28th December

Snow going gradually, back lanes still slippery with rain on ice!! It's good to see grass again but weather damp and foggy at present so still feels fairly cold.

Snow in the garden! 18.12.2010

Heavy snow means cancelled party

Party cancelled due to heavy snow and forecasts for another freeze - didn't want members to slip over - caterers would have come via 4-wheel drive, they said, but not many members prepared to come out when it's so cold. Luckily there was a reduced cancellation fee!! Shame we were looking forward to our cooked meal - oh, I hope someone cancelled the speaker!! I understand committee may arrange something else when weather is (hopefully) a bit better in the New Year.

Card and Magazines from Australia

Our twin from Happy Valley CWA nr Adelaide sent via ex-secretary Margaret Dowdell, a parcel with a lovely Xmas card, 2 magazines and an update letter. Just in time for our party - fingers crossed we have a sprinkling of snow at present!!

7th December - Ashwick & Oakhill's 85th Birthday

The saga continued - it had to involve Ruth - their car went to Oakhill Village Hall to see an evening of bridge!! Whoops - only snag the party was at the Church Rooms, Ashwick - a quick about turn took them right hall and a scene of flappers met them (the evening was themed to their starting date and many of the A&O ladies had dressed accordingly). An excellent evening - much enjoyed by all. If the weather (snow) holds off everyone will be able to hear the full saga in poem form at our Christmas Party. NB: If the weather's OK they won't get lost going to our Village Hall!!

7th December - Christmas Lunch

Evidently very much enjoyed - Ruth wrote a beautiful poem - evidently her carload got lost on the way and eventually were saved when they saw Anne driving to the pub!! It can't be more than 6 miles away - can't think what they did or where they went - but thank goodness for Anne!!

Re: our link in Happy Valley, Australia

Good news, I've heard from Margaret Dowdell, who was secretary of our link with the Country Women's Association, nr Adelaide in Happy Valley. She is planning to come to the UK next summer and will come and visit Binegar if she does. That will certainly make our link especially interesting. Have just posted off their Christmas card plus a copy of 'The Harmonies' CD with a few newspaper cuttings of the carnival etc and pictures of the Mosaic Day. Cost £5 to send it!!!

Violence Against Women, coffee morning, Somerton

Ruth, Chris and Ann went to this coffee morning in Somerton. There were 4 speakers who spoke fluently about their areas of expertise ie: The Shelter for women, Community Support, Relate etc. The venue was small and there were only a small number of women present - but the event will be cascaded re: County News, and individual WIs. There is an entry on 'theWI' Facebook site for starters. It looks like Ruth and Ann seated comfortably on the sofa (with their backs to us!!).

thanks to Nicky Venning of Westbury sub Mendip for the photo.

WI Meeting - 16th November

Speaker Tim Sevier told members about wills and probate in a light and amusing way, however most people learnt something useful and it was a reminder to sort out your affairs regularly!! NB: Several members went home and got in touch with their solicitor next day - so it was a most useful exercise. Ruth read 3 poems, Sue gave the delegates report of the SCFWI AGM. New committee elected and all officers returned for 2011. We are delighted that Helen was confirmed by members as President for another year. All other jobs will be decided at the January meeting of the committee.

Friday 12th November - Mosaic Day

A Mosaic Day had been arranged at the village hall. Our instructors for the day were Sue and Margaret from Craft Addix. 12+ members were cosily installed in the Committee Room which was lovely and warm. Our first task was to pick our coloured tiles and beads (beads were an extra - only if we wanted them) and arrange a pattern, some of us had mirrors, others pot stands. There was a huge variety of colours - once we'd decided on the tiles we wanted we then got to glue them in place. Many of us found this very satisfying!

Then after coffee Margaret introduced us to the 'grouting' (her favourit bit), although a few of us weren't quite so impressed! I think the beads made it much more difficult but the effect certainly began to show. Grouting was done before lunch by dipping fingers in the grout and wiping it on the tiles and then wiping off surplus with a damp dishcloth. Eileen had to leave at lunchtime due to other arrangements - but everyone else had brought sandwiches for lunch and then did their 2nd attempt at grouting.

The finished articles will be displayed at our meeting on Tuesday. The day was made available to members with the benefit of a bursary from our local group and was very much enjoyed!

Thanks to Doreen for the photos.

