Firstly a warm welcome to our 7 new members:

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• Karen H, Gillian C, Alex, Stella, Linda C, Gillian R and Joy.

 

We now have a total of 70 members so GEMS is closed for membership until next April.

 

We had an excellent talk at AMM in November by Geoff Lambert, and his  extremely cute dog Archie, from Medical Detection Dogs.  Geoff gave a very interesting insight into the charity where they train dogs to save lives using their amazing sense of smell. They train detection and medical alert assistance dogs which helps to reduce ambulance call-outs and hospital stays.   Members agreed to donate £100 to this worthy charity.

 

Our first Raffle of Promises was a great success with £212 being raised on the night which will be matched with GEMS funds as a donation to the Women's Refuge in St Albans.

 

Our talented knitters have been busy and a big thanks to all those who knitted hats for the Seafarers and poppies to be sold on behalf of the British Legion. Well done talented ladies!

 

So it is now onto December with the wrapping and filling of shoeboxes, to go to the Food Bank for children, at St John's on Tuesday 2nd December after Warm Space.  Please come along with your donations, sellotape and wrapping paper.

 

Our AMM is Christmas Wreath making with Julia from Stitch and Knit in Brookman's Park guiding us through the process.  We are funding this activity so join us to make a wreath or sit and watch the process if you prefer - all are welcome.  Refreshments will be provided on the night.

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Can we ask all Members to help put the room back together following this meeting on December 10th.  Thank you.

 

It is our Christmas Party at The Woodman on Friday 12th December at 7pm.  A chance to enjoy a carvery meal and dance the night away for those that can and do.  Otherwise a chance to chat and catch up with friends old and new.

 

The festive season in December is when we can spend time with friends and family however and whatever you celebrate.   We should be proud of what GEMS has achieved over the past year, the charities helped and the support that we have given to each other. Let us look forward to what 2026 will bring, starting with our AMM talk in January 14th on The Power of Natural Skin Care and Beauty.

 

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year

 

Fiona