Fish and chips were served on a central table, members and guests, collecting plates, sauces etc.

Helen, 2010 President and our speaker Susan Marshfield - subject, 'Holidays Afloat'.

Our alternative Christmas Party

Well it was a cold, misty night when we went in and we had the ' Christmas treat' of a sprinkling of snow on the cars as we left the hall. Our speaker Susan Marshfield's subject was 'Holidays afloat'. Her experiences with husband, family and boats was hilarious.

We started with sherry and nibbles and then our fish and chips were delivered piping hot so members and guests tucked in with plenty of bread and butter to fill any odd corners. Surprise pudding (following the seaside theme)was a 99 icecream cornet which amused members! After our speaker, Iris presented a bouquet of flowers, from members, with their thanks to Sue who was retiring after an excellent 5 years as President. Sue passed her badge (I'm sure she felt a touch emotional over this - where have those 5 years gone!!) on to Helen our new President for 2010. Helen gave Eileen (retiring secretary) a voucher as thanks for her role as secretary over the past 3 years. 2 quizzes were available and Judy got full marks for the flower one. Many hands made clearing up much easier and all in all it was a jolly 'alternative' evening!

Golden Egg

I meant to say the golden egg from our play made by Wendy (I believe) travelled to Denman!! Mother Goose Panto very well received - one lady said she laughed so much she had a sore throat - of course, the egg was the star of the evening!! Had several requests for copies of the panto script at the time and several email requests since - well done Ann what a good choice!!

1st December Xmas Lunch

12 members were able to attend the Xmas Lunch held at the Old Down, Emborough. 6 members were too poorly to come along. Chris was there despite her arm in a sling and very cheery although she had a 5hr op to mend her smashed shoulder. The duck and salmon were very large helpings and enjoyed by all.

Love the knarled branches!!

















All seasons arrangement

Japan Day in Hampshire

Left at 6.50pm for drive to Hampshire. Found the hall fairly easily - it was quite a miracle - had to use a magnifying glass to read some of the road no's on the map - must be my age!! Learnt a lot about the most interesting speakers and content which entertains as well as being educational. The lady interpreter was absolutely excellent, the flower arranging great, the pictures of Japanese gardens fascinating and the history was interesting but the after-lunch spot is always difficult as sometimes people snooze!! Won some flowers - we had half each and I had the blossom!! A few of the arrangements above. My roses still lovely and actually 'arranged' them today - probably not up to Ikebana standard but they look good (to me!).

Mother Goose on AGM night

Kath, Betty, Ann, Wendy, Angela and Jo

WI Meeting - AGM, Plays and Readings

Good news - Helen is the new President for 2010 - WELCOME Helen. Welcome to Doreen who will be our new secretary, Anne will continue as treasurer, Iris and Kath will be Vice Presidents.
Other jobs will be decided at the January committee meeting. Although Ruth and Moira are already planning to do refreshments between them over the winter months!!

The picture of the Mother Goose pantomime above shows our drama group - we were able to borrow costumes which made it more fun - the Goose costume was great, as was the Golden Egg!! This was followed by a sketch of shepherds in the fields, also a reading 'Dead Parrot' - all this happened after the AGM reports and election and some very amusing poems by Ruth. There were two raffles a WI one and then an ACWW one (started at the coffee morning) which realised £20 which will be sent to ACWW HQ for the Somerset Cameroon Project.

New WI Logo

I like it - I wonder what members will think!! Should find out on Tuesday at our AGM!! It came in WI Life on Saturday! Well, as expected many people don't like change BUT - it is basically for stationery and the tree can be used as long as you like - actually I like the tree brooches - they are very attractive. At the AGM - County said they will continue to use their pull-up display boards - these things filter in fairly slowly as we all get accustomed to them.

New WI Logo - will their be a badge!!

Love the new logo - it should be on MOODLE by Monday!! (Personal opinion only)

Coffee morning at Binegar

Community Link between Oakhill and Binegar schools. Well, I wouldn't say it was a failure but then again it wasn't a success. Quite a few of our members turned up to help and support and three of Oakhill WI BUT we only had 2 mums from Binegar school and one from Oakhill school.

