The September meeting of East Williamston Community and Hall Association took place on Monday, September 2, and was well-attended. Several important matters were discussed.

The quiz nights, on the second Saturday of every month, continue to be well attended and are one of the main contributors to the raising of hall funds.

The August event attracted a very gratifying seven tables of contestants and the questions set by Maureen and Brenda, all on general knowledge, were much enjoyed by everyone. The bonus rounds were also great fun, with picture sheets 'Name the Breed of Dog' and 'Identify the Famous Face', and 40 clues whose two word answers began with the letter C, leading to much discussion. Winners were the high-flying 'Universally Challenged', with 'The Golden Girls' second and 'Green Fingers' third. The winners generously re-donated the cash prize to hall funds.

A raffle with nine prizes added to the occasion and the quizmasters were warmly thanked for their efforts. The committee meeting discussed the idea of joining a quiz league, but this was thought to be requiring too much commitment and might take away from the light-hearted fun always associated with the local occasion.

Jubilee Park and Nature Trail continues to be very popular with local people and, although a grant application for extra maintenance tools failed, the secretary continues to source funding to enhance the area. The volunteer group, the Friends of Jubilee Park, meets every first Saturday of the month, from 10.30 - 12.30, to carry out a variety of necessary tasks, such as pruning, clearing and tree staking. The next working party was due on September 7. (This subsequently took place and much was achieved. Any new volunteers would always be most welcome to turn up and help!)

The allotments are being 'snapped up' quite rapidly now and applications are still coming in. The committee has been delighted with the local response and anyone still interested in securing a plot is urge to phone Ian on (01834) 813778 or Doug on (01834) 812125 before it is too late. The meeting agreed to register the area with the Jubilee Fields in Trust scheme.

The stained glass panel from the now-closed Pentlepoir School has not yet been displayed in the hall, due to the high quotes for illuminating it and making a frame. Action is to be taken to ask for voluntary help in undertaking the work, and also to investigate a plaque to be sited in the hall in memory of benefactor and long-term supporter Phil Thomas.

It is hoped that a proposed PLANED course, on making jams, jellies, pickles and chutneys, to be held in the hall on September 27, will be well supported. The session is free and details can be obtained from PLANED or the hall secretary (813778).

There was much discussion on ideas for increasing parking space for the hall, which would make it a much more desirable venue. The next meeting is scheduled to pursue these and also suggestions for promoting and marketing the hall in order to ensure its upkeep.

The next quiz will be held on Saturday, September 14 (tomorrow) with Jill Thomas as quizmaster. All are warmly invited to come and join in, £2 per person. Hall and bar open at 7.30 and questions begin at 8 pm.