Shoe Box Gifts for the YMCA

Today I handed over the Shoe Boxes, full of both basics and treats, to be given to clients of the YMCA over Christmas time.  Due to the fantastic generosity of our members, we amassed goods to fill 8 boxes as well as some extra items to be given out as needed.

Well done every one and a huge THANKYOU from my YMCA contact.  Mary

Meeting Monday 12 November 2018

It was good to see so many members at our November meeting plus plenty of donations for our shoe box appeal and Christmas themed items for the food bank. We are also expecting a record number at our Christmas meal on Monday 3^rd Dec, so Leigh WI is certainly flourishing.

Reminders for forthcoming events included the usual first Friday lunch at the Bell from, 12.15 on the 7^th of December which would be followed, for those interested, by the WI carol service at Beckington at 3pm. That weekend, the 8^th and 9^th, would also see the Christmas tree festival in the church where we would have an entry and refreshments would be available. Looking further ahead our birthday celebrations next year would be a skittles evening in the Bell on Friday 18^th of January. Everyone, including partners and friends, is welcome to come along, either to play or just to watch. No food provided but you can order a meal from the Bell if you wish.

Our speaker, Tiggy Trethowan, had worked for many years behind the scenes in both theatre and television. This had been inspired as a child by watching Blue Peter and she did eventually manage to fulfil her ambition to work on that programme for a while. However the work which she enjoyed most was for the Antiques Roadshow. She came in as production unit manager to help completely update the show when it started using stately homes for venues. This included providing good security and first aid facilities and generally creating order from chaos. She had 10 years in the job and only retired from it due to failing eyesight. We also enjoyed seeing her guide dog Jackie who she had brought along and now goes everywhere with her.

The speaker in December on the 10^th will tell us about the Life of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, England’s first female physician.

Food Bank

We do a monthly collection of donations of food from our members which are given to the Frome Food Bank.
However, at this time of the year instead of doing a 'Secret Santa' gift at our Christmas meal we also make extra Festive donations to help those less fortunate than ourselves have a more special time.
Thank you to our members.