The problems for many young mums these days is a. they work, b. they don't always have transport c. the children could be sick and probably the most likely - d. they didn't really want to come anyway. Having sorted out all those options - I think all we can say is we did try!! Whether we will want to pursue this any further is anybody's guess at this stage!!

Trying to get them to join the WI - this put them under pressure and I did suggest this was not tried BUT one or two members couldn't resist. Yes, we may all have gained a lot from WI - but - these young things consider us 'oldies' as way past our sell-by-date and when they get a free evening want to spend it with their young friends (understandably) So this was a lost cause - unless they started a fresh group of their own age group and contempories. Well, we will have to see - but I don't hold out any hopes in that direction as I said in my original letter to the Headmistress!!

Pictures from Westlands

Sandra Howard during her talk (Thelma on the left)

(new WI logo at bottom of lecturn)

Colette presenting one of the gifts from Board of Trustee members to Thelma who is retiring as Chair of Somerset, Sue Harding {retiring County News Editor} taking a picture on the left.

75th Anniversary

Cake made my Iris - lovely icing (pinks are icing too - to match the Somerset Rondel on the side) - a lovely item - many thanks to Iris

Sue, Kath and Anne pouring out the 'toast' for everyone!!

75th Birthday Party - 6th November 2009

Well - a lot of work for many people - but a successful evening overall. Only snag the photographer came too early then got a bit peeved because we kept him waiting!! Just hope the photo turns out OK!! Mike Scott sang because Cathy was recovering from laryngitis - but he was very entertaining and although one particular song caused a few raised eyebrows!! much enjoyed. Food yummy and puddings delicious - thanks to committee. Sue had bought lovely roses for the tables - hall looked great - Colette joined us plus 4 from Chewton Mendip, 4 from Ashwick and Oakhill and 3 from Litton & Hinton Blewitt. Crafts and memorabilia looked good on display - three cheers for Binegar WI!!

AGM at Westlands, Yeovil

Sue, Kath, Ruth (our delegate) and Eileen went to this event. Thoroughly enjoyed the day - Sandra Howard was lovely and although she has had so many experiences as a model, journalist, politician's wife really naive and totally genuine when talking and answering the final questions. Ruth Bond was good - lovely short speech, the MP waffled, Hinkley Point was concise but I couldn't see the slides. Stalls were good - personally, didn't have time to see them - had problems with car but Jenny sorted it for me. Kath was a gem and looked after my table all the time - which I felt very guilty about - but got trapped with visitors and guests only just got to the loo before the afternoon started!! Collection on ACWW table £1.01 - hmm --- that needs some thought!!

Christmas Decorations Day at Keinton Mandeville

Well - an interesting day - lovely flower arrangements - some unusual ideas!! Gifts of oils and brandied apricots - the latter would be very much welcomed by hubby!! Not sure the lunch was very well received (but it filled me up!!), my curried parsnip soup (with parmesan) was lovely, bread roll and butter and two mini mince pies - everyone else had a satsuma as well!. Afternoon dem. went OK - would have loved to visit some of the other tables!! Sue and Angela seemed to enjoy the day - forgot to take a picture of them - whoops.

20th October - a dull wet day - but not for us!!

16 ladies representing Binegar, Ashwick & Oakhill and Chewton Mendip WIs gathered at 10.00am in Binegar Village Hall. Linda Geary from Litton and Hinton Blewitt who had prepared all the materials and worksheets for the day was unable to attend but Eileen attempted to show everyone 'the way' and amidst cheerful bantering 3 successful and varied Christmas cards were achieved. Thanks to all the ladies for supplying the good humour and fun for the day!!

Not content with our card event - at 7.45pm the good ladies of Binegar (30 attended) for our monthly meeting!! Votes for food for the December Meeting, votes for nominees for next years committee - plenty of input from members. Our speaker for the evening, Jenny Peet, subject
'No knickers' did not disappoint - an excellent speaker telling us of life in Tudor times and at the end we learnt the reason for the title - they didn't wear any!! We learnt a lot of fascinating facts en route: Curfew meant cover the fire and was rung every evening (perhaps we could ask Dave (Sue's hubby) who is a bell-ringer to have a go at this, gruesome medical recipes, washerwomen were often bald due to the washing powders of the day, spagnum moss had a variety of uses from nappies to tampons, country babies were hung up to keep them safe, men sometimes had mice in their padded pants, and don't ask the original use of gravy boats!!

