Lucky Breaks

Yesterday 39 Bucks members visited the National Stud at Newmarket and then spent the afternoon in Ely. We were under grey skies all day but that was probably a relief from the recent heatwave. This outing was arranged by the Science and Society sub-committee who always plan interesting and educational events. We had the services of a very good guide full of information about the horses which we were able to view close at hand and even pat the foals and mares. No such liberties allowed with the stallions! However, we didn’t receive any racing tips for the Newmarket meeting today. After that we were driven on to the city of Ely for a lunch stop and went sightseeing. Most people viewed the beautiful Cathedral even climbing up the tower and the belfry, others went to look at the wonderful stained glass exhibition and others visited Oliver Cromwell’s House and the Maltings down by the river. There was so much to see that I think we might be able to repeat this part of the day in the future. Thanks to the girls who organised the event and brought us all home safely.
While we all bask in the reflected glory of a victorious football team, I think the UK should also share the success of another team---the seven expert divers who have risked their lives to extricate those youngsters from the cave in Thailand. I know I am not the only one who has thought of that scenario, both above and below ground, last thing at night and first thing in the morning.
The July WI meeting is always a busy one because as well as the speaker we usually hear the report from the delegate returned from the National AGM and then there are loads of things to arrange for the summer break over August. However, this year it was busier than ever because the main attraction of the evening was a mock trial in which several members had to take parts. They were very relieved not to have to learn the script as they were given hard copies of their roles. The audience were fully engaged as a larger than life jury and everyone enjoyed the activity. The delegate gave an interesting report on the AGM and encouraged everyone to take the opportunity if it ever came their way. The craft bequest was once more on show until its future is determined. The summer outing has been shortened into a cream tea at Pendley Manor. I think now after reading the last edition of WI Life we should have planned to go to Blenheim palace to the Countryfile event on 2-5 August where the NFWI is going to have a presence. Perhaps we can go as individuals instead. A vain effort was made to counter the negative unfounded rumours being circulated about the future of the WI following our own annual meeting. Cometh the hour, cometh the woman I believe.
There has been another gap in transmission in my blog from the middle of June. This was caused by a private holiday and physical disability from a frozen shoulder which rendered my right arm more or less useless. I never realised just how right-handed I have been all these years. Fortunately, I could still talk so attended the local WI’s discussion evening when we considered New Towns. Of course, we all said our bit about Milton Keynes as it was the one we all knew most about but we covered others North and South. I think everyone sang the praises of MK and rejoiced that the city is no longer such a popular victim of music-hall-type jokes.
There have been craft meetings as well where the members are making poppies for Remembrance Day either knitted or crocheted. Some flowers look more like roses or rather flat dahlias but who is going to notice on a wreathe probably in the rain.
 
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