Eastcombe WI

KAREN welcomed members to our July meeting.

Our speaker was Rosemary Prosser who entertained us with stories of her interesting life with an amusing introduction and many anecdotes.

In 1970 she went to Studley College of Agricultural and Horticulture which was solely for women.

She took the farm secretary’s course where her one claim to fame was a one-line appearance on The Archers.

She then joined the Young Farmers where she met her future husband.

Deciding to change professions after a visit to London where her wedding photograph album was stolen, Rosemary decided to join the police force for women, was accepted as a recruit and went on a training course at Coventry.

When she first joined the police force an extra allowance was available for the purchase of black tights but this stopped when trousers became the new uniform.

The training was very demanding including marching and swimming.

Her first posting introduced her to her first dishonest person.

Rosemary told many amazing stories e.g. how on visiting families she learnt never to refuse a cup of tea or coffee but not to actually drink it and carry a truncheon as part of the uniform but never to actually hit anyone with it.

She qualified to the rank of Inspector and both prosecuted and cautioned in juvenile courts.

Her son is now a police officer with West Mercia police.

To end Rosemary gave a very serious few minutes talk on Lyme Disease.

The ticks can be found on vegetation in woodland, on moors and even in parks and gardens and are easily brushed off onto a person.

They must be removed correctly and a doctor must be consulted if anyone has any worries.

It can attack the nervous system.

Deer, of which there are huge numbers, are serious carriers.

Rosemary was applauded for an excellent evening.

The meeting continued after the tea break.

Bev gave an update on the defibrillator for which we have now collected £508.

Our entry for the Stroud Show was on display and we did well at the Group quiz.

The Group Meeting at Bisley had been enjoyed by everyone as had both the visit to Westonbirt House and Shipton Mill.

Beryl and Olive had both offered to open their gardens for the August meeting and there would also be a quiz.

Members were asked to bring a pair of scissors to the September meeting.

Margaret said that it had been suggested that we re-start the book club in the autumn and several members were interested in doing this.