Kidderminster’s Charter with a difference at Bodenham Arboretum!

We billed it as a perfect Summer Evening, incorporating a guided walk, Pimm’s and music by the lakeside, and a meal at the “Earth Centre” – Bodenham’s eco-friendly grass-topped restaurant. So, given the wettest June for years, sodden ground, and a rainy evening, how did it all work out?

Twelve stalwarts went on the walk, the clouds parted to show a little blue sky and watery sunshine. Lion President Colin planted a cherry tree to celebrate the event, we wandered past the Island Of Giants, through Narnia, visited the Fernery, saw Azlan – a fellow Lion, admired the Redwoods, already impressively tall at 35 years old, met pigs, donkeys and sheep, and eventually returned to “Earth Centre” to hear the mellow tones of the brass band floating across the water.

Pimm’s and music were inside, with a couple of challenging quizzes to add to the interest of the event. The Highley Colliery Band played a wonderful selection of well-known tunes, 50 diners enjoyed a sumptuous “Bodenham Buffet”, with more food than we could eat. Several commented it was the best food they had eaten at a Charter for years, with hot turkey and pork dishes, cold hams, hot spuds, salads galore, hot and cold deserts and a cheeseboard. Excellent!!

The meal ended with toasts and Lion president Colin providing a fascinating picture story of what the club had done in the past year.

Favourable comments were received from Lions and visitors alike, appreciating the quality of the event, its informality and novelty. One ex-Lion with over 25 years of service under his belt complimented the club on how well it was moving with the times.

So, all in all, it worked out pretty well, despite the weather, and Lion President Colin should be complimented on his vision!