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.