Centenary meeting
LOUGHBOROUGH LADIES WI. Unfortunately, due to the adverse weather conditions, the March meeting had to be cancelled. Members were disappointed not to learn about ‘Container Gardening’, however, the committee will try to rebook the speaker as part of next year’s programme.
March saw two important events in the WI’s calendar. The first was the Centenary Annual Council meeting, held in Bruntingthorpe.
The representatives from Loughborough Ladies had an interesting, informative and exciting day. It was quite a sight to see 1,500 ladies singing Jerusalem at the beginning of the event.
During the day there were three speakers. The first, Jennifer Lady Gretton JP, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, gave an insight into her work as the Queen’s official representative for the County and City of Leicester. The second speaker, Mandy Hickson, gave an inspirational talk about her rise in the RAF to becoming a top jet fighter pilot, including experiences that arose from being the only female in her squadron, with hilarious and amazing anecdotes.
After a break for lunch, which provided opportunities to chat with ladies from other groups across the county, peruse craft stands and hear about challenges different groups had undertaken during the year, the afternoon speaker was Edwina Curry.
She gave a lively and interesting talk about her life in politics, followed by a question and answer session. The second event was a meeting of the Beacon Group, hosted by Mountsorrel WI. The ladies were entertained by a very amusing comedienne followed by tea and delicious cakes.
The April meeting will have an Easter theme and be held on Thursday, April 5. There will be an Easter bonnet competition and the speaker will give a talk about the French fashion designer Coco Chanel – one of her famous quotes “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance”.
The committee is looking for suggestions for the group’s annual trip in August. Suggestions so far include Trentham Gardens, The National Arboretum and a boat trip on the River Trent. Any further suggestions should be given at the April meeting.
There are a number of clubs run by the group, including a Book Club, Coffee Club, Cinema Club, Craft Club, Supper Club and Theatre Group.
The Book Club continues to meet on a regular basis, reading a wide range of books. The next meeting will be at 7.30pm, on Thursday, 26th April 2018, to discuss “Fatherland” by Robert Harris. The Group meets at the Beacon Pub.
Members of the Cinema Club met this month and enjoyed ‘Finding Your Feet’. The film began with a middle class snob on the eve of retirement taking refuge with her bohemian sister after she discovers her husband is having an affair with her best friend. This Britcom was amusing, but touching in places. Any member with suggestions of forthcoming films to see should bring them to the next meeting or give their ideas to a member of the Committee.
The Coffee Club will be held at 10.30am on Monday, April 23 at The Granite Café.
The Craft Club continues to meet each month. The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 4th April 2018, at the Community Room in Tesco’s on Park Road.
The Supper Club will be arranging another meal out shortly.
The monthly meetings are held at 7.30pm, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Park Road, Loughborough.
For further details about this successful local WI group, please contact ladieswi11@gmail.com. Guest are always welcome.