October at the WI

This is a busy time of year, with Christmas little more than two months away.  In the meantime, there are all the Autumn events to keep us occupied. 

Last Wednesday (the 14th) was the October meeting, with a good turnout of members to hear Mr Barry Kaufman-Wright talk about his time as a police Wildlife Officer.  It was quite clear from the way he spoke, that Barry enjoyed this line of work despite being horrified and sometimes sickened by the events to which he was called.  He talked entertainingly about the high spots and promised not to cause nightmares by going into too much detail of the low spots.  At the end of his talk, he was thanked by Dot Spriggs.  He then proceeded to judge the competition which was for a "piece of china with wildlife decoration" (pictures below).   The winner was Jean Mallett (again!)

Barry Kaufman-Wright holding the winning competition entry

Members listening to the talk

Books and photographic cards
created by Barry

Then, on Saturday (17th) it was the Autumn Bazaar.  There was an excellent selection of goods for sale, including gifts, crafts, books & jigsaws, the ever-present bric-à-brac, and a cake stall positively overflowing with goodies.  The Raffle attracted much custom and a large teddy bear spent the morning anxiously seeking a name.  The President was greatly heartened by the quantity of goods donated by members and friends, and the level of help and support shown.  Around £600 was raised.

On Thursday (22nd), it is the Cobbin Group Meeting at Roydon Village Hall, hosted by Roydon Village WI.  The continuing celebration of one hundred years of the WI is the theme of the afternoon.

The final event of the month is an outing to Freeport Braintree on Thursday 29 October, leaving Harlow WI Hall at 10 am.  With over eighty-five stores to browse, even the most avid shopper should find something to buy and plenty to look at.