Zoom is a revelation!

WELL, here we are, just over a year since the last Club Call article from Thorpe Acre WI was penned. Time seems to have flown by, crawled along at a snail’s pace and, perhaps, some days just have stood still.

Now, it’s true to say that some of our members are not digitally savvy so we were rather hesitant to take up the digital challenge. But, in true WI style, and with the input from our ‘techspert’ Jacqui, we have ventured into the world of ZOOM.

And what a revelation! Seeing the eccentric hairstyles, eclectic bookshelves and the occasional glimpse of partners/cats/dogs and experiencing the joy of seeing familiar faces, sharing laughter and also learning a lot. It’s only taken three months to not only see Carole but to actually hear her! Hopefully, the ‘Hello Carole’ signs will no longer be needed.

As well as holding our Committee Meetings on Zoom we have reinstated monthly ‘chez moi’ coffee mornings and have had two Members’ meeting.

Peter Posner was our guest speaker at the first meeting. He told us about the history of the Young Men’s Christian Association ( YMCA) and his involvement in the movement. The YMCA was founded in 1844 by the 22 year old George Williams who, along with eleven friends, decided to open a Bible study group for young men living on the streets of London.

The association has been so successful that, at present, there are centres in 120 countries and anyone can avail themselves of its services. Peter’s contact with the organisation started many years ago when he began his career in banking. A prerequisite of his position meant that he had to be involved in a charitable institution so he chose the YMCA. He has been with them ever since culminating in him becoming the President of World Alliance of YMCAs and receiving the Order of the British Empire. A very enlightening evening was had by all.

Jacqui hosted our next meeting as we delved into the traditions that occur around Easter. The first part of the evening was based upon her experiences at Leicester Cathedral on the day Her Majesty the Queen distributed Maundy Money to elderly recipients of the area. This act by the Monarch symbolises the washing of the feet before the Last Supper. The second part of the evening was devoted to more general traditions. How the pagan festival of Eostre was incorporated into the Christian calendar and renamed Easter. The importance of eggs, both the ordinary and the chocolate variety, and the relevance of the Easter Bunny or Hare. All of which are associated with the spring rebirth following winter.

One interesting fact emerged was that Mothering Sunday had nothing to do with mums, mams or mamas.

The’ Mother’ in question was the Church in the area where you were born and that you had to visit at least once a year. Yet another lovely evening.

So now we are looking forward to our next coffee meeting on Wednesday, April 28. If you would like to ZOOOOOM into this or any of our meetings please look for Thorpe Acre on the Leicestershire and Rutland Federation WI website and that should give you our contact details. As ever, you would be most welcome.