In this issue:

elcome to the first newsletter of 2010. It seems ages ago now but the Christmas celebration went extremely well with the Memorial Hall providing the right atmosphere for our evening. Phil Collins played piano for us while refreshments were taken and Jubilate performing their wonderful traditional Christmas songs and carols for us. The evening was rounded off by my Quizgo quiz which everyone seems to enjoy - probably because knowing the answers does not guarantee you will win!

 In the past couple of months we have had two very interesting members’ meetings; Stuart Timbrell entertaining us with the third in his series of “Discovering Dorset” talks in January and Les Deux Cyclistes taking us on a ride along the Loire from source to sea in February. To show you how incestuous these things are, the Friday afterwards I gave my talk on French Oddities to the group Les cyclistes come from (Circle Amicale in Ringwood). March will see the last of our winter season’s meetings - details are below as is news of other forthcoming attractions.

 One new idea we are floating is to send this newsletter to as many people as we can by email. This will cut down on our costs and mean that you get your copy earlier than at present. So, if I don’t have your email address (and if I have, you will be receiving regular reminders about members’ meetings from me). please drop me an email to let me know it.

 Finally, a last call for 2010 subscriptions. We only have 8 outstanding now, so please let either John Pettitt or Sandra Grove have your £5 subscription for the year - or at least let us know whether you wish to renew.

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elebrations with Champtoceaux in 2010. A reminder that the dates for the celebration visit from our friends in Champtoceaux are Thursday 13^th May to Sunday 16^th. They plan to bring over 60 people this year, so it’s all hands to the pump for hosting - if you haven’t yet told Joyce of your ability and willingness to host please do so urgently. In return for hosting, you’ll not only get a reciprocal stay next time we visit Champtoceaux but you’ll qualify for free inclusion in our programme for the visit. This will include a visit to a local National Trust property with lunch included, attractive “freebies” we are having specially produced, and of course you will be our guest at the Saturday soiree, with dinner and entertainment. I promise that speeches will be kept to a minimum!

 If you are willing and able to host some guests please talk to Joyce on 824469 NOW - it is first come first served so ring today.

 This is the last general newsletter before the visit so PLEASE don’t delay.

 As part of these celebrations, John has had a commemorative logo produced. This very attractive logo, which represents the Loire and Verwood’s pottery heritage, is reproduced at the end of this newsletter and we will be using it throughout the year.

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ubscriptions are now overdue for 2009-2010, as mentioned in the Chairman’s musings. Rates have been held at £5 per household for the 4^th year running. If you are one of the 8 members who have not received their new pretty pink membership card please contact Sandra or John urgently.

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he final members’ meeting of the season will be held on 10^th March, when we will be hearing from Anne King all about “Cliffs, Caves and Contraband”. Make a note in your diary for 7.30 at the Methodist Church Hall.

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he next big event in our calendar will be the Companion Dog Show on 1^st May. This is a big local attraction that Audrey and Dave organise for us in the Memorial Hall - or more accurately if we are blessed with decent weather on the recreation ground behind the Memorial Hall. We can pretty well guarantee there will be some laughs and a few “aaah” moments. Judging starts at 2pm - do try to look in. Admission is free to members.

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nother date to note is 6^th May, when our boules season starts. Every fine Thursday evening we will be at the boules piste on the Recreation Ground from 6pm, getting some practice in. New players with any level of experience will be warmly welcomed. The only unknown is whether we will still be able to adjourn to the Legion (or any reincarnation of it) after we have worked up sufficient thirst.

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n addition to the planning work going into the May celebrations with Champtoceaux, your committee is also involved in planning for a number of other events and activities:

Remember, if you want to be among the first to hear about developments in these projects or any other breaking news in the Twinning, you should make sure that I have your email address. I promise not to spam you with all sorts of irrelevant rubbish!

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our Officers are:

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