2023 has got off to a great start for Retford Mayflower WI. In January they welcomed Philip Burley who gave a talk about puzzles past and present, with lots of examples for members and visitors to have a go at.
The February meeting started with a presentation of £350 to Bassetlaw Learning Disability Association, which was represented by Sally Hird and Lucy Baker. The funds had been raised at the WI Buttermarket Christmas Fair Café and member Joanne Allardyce kindly handed the cheque over.
The group was then joined by evening speaker Philip Braund whose talk was entitled ‘A Slight Misunderstanding’. Philip has spent 50 years in journalism having always known that was his ambition. At 18 he joined the Spalding Guardian in the era of pen and paper before moving on to the Lincolnshire Echo, Nottinghamshire Evening Post, the Daily Mail in Manchester and Daily Mirror.
He joined the Cook Report, travelling to various destinations such as India, Sri Lanka, Malta and Thailand, which was followed by making documentaries for ITV and ‘The Secret Life of Princess Margaret’ partly on the island of Mustique. He moved on to work on political items and still helps out on the London Globe (an online paper) – what an interesting career.
The March meeting heard all about 7th Heaven Hedgehog Rescue, and the 12th April meeting will see Ian Morgan talking on Bolsover Castle.
The new WI membership year begins in April when current members and (hopefully) some new ones will join for more talks, activities and friendship. If you’re interested, go along to Stephen House on 12th April at 7.30pm where you will be most welcome.