The “Absolutely Fabulous Ladybirds of Thornbury” Chapter News letter February 2020

Hello ladies – winter is nearly over but red hat fun is continuing! Here’s the plan for the rest of 2020

Saturday 7th March 2020 – Coffee Morning

Saturday 14th March 2020 9.30 am
Meet at the Swan for Breakfast and Charity Shop Challenge.  I need to book so that the food requirements can be organised. You will be given just £3 to tour charity shops, buy items and meet back at The Swan for coffee and challenge results.

Wednesday 1st April 2020 – Coffee Morning

Saturday 25th April 2020 – South West Regional Convention, Grand Hotel Bristol
Coach leaves Aldi at 9.15 am,  Coach travel free
Must wear our colours. “Roaring Twenties” is the theme – Fancy dress optional but purple is a must!

Saturday 2nd May 2020 – Coffee morning

Saturday 16th May 2020 – Luncheon or tea and visit
The new “Leaf & Ground” cafe, Deli and Garden Shop, near Dursley.
Transport will be needed.  Menus and more information later. Co-Queen Helen will organise.

Wednesday 3rd June 2020 – Coffee morning

Saturday 13th June 2020 – Hog Roast and games at Helen’s
Brian to do the cooking!  Times, details to follow

Saturday 4th July 2020 – Coffee morning

Tuesday 21st July 2020 Applegates coach trip to St Fagans Wales
Cost £13.50.  I believe entrance to the museum is free.  I have reserved 15 seats

Wednesday 5th August 2020 Coffee morning
Membership fees due this month

Saturday 22nd August 2020 – Luncheon on “The Glass Boat” Bristol TBC
Travel by bus.  If unable to book the Glass Boat then luncheon elsewhere in Bristol

Saturday 5th September 2020 – Coffee morning

Saturday  5th September 2020 – possible trip to Jekka’s Herb Garden, Alveston?

Friday 11th September 2020 -Exeter Canal Cruise with Chauffeur Hire Coaches
Cost £30  15 places reserved. Drive to Exeter, then free time and canal cruise to Exmouth.  Coach picks us up again from Exmouth.

Wednesday 7th October 2020 – Coffee morning

Saturday 17th October 2020 – Full Afternoon Tea at Tortworth Court
Back where it all began!  Our first ever outing with a handful of potential Red Hatters
Cost £22  A special ‘birthday event’

Saturday  7th November 2020 – Coffee morning

Saturday 14th November 2020 – Craft, Chat and cake at Helen’s
Afternoon event

Wednesday  2nd December 2020 – Coffee morning

December – Over to you! any volunteers to plan and lead or host an event

• Please remember to wear our colours at all trips, meetings etc
  Help with transport is much appreciated
• Also please note that events could be rearranged or changed and on rare occasions cancelled!  Sometimes extra items are added
• Please pay money on time – cash to Jackie made payable to ‘Ladybirds of Thornbury’ – it’s helpful to put in an envelope with your name and address and what the money if for
• Please note deposits may not always be refundable
• Coffee mornings now at The Swan, High Street 10.30 – 12.20

 

Diary dates

Hello Ladies  Thank you to all of you who came on Saturday – I really think you are brave with the weather being so unkind!  I am attaching a copy of the programme for those who did not make it, along with a breakfast menu for the Swan.
There are 20 names on the list for breakfast and charity shop challenge so I  will still have a coffee morning on the 7th March and then breakfast on the 14th

I now have 10 names on the list for the Ludlow Christmas Market weekend.  The 4 single rooms I have been allocated are all gone.  Having spoken to Chauffeur Hire today, they have reserved a total of 15 places and will send me booking forms in a couple of weeks.
We then need to complete them and send them back with a £50 non returnable deposit  per person . There is still time for you to decide to come as the 15 places will be kept for us as long as possible – having said that they already have 12 seats allocated from the public
Please give the weekend some thought and if you would like to go but do not have a bedroom partner, please let me know and perhaps we can sort something out – have to hold a getting to know you event!

