As usual our regular Aberdeen area first Thursday of the month meeting doesn't happen in January, as we're still getting over Hogmanay. Instead we go for a short drive (In case of bad weather) for a leisurely lunch on a Sunday later in the month instead.
This year we chose the Cowshed restaurant in Banchory as the venue and we had a turnout of 28 members. Speaking to folk during and after the meal it seems to have been a hit, with several first time visitors saying they'd be back.
I had a few prize items kindly donated by Porsche Cars GB and Aberdeen Porsche Centre which we raffled for charity. Rather than choosing a charity beforehand, I ask the winner of the last prize drawn to select who should benefit from the exercise, and this year Colin & Nancy Morsley nominated Aberdeen Cyrenians. This local charity supports homeless people in our area, and I'm pleased to say that we were able to hand over £150 to them as a result of the raffle. Thanks to everyone there for taking part.