As this was the first meeting for the year we met away from the Hall, at the lovely beach side home of Rita Meares at Matakawau Beach . Eleven members were present plus two visitors Loveday Brouncker from the U.K. Yvonne Stanfield from Taupo. The meeting started at 11am and everybody brought along food for a shared lunch.

While Rita was getting ready for our lunch, our visitor from the U.K. spoke to us. She is a member of the Witham W.I. in Essex Federation. They have 70 members and subs are 22 pounds a year. Meetings are held in a Hall and begin at 2-30pm they have Garden meetings, Craft days and Drama etc. She asked for a copy of our Aspirations as they have some thing different. Members were very interested in her remarks and asked questions.

The highlight of the day was the wonderfully decorated hats, a budgie, a bee and lots of flowers. Loveday was our judge and Bunty Pearks was the winner.

Everybody enjoyed the beautiful day by the sea, the lovely friendly company and the catching up after the Christmas break.

  (with special thanks to Bev Cochrane for her notes )

 

 

Footnote: Sylvia Blight of Burgh W.I. has been in touch with Loveday Brouncker of Witham W.I.to exchange the latest news on their mutual New Zealand W.I. friends