Bingo Go Go Go!

January can be a bit grim. We’ve had the fun and laughter of the Christmas festivities and now we are all back to our own ‘normal’. So a light-hearted and fun evening is just what is called for to lift the spirits – an evening of Bingo!

The first Bombshells’ meeting of 2026 opened with a warm welcome from Sandra, our President, to our three visitors and to all members. A quick catch up on WI business, Sandra reminded everyone to vote on the resolutions if they had not already done so, she also revealed that whilst she is standing down this year, there is in fact an anonymous Bombshell who has stepped up to take on the role... although there is of course still time for more candidates to throw their hats in the ring! If you want to know who our mysterious future president will be then you had better come along to the February meeting where all will be revealed.

Members were pleased to hear that Burns Night had been a great success. Held in her home, Sandra hosted a delightful fund-raising evening, complete with the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties, the ‘Address to the Haggis’, along with music, laughter and good company. It was clearly an evening enjoyed by all who attended. Some photos below to prove it!

More WI updates included the announcement and inauguration of the Bobmshells Jigsaw Swap. Should you wish to take part please bring your jigsaws to the next meeting. If you put your name on them, they will be returned to you but if you are looking to pass them on, just pop them on the table unlabelled.

Our monthly collection of produce for the Horsham Matters Food Bank also took place. Thanks are due to Vicky for facilitating this ongoing support, which is always very much appreciated.

The morning and evening Book Clubs had met and discussed Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’, which had been the book of the month. It was universally popular and received high scores.  Our next book is ‘Shy Creatures’ by Clare Chambers. If you are interested in joining book club please enquire to Fiona or Vicky for vacancies.

Then came the main event: Bingo! Cards, pencils and biros were handed round, and it was ‘eyes down’. Mel was our caller and she kept the numbers coming at a steady pace, while Lorena kept the balls. Concentration was high as numbers were checked and rechecked, with excitement growing as lines and full houses came tantalisingly close. Winners were able to choose from a lovely selection of small gifts and chocolates all provided by the WI.

A natural pause occurred halfway through the evening, giving everyone a chance to stretch their legs and chat, before play resumed and continued until all the prizes had been won, the committee didn't want to take anything home!

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, full of laughter and good spirits – just the thing to brighten a January night and remind us all how much we value coming together.

Our February meeting will be the Annual Meeting, with (fingers crossed) elections for our new president. We will also be enjoying a literary quiz and book swap. For those who want to take part in the book swap, please bring a book (second hand is perfect) which you would recommend reading. Wrap it up and but don't label it, it is a lucky dip to see what you end up taking home.

If you are not a member please come along, your first meeting is always free.