This was set in the reception class of an infant school and featured ladies with an average age of fifty/sixty- something portraying very young pupils staggering through their Christmas entertainment dress rehearsal with all the faux pas’ and mistakes which that would entail.

This hilarious playlet was augmented with contributions in musical vein from the partygoers who provided the carol accompaniment.

A collection after the usual sumptuous repast provided by the members raised £53 for Oakhaven Hospice.

In January, local historian Graham Parkes gave a talk about the comings and goings of the Hythe Ferry from its inception in the mid-nineteenth century, and the highs and lows of the piers history, culminating in the near catastrophe, three years ago when a large vessel smashed into the pier and demolished a large part of it, just after the last ferry from Southampton, had disgorged its passengers!

This tangible piece of Hythe’s history is a unique and indispensable part of Waterside life and its heritage, which has visually changed very little since it was built.

February’s meeting consisted of a mock auction, ably presided over by our own irrepressible auctioneer Nora Grace. This is always a hilarious event and this year the items produced by the members was of a higher quality, not quite Antiques Road Show, but very Flog It !

Most meetings will be presided over by our re-elected President Pauline Rule, although throughout February she was on an Antipodeaen adventure which we hope to hear all about later!

As usual the programme this year is varied and interesting, covering a wide range of subjects, including Cartoon drawing, Palmistry, Crop Circles and our biennial visit from the Hampshire W.I.’s cooking and butlering friend Josephine Ives who currently lives in Sydney, but travels worldwide.

Marchwood W.I. meets in Marchwood Village Hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm and all are welcome.

Judy Saxby