March

Probus clubBOB Mason, standing in for the chairman, opened the latest meeting of March and District Probus Club, held at the Conservative Club and attended by 48 members and three prospective members.Tony Mills offered to take on the post of welfare officer, which had been unfilled since November. He was proposed by Rod Kilsby, seconded by Evan Jones and duly elected.The stand-in chairman reminded members that the position of vice-chairman remained unfilled, and that it was essential someone be elected to take on the role as soon as possible.Secretary Haydn Pelling reported that speakers had been booked to the end of June, apart from one meeting. He expected further speakers to be booked by the next meeting.Catering secretary Colin Hymas said menus were available for the spring luncheon on Tuesday, April 18. Final date for booking is April 4.Social secretary Ron Webber announced that 37 people had booked for the Bournemouth holiday in September, but there were still four places vacant. The summer show at the theatre on Cromer Pier on August 10 is over-booked.Payment for the mystery tour on Monday, April 10, will be required at the next meeting on Tuesday.There was a late change of speaker. Ken Hitch, who was to have given a talk on China, was ill. His talk will be re-programmed at a later date. Mark Wackett spoke about the benefits of magnotherapy, the use of magnets located near main points of blood flow to reduce pain from rheumatism, arthritis and help some other ailments. The magnets are normally incorporated into wrist bracelets and necklaces.is in hips and knees.At the next meeting, Kasia Gdaniec, an archaeologist with South Cambs Council, will talk on archaeology in the March area.Royal Naval AssociationAT the monthly meeting of the March branch, the chairman welcomed three new members, bringing the total membership to 49.On February 25, members had their first social event of the year, a coach trip to the RNA club at Southend.The meeting concluded with a raffle and a quiz, with about £118 being raised for branch funds.The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 13.Watermen's ClubMORE than 60 boats are expected to visit the Middle Level at the end of May when the Middle Level Watermen's Club hosts the ANRC rally.To raise funds for the event, one of the members made a few phone calls and set up a coffee morning. Nine women meet now every other week. They have adopted the name, 'Water Babes'. The club has held two tombolas in town, one at the turning on of the Christmas lights and one on February 18, and are very much fired up with enthusiasm. The latest project is knitting dolls to sell to visiting boat clubs to use as mascots.Stone Cross WIPresident Nad Stoker welcomed everyone to the March meeting at Trinity Church Hall, when speaker Rosemary Coleman demonstrated the art of napkin folding. Members followed instructions to make a 'candle', 'bishop's mitre' and other shapes. Mrs Coleman was thanked by the president.Valerie Bedford rounded off the evening with a quiz. Competition winners for a home-made napkin ring were Valerie Bedford 10 points, Ann Wall nine, Val Stacey eight. Winners for the novelty napkin rings were Gill Hall 10 points, Elly Doman and Audrey Goodyear nine.At the next meeting, on Thursday, April 13, at Trinity Hall, the speaker will be Maureen Rispin from the Sandringham WI. Members of the WI have been invited to wear a pretty dress and hat for the occasion if they wish. The competition will be for an Easter bonnet.