Our visitor for the evening Sue Bown had prepared a lovely supper and supplied wine and Bucks Fizz in honour of Mary Williams her mother as it was her 90th birthday recently and she'd been celebrating all week!! Ann James will also be 90 later this month and Sue presented them both with a Tussy Mussy scented posy. Happy Birthday was sung and at the end of the evening three cheers were given for these very active members - long may this continue. Our evening ended with Ruth's poem about the September tea at Sue's home and a few internet jokes - this completed a most successful day - and still it rained but our spirits were not dampened!!

Drama meeting

Ann invited us to her house to read through the plays for the November Meeting. Chris to be the Narrator in both plays. Both very amusing - we are going to do the Panto first. It was cold today and the fire was 'wonderful' we really appreciated it!! Only October too!!!

Tuesday 20th October

Speaker for the evening - Jenny Peet - subject 'No knickers' which I imagine has caused some amusement in the community but is actually historically based!!! It will be interesting to see the re-action of members!

Card Day - Tuesday 20th October

10.00am- 2.45pm Card Day. 3 cards to be tried - all to bring packed lunches and some practical items, scissors, ruler, pencil, pritt stick etc. Linda has prepared all the items and Eileen will endeavour to 'show' members what to do!!! She has incorporated some short cuts which can be used if wished.

Committee Meeting at Sue's home

Busy meeting planning 75th birthday and the Christmas Party - vote to take place on food due to unfortunately timed complaint at the last meeting when we had 8 visitors from Dilton Marsh, our twin WI. However, it has been discussed at committee and a solution has been decided upon - members will vote at the next meeting. Votes will also be collected for nominees for next years committee.

WRW at Denman

Eileen lucky enough to be invited for 2 night sleepover at Denman on WRW course. Millenium Development Goals take precedence this year.

Tea on 30th September

This was a great event and much enjoyed by all - even the braver members who sat outside for their tea at the end of the afternoon. Seemed to have been a great fund-raiser as well.

Some of the Binegar members

Not a very clear picture as it was 'so dark' in the room - Mary, Ruth, Andrew and Helen (Moira was there too!!) - just added this picture to prove they were there!!I hope the talk hadn't given Helen a headache!!

Lunch at The Webbington - talk: 'Lunatic Astronomy'

5 members and Andrew went to this event today. Lunch was good and the speaker great - so many facts it was hard to remember it all - so bought the book.

Pic. 2. Vicki, Andrew Lound (speaker), Thelma, and Carole in the gardens. (surprisingly easy to find - nice venue)

6 Members joined Ashwick & Oakhill at Wraxall Vineyard

Iris, Anne, Glenis, Mary Wi, Molly and Eileen (Rick came too!!) joined the tour of the Vineyards. It was a lovely evening - fabulous views - interesting talk - nice wines. Many bought bottles choice of 2007 and 2008 vintage!! Glad we went!! Pic. 1 - Molly chats to A&O members. Pic 2. Glenis and Anne have a chuckle over a bottle of wine!!

Two Good Events

Greenway trip organised by Sue Stone, President, Binegar. In charge on the day - Hazel Tucker, acting President, from Ashwick & Oakhill. Other WIs who came included Kilmersdon, Henton and Farrington Gurney (Avon).

August 11th - Greenway - wonderful weather - 51 on the coach. Lovely journey - bit of a long way around BUT got to the ferry in plenty of time (perhaps they were just wasting time - might have preferred to walk around Dartmouth for half an hour in retrospect). The countryside looked really lovely after rain on Monday. Ferry was fun and we had extra time on it and did a twirl around the harbour due to having to wait for other boats to move in and out - lovely trip. Very hot at the house, a few had a ride up to the house but the rest of us walked. House very enjoyable the atmosphere was of a lovely relaxed family home!! Ann J and I had a quick skip around the gardens - lovely views and woodlands. (Picture: one of the views from the gardens). Certainly, would like to go again - well worth a day trip (perhaps it would be good to go by car or even stay down there for a night!!). Home fairly late - nearly 9.00ish!!
August 12th - Wincanton Garden Centre
I was so busy chatting I went into Wincanton and the road is shut BUT Ann J saved the day and we found a short cut. Most people there early - total 45 in the end. Interesting herb container and hanging basket dem by Diana - followed by cream tea. Good raffle. Seemed to be enjoyed by all especially as it was N of the county!! A bit squashed for the dem (perhaps the garden chairs took up too much space). We certainly filled the cafe up - but great service - all very pleasant and some of us bought plants for our gardens. NB: one lady bought the demonstration herb pot - it did look good!!

