REPORT FOR JULY - CREAM TEAS
July was a busy month for WI members.
The month began with the July meeting which was held in the lovely garden of Liz Brown at Boleshay. President Jenny Dodd welcomed 26 members and one guest.
As there were no birthdays in July and no meeting in August, birthday posies were presented to those who had August birthdays – Mary Spilsbury (who was not at the meeting) and Sue Phillips.
Liz Sawtell gave members full details of her Flower Arranging Teaching Day to be held on 25th July.
As President Jenny and Secretary Rachel were going to attend a special meeting of all Presidents and Secretaries in our Group to discuss the future of WI Groups, Jenny wished to ascertain the members’ 
feelings about this and how they thought the Groups should be run in the future. After much discussion the members came to the conclusion that the Groups should be run less formally than at present but the skittles competition should still be retained.
Sue Phillips requested from members donations of good condition bras which were much needed in Romania.
Jenny thanked Liz Brown for her hospitality and presented her with a small gift.
The business being concluded the members enjoyed a delicious cream tea and a chat.
Later in the month Elaine Gilmore, with help of several of the members, ran a Book Stall at the Street Fayre.
Last, but by no means least, a group of members, under the expert and imaginative leadership of Jayne Jones, decorated and, dressed as bees, manned the WI Carnival Float the theme of which was “SOS for Honey Bees”. (This was the subject of the Resolution chosen to be discussed at the AGM of the National Federation of Womens’ Institutes at the Albert Hall in June). Much to the excitement and delight of all concerned our Float won 1st Prize!
As there is no meeting in August our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th September at 7.45 pm in the Village Hall. This will be an Open Meeting which will take the form of a Cheese and Wine Evening including speakers Mike Davies, maker of the famous Dorset Blue Vinney, and Reg Wilkins from St. Austell Brewery - an evening not to be missed! Tickets for non-WI members will be on sale from mid August at a cost of £3.00 to include a glass of wine, a choice of three assorted cheeses – Blue Vinney, Cheddar and Somerset Brie - and a roll.
Kay McIver, 22nd July 2009