Hunston WI
Once again the president, Dawn Sudbury, welcomed everybody to another meeting.
There were 25 members, one visitor and apologies from Denise Lickorish and Penny Willard.
Jerusalem was sung heartily and then Dawn said that she had thanked Jill Hodnett for the table flowers as Jill had not been able to be present as there was Covid in the family.
Arising from the record of last month’s meeting which Joan Duberley had read out, it had been decided that members who wished to receive a printed copy of the West Sussex Federation News should pay £1 to cover costs.
Last month’s speaker,
Sylvia Endacott, had been enjoyed by all and found very interesting.
Her slide show of historic pictures, posters and newspaper items had given a full picture of the history of the Picturedrome in Bognor.
The financial statement showed a healthy situation at present.
Now that we are getting back to normal after the last two strange years the committee have arranged a possible programme of events for this year.
These include a picnic, a barbecue, a coffee morning, a cream tea a ploughman’s lunch and a poetry and plonk evening.
Other ideas for consideration included visits to Bognor Museum, Gilbert White’s House, Arundel Wetlands and Pulborough RSPB.
A vote was taken that items brought for the sales table should be sold with all proceeds going to WI funds and no longer continue with the 20 per cent only commission to WI.
Most people donate their goods anyway and some had not realised that they could do otherwise.
Our speaker for the evening was our own member Barbs Harper.
Barbs spoke about her career beginning with Women’s Royal Airforce training and straight away stationed at the RAF station which provided staff for Chequers, the country home of the Prime Minister.
She served Edward Heath and Harold Wilson.
WRENS covered the front of house duties and the WRAFS were at the back as cooks.
After her WRAF service there, Barbs went into private catering for 25 years before being made redundant.
Seeking work she found herself with one day to decide and straight away she was off to Kosovo to be in charge of the United Nations Forces keeping the peace after the terrible wars of 1998 and 1999.
Barbs was in charge of planning and procuring supplies for menus for 2,000 meals a day.
These had to cover the needs of the 32 nations’ forces at diffeerent times and differing religious and food requirements.
There were, in addition, special functions for up to 500 people when the whole kitchen had to be transported.
It was a very busy active seven-year project and proved to be very interesting for us all.
In thanking her warmly Heather Crate remarked that the many questions asked proved how much we had all enjoyed her talk.
Chris Harrison and Annette Rees served refreshments and everyone enjoyed a chat so once again there was no time for the planned social time.
Next month, on March 9, Joan Foster will be our speaker about Hunston and the Manhood Peninsula. Di Redford will thank her. An exhibition of childhood toys can be added to and there will be a quiz after tea and refreshments.
New members always welcome.
Contact Joan Duberley on 01243 787801 or just come along to Hunston Village Hall on March 9 for 2pm.