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Raynes Park Afternoon Townswomen's Guild - December 2014
At very short notice Mrs. Shirley Cornish agreed to come to St Saviour’s Church Hall to our October meeting, when regrettably the arranged speaker had had to withdraw for health reasons. She spoke to us about her passion and hobby – Dolls Houses, giving us a brief history. She particularly mentioned Queen Mary’s dolls house at Windsor, Dutch glass fronted houses, and perhaps the earliest, from 1577, commissioned by a German, a replica of his house.
She brought with her an assortment of rooms and models which were examined closely by members following her talk. We all admired the detail in the Victorian Christmas Dining Room, the family of dolls, and the fixtures and fittings in the kitchen and scullery. Particularly fine was the Chinese Room with beautiful inlaid furniture.
Mrs. Eileen Brewer gave a special vote of thanks.
During the Autumn we have enjoyed a programme of other activities. Many of the residents from this area took the opportunity to visit the marvellous display of poppies at the Tower of London. Our group travelled by underground train from Wimbledon to The Tower in mid October when the crowds were not too great. This enabled us to split into groups to walk round The Tower at our own pace to admire the installation, before meeting again at Tower Pier to take the River Bus back to The London Eye and Waterloo.
Our most recent visit was to the Jewish Museum in Camden Town. After a slow but interesting journey on the bus from Waterloo we all took the opportunity to have a cuppa in the Museum’s pleasant café before looking at the exhibits! This is a fascinating museum with many beautiful religious artifacts from different counties to admire as well as a very well presented history of the Jews in Britain and the world. The busy multicultural Camden Town also fascinates me. We passed so many cafes, restaurants and little stores selling foods from all around the world.
A small group ventured to The Rose in Kingston for Agatha Christie’s play ‘Black Coffee’. With period scenery and costumes this was a well acted, competent and enjoyable production.
Socially, we have met at The Woodman in South Wimbledon and The Morden Brook at the Beverley Roundabout to enjoy lunch together. We are now planning a Christmas Lunch, and by popular demand a return trip to the Lovekyn Chapel, Kingston for ‘A Georgian Christmas’, as well as trips to Carol Concerts and other festive fun.
Visitors and new members are always welcome. Please telephone if you would like more information about what we do. We look forward to seeing you.
Dorothy Raymond Tel: 020 8395 9489