Somerset County AGM

Quite a few members went to Yeovil on Sat. 6th November for the Annual Meeting at Westlands. Guest speaker: Adam Henson. This report is based on comments received from members of other WIs and will be updated when I see members and hear their opinions of the day.

Overall everyone really enjoyed the day - Adam Henson was a great hit and gave a very interesting talk - he also signed programmes for members.

Pic. 1. Carole Smith, County Chair introduces Adam Henson to members.

Pic. 2. Margaret Bigg, Queen Bee, gets Adam on the stage for an impromptu 'act'.

Helen and Kath called in

Helen called in with WITri info for Colette to take to WL. Kath came with update on her plans. Rick delivered all AGM programmes and lunch tickets earlier in the week. Lunch club on 2nd Nov I believe.

Countrywoman arrives

Will the Binegar copy of the Countrywoman be on display at the next meeting? Plenty to read - note that it will cost £32 next year - BUT - this does help ACWW to run and is one of our most worthwhile contributions. We also save pennies for friendship (unfortunately our box is not often circulated). It's just a question of remembering - meetings are so busy!!

However some members are very supportive of our coffee mornings and we do tend to have two of these each year - on or near the following dates (29th April - ACWW Day AND 15th October - UN International Day for Rural Women) so we certainly do our bit for ACWW in this way.

ACWW coffee morning - 20.10.2010 starting at 10am for 2 hours!!

Well, I know it's a long title but just look at the date and time!!

A few Ashwick and Oakhill and Wincanton members joined our little group and a pleasant morning was had by all. £103.50 has been sent to ACWW for the Bulamu Water Project, from this meeting - Thanks for all donations (some beforehand) and your support. Thanks to those members of Binegar WI who came along and helped coffee making, running the stall etc etc. Where would we be without our supportive members.

WI Meeting 19.10.10

A very full evening. Speaker: History of Wedding Dresses - well researched with amusing comments included. After refreshments and much chatter there were several readings and 2 skits by the Drama Group. (Interestingly, the audience laughed in completely different places from the rehearsal - but at least, there were some laughs!!) Ruth concluded the evening with her latest poem - the drama group rushed out from the changing room - can't miss Ruth's poems!! Several new invitations joined the lists on Kath's list table - more opportunities for good nights out. Again several visitors - I'm sure some of them will join next month! Fingers crossed!!

Speakers Auditions

Moira and Eileen were at Westonzoyland for Speakers Auditions today. Very varied and interesting group of speakers. Must keep our lists for 2012 BUT a lot of them want to register as emergency speakers - that could be useful bearing in mind our September speaker forgot to come!!

Thursday 14th October

Drama Group met at Ann's home to rehearse drama for the October meeting. It will be interesting to see member's response - it made us laugh - fingers crossed for Tuesday!!

WI Meeting - 20th September

Well this was an unusual evening. We had 4 visitors - some of whom may well join so that would be good news. Also we had lots of samples - Nivea cream sachet, 50p off Cafe Direct coffee and some vitamins to help eyesight if you wanted them (limited numbers of these). Off to a good start then as everyone likes a freeby!

After an update of news from National and County there was much scurrying (to look for speaker). The evening took an unexpected turn and continued ad lib as our planned speaker just did not appear!! Ruth, our resident poet had at least 4 fantastic poems to entertain us - they were all about events attended during the summer and were very amusing - especially the one about Cothay Manor!! Then members took over - Kath was our first volunteer followed by Iris, Mary Williams, Thelma, Beryl, Ruth and one of our visitors - they all gave us their view of events around the time of the Battle of Britain. Members were really interested to hear these 'true memories' - so the evening was rescued by their input. In fact one member had to decide whether to go to the bunker or get married when the sirens went - yes, she decided to get married (she was only 17!). (Funnily enough the idea of asking members to participate in this way had been suggested at the last committee meeting as 'something' to do to fill a gap AND the first meeting of the autumn proved an ideal opportunity to put this suggestion into practice!)

Then at refreshment time Kath brought a bonus of some cake for us all from her diamond wedding celebrations plus there were masses of activities to sign up for. Our only query - what did happen to the speaker!! Unfortunately our speakers rep was on holiday - so he may have left a message on her phone - something to remember for when she is next away!

Summer outing to Cothay - another set of photos

Pic 1. Views of the house itself . Doesn't Chris (centre pict of Pic. 2) have a wonderful chuckle - you can practically hear it - the spider doesn't stand a chance of frightening her!

