OCTOBER

 

We've been lucky to have some good weather during October and it's been really lovely to get outdoors. 

Bulbs ordered back at the beginning of the year have arrived and some members will be busy planting them, hoping for a good show in the Spring! 

However, as nights draw in we can turn to all the crafts and hobbies we put aside in April!

Along a similar theme of moving from outdoors to indoors, our Speaker this month was John Dando.  A local social historian and broadcaster on radio Somerset. 

His subject for us, entitled, “A Walk Down the Garden Path” was an amusing history of The Privy, moving through time, from the use of the outdoor bush to the invention of the water closet!  

He covered the ‘basic needs’ of hunter-gatherers, to early settlement dwelling facilities, through to the arrival of the Romans with their well thought out, life changing sewage/irrigation systems.  He spoke about Gongfermours (or Gong Farmers), men employed to empty human excrement pits, paid handsomely and able to sell the waste on to Farmers as a perfect soil enricher! Then onto the arrival of the Chamber Pot and eventually, the invention, history and development of the indoor WC. 

He also spoke about the growing trend, in certain communities, for the compostable toilet, the benefits and maintenance of, and explained that this was initially invented, as a precaution against Cholera, by a West Country gentleman back in 1860.  They are now becoming more popular as people think of different ways to lead a more "Green" life!

Altogether entertaining and educational!

No apologies for showing pictures of Christmas boxes in October!  

Members have kindly donated many items for young people who will find themselves away from family and friends. These gifts ranging from the practical to some special treats are packed into wrapped boxes and will be distributed by the WI to local YMCAs.  The boxes will be taken in November to our County AGM being held in Yeovil.

And whilst on the theme of Christmas we have arranged our own WI Christmas meal early in December at The Bell.  Members are very much looking forward to this event which, of course, we were unable to do last year.  In recent times we have agreed rather than having a Secret Santa amongst ourselves that we will donate Christmas food items to the Food Bank in Frome.

Our speaker next month will be Neil Clark, another local West Country historian. He’ll be telling us about The ‘Bristol Channel Islands’. Looking at the coastline and uncovering its nature and mystery.

If there are any ladies in the Village who would like to join in, get to know others and meet us, you are very welcome to come along to our Meetings. Second Monday of each month in the Memorial Hall from 7.30pm.  No commitment!  Contact Caroline on 812889