Hunston WI
It was good to see some of our members back for the first time since Covid hit us all.
In all 27 members and five visitors were welcomed by Dawn our president to our March meeting.
There were apologies from Chris Malby, Barbs Harper, Ann Green and Linda Fitzmaurice.
Anne Duffy was thanked for the table flowers.
We sang Jerusalem as usual and the record of the February meeting was read, everyone agreeing that the speaker had been much enjoyed.
The letter about West Sussex news was explained and accepted that Sue
Waite would print off said publication for those who would like that rather than online at a cost of £1 per copy.
We were reminded of the ‘Flowers of West Sussex’ subject for 2023 calendar and closing date.
The financial statement was read and Dawn and Jean Hewett warned of more phonecalls – a scam about WI subscriptions!
Future plans included the coffee and croissants and a raffle at The Retreat, Southover Way, on March 31 from 10.30am-midday, cost £4.50 for our funds.
A trip to Gilbert White’s House on May 24 would mean willing drivers and sharing the petrol costs as usual. Cost of entry for party of more than ten is £7.50.
Dawn also explained that she is booking tables for ten for the Village Jubilee celebrations.
Joan Foster then asked if members would be willing to make savouries for tea at the Hunston Village Bake Off on April 3 (with reimbersement), and for as many entries as possible in the cake competition.
She also thanked all those who had helped to sort the donations (five vanloads) to go to the Jacob’s Well charity for the Ukrainian Appeal.
Joan Foster was also the speaker and gave a comprehensive talk with slides including a brief history of the Manhood Peninsula and about the work she is doing with the Manhood parishes and other local organisations to oppose the government’s house-building quota.
She explained the problems of the National Park, the SSSI of Chichester Harbour the inadequacy of the sewerage system, the A27 problems, traffic and air quality, the need for food production and also global warming when scientists say that the Peninsula will be flooded in 40 years time.
She stressed that it is immoral to build new homes at this time.
She referred to the march in Chichester and the petitions to Mr Gove.
Members were very interested and she was warmly thanked by Di Redford.
Sally Bamforth and Chris Axworthy served tea and biscuits and chat among friends.
Dr Janet Pennington will be speaking at the April meeting about Chanctonbury Ring, mand there will be an exhibition of an Easter card or decorated egg.
Social time will be a poetry recital by members.
Time only then to draw the raffles – it was Anne Duffy who won the hamper and also the first number out in the general raffle!
Anne Duffy’s anemone was first in flower of the month with Gay Stacey’s peonie second and Di Redford and Pat Carroll third. Table flowers were given to Chris Harrison.