Cothay Manor outing

Well despite drizzle rain at the start of the day - it dried up and we were able to walk around the gardens after our tour and lunch. We all thoroughly enjoyed the visit - what a shame some members missed such a treat. Pic 1. snaps from Cothay with central Burrowbridge tea. Pic 2. some of the sculptures we saw in the grounds. I just loved the dogs tail in the geraniums pic 2 - looked just like the rear of our dog, Rusty of long ago!

Many thanks to Kath - in yellow and blue pic. 1 for making all the arrangements. Our tour around the house was absolutely fascinating - marvellous guide - I think the other group had a very good guide as well. All our bags, etc were locked in a cupboard while we walked around in our blue 'plastic' slippers and Alban had the key of the cupboard - our guide kept getting phone-calls in the last room because the 1st tour had finished and they wanted the key - BUT - our guide soldiered on - she had so much to tell us - and she made sure to tell it all and we felt amply rewarded by her skill.

August outing

The August outing is due next Tuesday - fingers crossed for fine weather!! Don't take big bags they're not allowed in the house!! Cothay Manor here we come - WI tea at Burrowbridge afterwards in the Village Hall. Pic. is of the actual bridge.

WI Quiz evening

8 members of Binegar WI were at the WI Quiz event held at The Poachers Pocket at Chelynch. It was a fun evening - the quiz was better than last year - more fun - there weren't so many requests for repeating questions etc.

Helen was the question master / Iris and Anne took scores. Each table scored for the next table. Unfortunately we did not have enough for two teams of 4 which made things a bit difficult. However, our team of four came 6th out of 8.

Members involved: Helen, Iris and Anne (jobs as above), Kath, Betty, Jo, Ruth and Eileen. We had a really fun evening whatever the scores. There was a huge supper of a variety of rolls (ham/cheese/sausage plus chips) Goodness there was still enough left afterwards to feed an army!!

As there were only 8 rounds this time - Helen set a cracking pace and we finished 5 rounds before our supper - this made the rest of the evening very casual and we were home by 9.30pm which suited some members very well - especially Jo who has to get up at 4.30am to sort out the newspapers!! All in all a very good event - the skittle alley was full of people with 8 teams of either 4 or 5 and much laughter and the noise at supper time was phenominal!!!

Although the WI suggested resolution for supporting local pubs did not get chosen this year - we were doing our bit last night!! Probably our lunch clubs do as well on their once a month outing! Their venue next week is "The Castle of Comfort", I believe.

Beautiful 'butterfly' seen at Living Rainforest

Picture 1: resting (wings brown with 'eyes' on the underside - Picture 2 wings open ready for flight! This was sent to me by another lady on the trip - - she cheated - she took a picture of a postcard available for sale at their shop. It was a good joke as I didn't realise what she'd done to start at first!

Living Rainforest

Ruth and Eileen went here today - gosh it was so humid. Ruth went on the tour but relaxed with her newspaper afterwards. Eileen and her grandaughter Eleanor went around again and took lots of photos - mind I've wiped a lot because those darn critturs won't keep still!! Pic. 1. Lobster Claw Plant, Pic. 2. Ruth relaxes with her newspaper Pic.3. Eleanor with cocoa Pod

Monday 26th July

Two intrepid members plan to join the trip to 'The Living Rainforest' - more on this later!!

Members Night

A most successful members night on 20th July. Helen gave out a few notices and then handed the meeting over to Sue who introduced the speaker for the evening Jenny - her subject YOGA. Her talk explained YOGA and told us of the history behind it and then the fun part was an exercise session. We learnt many different moves and also had a relaxation session - most of this was seated but some took to the floor - the whole thing was fun and relaxing.

Afterwards members had prepared a lovely supper. Evidently WiTri is still being worked on - the cycling seems to be the most difficult one for us - ah well - onward we go - we may make it in time BUT at least a lot of us are getting involved which is surely the main intention of this challenge.

Thanks to all members for a really good evening. Oh I forgot, before Sue took over the meeting Ruth read her latest poem - excellent as usual!!

Members night - Tuesday 20th

Members have arranged all this meeting - speaker/refreshments. No clue yet what is happening - so committee looking forward to a real surprise.

Committee meeting

Only 6 members able to attend meeting at Beryls.

Tuesday 6th July

The monthly Lunch Club went out today.