Agatha Christie's home - Greenway

Tomorrow members of Binegar WI, Ashwick & Oakhill WI, Kilmersdon WI and Farrington Gurney WI travel by coach and ferry (Dartmouth) for a visit to Greenway - hope the weather improves - I foresee a large bag to carry macs & umbrella's, sandwiches and sunhats!!! Just in case or 'be prepared' will need to be the motto for the day BUT it will be FUN - no driving for us - just sit back and enjoy the scenery and the ferry ride.

Tickets for events

These are county events - just arrived - got 3 tickets for the Wincanton Cream Tea at the Garden Centre, August 12th picture 2. shows the owners. Event booked with Debbie - I believe our speaker will be Mark.

6 tickets for the Literary Lunch at the Webbington on August 20th (picture 1). Wonder how many will be at the Webbington? What a good job it is still running as we don't often get Helen and Andrew to attend lunches and I believe the speaker is very good.

What a shame the pictures are in the wrong order - ah well - back to the drawing board!!

County - Lady Denman Cup Entries

Moira came third in the County competition and her entry has been sent to NFWI for judging for the final. Congrats to her.

Countrywoman July - August

Binegar WI Ladies featured in the latest edition of the Countrywoman shown busy with their Soup Making for the 29th April ACWW Day event. (Well as Molly pointed out - actually this pic was of the Lent Lunch - whoops - I remember now - I didn't have time to take a pic of 29th April as I was in the kitchen helping dish up soup). Oh well - at least Binegar members have got recognition worldwide!!!

County Quiz 29th July

Two areas of input. Sue and Anne chaired the event at The Horse and Jockey and Kath and Eileen at The Poachers Pocket!! Highest score at the latter 61 - with a tie-breaker which Pilton won. Quite a hard quiz I thought - so did everyone else!!! (I was OK I had the answers!!).
Top score at both was 61 - how amazing!! Judy's gems won 1st prize in Binegar - congrats to Judy.

Papers to Sue

Relevant paperwork and quiz prizes to Sue - plus update on any news. Kath bringing letter for Taunton tonight - down there for morning tomorrow.

Committee tonight

Nice evening - apologies Moira and Anne. Lots of plans - outing still causing trouble. Sue anxious about Quiz evening - will try to sort out as much as possible before the next meeting.

WI Life

Well eventually 2 copies arrived on the 2nd July and friends from the village were ringing to tell me they had two as well. Evidently this happened in Chester as well and quite a lot of other places - I hope you used your 15% voucher for Homebase! Lots of response to the ACWW penfriends letter - have replied to everyone so far - everyday get more emails/letters!!

No WI Life

Well, here we are on Saturday and no WI Life for me - I think some of you have had your copies. Have emailed today to ask, 'where is mine?'. Frustratingly, I have an ACWW Penfriend letter in it and have had queries from Beds, and E. Kent plus phone calls and even letters but I don't even know if they printed the whole letter or cut some out (as normal). Ah well I will just have to wait - and the postman has been everyday so no problem with deliveries!!! They were due to arrive by 22nd June!

Sue at Chewton Mendip WI 90th celebration

Good picture in the Wells Journal of our President, Sue Stone, at the 90th celebrations at Chewton Mendip Village Hall . It will be in our 'picture book'. This day was held on the 22nd June the same day as the county 'Spotlight' day which was a shame but with long-term planning it is inevitable that there are occasional clashes.

