Leigh-on-Mendip WI

 

Still mindful of the rising Covid numbers we were able to have all the windows and doors open to keep us cool for our July meeting in the Hall!  A number of people were away for various reasons so thank you to those members who stepped in at the last minute to run the meeting.  Our speaker was Miriam Cheall from the Medical Detection Dogs Charity.  This is a relatively new Charity based in Milton Keynes and relies mainly on public donations to continue its life-saving work, though recently has received a Government grant.  Medical Detection Dogs are trained to support people with life-threatening health conditions and often save their lives on a daily basis.  We heard a very heart-warming story from a young girl who has now been able to continue her University course.  The Bio Detection Dogs are trained to detect even the tiniest smells associated with diseases like cancer, Parkinsons, Covid-19 and bacterial infections.  The pioneering work could lead to dogs playing an important role in screening diseases and improving patient care in hospitals.  They work in conjunction with NHS Trusts and oncologists, scientists and Universities, both in the UK and internationally.

July this year saw the Village Fair – as we had all been busy with Jubilee Celebrations in June.  WI ran the Tombola Stall – and members were also involved in other various ways.  The weather was perfect and thank you to all those who worked so hard.

Our sub groups are proving popular with members.  The first walking date was Saturday 2 July.  Turned out to be rather wet but that didn't deter a hardy few who returned in time for a welcome coffee at The Bell!  Next walk is on Saturday 6 August, 11am from the Hall.

Back in February our speaker was Bex Band - a very inspiring young woman who lives locally and has set up an organisation "Love Her Wild" for women to have the encouragement and friendship to challenge themselves for adventures. 

Held over from 2020 she organised an "End2End" Hiking Relay from Lands End to John o'Groats.  One of our members took part in a local section from Blackford to Sandford - just a mere 9 miles from the total of 1260 miles!!  Each person who took part held the baton for part of their journey.

In August we will be having our President's Evening on Monday 8^th and are hoping for fine weather as we shall be up on the Recreational Field.  Start time is from 6pm.  Refreshments based around cheese with wine and soft drinks will be provided.  Please bring a chair if easy to do so. 

The next meeting in the Hall will be on Monday 12 September with a talk from a Wildlife Photographer.

In October there will be a Programme Planning Meeting.  It would be lovely if some members could also attend and help the Committee to plan events from January 2023 to March 2024.  We would also appreciate any input on Speakers, Demonstrations or Activities you would like to see included. 

Enjoy the Summer!