The rest of Friday was spent with host families     We all join in the fun       AGM 26th October 2016 The AGM was quite well attended .The Mayor said many positive things about our Society and wished us well in the future.   Our Mayor David Bulmer giving his speech .Clive Sanders our mace bearer stands behind him and Dr Birker Harald makes his welcoming speech      diners enjoying their soup   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Exchange from Helmstedt 2015    We stopped overnight in the Scandic Hotel in Antwerp. Thursday morning we were on our way to Helmstedt enjoying some leg-stretching stops en route  One of our autobahn stops to stretch our legs and refresh ourselves Friday morning we congregated outside the Rathaus ready for the civic reception with the mayor. The Burgermeister welcomed the group and gave us a short but interesting history of Helmstedt.  Friday evening we were entertained by the Guitar Group   his beautiful building is the Ducal Palace We were given a guided tour which was very interesting if not somewhat lengthy. Sunday A day to spend with our host families. This was a water fire and music display at Wolfsburg  Monday Monday was our big day out to the Herrenhausen Gardens in Hannover Some People decided to visit the Tropical Aquarium rather than the gardens. Time to go home bye bye Helmstedt and our friends  The chef  more delicious food  goodbye to new friends  Group photo before we board for home *******************************************************************************************  starting off from Donyatt Halt   Still more soup  Many of us enjoying a rest after eating cakes **************************************************************************************************  A fairy  home in the tree stump Margaret Lorna Gwyn and Mike take a break  Leading the way Margaret and Gwyn  Silver birch and bluebells  Lorna Mike and Bill Ken Ann Freddie and Margaret After the mini picnic of tea coffee and cakes a pose for the photographer ****************************************************************************************************************************  Collette Lorna and Freddie   Jean, Stan, Maureen , David Wood   On Friday 21st February 2014 there should have been a Skittles Evening at The Happy Return Pub. Unfortunately the roof was damaged in the recent storms so the skittle alley was unavailable. Dave Poole who was organising the event saved the day by devising a quiz evening instead. This was equally well attended , his questions were somewhat challenging, the winning table was made up of Amanda and David Acland and Hannah and Brian Newitt , well done!! We also held a raffle .The evening made a fantastic profit of £68. We enjoyed a good buffet especially the delicious genuine German soup made by Doris the proprietor . *************************************** The AGM was held in November .Following the official section we enjoyed drinks and nibbles.Lorna Scudder made her cake with a secret ingredient.Unfortunately no one guessed that particular ingredient ,so for those who did not participate it will remain unknown. *************************************** On 6th December it was our Kaffee and Kuchen Morning.Members were served coffee or hot gluwein with cakes. The bring and buy stall and raffle did a brisk trade. A profit of £137 went into our funds. *************************************** 2014 isCHARD s turn to visitHelmstedt so if anyone wishes to join in then please do not hesitate to contact Collette Boyle on 01460 62449 *************************************** For resume of incoming visit from Helmstedt in 2013 , please go to past events. | December Kaffee und Kuchen We had the annual coffee morning at Collette''s home in Combe St Nicholas .Non alcoholis gluhwein was served as well as fresh coffee and home baked cakes. The event raised £108 profit for our funds. German Stew and Boules We met again at Donyatt Village Hall on Friday 29th September for our stew and boules. David Poole cooked some delicious smokey german stew in his camper van.Some sat in the foyer of the hall others enjoyed the late summer sunshine. After finishing our cakes and coffee we played boule.This was a little challenging as the grass was not entirely level, which allowed those of us not familiar with the game to do rather well more due to luck and ground than talent.    