Our March meeting was a lively two-hander — a presentation by Shaun Cardwell and Ben Williams about the history and daily work of the Meadows Trust. We realised how lucky we are in Hollingbourne to have such an enterprising and forward-thinking organization looking after our green spaces.
Janice, Jane Deaves and Jane Orgill went to the Federation's ACM in Tunbridge Wells. There was the usual rigorously-presented 'business' report of the year followed by the exciting speaker, Baroness Floella Benjamin - actress, presenter, broadcaster and parliamentarian. So inspiring.
Our quiz in March was a jolly affair. The Quiz Master, Cat Brown, suffered a nasty attack of laryngitis on the day, but her parents, Jackie and Chris, came to the rescue. From setting up the technology to presenting the questions, the whole event ran very smoothly - including the newspaper, foil and sellotape creative round. A good time was had by all.
Lunch Club ventured to the Fish on the Square in Lenham; an attractive restaurant with wonderful murals! The charms of Lenham include an antique shop, and a bakery, which seem to have a licence to cook the biggest buns in Britain.
Having caught the Quiz Bug we sent a team to the Loose W.I. to try our luck. We have close associations with the Loose ladies, born of the W.I. Darts' competition.
Sue Woodhouse and I attended a Home Economics Day at Ditton, We heard Craig Brown, of Fare Share who distribute supermarket goods to charity, Gillian Waines Perry who told us the fascinating history of Afternoon Tea, and a talk about Sustainable Fish, with a fish filleting and cookery demonstration.
As I write, we have heard the bad news that The Blackthorn Lyres have cancelled their appearance with us due to illness, so we are organizing a members-only social event.
Our meeting in May is a members' only affair when we elect our committee and President. We discuss the annual Resolution — Mental Health Matters - which will be voted on by The National Federation of W.I.’s at the ACM in Cardiff.
We look forward to seeing you all at our Hook-a-Duck Stall at the Hollingbourne Fete. It is a test of skill for all ages, with lovely badges, and of course - if you are really lucky - you could win a family cake to share, designed and baked by Penny Smith.
Report by Val Williams
Secretary Hollingbourne WI
