THE November 10 meeting of Leonard Stanley WI took the form of all WIs at this time of the year when they hold their Annual General Meeting and thanks are given for the work of the Committee during the past 12 months, and any changes to the Committee are made.

But first we held our normal meeting when we learned that we had despatched 32 Christmas boxes this year and had received via donations and Bring & Buy sales, sufficient money to cover the postage.

The ‘pub’ lunch this month will be on Monday, December 17 at Highfield Garden Centre – please meet at the Village Hall at 11.30am (please note the earlier time) so that we can sit down at 12.30pm.

The Treasurer gave her report and again, it was a surprise to learn that we have a healthy balance which will enable us to have some interesting speakers again for the coming year.

The Secretary then gave her report covering the activities during the year, and it is always a pleasure (and surprise) to learn how active we have been.

She reminded us of the other village activities which we had supported in the name of charitable events including a Lent Lunch, the Plant Sale, MacMillan Coffee morning, Air Ambulance, The Christmas Boxes and a collection of bras(!).

The President’s report was brief but sincere when she thanked her committee for their hard work, and all members for their continued support

Margaret Burtt then took the meeting whilst the members unanimously re-elected Ann Vale to be our President for the next 12 months and then it was with pleasure that we welcomed a new volunteer to our committee by name, Chris Phillips.

All other members agreed to serve for another twelve months

The business of the meeting now over, we all enjoyed a social break before Mary Nash told us of her trip to Russia.

Unfortunately the illustrated part of her talk was not available but her words gave us a good description of the sights and atmosphere of this little known (to tourists) country.

As always, Mary’s talk was very interesting and she would make a good promoter for holidays in Russia. It is not the dull and colourless country I imagined it to be, but is full of magnificent buildings and culture, as she showed us.

Mary‘s holiday took them to the lakes where the climate is not all snow and ice, and in fact at some time it was warmer than here but the summer is so short that all the visitors come at the same time and it is very crowded.

Mary always finds humour wherever she goes and this was no exception – shopping was another story when vodka was available at the front of the shops, everything else was at the back and a birthday present took the form of two toilet rolls.

The next meeting will be on December 8 and will take the form of the Christmas Party.

Please remember to bring with you a plate and dish, and some drink and a glass

Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month (unless otherwise noted) in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Visitors are always welcome but, if you would just like to know more about us, please telephone the President on 822435 or Secretary on 822299.

We would like to welcome you.