See you at the coffee morning
Royal wave to you all
Queen Margaret

 

Dinner menu Wheatsheaf Saturday January 18th

Wheatsheaf Dinner menu for Saturday   January 18th 12.30 pm

Starters
                                     Fresh Water King Prawns        £5      VGF
served  with salad leaves and a home made seafood dressing

                               Home made soup        £4.50     VE/V/GF
served with bread and butter

Main course

Homemade Chickpea and Spinach Curry     £11  VE/V/GF
served with boiled rice a naan bread and mango chutney

Pan Fried Fillets of Sea Bass     £11   V/GF
served with crushed new potatoes and a medley of green vegetables

Slow Roasted Brisket of Beef      £11         GF
served with seasonal roasted fresh vegetables, sugar snap  peas , fine beans, a home made Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese

Puddings

Sticky Toffee Pudding   £4.50      V
with  Madagascan Vanilla Ice cream

Home made Chocolate Fudge Brownie       £4.50     V
with Madagascan Vanilla Ice cream

Individual Cheese Board    £4.50    V
Brie Stilton and Cheddar Cheese with crackers and fruit chutney

Lemon Tart   £4.50

Tea and coffee from £1.50

Update January 2020

Good afternoon Ladies,  Happy New Year, I hope you have all enjoyed the festive season. It’s a bit gloomy weather wise today, but I am sure we can brighten up the year with our purple and red! A reminder Saturday will be our first coffee morning for 2020 and to be held in The Swan, High Street Thornbury, from 10.30am. We will be downstairs at the back of the building. They know we are coming so we will see how it goes.

The balance for Regional Convention is due, it is £40 and cheques need to be payable to Ladybirds of Thornbury.

Saturday 18th January  Luncheon at the Wheatsheaf  12.30 for 12.45. I have attached copy of the menu. Please give me your choices (if you have not already done so) Pay on the day, Please bring exact money for your meal and some small change in case you order tea or coffee. We will also have a raffle.

Saturday 15th February  ‘Simply Red Hatters’  2 -4pm Thornbury Methodist Church hall.  A chance to get together  for chat, tea and cake: exchange, sell, buy your unwanted Red hat paraphernalia , quiz and the programme for the rest of 2020 to be revealed and discussed or changed according to your instructions……Please try to come.

Thank you for all the Christmas cards and support you have given me and Helen during 2019 and see you all on Saturday.

 

