There was much hilarity (and just a little confusion) at our May meeting when we were expertly guided through the basics of English country dancing. After a fascinating talk by our speaker/caller Louise Siddons about a collection of dances transcribed in late 18C Chippenham, we attempted some of the dances ourselves accompanied by fiddler Linda Game. A less energetic but very sociable contrast was our June meeting when we decorated jam jars with pressed flowers to be used as summer garden lanterns.

Dining Club took the form of a guided tour of Middle Temple followed by a buffet lunch in their magnificent Tudor Hall, and in June Book Club discussed ‘The Light Years’ by Elizabeth Jane Howard.

Our Short Walks enjoyed both the sculptures of Henry Moore at Kew Gardens, and the new Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park, whilst the Walking Club harvested elderflowers (for cordial) on a walk near Bexley in May, followed by a walk in the scenic Chess Valley in June. Doubles Tennis continues to play in all weathers – even the sweltering heatwave did not deter us.

Other highlights in June included a thoroughly enjoyable Culture Club outing to see ‘War Horse’ at the National Theatre, and a visit to the Wellcome Collection to see their ‘The Coming of Age’ exhibition.