THIS time last year our group attended the BBC studios in Bristol where we were given a tour of the studios.

Whilst there we came across another group of ladies from Gloucestershire, namely Hardwicke WI.

We exchanged group details and lo and behold we have just had a most enjoyable joint meeting with them at Stonehouse and we are joining them in September for a talk about ‘Pearls’.

The ladies all said how much they had enjoyed their evening and the speaker Sue Jennings contributed to this with her most interesting and informative talk on Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first UK female doctor.

Elizabeth was a most formidable lady who despite not being encouraged by either parents initially to pursue this line of work overcame prejudice and ridicule to gain qualifications which led to her becoming a member of the British Medical Association in 1873, the only female member for many years, who then went on to establish a hospital for women and children and to study medicine to become a MD.

To enable her to do this she had to learn French and move to Paris whereby she passed all her exams with the highest marks thereby gaining her degree.

As a result of Elizabeth’s work and subsequent medical degree she went on to become the first female Dean, school board member, Mayor and magistrate.

Today, because of this remarkable lady, her legacy continues, as by 2017 it has been forecast that there will be more female than male doctors in the UK.

After the talk we all enjoyed refreshments with a wonderful array of cakes supplied by Wendy and Ann (W). Birthday wishes were extended to Jane and two members from Hardwicke who were celebrating special birthdays.

A group of about 10 members, including Wendy who had produced a wonderful banner depicting Stonehouse WI, waited at The Wharf, Ebley Mill on a sunny Sunday to see the arrival of the county baton, celebrating 100 Years of the WI.

The Weaver’s Group float, decked out with green and white balloons arrived in style with a bright red tractor pulling it. On it was a weaving loom, sheepskin, rolls of bright green baize and a bright scarlet army jacket all representing the woollen trade from which The Weavers Group takes its name and of which the area owes its heritage to.

The baton was then passed on to Randwick WI where it was taken by motorbike up to Tom Long’s Post, Minchinhampton from where it would continue on through the county.

Our next meeting is on April 15 and this will comprise of a craft evening organised by Janice.

Anyone who wants to try their hand at a new craft are most welcome as are all visitors.

Stonehouse Community Centre 7.30pm.