At the beginning of the month we all gathered at The Bell for our Christmas meal. A really lovely evening - good food and good company. Ann was given a small present as the "best attender" during the year at our meetings.
The December meeting started with our Christmas Food Tasting Session. We were seated around big tables which was good for chatting and exchanging views on the different foods tasted. These had been bought at 3 supermarkets and we were invited to decide which of the 3 selections we enjoyed best and then voted so we could judge overall winners in each of the categories. There were Mince Pies, Stollen, Chocolate coins, Cranberry sauce, Pigs in Blankets (meat or vegetarian), Cheese Straws, Bucks Fizz and some Gluten Free options. Mainly there were clear definite winners, except for the mince pies.
A lovely different festive meeting. Caroline and Sue A were thanked for doing the shopping and setting out of food for the evening's entertainment. Thanks also to the other members who had helped with setting up and refreshments.
Two of our members celebrated a special significant birthday and we celebrated with cake and flowers. Happy birthday also to our other members who are also celebrating in December. One member thanked the WI in Leigh on Mendip for their friendship and warmth she had received from them as a group when she moved into the village.
The Christmas Tree Festival in the Village Church took place the weekend prior to our meeting. Thank you to everyone who made, donated decorations and for help before, during and after the event. We won the Category of the "Best Traditional" Tree – the theme was "Birds of a Feather". Our prize a large box of chocolates (to be saved for the New Year!) and a £15 voucher (to be used for a WI event).
Looking forward to 2024 - January is already looking busy. Dates to remember:-
Programme Planning meeting, Thursday 18 January at 7pm. Members were urged to attend and put forward their ideas for topics, speakers & activities. However, if unable to come to this meeting in the VIP Room in The Bell please talk to one of the committee beforehand.
Our 75th Birthday Party will take place on Friday 26 January from 7pm in The Bell – skittles and birthday cake. Members wishing to have a meal beforehand were asked to order and book individually.
Before these events our next meeting is on Monday 8 January in the Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm. We are having a local speaker, David Lassman, giving a talk on "Foul Frome". David took us on a very interesting (if somewhat wet – it poured with rain!!) "Celebrated Women" walk around Frome some time ago. Looking forward to a different aspect of our local town!
Caroline reminded members that on pages 23-25 in WI Life there is detailed information on the 4 Resolutions put forward for 2024: Dental Health Matters, Impacts of Poor Housing, Say 'No' to Gambling Advertising, Improving Outcomes for Women in the Criminal Justice System. This is the opportunity for all WI members to vote for the Resolution they would like to see go forward. Members were asked to complete their slip and return by the January meeting or to let Mary M know their choice. These have to be returned to Federation by 11 February.
Please contact Caroline on 01373 812889 if you would like more information or just turn up at our next meeting on Monday 8 January at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.
Wishing all our
members, their families and friends a Very Peaceful Christmas and much
happiness in the New Year.
