Minutes of meetings

Minutes of the monthly meetings will be listed here for three months. 

October Meeting – Country Fayre

Judges Neil Coad and Sarah Simpson were welcomed to the meeting and thanked for returning to judge the splendid entries submitted by many members. Prizes were given across a wide range of categories to include:

Cakes / Cookies / Scones / Preserves / Homemade alcoholic drink / open craft / artwork / poetry / photographic and floral.

Members were thanked for the effort they had gone to with their various entries.

November Meeting

This was the final opportunity for payment to be made for the December Christmas party. The party is now at capacity; payments made, menu options and wine chosen ready for an incredibly good evening. Members to arrive at 6.45 for a welcome drink followed the Christmas meal at 7.15pm.

The Speaker was Linda Perry from Fairtrade

Linda’s presentation on the history behind Fairtrade how it came about, what it aimed to achieve and how it works was interesting and made us all aware of its worldwide importance. Linda’s Fairtrade shop can be found at The Bridge, 24 Trinity Street, Weymouth.

Linda came with a range of Fairtrade goods which members were able to purchase.

The raffle was held and the meeting closed.

July meeting

As a change to the annual beach party it was agreed that this year members would be invited to come along to a forties style tea dance to commemorate eighty years since D Day. Members were welcomed with a glass of Prosecco before they enjoyed their individual picnic packs. Forties era music and video/screen shots added to the atmosphere. The party started at 4pm and finished 8pm.

Members were welcomed back from the summer break by Di Morton.

Event updates:

The Dorset AGM takes place on 17th October at Poole Lighthouse. Tickets cost £20, Amanda Paull gave a brief overview of the day and recommended attendance as members enjoy a good day out. Several members have already purchased their tickets and are travelling by train – a coach is not being provided.

October’s meeting – the Country Fayre, this year’s theme – Autumn. A flier with details of the categories was left on tables for all members to take home.

The Christmas party date has been changed to 10th December. Further details will follow.

The County magazine gives details of other events for members to book directly.

This month’s speaker, Freda Ellis, a Community Magistrate, was welcomed.

Freda introduced herself and gave a highly informative presentation on the role of a magistrate in the community. How she became a magistrate (an unpaid volunteer), what responsibility / authority a magistrate has and how the role of a magistrates fits within the criminal justice system. After a Q&A session where there was a lot of discussion volunteers were requested to take part In a role play scenario of a case that a magistrate would encounter – an accusation of theft of petty cash within a business office. Participants and audience all enjoyed themselves. The overwhelming decision was that guilt could not be proved beyond reasonable doubt - Not guilty. (photos of the evening are displayed in the Gallery)

Freda was thanked for an excellent evening.

The raffle took place and the meeting closed.

   Date 21 May 2024

Location: Weymouth Angling Club

Purpose Of Meeting: Members meetings

Attendees: 49 + 2 guests

Sheila Vogwell, President, opened the meeting and welcomed all members and guests together with guest speaker, Steve Balasco.

Weybay – upcoming events.

Membership cards for 2024/25 are now available, please collect before leaving the meeting.

Saturday 6th July Coffee Morning at the Angling Club 10.30 – 12-30pm. Funds will go to Weldmar and the Angling Club juniors.

Monthly meeting July 16th – tea dance celebrating 80yrs since D Day with music, a glass of prosecco and individual picnic packs provided by Loose Moose at the Angling Club 4pm. £10 per member.

24th August Silent Disco at the Nothe Fort. Group discounted advance tickets £8 take your own picnic and have some fun!

August an impromptu beach gathering – details later – weather.

Return from Summer break 17th September.

Steve Balasco, ex press photographer.

Steve introduced himself and his work by way of retelling the story of his life from working for the local press in the Midlands covering all types of events; big, small, good news, not so good news, the rich and the famous. After a few years he decided he was ready for a change and moved back towards his routes in Dorset. Initially working for the Western Gazette and then the Dorset Echo. From news features again covering all events, people and circumstances Steve has concentrated on the Jurassic coast / marine life. His talk was accompanied by many of his photographs and more recently produced copies of the three books he was published – Dorset from the sea / Portland / Jurassic coast. (Not for sale – all sold out!) Steve was thanked for his interesting talk.

The raffle was drawn, and the meeting closed.

Date  21 May 2024

Location: Weymouth Angling Club

Purpose Of Meeting: Members meetings

Attendees: 47

Sheila Vogwell, President, opened the meeting and welcomed all members (current and new) together with guest speaker, Charlie Wheeler.

Weybay – upcoming events.

1.Monday 3rd June 10.30-12.30 Very Special Card Making with Katherine O’Donnell-Murphy

Card making cost £5.

2. 11th June Walk with the herbalist at Portland 6.30pm. Few spaces left see Di Morton

3. 18th June monthly meeting – Press photographer

4. Saturday 6th July Coffee Morning at the Angling Club 10.30 – 12-30pm

5. Monthly meeting July 16th – tea dance picnic at the Angling Club 4pm. We will be collecting next month for this event.

6. Return from Summer break 17th September. If anyone or may be two people would like to start

up a new book group, usually about ten people this would be very welcome as we have had enquiries.

Charlie Wheeler, Warden Abbotsbury Swannery.

Charlie introduced himself and proceeded to give an enthusiastic and knowledgeable talk about the swannery, its history, how it functions and the role of the team who work there.  His presentation was supported by superb photography. All the photographs and many more are in his book which was on sale at the meeting.

Charlie was thanked for his amazing presentation.

The raffle was drawn, and the meeting closed.