THE speaker for our October meeting was Bernadette Halton, a Wimbledon umpire. Her talk was lively and instructive.

The meeting commenced with the group’s business.

Eight members will go to the annual council meeting on October 31, taking floral and cookery exhibits with them.

Other dates include the WI Carol Service at Church Lench on Friday, December 7, at 7pm.

Bernadette started her talk with a history of herself and her family as their support was crucial for her to carry out her work. Umpires only receive expenses and so most also have regular employment. Hers is as a fund-raiser for a charity.

She gave us an insight into how umpires are trained including how to shout loudly and look confident.

The training includes vocal and hand signals.

Most of her talk was based on her experiences on Centre Court, how the net judge has been replaced by ‘Trinity’ – a machine – and how the signals are conveyed to the umpire throughout the match. Each line judge receives a score for every match and those with the top scores are given the finals matches.

The high point of her achievements this year was taking part in the Olympics and Paralympics, staying in the village with the athletes for the latter.

A vote of thanks was given by Chris Pugh and the competition winners were Josie Witts and Pat Chitty.

Next Wimbledon I’m sure we will be watching the line judges instead of the players!

CECILIA EVANS