THE LADY TAVERNERS MINIBUS PRESENTATION AT MONTECUTE SCHOOL - 4TH NOVEMBER 2010

Rachel Carter, Chairman of the Wessex Lady Taverners, pictured with Leon Crouch, Sarah Stobbart (Montecute assisant head) and Lawrie McMenemy on the 4th November at Montecute School

Montacute School November 2010

As chairman of the Wessex Region, I love visiting the schools and meeting so many dedicated people. The children are always pleased to welcome visitors and their enthusiasm is infectious as they gather,eagerly, for the handover of a shiny new minibus.

Montacute school in Poole, Dorset received their second bus last November due to the generosity of Leon Crouch - Chairman of the Fuller Group. For the presentation, he was joined by Lawrie McMenamy, who needs no introduction - a true legend in this part of the world. Geoff and Fiona Squire completed the line up and it's always a pleasure to be in their company - does Geoff ever stop smiling?

Following the presentation, Sarah - assistant headteacher - gave us a guided tour of the school and Leon spent a long time chatting to the teachers as we moved from classroom to classroom. These snapshot moments always make me feel very humble and I have nothing but admiration for the staff who strive to help each child reach their full potential.

Two hours just flew by and Geoff and Fiona rounded off the morning beautifully by hosting a delicious lunch at Les Bouviers restaurant in Wimborne.

Thank you for a lovely day!

Rachel
 

THE LORD'S TAVERNERS FUND NEW CRICKET NETS

Charlton Down Cricket Club received a cheque for £3,000 from Rachel Carter on Tuesday 17 August at 6pm to fund the club’s new cricket nets.

THE LADY TAVERNERS CELEBRATION TEA PARTY - 12TH JUNE 2010

Whose idea was this anyway? An English summer tea party - complete with rain – to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Lord’s Taverners. Optimistic as ever, Diana insisted that the rain would subside and sunshine would return by Saturday as we hurriedly erected gazebos to offer some protection. She was right, of course, Saturday awakened to glorious sunshine but as Diana, Katie and myself stood in Amanda’s beautiful garden, with its manicured lawns and fields rolling down to the River Stour, we had a new menace to contend with. Howling winds threatened Katie’s artistry as flower vases flew through the air, crashing down to earth to peels of laughter. China plates anchored crisp white table cloths as they attempted to take flight but Lady Taverners have a calming influence, suddenly the wind dropped and peace was restored to guarantee a perfect afternoon.

Champagne corks popped as guests meandered through the delightful gardens, pausing to hit a coconut, hoopla a bottle or join in the treasure hunt - others preferred a gentle game of croquet on the sunken lawn. Luxury tea provided welcome respite and as we munched away, Rossina – just fourteen years old – serenaded us with songs made famous by Eva Cassidy.

As the sunshine faded, the afternoon came to an end with a specially commissioned celebration cake – very English – and champagne toast proposed by our very own Leslie Thomas. What a perfect day!
 

THE LORD'S TAVERNERS PRESENT CHEQUE TO HEDGE END JUNIOR CRICKET CLUB

Pictured: Hedge End Junior Cricket Club receives a cheque for £3,000 from Bob Kemp, Chairman of The Lord’s Taverners Wessex Region, on Wednesday 2 June to fund a new artificial pitch.

Bob Kemp said "The match was well attended and a good game was had against the other team. On speaking with a group after the match Bob made the comment about ‘turning gangs into teams’ at which point the coach informed him that one night he had come across three boys vandalising the club and said to them that rather than turn them over to the police he wanted them to come and have a few training sessions with the club….. One of them now plays for the team!"

THE LORD'S TAVERNERS BURNS NIGHT DINNER, DOCKGATE4 BAR & GRILL - 25TH JANUARY 2010

Over 110 guests helped to raise funds for charity at a Burns Night dinner hosted by the Wessex Lord’s Taverners on Monday 25 January, at Southampton’s Dockgate4 bar and grill. Diners at the black tie event were greeted on arrival by a highland piper, and then treated to a traditional Scottish feast that included haggis, neaps and tatties prepared by the executive chef, Chris Rose. Lord’s Taverners supporters Denis Bundy and Adger Brown compared the event and auctioned off a selection of items for the charity. The great and the good of the region including special guest and Lord’s Taverner, Lawrie McMenemy, raised over £7000. Commenting on the evening, Bob Kemp, the regional Chairman said: “The Lord’s Taverners Burns Night at Dockgate4 is becoming part of the social calendar. As a charity, we are truly grateful for all the wonderful regular support that we receive.”

THE LADY TAVERNERS CHRISTMAS LUNCH, THE WHITE HART HOTEL - 30TH NOVEMBER 2009

November can be such a dreary month and Monday 30th was no exception but the members of the Lady Taverner’s Wessex region brought their own kind of sunshine and laughter to the historic White Hart Hotel in Salisbury.

