WE started off our meeting on a sad note with a minute’s silence for Chris Ford who passed away recently.

Gill then welcomed members to the meeting informing them of forthcoming events.

These included Membership of the Racing Club, a walk at Sheepscombe, a trip to the London Museums, a talk on the history of signals, bowling and arrangements for the NFWI Centenary next year.

After the financial report from Chris, we then discussed arrangements for the next Lunch club to be held at ‘Lammastide’ on Thursday, July 17.

There was no meeting last month as members enjoyed a delicious cream tea at Thornbury Castle.

The food and service were excellent.

A card from Sybil was received thanking the WI for the beautiful flowers she received for her birthday.

Our speaker this month was Deryck Pritchard from SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association).

He gave an interesting illustrated talk, which covered the history of SARA including the changes that have taken place at the lifeboat station in Sharpness.

There are over 40 volunteers including a crew of twenty and no paid staff.

We watched a video of a rescue, which showed just how easy it is to get into difficulties because of the treacherous currents in the Severn.

Deryck then explained about the different boats that SARA uses, including SARA 1, which even has the capability to carry a detachable stretcher and room for the crew to work on a patient if necessary.

All crew are trained in First Aid, navigation, boat handling, search patterns, manoeuvring trailers, radio procedures as well as fundraising and take part in training sessions twice per week.

We then got to take a look at the equipment that a crew member needs and although they are all volunteers, it costs about £1,500 to kit out each member.

The annual running costs are in the region of £25,000 so fundraising events are vitally important and about 25 are organized each year just to keep the service going.

Living so close to the river, we held an impromptu collection to show our appreciation.

The vote of thanks was given by Julie, after which we enjoyed a truly delicious spread from hostesses Chris Gardner and Chrissie Johnson.

The competition for an item beginning with the letter E was won by Linda with a piece of embroidery, second was Beryl with an elephant and third was Pauline with an egg.

It was decided to give the flowers to Pauline.

There will be no meeting in August as it is our holiday month.

We are looking forward to welcoming Newnham WI to Arlingham instead.

The next meeting will be on September 11 at 7.30pm in the village Hall.

The competition will be ‘Something beginning with the letter F.’

New members and visitors are always welcome.