Topics to choose

26th September
It was a relief today for the Book Group to have read something that was not about world war. We had even been obliged to laugh out loud at the observations of Bill Bryson in “The Road to Little Dribbling”. It does one good to recognise the shared views of so many about the UK and to read about how places known to us appear to strangers. In this book, Bryson touches on Brexit as well as topics such as language and manners, the NHS, the threats to the Green Belt and even HS2 and he teaches us to value things that we are apt to take for granted.
25th September
The Happy Stitchers are back in business after a summer break. We are all doing different things again which is interesting. Favourable comments were made about the addition of the new craft shop to the High Street: we have wanted one for some years now. We had better try to support this venture or it will be a case of use it or lose it.
21st September
The Presentations afternoon at Newton Longville was a very interesting event. Unfortunately, I was the only member from the two town WIs present which was disappointing as it took place fairly locally. I don’t know how many times I have said that the northern WIs ought to patronise as many events which are held in the north of the county as possible or their grumbles about having to travel south of Aylesbury will not be taken sympathetically. The audience is asked to assess the suitability of five or six speakers who give short auditions of the talks they wish to be listed in the BFWI’s Speakers Yearbook. It is a chance to think of the next programme, to ask questions about availability and learn the costs involved. Obviously not everyone will like the same presentation but it does show the variety of topics which can be included in a WI programme. This afternoon talks ranged from wildlife photography, fashion advice and fishmongering, to singing for fun.
Shame on the WIs in the North who didn’t attend---there were members from as far south as Beaconsfield. AND the refreshments produced by a new local WI were to die for.
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