Red hat Hugs

Margaret

Convention 2020

The Red Hat Ladies shop are incredibly excited to be hosting the 2020 Convention at Potters in Coast Road, Hopton, Yarmouth, Norfolk. NR31 9BX – 16th & 17th October 2020 https://www.pottersholidays.com/
You asked for some Red Hat fun.. We found it !!
Potters is the longest running family-owned Resort in the UK, based on the Suffolk/Norfolk Border. Set on the coastline, with steps down to the beach, there’s also plenty of room to roam and enjoy the coast and countryside.
Once you arrive, check in and then decorate your dining table, you’ll soon discover a whole range of opportunities waiting for you.
Across the 65-acre Resort, you can choose from popular outdoor facilities and activities like Tennis, archery, Crazy Golf, 9 hole pitch and putt, or try something new with Segways, Rally Karts, Clay Pigeon Shooting and much more. Thrill seekers will love the adrenaline rush and spectacular views of the Norfolk countryside from our 18-metre Giant’s Swing
But please don’t be put off by the amazing range of energetic activities available.
For those who prefer the quieter life, inside there is an impressive range of daily activities including Dance classes, Bowls, Quizzes, Badminton, Bingo, Table Tennis, Darts, Snooker, Arts & Crafts and much more.
As well as the full range of sports and leisure facilities, they also have a fully equipped, state-of-the-art gym, Palms Health and Fitness Club, which allows you to relax in style with 10- seater luxury whirlpool, sauna cabin, steam room and two swimming pools.
In addition, you can also take advantage of Aphrodite Beauty Studio. Indulge and pamper yourself from head to toe, with a range of treatments and packages available.
And all activities [apart from beauty treatments] are included in your stay. There really is something for everyone, even if the weather is traditionally British and wet !
Evenings is where Potters really comes into its own..
After filling up on traditional British fare in our spacious Garden Restaurant your evening’s entertainment starts with the grand entrance to the Atlas Theatre as the doors open for a fantastic live performance from Potters Theatre Company, Star Acts, travelling shows and the best comedians on the current circuit. We have also managed to secure some allocated seating, so you can be sure to get a seat !
After the curtain goes down in the Atlas Theatre, the entertainment continues late into the night with singers and comedians in the Terrace bar or VIP’s disco, at the weekends.
We have managed to negotiate a discount on the brochure price. This Full Board 2 night, 3 day package is available from £239pp for standard Bungalow Accommodation, up to Hotel Penthouse for £299 per person. The choice is yours..
Itinerary to be finalised but I can assure you, that you will not go hungry and neither will you get bored. In fact, we are struggling to fit everything in..
Places are limited, so if you wish to reserve your place, please call 0333 3207 474 and quote REDHAT. – Bookings do not open until Monday 14th October 2019. A small deposit of £30 per person is required. When you call, they will ask you to confirm which Chapter you belong to so that
you are all seated on the same table. They will also ask about Room Sharing, and most rooms are twin beds.
Your £30 deposit includes a Group Cancellation Protection Cover which covers against illness, redundancy or bereavement and where correct evidence is shown, a refund will be made minus £5 per adult. This also covers deposit payments and offers free name changes if necessary. The balance is due 8 week prior to the Convention.
Although Potters is extremely accessible, they also have mobility scooters which are available for hire once you are there, but please mention this at the time of your booking to secure your scooter.
Meals included are Friday Dinner, Saturday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and Sunday Breakfast and Lunch.
There is an OPTION to stay for a third night [Sunday] at an additional cost of £89 [again a reduced rate] This includes a 5 course meal, with wine, and a Star Act [which is yet to be confirmed]. Previous entertainment has included Daniel O’Donnel, Jane McDonald, Collabro and many more.
Finer details to be confirmed but all being well, there will be a Prosecco reception, a group Photo Shoot, a themed Parade, a chance to don some of your most fabulous Gladrags, Goodie Bags, and of course, plenty of time to shop – The Red Hat Shop will be there but if anyone else would like a table, please don’t hesitate to let me know in advance.
This truly will be one to remember as it’s also the shops 15th Anniversary, so we have been working hard to make this a weekend to remember.
Looking forward to seeing you all there
Pinkest Regards
Queen Pink Fizz aka Sharon Holt

Newsletter September 2019

Hello Ladies – here is the latest news

A ticket for the Little Venice trip has become available – on Wednesday Sept 25th – cost £36.50 – may be negotiable – please contact me if you would like it. 13 ladies going so far
SORRY but the pick up time is 7.35am from Thornbury Plain – NOT outside Aldi.
Plan is to be at the dropping off point for the boat trip at 11.30 am – we will be having a comfort stop at Reading.  It is a 55 minute boat trip followed by free time in Camden.
Return home commences at 4.30 pm.
So a very early start.  Those wishing to board the coach at Heathfield Garage – the time is 7.10 am.  Out and about in public so wearing our colours is a must and a chance to amaze the public.

A reminder – all membership fees of £10 should now be paid.  If you still need to do this please send/give your money to Jackie .  Also  the balance for the December trip to Longleat Christmas lights needs to be paid at the October Coffee morning – £28.50

I am taking names for the evening meal at the Huntsman Falfield on Monday October 21st and will email menu to you as soon as I have it.  Meet at 6.30 pm

Full afternoon tea at Tortworth Farm Shop is being planned for Sat 16th November – cost thought to be £12 TBC  Names at coffee morning and money if  possible.

I have also received an email announcement of next years UK convention and that is published separately

Lastly I was slightly horrified at the specific item included in a goodie bag at a USA convention ….any guesses?  All will be revealed at the next coffee morning

See you on the 25th or coffee morning Wednesday 2nd October

Red Hat Hugs
Queen Margaret

 

Newsletter March 2019

The “Absolutely Fabulous Ladybirds   of Thornbury” Chapter         

Newsletter March 2019

Hello Ladies – here is the latest info, planned trips, events and diary dates and I hope you approve. Thankyou for all your help and support along with your boundless enthusiasm.

