It has become a popular annual event in our calendar - the Fish (or chicken) 'n' Chip meal which accompanies a relaxed couple of hours testing our skills at answering general knowledge questions and cryptic clues. As always our question master was Margaret Harrington who never fails to make us think and to groan in anguish when she tells us the answers to the questions which completely fogged us.

Margaret looks on as we ...	... tax our brains ...
... in search of the illusive ...	... solution to her questions.
The winning team included our Chairman.	Margaret accepts our token of appreciation.

Our winter talks programme got off to a resounding start in September with an absorbing and entertaining talk ‘The Manor Houses of Dorset’ by authors Una Russell and Audrey Grindrod who regaled a packed hall with tales of murder, mystery, ghosts, love and intrigue as they unveiled the rich history of our manor houses. Equally, they recounted the stories of those who had achieved greatness in areas as diverse as archaeology, philanthropy, the military and government.

In Dorset, we are fortunate in that many of these fine houses are still in private hands, some in the stewardship of families who have lived in them for centuries and others benefiting from a generation of newer owners committed to restoring them to their former glory.

Authors Una Russell (left) and Audrey Grindrod (right) with Jeremy Worth (Chairman)

Article and photo by Gordon Simmonds

What has become an annual event took place this year in mid October. Over 70 members enjoyed a three-course meal cooked and served by members of the Social Committee and friends.

Included in this year's menu were Carrot & Coriander Soup; Liver Pâté; Somerset Apple Juice; Chicken, Bacon & Cheese Bake; Burgundy Beef; Salmon Fillet; and Vegetable & Lentil Casserole. Followed by a choice from Sherry Trifle; Fruit Pavlova; Blackberry & Apple Tart; and Winter Fruit Compote.

Also included was entertainment by a folk singer John Bullock to accompany the coffee & mints.

Smiling faces greated the arrivals with raffle tickets ...	... and wine on offer.
Among those present were our Chairman and his wife ...	... and our Secretary and her husband.
The hall was packed ...	... with hungry members ...
... all looking forward to ...	... an enjoyable meal ...
... amongst friends ...	... newly made ...
... or longstanding.	Also much anticipated ...
... and enjoyed ...	... was the musical entertainment ...
... by folk singer ...	... John Bullock.

The magnificent Bishop's Palace lies in the heart of the City of Wells, just a stone's throw from the busy market place and famous Cathedral. Our visit started with a guided tour of the Palace followed by time to wander in the lovely picturesque grounds.

The Cathedral was just a step away from the Palace as also are many eating places; not to mention the National Trust shop which was much patronised by members.

Photographs by Veronica Smith

It may be damp but nothing can take away ...	... from the magnificent splendour of the Cathedral ...
... and Palace buildings and grounds.	Our guide gave us fascinating ...
... insites into the history and architecture.	The display demonstrating how our planets interact ...
... generated much interest and debate.	There was just time to fit in lunch ...
... visit the NT Shop and have another ...	... quick look at the Cathedral before returning to the coach.