David the chef and his camper van   Annual Cream Tea    Thursday 29th June 2017 The group arrived late afternoon at Crowshute Car park .After matching hosts with guests and other guests with their guest houses all went off happily to relax after the long journey. Friday 30th June At 11am the Civic reception took place in the Guild Hall. Garry Shortland our Mayor warmly welcomed our visitors, who then enjoyed coffee and biscuits . Harald and Garry Shortland  At 7pm we all met at the Conservative Club for a skittles evening.The winners of course were from We followed this with a delicious buffet .We also ran a raffle which our guests enjoy as they do not have them in Germany. Saturday 1st July. Our day out to Lacock Village started with sunshine.After a bit of a muddle with coach drivers losing each other we finally arrived in the delightful National Trust Village. People went their own ways for the day to explore this unspoilt historical village. Places of particular interest were the house and Abbey ,which was used in some of the filming of Harry Potter films, The museum with history of development of photography by Fox Talbot who lived in Lacock House.The general village with its shops .church and pottery as well as other little gems hidden away . Some of us were lucky enough to be invited inside one of the houses to look around . The occupants all rent the houses from the NT and have rules as to how they must be maintained. The sun shone all day for us , a perfect English summer day. Sunday 2nd July This was either a day with hosts or a visit to Plymouth arranged by Harald. Monday 3rd July. A free morning with hosts . After lunch A visit for our guests round Numatic International - the factory in Chard where Henry Vacuum Cleaners are manufactured . Leaving party The Leaving party this time was an English High Tea with a selection sandwiches and cheese scones followed by a wonderful array of cakes displayed on tiered cakestands. This was followed by entertainment from Dr Turbevilles' Morris Dancers.At the end of the dancing we were invited to join in, many of the guests seemed to delight in this strange English custom. Tuesday 4th July Departure time , our friends go back home.This was one of the best ever visits helped by the wonderful weather . 17th April 2017 A Coffee Morning was held at Trivetts in Combe St Nicholas. It was a sunny day and several visitors chose to stay out in the garden. Much coffee was drunk and plenty of cakes consumed.A bring and buy table had an assortment of goods from jams to books and toileteries.There were plenty of raffle prizes to be won. The profit from thos event was £105 .Many thanks to all who attended and helped. On Friday 17th March we held a Beetle Drive in Combe St Nicholas village hall. For those who do not know this entertainment , it is a childs game really. You have to draw a beetle by throwing a dice.6 = body 5==head 4=tail3=legs 2=feelers and 1=eyes.When you complete a beetle you shout Beetle and all stop.Then the highest and lowest scorers move up or down a table . Simple but fun. As it was St Patrick's Day we had jacket potatoes for our interval meal. The joint outright winners were Kay Grimmond and Michael Boyle . ********************************************************************************************************************** We are now in 2017 and this year will expect our Guests to arrive . Arrival date is Thursday 29th June early evening . Departure will be Tuesday 4th July early morning. So far we have booked the Mayor and the Guild Hall for 11am on Friday 30th June for the Civic Reception, this of course depends on whether the new Mayor can attend. Friday evening there will be skittles at Conservative Club with buffet as requested by our guests. Saturday 1st July is our big day out.We are going to Lacock for the day. We will need to hire a coach for ourselves .To help with the costs we are open to taking our friends .Likely cost of the coach per person will be £10.Entry to Lacock Abbey ,gardens and Fox Talbot Photographic museum is £11.50 with group ticket.Of course if you belong to the National Trust you will get free entry. Sunday and Monday are free days with hosts.Monday afternoon will be the leaving party which will probably take place as an English High Tea.Venue as yet to be arranged. On 3rd February we had our first social event of 2017.We joined
with our friends at Crewkerne Twinning Society.42 of us lunched at the