After Spotlight on Africa

Some members of Binegar WI went to this day at Compton Dundon. Moira in lilac is looking at the Strode College Stall. It was quite a varied day and incorporated Oxfam / WRW / ACWW / individual projects. Our speakers were Hannah Durrant from Oxfam in Bristol, John Halls from Miles Tea, Jackie Gregory - ACWW project in Gambia and Roger Stoakley talking about the Sanburu tribe in Kenya. Beads and throw from S. Africa admired. A teapot of Fairtrade roses from Kenya were luxuriant at the front - of course, I forgot to tell everyone that the teapot was because of our Tea Man talking - so I suppose, if they noticed, they probably thought, ' why the teapot?' It seemed amusing to me and and an ideal sized container - haven't made a pot of tea for years!!

Members night tonight!!

Well we had a man called Adrian talking about badgers - I can tell you lots about badger poo and I will look for it next time I walk in the woods. Some of the older members couldn't hear very well - but it was members night and they did let him talk for a long time. Supper was grand - usual excellent food - meringues lucious and extra touch a chocolate fountain was another treat. Many thanks to members. Perhaps we should pick another month for members night - too many events to collect money for - which kept several of us busy a lot of the free time!!! I don't think I'd buy a fountain but enjoyed the marshmallow and strawberry and wiping chocolate off my chin - hmm.. yummy!!

What Fay actually said!!

Well you might have read the 'blurb' further down the blog - my version of what Fay said!! Below is what I wrote down at the AGM:

1. Enjoy yourself. 2. Extend Yourself - try something new. 3. Discover and exploit your creativity. 4. Get involved (why not join the committee). 5. Think Big and Change the World. 6. Grasp opportunities.

Shall we see a dynamic new WI now at Binegar? Watch this space!!!

Committee meeting

Interesting meeting at Kaths. Lots of decisions made and lots of chatter!!

Members returning from Swanage trip

1. Wendy and Frances get off the coach.

2. 5 members and 2 hubbies (coach departing in the background). Sunniest part of the day when we got to Gurney Slade.

A Grey Day outing to Swanage

6 members and 2 husbands joined Farrington Gurney WI for a trip to Swanage - partly by coach and partly by a short steam train ride. After 3+ hours in Swanage itself - we had a WI tea on the way home at Winterbourne Kingston. A very pleasant day - quite breezy but dry - some took a longish walk around the coast, some spent time near the beach. All agreed we had seen a real variety of countryside and the day was very enjoyable. Some bought some tomato plants sold by the hostess WI.

Comments from Fay's last speech

Well, I had the paperwork from the AGM - but will have to fill in properly later. I think my motto this year will have to be - try and put those papers away - somewhere that you will later be able to find them!!! SO suggestions to think about in your WI:

1. Enjoy the friendship and have fun 2. Enthuse - share that fun - bring your friends along 3. Get involved - the more you know the more interesting it all is. Look at the Calendar Girls - little did they think they would raise 2million plus pounds for Charity. 4. Be creative - by trying new crafts - just having a go - you may discover a new you!! 5. Extend yourself - take that extra step - try something completely different. Never say NO - think about it - you don't know where a new interest will lead.

Well that's not quite what she said - but it covers most of it!!! Very interesting thoughts and tips - she did say something very similar when she came to our county 90th anniversary lunch!!! It is still very sound advice.

New National Chair announced

I went on the NFWI site tonight and on 'twitter' and see that the new chair is Ruth Bond - she was the chair of Public Affairs and has travelled a lot and met a real variety of people involved with Public Affairs - so it should make an interesting change. The three year changeover of Chair brings fresh ideas to the WI - although, I think, Fay has done an excellent job (especially as she took over after the unexpected death of Barbara Gill).

1st week of June

Pictures: 1. Maureen Lipman

2. Hotel bedrooms

3. View of Windsor Castle from the Wheel.

I went to the AGM in London - had a great two days - The AGM was a real roller coaster of emotions and interest - one of the best for years and I thought Liverpool was excellent!!! Maureen Lipman was the main speaker - very good BUT we also had Eve Pollard, John Law, The Yorkshire Tea Man, CAF etc. The final 'act' was Richard Stillgoe with his Phoenix Group - they were fantastic - some tears shed over these handicapped children and their songs!! SOS Honey Bees got through - it was inevitable and the vote was 99.4% in favour but interesting points from the floor during the debate. Saw some ACWW friends lunchtime, also had a good chat to Sue Bridger and afterwards with Maggie Simons. Very good hotel, good visit to Windsor - went on the wheel with two other girls Reidan and Dianne from Somerset - lovely views of Windsor Castle and we went around 4 times for our money!!!

