dialogue Winter 2013-14 | Page 61

NORWICH & NORFOLK SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SUFFOLK January evening meeting: A debate on Our branch continues to meet monthly for a lunch at The Park Farm Hotel Hethersett Norfolk. The lunch is usually followed by a speaker covering a wide variety of subjects. Our AGM was held in July when all officers had served their term of six years. We thank them all. The following were voted into post: Chairman - Mrs Mary Wuest Secretary - Mrs Jane Laue-Knudsen Treasurer - Mrs Irene Robertson Committee - Miss Ruth Brown Our September meeting was followed by an excellent talk given by Miss Clare Goddard on the Narthex an addition to the Catholic Cathedral of St John, providing a meeting place shop and café. We are anticipating a tour of the Cathedral and the Narthex at a date to be arranged. Our Programme 2013 -2014 includes a wide variety of topics. The Norwich and Norfolk Branch Public Speaking Competition continues with ten schools participating. The new committee are working hard to develop the programme for 2014-2015 as well as activities to encourage new members of all age groups. Our Branch Annual Garden Party was once again a delightful occasion. We were blessed with a warm and beautifully sunny summer day. Members and friends sat at shady tables and enjoyed a scrumptious tea on the lawn of the magnificent ancient house known as Porters, the official residence of the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea. In late afternoon everyone assembled in the hall to hear Samuel Armstrong, a Secondary School International Exchange student from Southend High School for boys, give an animated account of his time in America. The day ended with a recital from Amy Hughes, the 2010 winner of our Florence Warren Trust Music Award, performing with her talented sisters Chloe and Rachel. Proceeds from the raffle went to the Mayor’s Charities. The programme of events again were most educational, interesting and most important of all entertaining. The highlight of the period was a visit by Dame Mary Richardson, who we were delighted to have as our Guest of Honour joining us for luncheon following the AGM, which was held at Nowton Court, Bury St Edmunds. It was again obvious that the Committee were performing their responsibilities and duties so well that no person was persuaded to add their name for nomination. The members who are always well booted and spurred, enjoyed a most entertaining talk from the Speaker Mr David Coe, a Director of the well-known Ladies and Gentlemans Outfitters at the “I believe in Ipswich” Afternoon Tea. A planned trip to the BBC Studios in Norwich was cancelled owing to a break in transmission, or in other words a lack of interest. This period ended on a rather sad note, with the passing of our Vice President, Air Marshal Sir Reginald Harland KBE, CB, AE. The Suffolk members are again indebted to the Chairman Mrs Joy Childs and the Committee for the effort and time they spend on their behalf. Southend-on-sea The day ended with a recital from Amy Hughes, the 2010 winner of our Florence Warren Trust Music Award ESU| 59