Coffee mornings continue to be held at Hawkes House at 10.30am

Wednesday 3^rd April 2019 – Coffee morning

 Saturday 27^th April 2019 – South West Regional Convention, Tewkesbury.

Coach leaves Aldi at 9am for the Hilton Puckrup Hall, Tewkesbury.

‘Strictly come Dancing’ is the theme but don’t worry if you haven’t got a

dress just as long as you wear purple with a red hat or red fascinator.

Saturday 4^th May 2019 – Coffee morning

 Wednesday 22nd May 2019 – ‘Haunted and Hidden Bristol’

A Ghost tour of Bristol – you can view details on the web site. A 75minute walking tour. Costs £5 and starts 6pm at College Green. We can travel by bus or car perhaps meeting up mid-afternoon for tea before the tour.

Money and names to Joyce by 30^th April at the latest.

 Wednesday 5^th June 2019 – Coffee morning

 Tuesday 18^th June 2019 – Woodchester Valley Vineyard Winery

(Postcode GL5 5HR)

Tour and wine-tasting organised by Pat Allen, 01453 511629

Cars needed for transport. Meeting outside at 6pm

2 hour experience. Cost £15 Money in full by 30^th May.

Saturday 6th July 2019 – Coffee morning at Margaret’s (due to it being Carnival

Day)

10.30am to 12.30pm. Tea, coffee, biscuits, chat – and cakes if you are lucky…

Saturday 13^th July 2019 – Garden Party hosted by Hazel Brown 01454 411148

12.30pm please bring a chair if possible and a mug and a dish to share,

savoury or sweet, homemade or bought. Names to Hazel by 6^th July at the

Coffee morning.

Wednesday 7^th August 2019 – Coffee morning

Membership Fees are due this month. Amount TBC

Saturday 24^th August 2019 – Visit to Dyrham Park National Trust

Cars are needed. Either go in time for lunch or afternoon tea & cake.

Names to Helen 01454 613986. Free if National Trust member or £13.50 for

non-members. Time to be confirmed.

 Saturday 7^th September 2019 – Coffee morning

 Wednesday 25^th September 2019 – Little Venice Canal Cruise & Camden Market

Trip with Applegate Coaches.  £36.40 includes coach and cruise through London

Zoo and Regents Park. 18 places reserved £20 deposit asap. Pay in full by

13^th July (at the Garden Party).

Wednesday 2^nd October 2019 – Coffee morning

 Friday 11^th – 13^th October 2019 UK Convention in Torquay

I don’t think its too late to book – details with Margaret

 Saturday 2^nd November 2019 – Coffee morning

 Saturday 16^th November 2019 – Full afternoon Tea at Tortworth Farm Shop Café

Afternoon Tea and the chance to buy Christmas goods. Cost £12 Names/money to be

collected later.

 Wednesday 4^th December 2019 – Coffee morning

 Friday 6^th December 2019 – Christmas Lights at Longleat

Rover Coaches trip to see the Christmas Lights and Chinese lanterns.

15 seats reserved. £10 deposit. Total Cost £38.50.

Balance to be paid by October Coffee morning.

 Wednesday 18th December 2019 – Open House at Margaret’s

10.30am to 1.30pm.  Mince pies, Tea, coffee, chat and plan 2020 – pop in any time.

 

• Please remember to wear our colours at all trips, meetings etc. and help with transport is much appreciated as coaches are so expensive.
• Also please note that trips could be rearranged or changed and on rare occasions cancelled!
• Please pay money on time – cheques made payable to ‘Ladybirds of Thornbury’ – put in an envelope with your name and address and what the money is for! Cheques are preferable to cash. Send/give to Joyce, 8 Ashgrove, Thornbury.
• Please note deposits may not be refundable

 

Newsletter December 2018

The “Absolutely Fabulous Ladybirds   of Thornbury” Chapter         

Newsletter December 2018

Hello Ladies -winter has arrived and Christmas too which means another year of Red Hat adventures has almost come to a close! Thank you for all your support and enthusiasm. Now let’s move on and look forward to doing it all over again with even more Red and Purple sparkle.

