We were entertained in our June meeting by an excellent speaker Mrs Anne Boden, who gave us a very humorous insight into the adventures of a pig farmer.
Together with her husband, they took on a rundown smallholding, and while her husband worked, Anne looked after the animals. She had us all laughing at some of their antics.
We met up with members from Atworth W.I. and enjoyed a cream tea at Whitehall Garden Centre. Later in the month we had a quintessential English day at the Lavender Farm in Faulkland. We had an informative talk about the different lavenders, and we were shown round the distillery. We finished the day with tea and lavender scones.
In July, Paula Watts came to tell us about Neal Yard Remedies. We had an insight into the history and ethics of the company. She bought samples of some the organic products for us to try.
The W.I. own Denman House in Oxfordshire, where they run day and residential courses. They have an extensive list of workshops and courses. You can download a course brochure. The W.I. also runs holidays for single members or members and guests in this country and abroad.
At the annual general meeting in Bournemouth it was unanimously decided to campaign about the decline in local bus services, and we are calling on Government to develop a National Investment Strategy for buses and coaches. The Bus Services Act 2017 gives councils the power to work in partnership with local transport companies to look at measures to improve bus services and encourage the public to use buses. The other campaign is Don’t Fear the Smear. Regular screening for women can pick up early and abnormal cells and prevent cancer developing. Attendance is lowest among women aged 25-29, yet cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women under the age of 35.
No meeting in August but after the break, we continue with our exciting autumn programme talks starting with John Tucker telling us about “behind the scenes of running a garden centre”.
We are looking for new members to bring new ideas; the W.I. is not about jam and cake making but about inspiring women, so if you want to switch off for a couple of hours escape and meet new friends, join us on September 9th, 7.30pm at the Beeches Village Hall.
