Christina Strang, a graphologist, gave a most informative and interactive talk about handwriting and the interpretation of it. This included examples of different writing styles, as well as how someone holds their pen, which helps to identify characteristics and personality traits about the writer.
As usual this was followed by an excellent afternoon tea and further discussion about handwriting.
At the December meeting the WI were entertained by the Kingston St Mary handbell group. The hall was filled with the sound of Christmas music beautifully arranged and rung. Members also had the opportunity to ring some carols, with guidance from the visiting group, which was a resounding success, and a fitting last meeting before Christmas.
Members of the WI enjoyed a Christmas lunch at Oake Manor Golf Club.
Archivist Eve Bickerton, from Somerset Heritage Centre, gave an enthusiastic presentation describing some fascinating stories about rural women in Somerset. Her talk covered the social history of women in particular, dating back to the introduction of church parish records in the mid 1500’s and up to the 20th century.
At the March meeting the WI ladies enjoyed a ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’, which was an afternoon of fun and games, including a fashion parade of some wonderful hats and Alice in Wonderland characters. As usual, the afternoon finished with a delicious afternoon tea.
Andy Stevenson, a Quantock Ranger, presented a most interesting talk about his work on the Quantock hills, including how the wildlife and land are managed, helping to maintain a balance in the natural biodiversity of the area. Andy also brought along his dog, Alfie, who helps with the work on the hills, in particular collecting ticks on his fur, which are then sent for analysis to see if bacteria are present. The WI ladies thoroughly enjoyed both Andy and Alfie’s visit.
Work with early years children – Jean Ainsworth-Smith
The WI ladies enjoyed a most interested talk from Jean Ainsworth-Smith about her early years work in education in London many years ago. It was fascinating to hear of the pioneering work Jean was involved in, including setting up a nursery and school for children from very poor backgrounds. The children were taught reading, writing and maths through conventional means, as well as through practical fun activities like gardening and visiting the countryside. Jean wrote the syllabus specifically for these children, with an emphasis on developing their self-esteem alongside their education. As usual the afternoon ended with a raffle and a delicious tea.
Pilgrimage Canterbury to Rome
Lucy Faulkner gave a most interesting illustrated talk about her pilgrimage from Canterbury to Rome (known as the Via Francigena and covering over 1,200 miles) that she undertook in 2025. It was a very arduous, but rewarding experience for her, and she shared many experiences that she had along the way, including the painful blisters, the different climates that she endured and the special people that she met along the way, as well as those supporting her at home. She carried everything on her back that she needed for the pilgrimage, including water and food to last her a few days, before she got to her next place where she could buy more supplies; Lucy brought her filled rucksack to show how heavy the load she carried was. Lucy shared that the final walk into St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome was a very special experience.
Neil Smart, a volunteer with the charity Medical Detection Dogs, spoke about the incredible work involved in training dogs to detect a variety of illnesses in people. Neil explained that dogs have a very heightened sense of smell and certain breeds are trained to identify specific illnesses, including different types of cancers, purely by sniffing a person. They are also used as assistance dogs for people who may be vulnerable to fainting or fitting, with the dog alerting the person if they are about to have an episode. It was a most interesting and informative talk about a very unique and life enhancing charity.
Jane Sharp, from ‘Watchet hedgehogs’, gave a most informative talk about hedgehogs, which included video footage from night trail cameras of hedgehog activity, including watching them build their nests in purpose-built boxes, as well as feeding, drinking and caring for their young. Jane explained about the hazards that hedgehogs face and what we can all do to help to halt the declining population of these remarkable creatures that inhabit our gardens and countryside.
Sel Shah presented a fascinating talk about her experiences in India, where she studied and carried out research for her PHD. She worked with very poor and remote rural families to help improve the lives of children with a variety of physical and neurological disabilities, through education and health support for them as well as their parents. It was a humbling experience, as we learnt more about the lack of facilities for so many children and the difficulties they and their families face.
The afternoon concluded with a delicious afternoon tea.
The speaker from Open Door did not manage to the meeting, so one of our members, Tina Harrison, who volunteers at Open Door told us about the work she does there (which involves a lot of time in the kitchen and washing up) and a bit about how the charity for the homeless operates. Everyday people living on the streets, or without permanent homes, are able to access a full cooked breakfast as well as a lunch, all of which is supplied free of charge; there are also doctors, hairdressers and social workers who periodically give of their time to help those in need. Tina coped admirably with being put on the spot without any preparation time, and dealt with the members’ questions well.
Craft Session – Hilary Tilley
Dryad Gin
