.

 

2010 newsletter

For 2009 newsletter, click here ..

Snowfalls and cold weather didn’t stop our members coming along to the meeting in January to hear Professor Philip Gallimore, a renowned cancer specialist, talk about his research into this disease.  Since the discovery of the humane genome, DNA, there is more understanding of how cancers grow in the body and therefore great advances have been made in treatments and some vaccines.  Members came away with plenty of information and good advice on the importance of early screening.  If in doubt, see your doctor straight away!!

 

Tastebuds were tickled a-plenty at our February meeting where chef Rob  Wall gave a demonstration of kitchen skills and vegetable preparation which were a feast for the eyes and butcher John Price answered members' questions on how French cuts of meat differ to English.  The meeting culminated in an enthusiastic tasting sessions of pork pies, sausages, crudites and delicious dips!  

 

Line dancing with the Leggies ladies - what a fun day we had at our March meeting when Vivienne Gane tried to get us all finger-clicking and foot-stomping in unison!  Some members discovered their natural dance skills whilst others complained about their 'two left feet' .... but there was laughter a-plenty as we swished, clapped, side-stepped and often collided with each other.  A memorable meeting and our efforts were rewarded by tea and a large slice of Nina's delicious cake.

 

Our April meeting started with Leggies' Annual General Meeting (for more details, click here) and was followed with an entertaining talk by member Annechien Smith  about her many years of breeding and showing Basenji hounds at Crufts which resulted in winning Best In Breed in 2004.  She displayed the many cups and rosettes won over the years and set members a fun competition to see how much we knew about dogs.

 

Cold weather and persistent rain didn't deter fifteen hardy Leggies from visiting Plantes de Pailloles near LaCapelle-Biron at our May meeting.  After lunch they visited the greenhouses and gardens with owner Gay Webster, who answered their gardening questions, then they had the opportunity to purchase plants.  With such a large variety of honeysuckles and geraniums including some with the scents of chocolate, mint, lemon and spice, few returned home empty-handed!

 

But what a change in the weather for our June meeting where 20 members took a guided stroll in the brilliant  sunshine around the mediaeval village of Pujols.  Our guide from the Tourist Information Office gave a fascinating talk about the history of Pujols, one of France's most beautiful hilltop sites, which has been razed and rebuilt many times over the centuries.  It was thirsty work walking in that hot sun and we finished the meeting with a well-deserved cup of tea and a slice of Nina's delicious cake to restore our energy!

 

After a two-month summer break the Leggies calendar resumed with a fascinating talk by Sue Jarvis at our September meeting about understanding and working with our body's natural energy, the power of positive thought (and how negative thoughts can sap your strength) and how different foods affect each individual.  Sue put out different foods for energy testing and our members enjoyed the opportunity to munch on chocolate - in the interests of scientific research, of course!!