Windwhistle Golf Club.The food was good and we were very well looked after.   In December the Cloverleaf Productions of Combe put on an Evening of Seasonal Entertainment , and entertained we were with songs , poetry , a particularly lovely guitar and song solo as well as "party Pieces" We kept ourselves warm by having hot homemade soups and of course puddings in the interval   ******************************************************************************* October took us outside at Donyatt village Hall car park where David Poole, and his trusty camper van ,once again organised a German Stew and Boules lunchtime activity. Some members turned out to be quite competetive wheras others were hopeless. It was a fun event and the weather was kind to us.. In September we had a Duck Race Evening.This turned out to be hilarious with betting on a wooden duck on wheels being pulled in by different guests.There was probably a little bit of cheating going on. It was a very jolly evening with lots of laughs as well as a delicious buffet. EXCHANGE TO HELMSTEDT 2016
Outing to Burrow Farm Gardens in early May On Thursday 21st April 2016 We ran a Royal Soup Kitchen in Chaffcombe Village Hall.This event was to celebrate the 90th Birthday of Queen Elizabeth 11.It was well attended .Our thanks to the village of Chaffcombe for their support.  Supporters of Queen and country. March saw us playing skittles at the Lamb and Lion in Hambridge. In February a quiz night was run in the Lordleaze Hotel in Chard.Our Society were the benefactors of this evening Annual Lunch January 2016 On Friday 22nd January 2016 Our Society joined the Crewkerne? Igny Society for the annual lunch. 31 Chard and 24 Crewkerne members enjoyed a delicious meal at the Cricket St Thomas Golf Club. Kaffe and Kuchen December 2015 In December we held our Kaffee and Kuchen morning at The Trivetts in Combe where there were plenty of home baked cakes as well as some gluhwein(non alcoholic) . This was well attended and we made a profit of £109 for our funds Fun Wine and Cheese Tasting Evening in September 2015 This year we held the wine and cheese tasting evening in our local museum -a fitting place i guess as many of us are museum pieces ourselves !! We all enjoyed the event and still we notice that most of us have no idea of whay we are eating or drinking. A delicious ploughman's buffet was provided .Our thanks must go once again to Ann and Ken Courtney for arranging the evening. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Exchange from Helmstedt 2015 This year 50 folk from Helmstedt descended upon us on Weds 19th August in the evening. On Thursday morning they were announced outside by the Town Crier Stuart Cumming before being formally welcomed by our Mayor David Bulmer. Following short speeches our guests were treated to coffee and cakes -baked by our own members .  Our first outing was to the Willow and Wetlands Centre in Stoke St Gregory near Taunton.Here we split into three groups .We were shown a short video depicting the origins of the centre and how withies were grown and harvested in the past, and how they are sorted and prepared for use.visitors viewed some of the workers who were making various goods for sale.There were many hampers made for Fortum and Mason in London ready for Christmas as well as willow coffins for more local use.The withy fields were but a short walk away were there was plenty of wildlife to be seen if you had sharp eyes. In the evening everyone enjoyed a skittles evening with a buffet and raffle. Friday saw our big day out. An early start for those in the Combe area at 07.50hrs and 0800 in Chard.Off in the rain to Totnes to catch an old fashioned bus to Paignton where we caught the steam train to Kingswear.  Once in Dartmouth the weather improved a bit so we could explore as we wished. Back to the quay and onto a boat for the early evening cruise back up the River Dart to Totnes, passing seals playing , the home of Agatha Christie , and pretty villages nestling on the waterfront. Saturday was a day to relax with the host families. Sunday morning was a trip to Sidmouth via the donkey sanctuary for coffee. Sunday early evening was time for the farewell party.This year we were very lucky to be entertained by the Cloverleaf production players from Combe St Nicholas.A wonderful varied programme of acts mimes and singing to join in with.The Combe Handbell ringers also were very well received.The German audience shewed their appreciation by foot stamping and standing ovation.A delicious varied buffet was enjoyed .All to quickly we had to go home ready for an early start Monday morning. Monday 05.00hrs was the time for the coach to begin loading ready for the long journey home .Goodbyes were made.Tears were shed. Promises were made to go to Helmstedt in 2016. The weather fro this exchange may not have been kind but the visit renewed old friendships and forged new ones . Exchange to Helmstedt 2014 On Wednesday 6th August 24 people
boarded the coach for the trip to Helmstedt. This year we had 9 new
members making the journey to Germany for the first time.
