At Ascot                                             Skittles team

Campaigning to BUY BRITISH –
at the May meeting of the WI

Chairing her first meeting as President, Linda Wright introduced the new committee and took the opportunity to thank Heather Hogg not only for her Presidency over the last 3 years, but for her many years of loyal service to Milborne WI. 

Every year WI members put forward resolutions to the National Federation which then form the basis of campaigning activities and this year the overwhelming favourite is for mandatory labelling of food with true country of origin. We are always keen to “buy British”, and remembering that the WI’s campaigns have been important, and in many instances influential, we were very happy with the final show of hands which recorded a unanimous “Yes” vote. 

June Maitland reported back on an interesting Spring Council Meeting held at the Lighthouse, Poole. The highlight was a talk by Erin Pizzey, founder of the first refuge for desperate mothers and children. It was the WI and many of its groups who helped her during the first years of running the refuge; it never needed more than a quick phone call to the local WI and help was provided. 

Well done to members who took part in the County Group quiz, coming second and third – and the Village Hall quiz, in which our team came second.

A group from Milborne joined other WI members from Dorset at a most enjoyable ‘Art Lovers’ Lunch’ in Bournemouth, with a delicious lunch in the company of Rupert Maas (well-known from Antiques Roadshow). An art expert and picture dealer, he gave an enlightening and thoroughly entertaining talk on Pre-Raphaelite painting. We were left hoping that County would not be long before they organised something similar again.

Coming up:

Triathlon: walking, swimming, cycling – we are encouraged to take part in this “Challenge to WIs” initiative to get and keep fit. We are to keep a tally of what we already do, even walking the dog counts.

Swishing: Opt for sustainable, ethical fashion, but forget “throwaway garments”. Come along to the Village Hall on Wednesday 21st July between 6.00 and 8.00pm, and swap an item(s) of clothing, shoes, accessories.

Summer supper: will be held on Friday 18th June in Josie Wright’s garden at Brooklands.

Summer Outing: Remembering Mrs Bryant, our enthusiastic speaker on Moreton Church and TE Lawrence as well as the Whistler windows, we will meet on Thursday 12th August at Moreton Church and Gardens where Mrs Bryant will give us a guided tour.

Photo at the tree: Parish Pit – Tuesday 22nd June at 6.30pm (Wednesday 23rd if raining). As many as possible please for our photo.

Please come along to our next meeting on Thursday 10th June, and bring a favourite photo, one you would like to talk to us about.  There will also be a talk from Christine Shaw on ‘Cape Town to Victoria Falls’. If you would like to find out more about the WI and all it does both locally and nationally, spend a sociable evening with us, we would love to see you.           

9th September - "Abandoned places in the South West"

14th October - "Diamonds and the care of jewellery

11th November - "The trumpet shall sound" - military

10th December - Christmas Party   

More details to follow.

 Pat Bull