On a very blustery September evening, 36 members and two visitors heard Paula Bell tell them ‘How to Mind their Motoring Manners’.
Paula is a costumed speaker and this night she was ‘The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce’, a record-breaking racer in the 1920s and 30s, who was also a speedboat racer and aviator, before becoming a successful businesswoman.
‘Mrs Bruce’ told how she met her husband Victor, the first British man to win the Le Mans 24 Hour Race and how together they decided to enter the race another year. With two additional passengers they left from John O’Groats on a very cold and icy November day. Mrs Bruce was to drive the first leg, negotiating the narrow, steep and twisting roads to Glasgow. However, she was persuaded, cajoled, tricked into driving the whole way to Le Mans. They came sixth and to recognise her achievement; as the first woman to have completed the race, a special Women’s Cup was created.
Paula’s talk was full of amusement and during audience participation included many of the put downs an Hon Lady would use to those of lesser status. Everyone enjoyed Paula’s excellent presentation and June gave a most suitable vote of thanks.
WI business covered future county events with sign up boards and a request for volunteers to help man the stall at the Church Christmas Fair on 25th November.
On 22nd September members and friends attended a performance of the Calendar Girls Musical in Doncaster, having stopped off for a fish and chips tea at Whitby’s beforehand.
At the October meeting member Clare Sobieraj told the story of her ‘Journey from Nursing to Reiki Master’. On 21st November the monthly meeting will be a Craft and Social Evening with the opportunity to make a small Christmas themed item.
The December meeting will be the Christmas Party, with a pie and pea supper followed by a Secret Santa and other games; a fun evening to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. It is anticipated that this meeting will start an hour earlier than usual.
New members and women visitors are always welcome to monthly meetings – visitor fee £5.00. The WI meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm in East Markham Village Hall, NG22 0SS. For more information contact the Secretary on 07971 291883 or Membership on 01777 871567.