Oakridge WI: Behind the scenes at Waitrose and the AGM

IN OCTOBER we had a very interesting visit to the Waitrose Store, in Stroud,we were taken around all the facilities in the store, behind the scenes.

Finally we were treated to a very nice supper, consisting of bread, cheeses, of different types, fruits and chutney, with the choice of tea or coffee.

On November 12, our annual meeting was held in the village hall, the treasurer gave her report, we are still in the black, despite rising costs for speakers and the hire of the hall.

The accounts have been audited and we are once more indebted to Sue for all her hard work.

Anne Brain gave her secretary's report, it was good to be reminded of the interesting speakers we enjoyed through the year, the fund-raising village activities we were able to support, and Anne's visit to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

A busy, enjoyable year.

Sue Hemming gave her final report as president, and thanked everyone for supporting her during the last three years.

Celia Morrison-Smith then took the chair as our new president, and guided us through forthcoming events.

We are delighted that Anne and Sue will remain in office, helped by the following committee, Sue Hemming, Vida Hewitt, Bizzie White and Mary Fern.

Grace agreed to produce her colourful posters, and Ann will still write the press reports.

We shall help with the Christmas Nativity Festival in the Church.

The Christmas party will be on December 10 in the Butchers Arms.

The Charity this year will be for The British Lung Foundation, please remember your wrapped present to the value of £3, for Santa's sack.

Our Speaker was Sue Trevaskis, her theme being "Colour me Beautiful".

We were somewhat surprised to learn that it only takes 30 seconds to form a first impression, and intrigued to find out which group we belonged to, using Musells colour chart - fair, deep, warm, clear or soft.

Sue chose a member from some of these groups, to demonstrate what a difference a change of colour, or even a subtle change of shade made to their appearance.

Sue was a very bubbly enthusiastic speaker, and we all agreed that this was a very enjoyable evening.

We have been promised an interesting programme for the coming year starting on January 14, 2016, when Sue Dodd and Sue Smith will give us a talk on British Orchids.

If anyone would like to come along and join us they will be guaranteed a very warm and friendly welcome.