History on hand

10th October
This evening about 20 of our local WI members joined with others from the surrounding WIs for a Group Meeting. We are very fortunate in this area that we are still able to find a volunteer Group Convener to arrange two meetings a year and, doubly so because she also organises an outing in the summer. We heard that many groups have ceased to function because no one thinks she has the time to act in this way which is a pity.Clubbed together we can afford more expensive speakers although cost is not always a good yardstick for judging performance. It is also a chance for the members who cannot attend the larger meetings to mix with other WI members. Actually the one criticism I had of last night's get-together was that we sat around tables designated to our own WIs rather than mixed up but there was fraternization during the refreshment break.
The speaker was Mary Forlenza who talked about the wide topic of "Women". She gave an amusing well-constructed talk which everyone enjoyed. The female subjects whom she used to illustrate the changes in recent history which have most affected women were interesting and she very diplomatically ended with Adelaide Hoodless the founder of the WI. It was a very good meeting with lots of talk and an excellent selection of refreshments.

5th October
The local WI meeting tonight was very interesting. We entered the hall to see a machine made of wood and brass which would have graced the bridge of an ocean-going private yacht. It turned out to be a change of the century magic lantern projector which had been lovingly restored by the speaker. The members then enjoyed a demonstration of moving pictures and cartoons:some of these were historically significant in their own right, others were amusing and some I'm afraid we recognised were early examples of advertising. It is good to hear of enthusiasts about the country who make sure that historic items and interests do not disappear from memory in this throw-away society of today.
Talking of history did you see that a new account of the WI has been published recently? "A Force to be Reckoned with" by Jane Robinson is a history of the WI movement which has had quite good reviews, except for the title. I am sure the author could have thought of a better one than that.If you are a keen or new WI member it might make a nice present or reserve it through your local library which should make sure it is bought for stock.
There seems to be a wide range of events coming up this autumn so a lot of the meeting was taken up with reports and plans for the future and, of course, arrangements for the Christmas Dinner. Already? Where did 2011 go?

1st October
The SSAFA organisation held a public event in the town to advertise the wealth of activities available for "oldies" so naturally it asked the WI to participate! Having explained yet again that we were not a senior citizens' gathering, we agreed to have a publicity stand because obviously we will welcome new members whatever their age. It was a very successful event and we stand to gain at least 2 new members who are moving to the town but we didn't ask their age.A lot of interest was shown in our display and in a way it made up for not having a tent at the Winslow Show this year.