Our route took us to Dover for the ferry crossing , through France to
Belgium where we stayed in Antwerp overnight.Thursday saw us travel on through Germany and arrive in Helmstedt at about 5pm where we were heartily welcomed by our hosts.  Is that glasses of wine I see?Friday  We travelled out to Schoningen several kilometers away to thenew Palaon Museum which has only been opened for a year. It houses the 8 neolithic spears which were found in the nearbyopen cast lignite mine .  Hue and Ken enjoy a cuppa Ken Ann Ursula Norma and Regine also enjoy a tea break outside the museum.  Saturday  Today we were taken to Wolfenbuttel , a nearby picturesque tpwn. This town if famous for the production of Jagermeister liquor .  Angela Kay and Rob take a break in the shade Leaving Party So soon our exchange was coming to an end .We had a wonderful time as usual. Our newcomers to Helmstedt thoroughly enjoyed the experience The leaving party was held at another of allotment society.Here we were treated to a very generous BBQ. Harald arranged a competition for those of us who wished to have a go in the shooting hut. What an experience the target moves as you breathe !  Harald presenting the certificates for the shooting competition. Winners were !st Collette 2nd Dave Poole and 3rd Steve our driver  Dave Harald and the competition judge.So soon our exchange was coming to an end .We had a wonderful time as usual. Our newcomers to Helmstedt thoroughly enjoyed the experience  ******************************************************************************************* Walk and Soup in Donyatt Wednesday
11th June turned out to be a pleasantly warm day when 24 members met
up at Donyatt Village Hall car park to go for a walk along the old
railway track, now part of the Somerset cycling route. There
is a statue of a young girl evacuee at this halt in memory of all the
children who were sent here to get away from danger during the war. Behind us on the photo you can see the concrete bollards built for defense against tanks .  There was plenty of wildlife to see especially insects (Damsel flies) and creepy crawlies (cuckoo spit and large brown slugs)  Mike +Cheryl Newman Lorna and Mike Tuck The verges were thick with
lush grasses, ferns and the very prehistoric plant called horsetail as
well as well known buttercups,pink campion ,hogweed,fragrant
honeysuckle and plenty of dog roses  Bee hives were also in evidence. Back to the bridge over the river Isle a chat with the villagers to admire their gardens  Back to the car park where Dave Poole our host and chef was ready to serve German style soup Mike Hannah Brian Doreen and Ann  Hilary guest Jim and Cathie  Did we enjoy our walk and soup? Freddie and Monty say Yes!! Out thanks go to Dave Poole who suggested the day and acted as host and chef. We all hope his accident with the camper-van door did not leave lasting damage to his good looks!! Thanks also to all who baked delicious cakes. Although
we had to change the date of our walk due to rainy weather , 10 members
donned wellies or good walking shoes and enjoyed the afternoon in the woods . Some of us delighted in wading through mud , others not so. We explored many of the "fairy doors" and admired the magnificent swathes of the bluebells as well as some stunning rhododendron and camellia bushes . Finally we rested on the seats and enjoyed our mini picnic.  Michael Gwyn and Lorna in the car park   Beech just bursting into leaf The fallen tree  Rhododendrons in bloom ********************************************************************************************************************************** Lunch at Ilminster Bowling Club on Wednesday 26th March 2014 A
very successful lunch was enjoyed by 36 members at the Ilminster
Bowling Club, organised by David Poole. The meal was excellent and the
attention by the staff there was superb with nothing too much
trouble. We welcomed new members: Hue Esmail & Mike Tuck, who we
are delighted will be travelling to Helmstedt with us in August. Thanks to all who provided prizes for the raffle, which made £45 for our funds. We
now have 25 members booked to travel. There is still room on the
coach if any other people would like to join us. Please contact
Collette on 01460 62449 asap to secure a place so that everybody can be
placed with a host family.  Ann Doreen Mike Tuck Colin and Margaret  Ken & Ann, Doreen, Mike Tuck  Dave & Lorna Wood, John & David Poole & Mike Mason Sunday |
exchange 2014 >
Ken in action
Ken and Hilary
Anyone for stew?
I wonder what Cathie is thinking about?
Ann Doreen and Margaret
Bill and Ulrich
Peter rests