The walking group enjoyed an evening amble on the 2nd June - lovely day - so hot - evening was the best time from this walk.

Royal Bath & West Show

I was there on Wednesday in the rain but a lot of members went on Thursday to steward the Village Church (I think) and got a lovely day. Binegar school had a striking backdrop in the Village Church and the school was featured in the School Room. Am off again on Friday - fingers crossed for better weather - to sell tea and coffee in the WI tent again!! It looks very nice this year - the whole tent is a tea room with carnations on the tables.

I hear the walking group had a wet walk underfoot this week and Angela had to be pulled out - not seen anyone to verify this!!

N Mendip Group Meeting at Oakhill Village Hall

Our main speaker for the evening was Chris Sperring MBE. He brought his owl Beau which was very well behaved!! Nobody could stroke it - we learnt that owls feathers are not waterproof and we would damage them if we touched them - but it was so lovely it was tempting!!! Chris has a blog - http://chrissperring.blogspot.com/ - lovely pictures - well worth a visit. There are several websites about him as he is a fairly regular TV 'nature person'.

After, delicious refreshments Helen Wall from Wells told us about a hundred mile walk she did in Holland - she had us in stitches. An excellent evening - thanks to A&O WI.

Binegar came 4th in the local skittle competition - whoops - but they had lots of fun evenings!!!Chewton Mendip won AGAIN!!! Evercreech and Pilton joined the group but Pilton were unfortunately not able to complete the required no. of matches (if they had - would we have been 5th ..... oh dear!!!)

A Comment!!!

Thanks to Doreen for a comment - after our chat - I found it - hurrah someone has at last used the blog!!!!!

Meeting on 19th May - SOS Honey Bees - excellent presentation by Sue. Ann's play, 'Anyone can make a mistake', was well received. Ann and Wendy read poems/ Angela told of her Italian Grandfather and 99 icecreams plus a cruise on the Nile. After refreshments break (during which a DVD of Marys' Meals was run for several interested groups) Ruth read some really good poems and the evening ended with internet jokes!! Home spun entertainment made a really enjoyable evening.

Eileen and Kath at ACWW South West Meeting

A meeting was held in Taunton - 9 different counties were represented.Kath was there - hidden behind the lady in red and Eileen had to bend her knees so that the lady at the back could be seen!!!! Good day - great speakers, controversial at times!!! ACWW slides saved the day!!

Speakers Auditions - Wed, 13th May

Some interesting speakers: - the town crier from Crewkerne and Caroline 'the llama lady' with her 2 yr old llama - Hetty. Lovely soft fur which is combed and made into wool ready for knitting!!

4 walkers out today , Margaret, Moira, Ann and Eileen. These pictures were taken as we wended our way home!!! We went up the path beyond - once we got Margaret out of the stream (see pic below). It was a lovely walk - we could have gone further but we'd left the car at the Pub and we were out a couple of hours. We can see another walk in this area quite soon!!!

The photo shows that Eileen has to seriously think about losing a bit of weight - hence the walks (might walk weekly now!!!). Excuse - could be leaning against the fence is not flattering
Ha Ha!! Can't get away with that excuse!!!

Groups meeting this week / next week

Committee - Tues 5th May, Skittles - 6th May at Evercreech, 7th May Walking Group met to plan walks and discuss how far to walk - all agreed at present 4 miles was about right - use of bus passes could be useful.

12th May 10.00am from village hall - Nettlebridge walk. Absolutely lovely day - sheltered walk through Harridge Wood, bluebells, birds singing - wonderful stream for children to play in and Margaret had to paddle (but she did have her wellies!!!).

Friday 15th May - Drama 3.00pm at Ann's.

