It's WI time again

November WI Meeting
November can be a gloomy month but Old Buckenham WI had its annual pilgrimage to the Thursford Carol Concert to lift the spirits. The fabulous show was a real hit and everyone voted to continue to book seats for the next concert in 2009. Continuing with a theatrical theme, members were reminded of the trip to see West Side Story at the Theatre Royal in January.
Even during the festive season our village WI continues to campaign on important issues facing rural communities. The meeting was read a letter by the President outlining objections to the Government’s white paper proposing changes to the dispensing of medicines at the GP’s surgery. The letter was approved at the meeting and will be sent to the local MP.
Also in members’ thoughts at this time of year are those who need the support of St Martin’s Housing Trust, based in Norwich, and the work it does in helping the homeless. Once again members were asked for their support collecting for this charity in local supermarkets. Many local organisations help St Martin’s worthwhile work by fund raising at Christmas time.
The formal business of the annual general meeting followed. Essential reporting was kept to a minimum as usual. It is always interesting to hear a review of the year and realise just how active the WI is, not just locally but visiting other areas and taking part in conferences and courses too. Next the new committee was approved by the meeting and finally the President, Susan Hunter, was re-elected for 2009.
This was followed by two short reports by members. The first report was given by Nancy Hunt. Nancy had attended the 'Posh Frocks and Posh Food' event at Little Ellingham. An elegant afternoon was spent with a delightful meal and followed by a glamorous fashion show with frocks from the 1920s to present times.
The next report was by Margaret Bevis who, with other members, had attended one of the popular mini-Council meetings in October. The new WI banners had been on display along with a polished metal heron, donated to the WI, as their emblem. The speaker took every one back to the Middle Ages with tales of mediaeval life.
It was also explained at this meeting that 2009 is the 90th anniversary of the Norfolk Federation of Women’s Institutes. Many events are planned for the coming twelve months including a service in Norwich Cathedral and the wearing of hats at the AGM in the spring.
After refreshments, and to lighten the mood, members engaged themselves in a Beetle Drive. Competition was strong and the winner was presented with her prize.
No meeting will be held in December but members will be enjoying a Christmas dinner at a local restaurant instead. At the meeting on Thursday 22 January there will be a talk entitled ‘My life breeding peacocks’ given by Quinton Spratt. The competition is for a feather or an item made from feathers.