Programme Meeting at Helens - Mon. 5th July

8 committee members arrived. Quite a lot of ideas forthcoming - so Chris has gone away with some extra's too - in case unable to pick original suggestions. Iris entertained us with our drinks at the end with stories of her ancestor research! Helen has an envelope with NFWI information (re: follow-up on resolution, women and the environment etc).

3 apologies for committee meeting next week.

Strawberry tea at Sue's

Lovely day - sunny with a slight breeze. Lots of members came plus members of the 'Welcome Club' and some husbands. Varied sandwiches, scones & cream, strawberries and cream, varieties of cake plus some yummy meringues - as one visitor said - I'm stuffed - I shouldn't have eaten it all really!! Evidently a success - eventually the stall started to sell out - as some of us brought back what we'd taken (chuckle, chuckle). Seriously, that's not quite true but a lovely afternoon was had by all and Sue also supplied a Quiz to stretch brains!!

Many thanks to Sue and Dave for all the preparation work! (I totally forgot to take any pics - sorry!!) No further action re: WItri!

Meeting 15th June at Binegar Village Hall

Nice quiet start as the cubs at a different venue tonight. Speaker there early. A good turn out tonight with 2 visitors. After some news the speaker, Andy Baggott, was introduced and he explained the concept of self-healing and inner power. This was an interesting subject: 'T'ai Chi, not just a martial art but a way of life'. Personally was slightly disappointed as only one 'form' displayed at the beginning and then self-healing was the main topic, some members felt that ways to offset depression could be very useful. Interestingly some members said they'd had a practical talk at the 'Good Companions' Judy is keen to start a class - hope that gets underway in our hall.

Iris mentioned the WItri which had first been mentioned in May and some members seemed interested in giving it a go - further discussion at 'Summer Tea' at Sue's on 23rd. National Raffle tickets were sold successfully and some committee members have taken a book each to sell. Ann Jones told us about the Drama Group and asked for further members to join either to read or to help backstage. Ruth read some lovely poems about our trip to Bicton and the visit to our twin WI at Dilton Marsh, Wiltshire. Drawing the raffle concluded the evening.

NB: Several sites re: Andy on the web - hence the picture - he came to the evening in black T'ai Chi clothes - so this is not how we actually saw him.

Day trip to Bicton and Sidmouth

Well just 4 members went on this trip with Farrington Gurney WI. First we all had £2 back as the coach was more or less full. Second the weather (after a dismal start) was sunny all day. Third we all had a very varied and interesting day. Our coach journey through narrow lanes dismayed all the cars we met but there was lovely scenery and obviously we had a very good driver.

Stayed longer at Bicton gardens due to one lady getting knocked over - she was fine after the initial shock and very well looked after by the staff. This enabled all of us to have a ride around the gardens on the Woodland Train. Then on to Sidmouth (with the narrow lane episode!!) with a good bracing walk along the front and an icecream for many! Our final stop was for a WI tea with Musbury & Whitford WI and the opportunity to buy some books/craft work - they were brave it was their WI night!! The well modernised Whitford wooden village hall was built in 1932 with an extension in 1937.

A very pleasant and varied day out and how lucky we were with the weather. Thanks to Farrington Gurney for inviting us to join you for your summer outing. (Centre picture from left, Annette, Moira and Ruth with Annette's friend Josie in Whitford village).

Committee meeting - Wed 9th June

Meeting at Iris's home this time. Rainy day forecast for Tues. 5 members joining Farrington Gurney WI for a trip to Bicton - think we'll need our macs and umbrellas. Thunder forecast too - so maybe sticking to the macs might be best - ah well - WI tea on the way home should cheer us up!! Wonder how hubby will cope - can I keep him jolly - time will tell!!

AGM Cardiff - 95 years of WI

Well got the coach in Shepton Mallet and had a good journey through to the Cardiff Arena - where some confusion for parking and letting people out!! Ruth Bond, National Chairman (pic 2) told us of a lot of interesting events planned and and day went really well. Met WIAs I knew which was an added bonus and had lunch with my Gwent friends.

Speakers included: Tim Smith on 'how to get the impossible done' by setting challenges; Gwen Parry-Jones (excellent) a very clever lady who clearly and simply explained 'how nuclear worked'; Lee Durrell - wife of Gerald Durrell told how she was carrying on the work started by her husband in Jersey. The debate in the morning 'lost it' when some ladies raised obscure points - the supporting speaker promised answers on all these points at a later date. The FSA backed out at the last minute so there were no comments against the resolution apart from the obscure points above!! Resolution carried unanimously.