Walking in the rain

5 members - Moira, Margaret, Annette, Ann and Eileen met in showery rain at the village hall for an approx 4 mile walk (& chat). It only rained heavily a few times and we kept to lanes and a short area of the main road. Got as far as the new wind turbine - yes - it IS very quiet and the next query - it was working!!! The only noise we heard was the wind in the trees!!! Luckily the really heavy rain came after we got home!! A meeting to discuss walks we would like to take in the future will take place on Thurs 7th May at Eileens - so bring your walks/and any books of walks along so we can choose and plan!!!

ACWW Day - 29th April - Report of the day

Well, all those worries for nothing. Binegar WI came up trumps as usual - got there earlyish to find Ruth W had been up and put out lots of tables and chairs in the main hall and got the chairs out for the afternoon old folks club - what a treat!! 6 different soups, lovely home made bread and fantastic cakes were prepared by members. Similar helpers to the photo of the Lent lunches further down the blog but Helen and Sue were on holiday and they managed to get Eileen dishing up the soup and Ruth making coffee!!! (the last two weren't as slick as the Lent lunch group - but they did show willing).

Good turn out of people (WI, Welcome Club and some villagers) and the B&B and raffle well supported. Everyone seemed to enjoy the lunch and stayed chatting for ages. Ashwick & Oakhill and Litton & Hinton Blewitt supported us and in total over £220 was taken - banked it straight away. Thanks to all our helpers both on the day and for the great food - as usual all members were really helpful - a great team effort - thanks again everyone.

Weston Zoyland Roadshow

Moira and Eileen went to the Roadshow at WZ. The 3 men speakers were excellent - they included talks by Digital.com, (the change over to digital TV) the MP Mr Liddell Grainger (Violence against Women) in the morning AND an excellent talk about The Titanic with a very different style presentation by Andrew Loudon. There was an ACWW 80th b'day draw and Jenny from Milborne Port went home very happily with the 1st prize £40. A further £20 went to both county and ACWW. Thanks to Moira for all her help.

Drama Club

Drama Group met on Friday at Ann's home. Ran through the play twice - Sue stood in for Angela who was on holiday. We will have another reading before the meeting as a few alterations were made.

Shorter walk this week plus updates

Members, Kath, Moira and Eileen met on Thursday and walked around the village and back via the path by the quarry - lovely and sunny.
UPDATE: Book Club and Mahjong on Monday night at Anne's home - think it went well - apologies I totally forgot.
WI Meeting - very good talk about Holistic Therapies on Tuesday - it was enjoyed by all. Moira and Wendy B were the 'patients' for Indian Head Massage and Reflexology. Relaxation techniques included Sound massage - a lovely Chinese gong which was played beautifully.

4 intrepid members of the Walking Group (Kath, Carole, Annette, Eileen) manoevred their way beside, beneath and over obstacles on their walk today. They avoided the llamas, but cows, horses, sheep and bulls - proved no problem (thank goodness - fingers were crossed at these meetings!!!). A pleasant couple of hours was spent in very varying countryside but enjoyed (including the chatter) by all. We met a few obstacles!!
1. Annette slips down the hill past one of the many fallen trees on our route up a valley following a stream!!

2. Carole and Kath ducking and diving through the branches of this tree!! Eileen had a spetacular slide just after this - very slippery mud (but she had the camera!!) so no pictures BUT very muddy knees were the result!!!

Some of the ladies of Binegar WI who, as church members, have been busy preparing Lent Lunches every Wednesday for 6 weeks in Binegar Village Hall for a variety of Charities including Binegar Church. Today was the last day - congratulations to them (and Iris) and all who supported the lunches, gave raffle gifts (for the last day) and made cakes, soups or bread.

Roadshows

Have heard that 3 Roadshows have been cancelled - two at this end of the county and one in the middle - it seems that approx 30 had applied for Shipham and similar for Wincanton and only a few for Otterford. With Easter holidays and no staff in the office cancellations were evitable to avoid penalty fees for halls and speakers!!! What a shame that after all the effort to book these days they were not supported.

Only opportunity now - Weston Zoyland Sat 25th or Wheddon Cross on 30th April in the hills outside Taunton which is nearly fully booked!!!! Wheddon Cross now fully booked.

Last Lent Lunch this Wednesday

The last one tomorrow - I believe there is a raffle too!! Computer crashed on Sunday - spent ages putting it all back together (almost) - a lot of re-typing in the near future!!!

