Wessex Group meeting today

[Keith Bennett]

Well, Sunday 8th October actually. Beautiful weather, all the usual suspects turned up, around eight A40s among too many moderns taking too few parking places.

The mood was quite sombre as we all realised this was the final meeting at Chilworth after 35 years. One member, Mark Johnson, has very kindly offered to hold meetings near Andover next year, so hopefully the Wessex Group will live another day.

Around half-four we gradually began to drift away homewards, so Chilworth ended not with a bang but a whimper. So sad.

Photos to follow, tomorrow.

[Keith Bennett]

It was always Terry Smith's proud boast that he "had the ear of the Clerk of the Weather" and in the past almost every meeting was blessed with fine weather. He did us proud once more.

I took a moment to walk down to the nearby grave of two Wessex Group founders, John and 'Tag' Fowler, to pay my respects for the last time:

Last man standing - everyone gone.

As we always did, we cleared away and tidied the room, the kitchen and toilet.

Chilworth Community Hall, designed by "our" John Fowler, left empty for the final time. I met the caretaker, who told me that during and since Covid-19 hardly any group has used the little building and he fears for its survival. Well, it sheltered us for 35 years and I hope it can be saved.

[austina40sam]

Beautiful pictures Keith. Iv loved meeting everyone at the Chilworth venue and iv always loved that little hall too. Rest in peace Terry. We sure will miss him and that lovely community centre and venue.

[austina40sam]

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