REPORT FOR FEBRUARY - AROMATHERAPY AND MASSAGE
This was our Members' Night so the committee arrived amid much anticipation as to what was in store. As usual, we were not disappointed as the members had come up trumps again and organised an unusual and splendid evening.
On behalf of the members, Anne Lunt welcomed everyone and introduced our speaker, Charlotte Johnson, daughter of member Caroline Johnson, who had come to talk to us about aromatherapy and massage. Anne explained Charlotte is currently setting up her own business as a practitioner of Complimentary Therapies and as WI members we are keen to encourage younger women make their way in the world so to support a local young person was very appropriate.
Charlotte explained that she had studied for her BA (Hons) degree in Complimentary Therapies in Derby and her specialised areas were Aromatherapy, Massage, Reflexology and Hopi Ear Candles. She talked to us about the essential oils used in Aromatherapy and explained that different oils came from differing parts of the plants, for example ginger comes from the plant root; citrus from the fruit peel; mint from the plant leaves and black pepper from the seeds. Each aromatherapy massage is different in that Charlotte talks to her client to access which oils will be most appropriate at the time depending on the mood and health of the client. We then had our olfactory powers tested as Charlotte gave us various oils to smell and identify. It was interesting how different some aromas are when in a concentrated form. To demonstrate massage, Caroline became a model and Charlotte showed us shoulder and arm massage - which looked very relaxing and soothing! Next Charlotte demonstrated how we could give each other a hand massage. She gave us a small amount of massage cream and we all had a turn at being massaged and being the masseuse! WI ladies had the softest hands in Hardington that night! Charlotte answered our questions fully and I’m sure some members will be taking up the chance to have a massage knowing we have such a talented practitioner in our midst.
Anne Lunt thanked Charlotte for an interesting and informative talk and demonstration and explained to us all that it was the first time Charlotte had talked to a group such as us - she had survived the WI and we had all enjoyed it immensely.
Fiona Chadwick continued with the business meeting. The preparations are underway for the Village Breakfast to be held on 1st March. We hope to see as many people there as possible.
Our next meeting is on 12th March when Mrs Cook and Mr Allan will talk to us about Being a Magistrate. New members and guests are always welcome.
Rachel Moulden, 21st February 2008.