THE president Norma Austin, welcomed everyone to the first meeting in members’ new ‘home’ – the Catholic Church Hall – and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

She also gave a warm welcome to two new members and a visitor. Two birthday posies were given and the business for the month was proceeded with.

After the Minutes were read by the Secretary, Kay Rowe, reports were heard from the Treasurer, Sylvie Rogers, followed by reports from the Book Club, Craft Group, Skittles Group, Lunch Group, and other social events.

Refreshments were served by Hazel Warren and Jean Johnson, after which, Norma introduced Laraine and Dawn from Slimming World who gave some ideas as to how the Christmas ‘bulge’ could possibly be eroded by more healthy eating.

They explained their system of ‘original’ and ‘green’ days of menus and how food could be made healthier by cooking in a slightly different way with less fat, salt and sugar without sacrificing the flavour.

Laraine and Dawn were thanked by Brenda Beer.

The competition winners for an interesting item beginning with ‘L’ were: 1st – Betty Taylor; 2nd – Christine Preston; 3rd – Ann Beresford.