Some dates for 2019

 Coffee mornings continue to be held at Hawkes House at 10.30am

 Saturday 5^th January 2019 – Coffee morning

Saturday 26^th January 2019 – Craft, Colour, Cakes and Chat

To be held at Helen’s, Princess Dare-to-Do

Meet at 2pm

Pay £3 on day

Give names to Helen by 12^th January

A chance to show off your creative skills or just sit, chat and eat cake!

Wednesday 6^th February 2019 – Coffee morning

Saturday 9^th February 2019 – Fork Buffet Luncheon at The Swan, Thornbury (upstairs room)

Cost £7

Names and money to Margaret (Cheques made payable to Ladybirds of Thornbury)

Names to be in by 26^th January.

Time 12.30pm for 1pm

Prize for best decorated hat theme ‘Winter Wonderland’

Quiz and one or two other surprises…

Saturday 23^rd February 2019 – ‘Oliver The Musical’, production by Rangeworthy Court Players

It’s their 60^th Anniversary and I have booked 15 tickets for the Matinee performance.

Cost £10. Money by our coffee morning on 5^th January.

Starts at 2.30pm at the Memorial Hall, Rangeworthy

A chance to see amateur dramatics at its best, always a sell out so we need to book.

Saturday 2^nd March 2019 – Coffee morning

Monday 18^th March 2019 – An evening with ‘Elvis Presley, including an ‘all you can eat’ Chinese meal.

To be held at The Chinese Garden, Whitminster.

Cost £25

20 places booked

Monies to be paid by 5^th January

Wednesday 3rd April 2019 – Coffee morning

 Saturday 27^th April 2019 – South West Regional Convention, Tewkesbury

 

Red Hat Hugs

Margaret

Please remember to wear our colours at all times, note the dates for payments (cheques are preferable)

and the skittles evening on 17^th December 2018 starts at 6.45pm

Red Hat Coffee mornings 2019 – 10.30am at Hawkes House

Saturday      5^th January

Wednesday  6^th February

Saturday      2^nd March

Wednesday  3^rd April

Saturday      4^th May

Wednesday  5^th June

Saturday      6^th July

Wednesday  7^th August

Saturday      7^th September

Wednesday  2^nd October

Saturday      2^nd November

Wednesday  4^th December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diary dates 14.05.18

Good Evening Ladies—- What a lovely day its been, I was inspired to clean the cooker and clear out some kitchen cupboards, punctuating the tasks with cups of tea in the garden!!    Notice I said tea not wine…..

Carmen has asked me to remind you about the Proms evening  Sunday June 10th 6pm  Stinchcombe Rugby ground. Cost £15 includes supper. There are about 10 ladies going at the moment and she would like a few more.Please give the matter some thought and contact Carmen if you can go. 01453 546683

Next  —- Sat 2nd June Wyevale Garden Centre – we have been invited to take part in their birthday celebrations.Meet 2.30 for a free afternoon cream tea. I am to hide some red hats through out the shop for the public to find. Wyevale are providing the prizes.

I have 9 ladies so far, more are welcome although I don’t know exactly how many free teas are on offer! Plenty of bling we are to be one of the attractions….Please let me know if you want to take part.

Sat 21st July trip to Dewstow gardens, Caldicot NP26  5AH.  I have one offer of transport so far. Please let me know if you intend to come and I can start to sort out transport.

One more note, The Wild Popppies have invited us to their 10th birthday celebrations on Thursday 27th September at Bolero’s Lounge Yate Shopping Centre. Tapas & wine

Time to follow, but please note the date.

All for now, enjoy the Royal Wedding -12  Ladybirds are having our own celebrations at The Malt House Saturday Evening, I have warned the High Street and local residents are eagerly awaiting our arrival…..

Red Hat Hugs

Queen Margaret

PS since the purple print at the top of this email, the computer has been changing the colours all by it’s self    interesting.