The Milk Debate will be revived due to pressure on farmers again. A new campaign will be started with Oxfam, 'Mums Matter' asking for support from Govts for maternal health of women. (more details later).

Day ended with 'Men Aloud' (Pic 1) who sang a variety of songs including a final 'Tom Jones' selection - they received a standing ovation. The finale of the day was 'Jerusalam', Land of my Fathers' and the National Anthem which were all sung with great gusto - an inspiring day.

May meeting

Resolution discussed - Secretary will pass voting decision to Link Delegate to take to the AGM in Cardiff. 3 short sketches from the Drama Group provided the entertainment for the evening, they were well received. There were lots of lists of activities for members to look at.

Many other activities taking place

I've either been away or busy with WI/family so haven't recorded other events as I've been unable to attend. Meanwhile Lunch Club, Mahjong, walking, drama etc have carried on with their usual success. The meeting tomorrow will deal with resolutions and then a 'drama' is planned for entertainment.

ACWW Coffee morning - 7th May

Pic. one - Carole, Betty, Molly, Annette and Ruth at our coffee morning. Only 19 people came but we were supported by Chewton Mendip, Ashwick & Oakhill and Witham Friary. We were delighted to welcome them plus Mr & Mrs Rayment who popped in for a quick coffee at the end.

We made £60.60 which was a good sum for so few of us. Many thanks to Betty for hiring the hall and to all who came along!!


Pic two: Witham Friary members who joined us - tho' finding the hall was a problem!! - really pleased to see you.

Lunch Club Outing

A large contingent went out to lunch today - I've not heard any comments yet!! Well evidently - the meal was lovely WHEN it came - service was a bit slow. Everyone was pleased with their food - and that's certainly a bonus plus it was a sunny day - so a good outing was enjoyed by all!

ACWW coffee morning - 7th May

Come to our coffee morning and learn more about ACWW. Ashwick Church Rooms 10.30am - 12noon. Raffle, Bring & Buy. We are supporting one Literacy and Cognitive Development Project in Romania and one Water Project in Uganda. All welcome.

The pic. is of May Kidd, new World President of ACWW - for those who came to our UN International Day for Rural Women - May played the accordion!!

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Roadshow at Draycott - 29th April

Kath, Moira, Ruth and I went to Draycott. Lots of local friend were present and the hall was pretty crowded. There was an update on committees for members with news of past and planned events to cascade. A speaker from Awards for all was most interesting and supplied paperwork. Carole explained why we are keeping Wilton Lodge at present and why so many events are held there to save the expense of hiring a hall. It was a dull day (weather-wise) so not much opportunity to escape the hall during the lunch hour. Nicky and Jean helped me with the PAINT table. In the afternoon Carole explained voting for the May meeting - to clarify this for members. The speaker was a Living History Guide - Alyce from Glastonbury Abbey - she was very interesting as well as being an actress she had thoroughly investigated her role through studies primarily in Archeology and History so that any questions were 'of the period' she was portraying (1538 - just before the disolution of the monasteries). However, Kath felt that it was a slightly disappointing talk as she didn't remain in costume very long, spoke (at length) about how she got the job and was then almost doing an advert for visiting Glastonbury Abbey - so no picture opportunities. Despite this it was generally an interesting day, I thought. Pics = a mixture around the room!!

News from Arkansas, USA

May Kidd is the new World President of ACWW, Alison Burnett, World Treasurer, (both from Scotland), Anphia Grobler, S.Africa, Deputy World President.

Roadshow at West Camel 23rd April, St Georges Day

Iris, Anne and Eileen went to this. Personally, I enjoyed the day - it was good to see friends and I was lucky enough to have a lift with Barbara who helped me with the Show and Tell PAINT Bag!! Not encouraged by Carole telling me to cut some information - but we weathered our way through it!!

The afternoon speaker was, I felt, excellent - although this was really a Physics lecture - he really made it clear to everyone and it was very interesting. My father was colour blind, he failed a test to be an engine driver, as he couldn't see the difference between red and green. Have warned my daughters this could go down through the family as it is hereditary and I, of course, must be a carrier. (Electric wiring was changed especially because of people with colour blindness). This is predominantly inherited by men - women are rarely more than carriers, although some unfortunates do inherit it.

