REPORT FOR JANUARY - MARIE CURIE DRIVING CHALLENGE
January is proving a wet and stormy month but 35 intrepid ladies of Hardington & Pendomer WI attended the first meeting of a new year. President, Fiona Chadwick welcomed members, wishing everyone a happy New Year and then introduced our speaker, Julia Chapman, the Somerset and Dorset fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Julia gave an informative and interesting talk about the work of Marie Curie nurses and of the various ways the charity raises money. The charity started in 1948 so this year is their 60th anniversary. They started with just £80.00 raised from the sale of an engagement ring and now have a £90 million turnover. The nurses specialise in palliative care of cancer patients in their own homes - many people prefer to spend their last days at home and the Marie Curie nurses help to make this possible. One of the popular fund raising activities is the Ladies Driving Challenge, when women of all ages (with a driving licence) get to drive various large and unusual vehicles. Brenda Bickerton had taken part in one of these events and showed us slides of her day driving everything from a steam road roller to a fire engine and a World War II army truck. All the vehicles plus their drivers are donated free by the various companies and organisations. The ladies just have to pay a £10 registration fee and raise £100 in sponsorship money. Many members were fired up with enthusiasm to "have a go"! Watch this space!!
Carol Vallis, who helps as a volunteer at the Ladies Driving Challenge, gave the vote of thanks to Julia and Brenda.
The business part of the meeting then followed and Fiona reminded us that the Village Breakfast will be held on 1st March. Donations from members and non-WI members will be very welcome of cakes for the cake stall, marmalade for the breakfast and prizes for the raffle.
Tickets for the breakfast will be on sale from the beginning of February:
- Adults £4.50
- Children 3 - 10 years £3.00
- Children under 3 years £1.50
Breakfast will be served from 8.30 am – 12.00 midday, so be sure to buy your tickets to avoid disappointment!
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 13th February and will be a Members’ Night – always good fun, so we look forward to seeing as many members as possible. New members are always welcome.
Rachel Moulden, 21st January 2008.