Local news
Raynes Park Afternoon Townswomen's Guild - June 2014
On Thursday 17th April, at a well attended meeting, Carol Harris talked to us about wartime fashions. Dressed in an authentic 1940s outfit comprising a two piece utility ensemble and a perky little hat, Mrs Harris illustrated her talk with items of clothing which she had brought with her in a large suitcase. These included a complete Land Army Girls Uniform, which although not glamorous was probably very practical and hard wearing. With the references to uniforms, shortages of materials, ration books, coupons, make and mend, and utility fabrics and designs, the talk occasioned some interesting interjections and recollections from the floor from some of our older members, which fascinated our speaker as much as we enjoyed the talk. Mrs M Wright gave the vote of thanks.
Two groups went to Wimbledon Theatre at the beginning of May, to enjoy matinee productions of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical CATS. Meanwhile another group took lunch at the ‘Kiss Me Hardy’ commenting on the surprisingly spacious interior and a good value meal.
The following Wednesday the visit was to Southside House in Wimbledon. Arriving when the house gate was opened on Wednesday at 1.40, the members explored the gardens in the sunlight before being called back to the house by Mr Pat Donald, the Tour Guide. An excellent orator and raconteur with an amazing knowledge of the house and Pennington/Mellor/Munthe family history, as well as pointing out the most interesting of the numerous valuable art works, Mr Donald told us many stories to bring this rather eccentric, charmingly quirky and atmospheric house to life. As many rooms have been deliberately left in a more or less original state, the house is often used by film companies for period dramas. We enjoyed this visit, taking refreshments afterwards in the ‘Hand in Hand’ Pub opposite! before catching the 200 bus home.
In June on the 5th, the Lunch Club will visit the Cap in Hand Pub at Hook, and on Monday 9th June a group will visit The Globe Theatre for the Exhibition and Tour and then take a walk over the Millenium Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral to enjoy the view.
Our next monthly meeting at 1.30 pm at St Saviour’s Church Hall is a social occasion, a party to celebrate our Guild’s 81st birthday.
In August we are planning a coach trip to WORTHING on Thursday, 21st. The coach fare will be £15 including the driver’s tip, leaving Raynes Park Library at 10 am and returning from Worthing at 4.30 pm. As well as husbands, friends and family, the TWG is inviting any local persons who would like to join us on this trip to get in touch. Should there be enough people living on the Motpur Park side wishing to come along, a second pick up can be arranged opposite The Earl Beatty. As we cannot fill a larger coach by ourselves, we hope some members from other local groups might find it helpful to join us. I look forward to hearing from you.
For more information about any of our activities, please telephone Dorothy Raymond, 020 8395 9489.
