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'.