Ladies Circle

Fun and Friendship in the 1940’s

Well the sun certainly shone for circlers, tangent members, guests and not forgetting our wonderful National president at the Area 28 Rally which was held at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa on Saturday 4th July.

The theme for the rally was ‘Fun and Friendship in the 1940’s. Several ladies dressed in 1940’s attire as well as those just looking gorgeous in their lovely dresses and hats. The room was also decorated with 1940’s memorabilia which included posters, 1940’s clothes, flags, bunting, gas masks the list could go on.

Also on display was past circle memorabilia from Area 28 for ladies to look at.

71 ladies enjoyed a 3 course meal (no rationing on this part!) but ladies did receive their own ration bag as a gift which included chocolates, chewing gum, coke, lip-gloss, shampoo and a Clairns make up bag.

Kirstyn Canadine Area 28 chairman gave a wonderful speech, which she brought in her motto ‘Soar with Circle’ and it certainly was a very fitting motto, as we shared the Petwood hotel with the RAF and their 57/360 Squadron Reunion!

Although I have to sadly say we didn’t see too many men in uniform! (maybe the Petwood had hidden them all!)

In her speech Kirstyn told us ‘Circle has to be allowed to evolve to meet the different needs of our lives as we stand here today. Circle has needed to move forward and upwards and as my motto for the year says ‘Soar’. Ladies we can all ‘Soar with Circle’ in our own ways, whether it be within our own local circles, in exec roles, at area, national or at international level. In any of these aspects of circling  the key is to ensure circle moulds into each one of our unique lives and doesn’t overwhelm it or that of our families.
The circlers of the forties had specific calls on their time, which is hard to appreciate today, but what we can learn from them is that with each step was the knowledge that they were like minded women out there ready to lend a hand, ear or shoulder in true friendship and comradeship.

Kirstyn’s toast to NALC – There is no ‘rationing’ on fun in circle. Like the ‘Troops’ we all pull together in friendship, and we are ‘Victorious’ in raising funds and supporting others.

Niki followed with her response to NALC and her first task was to induct 3 new members to circle. Sally Kettle to Malvin Hills Circle to join Rhian Fear (past national president) as the 2nd member, Julie Puntis to Sleaford circle and Adriana Clark to Holbeach circle. What an honour to be inducted by the National president. Niki gave a wonderful response which concluded with her motto ‘Smile with Circle’. By looking at all the photos I have seen since the rally, we were certainly all Smiling with circle on Saturday.

Our guest speaker was BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Judy Theobald and she spoke about men in uniform and told lots of poems. All ladies listened and laughed throughout.

£240 was raised from the raffle and this will go to Kirstyn’s chosen charity of the year Cruse Bereavement.

The day concluded for some by listening to the RAF band ‘Shades of Blue’ in the temple gardens and for others by sitting on the terrace chatting to friends and finishing off the wine!

All of us however saw the flypast by the Red Arrows, which really did finish the Area 28 rally in style as these planes were certainly soaring, as we all are in Area 28.

To view photographs from the rally please visit:- www.paulcatophotography.co.uk   and click on link Ladies Circle Petwood.

Sarah Hill
Area 28 Publicity Officer / Vice Chairman Boston 525