MARCH

During March we were still unable to meet up in person as a Group but continue to hold our Committee, Monthly and Social meetings on Zoom.

On 8 March we invited members from other WI Institutes as well as our own partners and friends to listen to the Speaker, Barry Edwards, who gave a talk on "Brilliant Brunel".  Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a great hero for Barry.  He spoke about the great engineer's personal life and the time that he had spent in Bristol as well as London.  With the help of some slides he covered a wide range of projects from railways, including new ideas like the atmospheric rail, actual train stations as well as bridges and with his eye on travelling further afield great ships like the SS Great Britain and the SS Great Eastern.  He was also involved in field hospitals. 

We had a Social Evening with 11 members on Monday 22^nd March, which had an optional Indian theme.  One member shared her family recipe for curry (yummy!) and several other members talked about their holidays and family experiences in India showing some of their photos. 

 

We travelled from Kerala in the South where we saw Sue's meal served on a banana leaf (instead of a plate!) and Karen's ride in a tuk-tuk (more fun than an air conditioned Mercedes!) to Shimla in the North, calling in at the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Golden Palace in Amritsar on the way.  

Others shared items they had either bought or been given from India.  A very friendly evening and a chance to catch up.

Mary has kept us all informed and up-to-date with general WI information and opportunities to listen to various speakers or join in Denman courses on Zoom.  Our phone calls continue as well as the opportunity to meet with one other member outdoors for a social catch up and walk.

In April please note that our Monthly meeting will take place on TUESDAY 13th at 7.30pm.  Again it will be a Zoom meeting with the Speaker, Celia Guppy on "Improve your Health & Wellbeing: Tips to destress and relax".  This was a subject that many members were keen to have.  A reminder that subscriptions for the coming year are due this month.  Please send your money to Caroline.  With the help of members' views and suggestions we have put together an interesting and varied Programme for the rest of the year.  Some of these speakers will either be talking on Zoom or "in person" in the Hall, if that is a safe environment for all involved.

Meanwhile do keep in touch with each other and contact one of the Committee if you have any ideas, concerns, etc.