ACWW Conference Hot Springs, Arkansas

Opening Ceremony - with the flags of all the countries which had only arrived by air that day!! Read the blog below to find out more about this event. Its well worth reading if you're interested in ACWW.

Pic 1 - conference bag. It's red with the white inset.

Pic 2 - Flags of the world on the stage at the opening ceremony.

http://hotspringsapril2010.blogspot.com/

Meeting Tuesday 20th

Good to see members again. Speaker certainly had the gift of the gab - some funny, some banal, some downright irritating. I think he had a mixed reception from members. Some of his scenes were very typical of 'the buses' and the fee went to a good cause which was gratifying. Good on him to spend evenings raising funds for charity - just perhaps talk a little less!!

Left earlier than usual as my lift arrived so unfortunately missed Ruth's poem.

North Mendip Group Meeting 15th April 2010

Went well I understand. Speaker fascinated some - his subject was 'magic'. Ploughmans and homemade cakes for supper. Ruth read her lovely poem about what WI had meant to her. Wonderful craft displays including lovely hats by L&HB member who was inspired by a speaker and now produces them herself - she has plans to start a business when her youngest starts school. Iris and Glenis produced lots of items for Binegar. All WIs in group given a bursary for a special speaker or craft day. Comments welcomed!!

Lunch Club went to The George this month - went well I believe!!

March WI Meeting

Interesting talk re: Somerset Food Direct including how they all started from Rio de Janeiro via action re: peaches in California. Quite fascinating really - all got leaflets. Jo nearly exploded to defend the Post Office after he left - understandably, as we are lucky to have a village shop.
After refreshments votes were taken on the Xmas Lunch (hot meal won) the August outing (Cothay Manor won). Ruth's poem on the interpreter of Japanese and lunch at The Shrubbery, Ilminster was, as always, very good. Seemed to buy a lot of things on the stall - Beryl looked a bit fed up about lack of support - so bought a bit more - did I really need the biscuits, cake, books, picture frame - NO - but it did clear a few things from the stall and used up my change!!!

During Bridges Day

Just received this photo from a friend - you can see Kath and Moira having a chat with Annette sitting beside them in brown on the right of the picture.

Building Bridges Day - 8th March - IWD

5 Members went to this day Kath, Ruth, Annette, Moira and Eileen. Morning speakers with a European theme included 2 Norwegian women talking about 'Growing up in Norway', a Polish lady talking about Polish customs, Around the World with ACWW, and the morning ended with an explanation of Women Reaching Women and a game showing the levels of separation in society worldwide. At lunchtime members took a stroll to the bridge in the sunshine to show solidarity with women all over the world saying NO to war and YES to peace. See pictures on the Woman for Women International website. In the afternoon there was an African theme: 'Images of Africa' (Christine Button) followed by the 'Sanburu Wedding' Roger Stoakley. The day ended with a Somerset cream tea. Pic 1 - lots of people on and beside the bridge (had to stand this side due to sun affecting photographs!!) Pic 2. Can you see Annette and Ruth have a lovely chat!!

Tuesday, 2nd Feb

Binegar Lunch club were at the Poachers Pocket on Tuesday.

Lunch with a lady who has spent her working life as an interpreter of Japanese

3 members, Ruth, Kath and Eileen went to lunch at the Shrubbery, Ilminster. The speaker, an interpreter, was fascinating - we could have listened to her for hours. She has met many of the Imperial family and worked for many top Japanese firms. Lunch was very nice and all in all a very pleasant event. (very hot in the hotel - hence the bare arms!!). The interpreter of Japanese, (Angela)was in pink at the front.

Meeting 16th February

Only 19 members present tonight probably due to the cold weather - but they missed a treat. We had an excellent speaker, Christine told us about the charity she and her church have set up called 'Norton Down Africa Fund' and what they have achieved in Uganda helping schools and setting up 3 nursery schools in Kenya. Christine's stories were illustrated by lovely slides. She also displayed beads, and aprons from Africa and cards from photos she has taken herself. This was a most interesting talk and she was thanked by our secretary, Doreen.