Wednesday 1st April - SKittles

Skittles Group meeting regularly - now playing with Evercreech, Chewton, A&O and hoping L&HB will join in. All arranged by Judy Gill - a new group of players interspersed with the older team and enjoying the change.

Drama Group - 1st April at Ann's

5 members met at Ann's and various readings were undertaken - mainly planned for the May meeting - but one to be deferred (Betty) until the July Meeting if that is when Pauline West is to speak. A jolly meeting - 2 very similar red(?) cases or holdalls required for planned reading in May.

Binegar Walking Group - 1st meeting

6 members met at the hall at 10.00am on 31st March. We set off for Masbury Ring and having walked around and admired the misty views we descended towards Masbury Woolworths. Carole and Betty carried on home BUT 4 of us went for coffee and cake in the cafe.

On our return journey via Binegar Bottom we followed a footpath to the far end of Bennetts Lane and then sauntered home along there. Much chatter ensued - also - did you know there was a sort of sanctuary there for horses, goats etc. - we chatted through the hedge to a girl working in the stables. We all learnt a lot about a huge variety of subjects and eventually got home around 2.00pm.

Dates have been suggested for future walks and and the venture seemed successful. (Ann has taken pictures for the scrap book). Kilmersdon has been suggested for a definite walk in the future. Books and cuttings of walks to be looked at for other ideas. (Betty to ring Caroline as we couldn't shut a gate properly).

Binegar Church Lent Lunches continue.

Arrived late - been putting Binegar WI survey on the computer (1st attempt) - it will need to be adjusted when and if more forms are returned!! Showed a few people - comments varied from 'pretty colours', 'what's the point' to 'what does it show anyway'. It's good and quite inspiring to have such positive comments (hmmm - perhaps not!!). I thought it would be more to add to the display on our 75th birthday!!! Time will tell if the negativity reduces!!!

Many WI members involved in these lunches. Two more to go - there is a raffle at the last one. Iris and Helen have volunteered to make soup for the proposed ACWW soup lunch on 29th April. Kath says she will do bread and cheese. Need volunteers to make cakes.

(note from survey - only 6 ladies acknowledged the church as an interest on forms handed in at present). Certainly at least 6 are involved in the Lent lunches!!! Sat with Beryl, her sister and David Moon. Molly had brought Cindy along - had a chat!!!

Business Meeting of N Mendip Group

Sue, Kath and Eileen will be going to this meeting at Oakhill. News items will be added below:

Binegar are going to hold an ACWW Soup Lunch at the Village Hall on Wed 29th April (12.00 - 1.30pm) - will invite members of the group and also notice going out in the Parish Magazine. £3.50.

Chewton Mendip 90th Birthday lunch on 22 June (clashes with Spotlight on Africa).

29th July Somerset Federation Quiz evening at either 'The George' Gurney Slade OR 'The Poachers Pocket. Tables of up to 5 (leader must be a WI member). £5 each to include light supper. The same quiz will be held in pubs all over the country on the same night.

Ashwick and Oakhill to hold a Skittles social evening at 'The Poachers Pocket'

March Meeting

Great success - Craft Addix came and helped us to paint silk hanging circles. It was a good evening. Ruth read 2 excellent poems, Sue and Moyra made yummy WI Fairtrade chocolate cake. Another new member - welcome to Margaret - we have 4 Margarets now!!! 2 Marys, 3 Anns (1 with an e) , 2 Ruths everyone else unique at present!! Elizabeth and Margaret showed us their art from the classes they attended with their bursary money.

Saw quite a few members at the Lent Lunch in the village on Wed. Might suggest everyone brings their hanging circle to display for the next meeting.

Ann Widdecombe

Ruth and Eileen went to the 'Evening with Ann Widdecombe at Westlands, Yeovil. Before the interval we were entertained by the Waltons Follies and then Sampford Arundel read us snippets from their WI minutes with gems of general news - excellent. After the interval Ann Widdecombe chatted away for ages and then took lots of questions - it was refreshing to listen to her common sense replies and the story of her political 'jobs'. Thelma said ' lets vote Ann for Prime Minister'. She'd certainly make a better job of it than most. A really good evening.

Picture: Ann behind the book stand.