The annual general meeting of the village hall took place on 24th January, at the regular Bale Oak Bar evening.

The meeting was relatively brief, cutting into official “drinking time” by only seven minutes, but all necessary issues were covered. One important item was the need for all events at the hall to cover the cost of utilities and equipment used and this will be a topic of discussion at future committee meetings. Dan Marsden and Chris Ryan were voted onto the village hall committee and their skills will be a very useful addition to the team.

The inaugural “Pot Luck” lunch was held on 2nd February and, as confidently predicted by the organisers Chris & Jude Ryan, there was a grand spread of main courses, side dishes and desserts. It was a delicious feast enjoyed by all and will almost certainly be repeated in the future. Thanks to Chris, Jude and all their helpers for the idea and the hard work involved in setting up and clearing away.

Another new venture for the new year has been Dawn & Les Baker’s booking of the hall on behalf of U3A for a monthly trip down memory lane listening to, and talking about, sixties music. The sessions are in the afternoon of the third Tuesday of each month and are open to U3A members.

18th January saw the first of “Mr Ragu’s Pasta” evenings, with local chef Gino bringing a taste of the Mediterranean. The food was excellent and it was remarked how the hall can be transformed with a change of table layout and some candles, giving a very different atmosphere from other culinary evenings. The experience was repeated on 22nd February, serving a larger number. The next date is 5th April, so book immediately, if you haven’t already.

More good news on the food front: John & Ann Wall have been persuaded to organise another Sunday brunch, which will be on 4th May. They will be in touch nearer the time about booking your place. Weekly yoga and pilates classes continue to be popular and the Bale Oak Bar opens its doors on the fourth Friday of each month, 6.30-9.30pm.

Fiona Andrews would be happy to hear from more volunteers to help staff the bar. Fish & Chip night (which should probably be renamed “Fish Night”) is the second Friday of the month at 7pm. Fish & Chip orders need to be made via the village WhatsApp by 5pm on the day but for those preferring fish pie & peas, please order by Wednesday of that week.

Paula Moore (Credit: Local Lynx Magazine – Edition 161)