel in December, but this was just about having a nice little chatty afternoon.

"We took over from the WI because the membership was going down and we ended up with such a few, it wasn't worthwhile keeping it running...we just couldn't carry on. We decided to have a vote and we voted to give it up."

The Hooe Open Group was formed instead and prides itself on being friendly and welcoming to new people. There is a wide age range, and members enjoy a diverting range of entertainment, from holding their own mini Antiques Roadshow, to learning about SAGA holidays with one lucky member winning a dream cruise in a prize draw.

"We do all sorts of things," said Edna.

"It's lovely. We are very pleased with the way the club is going.

"We don't sit there for an hour beforehand saying what we did the time before - we just announce the speaker and lady who is doing tea and we get on with it. It is more informal...it is what the girls like, and I think that is why we are getting more members. All the girls are very good and bring along another person - neighbour, friend or someone they know - and the membership is going up and up. It's wonderful - we are very pleased."

To find out more call Edna on 842591.