ON Wednesday, April 9, members welcomed one new member and two guests to the luncheon at the Beauport Park Hotel, Battle Road, St. Leonards.
Chair, Barbara Peerless, then mentioned the sad loss of Margaret Brown and the funeral arrangements for April 20.
The 'penny pail' raised £18 for Cancer Research UK at the last meeting and fund-raising is on-going.
After a delicious luncheon, m
embers enjoyed a trip to the Congo with colourful slides, music and a talk by Mrs. Maggie Pratt who made a trip there with eight others two years ago.
Following previous tribal conflict the ARVA and CNS Missionary Society were there to investigate care in the community and the quality of care fundamental to all.
After an 'all singing, all dancing' welcome, the party split into groups, dealing with English lessons, translation of documents (the main languages being Swahili and French), Agriculture and Religion.
During visits by trucks and motor bikes it was clear the main problems were the need for clean water supplies, treatment for HIV and Aids, birthing and postnatal care also malarial nets, which cost £3 each.
A highlight during the visit was the attendance at a village wedding when all the party was kitted out in wedding clothes which traditionally were all made from the same material.
The bride was accompanied by 12 bridesmaids in white who danced for 35 minutes up the aisle before a three-hour service.
The food during the visit consisted of omelettes and fruit for breakfast, meat once or twice a day, dumplings and gravy being part of the staple diet, plus rice and a variety of tropical fruit.
Vice-president Mrs. Suky Marlow gave her usual eloquent vote of thanks for a most interesting talk.
On Wednesday, April l6, a small party of members visited Jempson's supermarket in Peasmarsh for demonstrations of bread making and cake decoration.
All the little secrets and tricks of the trade were divulged and an additional treat was a delicious cream tea. This was a most enjoyable outing.
The next meeting will be held at the usual venue on Wednesday, May 14, when Mr. Pete Prescott will give a talk entitled 'Sinatra'.
New members and guests are very welcome to attend and for reservations and further information ring Diana Cosser on 01424 830237.
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