By Janet McCheyne
Bulphan WI’s February meeting was full of surprises – firstly, our planned speaker, Tracy Mackness, who was going to tell us the story of pigs, told us at the the last minute that she was unable to attend because of a bereavement. Condolences will be sent, and we are hoping to rebook her for later in the year.
Our own members leapt into the breach, and were invited by President Janet to give us a very brief outline of what jobs they had had in the past and/or have now. The responses were definitely a surprise, being fascinating and varied – and, as we ran out of time, there are more to come at a later date. However, some members revealed skills and experience we were unaware of, and those retired members who felt bored have been offered volunteering opportunities!
The next surprise was that Ann Newmeir, enthusiastic founder President of North Stifford WI – Thurrock’s only WI to hold morning meetings – is moving to Norfolk and so resigned on the morning of our meeting. She has been a WI speaker, driving force in organising quiz nights, and more recently, convenor for this year’s Spring Group Meeting. It will be a shame that she will not be able to attend to enjoy the fruits of that particular labour. Bulphan WI members wish you luck in your new life, Ann.
The final surprise was that on one of the coldest nights of the year, Bulphan ladies were becoming decidedly overheated! A fault in the heating system meant that jackets and cardigans were removed and the heating turned off – but the temperature continued to soar. We should have advertised it as a sauna session!
Members were pleased that the cryptic quiz on Deserts and Desserts which we compiled for Essex Federation of WIs, raised nearly £1,000 for county funds. It was no surprise that we have been asked to compile another one!
We have 4 outings booked, and would like to extend an open invitation to all who wish to join us in a trip to Little Bentley Hall Gardens Show on Saturday, 1st June 2013. Little Bentley is near Colchester, and features the Hall gardens, show gardens (mini-Chelsea Show!), art exhibition, craft and other stalls and refreshments. If you come with us it will be £5 entry (instead of £7) and we will book a coach at extra cost if there is the demand.
We will also be celebrating St George’s Day with afternoon tea at Marygreen Manor in Brentwood, enjoying a visit to New hall Vineyard (with wine-tasting!) for our June meeting and hoping to be able to book tickets for the Silver Bells Christmas Show at the Thameside Theatre before they sell out this year!
On Wednesday March 13th we meet in Bulphan Village Hall from 7.30 – 10pm to hear Graham Bendall talk about “A Gamekeeper’s Year” Heating will be sorted – so no need to bring a fan.
