THE first meeting of 2015 took place on January 8 at 7pm in the Village Hall.

In the President’s absence Programme Secretary Rita Jones welcomed members and wished all a Happy New Year.

The Minutes of the December 2014 meeting were taken as read.

With a busy year ahead for the Institute locally and the National Federation Centenary celebrations Rita outlined some forthcoming activities.

The local stretch of the NFWI Centenary Baton Relay will be from Blockley to Chipping Campden on Thursday, March 19. Each leg will be undertaken with a different mode of transport and we have chosen a tractor and trailer. Members were asked to support the event, dressing in WW1 and Edwardian style.

The County Quiz will take place on March 26 with Ebrington as group host, and the annual Picnic Walk will be on Tuesday, May 20.

Members who had not yet seen the wall hanging were urged to visit the Church where it is now on display. The inspiration for the work was the Boundary Stones Project in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Many WI members contributed to a beautifully worked craft piece which records the many activities taking place in our small village.

The Treasurer reminded us that the annual subscription of £36 was now due and commented that the local Christmas Post service in aid of Action Medical Research had dealt with a record number of cards. A letter of thanks from the charity had been received. The ‘post persons’ were thanked.

The February meeting speaker would be one of our members, Joan Stubbs, with “A Unique Take on the Wild West”.

Birthday posies were presented.

The speaker was welcomed. Brian Douthwaite’s interests in gardens and photography were demonstrated by a fine collection of slides of the Isles of Scilly. He had visited the Isles on several occasions, at different seasons and over a number of years, both as an independent traveller and with organised garden tours. With particular emphasis on the gardens of Tresco Abbey Brian’s photographs illustrated the effect of climate and topography on planting and cultivation.

Brian was thanked by Institute Secretary Chrissie Halls.

The next meeting of Ebrington WI will take place at the Village Hall, Hidcote Road GL55 6NA on February 12 at 7pm. A warm welcome is extended to visitors and prospective members.

RUTH DAVIES