THE meeting took place on September 1, rather early in the month and so soon after the Bank Holiday that we wondered how many members would manage to come. As our part in the grand WI Centennial celebrations for September we had arranged a “Hat Party” and entertainment to be provided by our own members in the Music Hall style.

In the event the committee was delighted to welcome 32 people all of whom had either dressed up or decorated a hat. After the short business meeting, we went into party mode. Great fun was offered from the start with a comic version of “Jerusalem”. Jane Wilson and Judith Hunter read poems and Margaret Satchell gave a dramatic rendition of the old favourite “Alfred and the Lion”. Marion Nelson acted out a monologue on the woes of slimming. A bowdlerised version of “Three Little Maids” from the ‘Mikado’ was sung by Ruth Clarkson and her friend Terri. Mollie Groom played for us to sing along with some old 2nd World War favourites. While the party food was served, members tried to puzzle out the answers to the Table quizzes and a “Guess Who” photo competition of ourselves as small children. This proved to be very difficult! Joan Richmond won the prize and Maggie Dunsby’s table won the quiz. Joan’s hat - a concoction of pheasant feathers – was also voted best in the room after the parade. President Marjy Facer thanked everyone for entering into the spirit of the evening with a wonderful collection of hats, and for bringing party food to share. It was agreed that our home-grown evening was a great success.

JUDITH HUNTER,

Secretary