 

Newsletter February 2018

Hello Ladies – well here we are, almost March and Spring just around the corner.  I hope you all have a spring in your step!
First of all, let me thank Hazel and Pat Allen for running the last two events – once again a good time was had by all and a big thank you to Carmen for organising (and re-organising )  the Safari trip, it was a great success and we even had snow!

Here are some diary dates and updated information for you.  Please note that the Red Hatters breakfast has been cancelled for Monday 26th March and changed to Wednesday 28th March

Saturday 3rd March 2018 – Coffee Morning

Saturday 17th March 2018 – Bletchley Park -All seats are taken for this trip
Meet at 9am at the bus stop Chipping Sodbury Car park

Wednesday 28th March 2018 – Red Hat breakfast at a local venue and a Shopping Challenge.
Venue: The Anchor, Lower Morton
Time: 9am
Cost: £4.50 for full breakfast but they can do variations.
Following breakfast, we will take part in the official Red Hatters sport – shopping! Hitting charity  shops with just £4 to spend and meeting for coffee afterwards to show off our bargains
Names to Margaret asap so that the Anchor can be booked

Wednesday 4th April 2018 – coffee Morning

Saturday 21st April 2018 – SW Regional Convention, Exeter
Time: 8am
Meet at Aldi Thornbury – coach pickup
The theme for the event is ‘Western’, so cowgirls, saloon girls, Calamity Jane – whatever takes your fancy!
Must be wearing our colours.

Saturday 5th May 2018 – Coffee Morning

Saturday 19th May 2018 – Prince Harry’s Wedding Day
I’m sure you will be watching the proceedings on TV but following that let’s have our own ‘Wedding Breakfast’.  Prize for the best decorated Royal Hat or Tiara, plenty of ‘Bling’.  Hopefully a few surprises as well.  We will have our own room and the menu and cost will be sent to you shortly.
Money to Jackie by 30th April
Time :6.30pm
Venue: The Malt House, Thornbury

Wednesday 6th June 2018 – Coffee morning

Sunday 10th June 2018 – Proms Evening with supper at Stinchcombe Rugby ground
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm
Venue: Stinchcombe Rugby Club
Cost: £15
Wearing our colours and Bling
Money to Jackie asap so that Carmen can book our Tickets

Saturday 7th July 2018 – Coffee morning

Saturday 21st July – Dewstone Gardens and Grotto, Caerwent
Venue: Open 10am to 3pm
Entry cost: £6
Transport will be needed for this event.  Suggest our drivers can be identified and we organise accordingly

Wednesday 1st August 2018 – Coffee Morning

Saturday 18th August – Afternoon Tea at Tortworth Farm Shop or Garden Party (TBC)

Saturday 1st September 2018 – Coffee Morning

Wednesday 5th September 2018 – Visit Bristol Cathedral with Guided Tour
Cost: £5
Travel using our Bus Passes
Arrive at 10.30am for Coffee
Tour starts at 11.30am

Wednesday 3rd October 2018 – Coffee Morning

Saturday 20th October 2018 – Visit to Oakham Treasures
Transport needed
Cost: £7 Seniors/£8 Adult
Lunch at the restaurant and then we can wander back in time!

November and December – Decisions needed please

Glenda ( Chauffeur Hire) is organising two trips.  I propose we do one or the other and so I would l like an indication as to which you would prefer.  Sorry no costs available yet.
A.  Thursday 29th November 2018 – Kew Christmas lights and Richmond
for shopping and lunch .
B.  Sunday 9th December 2018 – Christmas lunch at Waddesdon Manor followed by a Christmas market and lights at a nearby location.  This will be a full day and returning in the evening.
Please think about this and let me know your thoughts.

That’s all for now and don’t forget our Coffee mornings
Red Hat Hugs
Queen Margaret

PS Please remember to wear our colours and that events can be cancelled or changed occasionally

RED HAT COFFEE MORNINGS 2018
10.30 at Hawkes House

Saturday              3rd March
Wednesday          4th April
Saturday               5th May
Wednesday           6th June
Saturday                7th July
Wednesday           1st August
Saturday                1st September