Although the monthly telephone calls from your committee phone buddy have ceased, we still send a monthly information email along with the Federation Newsletter and another email to members who miss the monthly meeting in an effort to keep everyone in touch We have got used to the Newsletter online but I think many of us still miss the paper copy with our  Dates for the Diary attached to remind us of our events for the next month.

During the last twelve months we have enjoyed a variety of speakers from an ex Wimbledon Umpire to a podiatrist interspersed with the Fire Brigade and visiting guide dogs! Ann, having spent months cancelling speakers, has managed to re book some and found others. We had a great Christmas party and once the volume was turned down a little, we all enjoyed the music and some of us even had a bit of a bop! Although our current programme does run through to March next year Ann is already planning from then onwards. If you come across a good speaker, please do pass the details on, as a personal recommendation is always good

Our tea and tatting afternoons have been very quiet this year and you will know that we are trying to revitalise the Monday afternoon following the monthly meeting. It is such a good opportunity to get together in a more informal way so we are hoping that they will continue.

The Saturday of the Jubilee saw a stalwart group of committee members promoting our WI at the village event- we talked to lots of ladies, distributed flyers and copies of WI Life but sadly the rains came down and we had to beat a retreat. At our June meeting all members received a Diamond Jubilee pen along with a slice of celebration cake. On our June Monday afternoon slot, we helped the Queen celebrate her Platinum Jubilee with a tea party and  a Royal quiz to test our knowledge and it also formed part of our support for the Challenge Trophy. It was a sad start to our September meeting when we held a minute’s silence after her sudden death

Alongside our monthly speakers we have had a monthly programme of extra events. Our visit to the Sessions House was a great success made especially enjoyable by a brilliant guide. On one of the hottest days of the year we went to Cramden Nurseries and recently spent a most interesting evening at the Aviation Museum in Sywell. In September we held a Picnic in the Park and shortly we have a back stage trip to the Deco and finally in 2022 in November, a morning at a garden centre with all their Christmas festivities. Of course we always try to have refreshments included!! After a break from the Theatre we are going to the Panto after Christmas , oh yes we are, and then later next year a visit to the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Once again, please do let us know of anywhere you would like to visit, we need to start planning for 2023

We recently held a special coffee morning in support of the local Food Bank, it was very well supported and raised £320 which was a terrific achievement. This was in addition to our regular collection of food for them.  We also supported Cynthia Spencer Hospice with cakes last month.  A  thank you to all our generous members

We have marked special birthdays and anniversaries with members so please do continue to let Committee members know of any of your (or your friends) special dates – it is nice to share in people’s celebrations. Likewise, do let us know if any of our friends are poorly, so that we can send a card and visit. We like to keep in touch and let them know we are thinking of them.

The Committee would like to thank the monthly bringer of the flowers and the raffle prizes, thank you  to Milly  and all the members who help with the serving and washing up each month and  last but not least thank you to the providers of our cakes. Thanks go too  to the members who have helped with the gardening at WI House .The President and committee really value the support you all give us and we aim to carry on working  at making this a  WI you want to come to each month.