It was a cold, dull, misty morning outside but inside a roaring log fire welcomed us. The Christmas tree took pride of place in the dining room where staff busied themselves putting the finishing touches to the tables with fresh greenery and candles. We joined this hive of activity, assembling stalls to create a traditional Christmas bazaar with something for everyone.

Early shoppers flocked to the ever-popular bring and buy, whilst others admired the Christmas table decorations – all created by the members – Katie Pantling’s fresh evergreen wreaths sold like hot cakes. A kaleidoscope of colour sparkled in the corner where Diana Thomas displayed her beautiful, personally hand-crafted, exclusive jewellery. Earrings, bracelets and necklaces – all individual pieces – flew off the shelves! The makeup stall attracted much interest and Arcana from Winchester had a range of beauty treatments to hold back the years! Artist Patricia Glasswell travelled from London with her lovely cards for every occasion – ‘Winter Trees’ was stunning.

Raffle tickets were on sale with attractive prizes to be won including bottles of wine, champagne, chocolates, baskets of goodies and a specially commissioned Christmas cake bearing The Lady Taverners logo. First prize was a giant hamper, bursting with luxury items, which surpassed anything that F and M could offer.

Very soon, it was time for lunch but not before that essential glass of bubbly! Traditional fayre was served and afterwards the auction was announced – it wouldn’t be a Taverner’s ‘do’ without an auction! Jean Haines, artist of international acclaim, had generously donated one of her stunning and highly collectable cockerel paintings. The ‘little red rooster’ is a symbol of health, wealth and happiness but beware, his beak must be pointing into the room and not towards the door otherwise the good fortune is reversed! All too soon the party was over but the festive season had begun in style - thanks to the staff at the White Hart Hotel.

Same time next year?

THE LORD'S TAVERNERS LUNCH AT THE ROYAL CORINTHIAN YACHT CLUB - 6TH AUGUST 2009

The Wessex Region held their annual fund-raising during Cowes Week at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. As ever it was extremely well attended with approximately 170 people. Our theme this year was a very patriotic Red, White and Blue. The inside of the marquee was simply dressed with coloured bunting and either red, white or blue roses on each table. During our Champagne Reception we were serenaded by Roger and Mike. Before Lunch Bob entertained us with the knives, forks and spoons quiz - the winner took away a Jeroboam of Champagne! Our after dinner speaker this year was Mike Cassidy. After lunch the Auction took place - with Bob Kemp and Denis Bundy as the auctioneers, with the Champagne Raffle taking place before the event closed at around 5.00pm.

We all had a very enjoyable day and raised around £15,000.

LADY TAVERNERS PRESENT £4,800 TO JULIAS HOUSE

Living in Dorset, I had heard of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, named after the paediatric nurse Julia Perks, who had identified a need for facilities and services for children with life-limiting / threatening illnesses, but my knowledge was poor. So when I was asked to make the Lady Taverner’s presentation cheque, I was keen to learn more about the organisation.

Julia Perks died of cancer in 1997 several years before Julia’s House - converted from a family home – opened in March 2006. Situated in a quiet residential area, the house itself is big and imposing but from the moment you enter the driveway you instantly feel that this is a very special place. Perhaps it’s the mermaid flower bed (the Jurassic / water theme is echoed throughout) or ma ybe it’s the yellow brick road - meandering through the garden - that gives it its magical feel.

Deborah Ben-David greets me with a warm smile and introduces me to members of the team, who were enjoying coffee in the kitchen. Walking from room to room, I am struck by the bright and airy feel. The children were on holiday but their presence is everywhere. Photographs and brightly coloured drawings adorn the walls. The coastal theme abounds – textured floor coverings with huge gel-spots that change colour to stimulate a child’s imagination.

Outside in the garden - with distant views of the Dorset bay – I am invited to take the wooden walkway with interesting objects to enjoy along the way. The garden has different areas of activity but I am struck by the screened section -which provides a quiet area for reflection, in this hive of activity.

Back inside, Deborah escorts me upstairs where overnight accommodation is available for a limited number of children and their parents / carers. The rooms are sympathetically decorated and furnished. Clinical equipment is apparent but not intrusive – I am amazed as the sink changes height at the flick of a switch! Also, a height – adjustable bath - the latest acquisition donated by three local charities – is demonstrated to me.

As we walk past numerous musical instruments – a vital means of communication for some of the children – I am invited to view the sensory room. This can only be described as truly amazing. With its bouncy floor, different textures, changing lights and sounds – all child-user-friendly – this has to be the ultimate experience.

Finally, my tour comes to an end as I enter a most unusual room. Julia’s House is a children’s hospice, and when the fight is lost, this room provides a place for the young person to lie surrounded by loved ones – with caring staff supporting them through the grieving process. At this moment, it is impossible not to feel s ad and you quickly focus on the fact that Julia’s House is very much about living!

With a mere 3% funding provided by the government to this organisation, donations are invaluable and I felt proud to be handing over a cheque for £4,800 from the Lady Taverner’s to such a worthwhile cause.