Old Buckenham Women's Institute

Raising a toast
At their February meeting, Old Buckenham WI were pleased to welcome Martin Wynn as their speaker on the subject of the history and etiquette of toastmastering.
Martin told members that he had spent 32 years of his life as a police officer and the last thirteen years as a toastmaster. This is the only country in the world that employs the services of a professional toastmaster. The origins of the job went back as far as the Hebrews and Vikings and the Normans brought the custom with them when they came to Britain in 1066. There had always been a custom of proposing a toast to the good health of their companions before going into battle.
The speaker appeared resplendent in his toastmaster’s “uniform”. He outlined the importance of planning on the part of the toastmaster on each occasion when he is employed and he must use tact and diplomacy at all times. He concluded his talk with some humorous anecdotes.
Final arrangements were made at the meeting for twenty members to go on a trip to Wells-next-the-Sea in May. The local WI there will entertain the group to lunch after which there will be the opportunity for members to have a guided walk around the town and quay.
On a county level, members are being encouraged to take their cameras out and about during the next few months to enable them to compete in the photographic competition entitled ‘Norfolk Inland Waterways’. The winners’ entries will be used in the WI calendar for 2014 (the WI always likes to plan well ahead). At least two Old Buckenham members have been winners in past years so it is hoped that more of members may take up their cameras during
2012.
Forty members and friends enjoyed their annual trip to the Theatre Royal for the Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society’s production of “Hello Dolly” and some members are looking to support the Dereham Operatic Society’s production of “Oklahoma” in October.
Members have a very busy few months ahead, including provision of refreshments at some village events plus of course the Jubilee celebrations in June. Work is also starting to plan the schedule of the Village Produce Show on Sunday 9 September so watch this space.
A Spring Fair will be held in the Church Rooms on Saturday 31 March and it is hoped that many villagers will go along for afternoon tea between 2pm and 4pm.