Moira had made lovely Fairtrade chocolate cake for our refreshments and there were Fairtrade leaflets on display. The evening started with news, followed by Christines talk and then after refreshments we had updates of future events and concluded with Ruth reading us a poem about an accident caused by youngsters in the village who had vandalised a fence post near the hall entrance. Luckily, serious injury was avoided but it was a nasty fall and such a shock - it tends to spoil anyone's outing. Ruth was so cross when she witnessed Betty's fall she went straight home and wrote tonights poem. Her poetry is a bonus to us all - even if this was a serious subject.

Pic 1: Children in Uganda with clothes donated by local people after an article in the Somerset Guardian.

Pic 2: On a recent visit to East Africa, Christine Button visited slums in the Ugandan capital Kampala. Here many children are orphaned when parents die young. This photo has been used to help raise awareness of how AIDS is affecting Africa.

Meeting tomorrow

Seems a long time since our last meeting!! I believe it could have been book club and mahjong tonight but not heard how it went yet.

N Mendip Group Business Meeting

At Helens' home - all went well, 2 from Litton, 2 from A&O, 3 from Chewton Mendip, and 4 from Binegar - it was an interesting meeting and lots of items were discussed including a Skittles Social in May, the Group Meeting in April and County Quiz in July. Thanks to Helen for chairing and Doreen for acting as secretary. Shirley from Litton will become a signatory on the Bank Account after the April Meeting.

Lunch Club

The Lunch Club (16) went to 'The Court' on 2nd Feb - they had a lovely meal and thoroughly enjoyed it. It must have been good value - they were still FULL at committee!!

Committee Meeting

The committee meeeting was held at Ruth's home. All were present and the meeting ran well and finished early.

President, Secretary, Treasurer's coffee morning

Our representatives attended this morning - I hope they found it useful. I hope they'll agree the coffee and cakes were good. Generally it is what you learn from other WIs which is most helpful and there were a few chuckles en route!! Carole, County Chairman was also present - which was a good opportunity for many to meet her and Marianne showed items available on the trading stall and talked about the sale/return parcels available. A few 'queries' were aired and hopefully sorted to most peoples satisfaction. Requests for more meetings in the north of the county were discussed and Carole was keen to take this on board. Hall problems abound with parking an issue and also existing bookings including pre-schools and exercise classes.

There was a good atmosphere in the hall, although it did get a bit chilly towards the end and some people enjoyed a second cup of coffee to warm them up before they headed home.

January Meeting - the Bishops Palace Gardens, Wells

Great attendance - delighted to see so many on a fairly miserable night - plus the bonus of at least 4 visitors - we had to go and look for more chairs!! The speaker told us a little of the history of the Bishops Palace and lots about the development of the gardens there. Interestingly, he and his family live 'on site' in a cold flat at the top of the Palace - how interesting - I wonder if it is a bit spooky when you go home at night?

Helen and Doreen (our new President and Secretary) ran an excellent meeting and Ruth read two of her most amusing poems.

Having received an email appeal for Mary's Meals in Haiti - a voluntary collection was held - the money collected will be sent off by a member.

Hurrah - snow has gone - how wonderful is the world of 'GREEN'.

January Committee Meeting

Snow thawing - Committee at Helens at 2.00pm on 18th Jan.

Cancellations due to snow

8th Jan - committee meeting at Helen's home AND as snow is forecast for Sunday evening 11th Jan - Book Club and Mahjong at Iris's home

Committee could be anytime maybe next week - one afternoon (Wed & Fri) best choice BUT could be 1/2 hr before Jan meeting on 19th - we are totally dependant on road conditions. All in favour of afternoon - apart from Anne who works and Iris (transport) - but no doubt something can be arranged if weather improves sufficiently!

Rumour says some older members will not be rejoining this year, perhaps because they don't like going out at night!! We will wait and see what the next meeting brings and will learn more then!!

6th January - overnight snow

The Christmas tree by the children's log cabin. Wind getting up this afternoon so whirling snow past the window as I type!!

WI Committee - 8th Jan 2010

We woke up to a 'pretty' covering of snow - got the Christmas tree out just in time - it looks lovely in the garden!! Everything is being cancelled - time to stay at home by the fire and perhaps make some cards!!

Happy New Year to all

Happy New Year - well we have plenty of frost and crisp days at present. A good time to sit around the fire!! Evidently the cold weather will stretch on into January. John N has confirmed that it should last for at least another fortnight!! We've had a couple of lovely sunny days since New Year (hard frost at night though).