Leonard Stanley WI: With Rich Lockyer, Station Manager on Fire Safety in the home

MANY members turned up for our April meeting although there were some apologies Maureen gave very attractive birthday posies to Claire and Judy together with a special pot of flowers to Margaret Burtt who celebrated her 95th birthday recently.

Unfortunately Sue King that afternoon resigned from the committee and our WI due to moving shortly to Tetbury to be closer to an ailing mother in law.

She will be missed, particularly for her lovely birthday posies and sewing skills and was thanked for her contribution by the President.

Various items of business were discussed including the Group Meeting on April 6, the WI Quiz on April 11, when we will be entering two teams and hopefully will get through to the next round.

Mary reported that the coffee morning at her home had raised £95.30 and our total for Denman appeal now stands at £153.60.

We need to raise another £100 and then will have met the WI target of £10 per member.

Well done us!

Various items of interest were mentioned by Maureen in the Gloucestershire News and we were reminded of the Plant Sale in the village hall on March 20, the April lunch being held at The Beacon on April 25 etc.

A cheque for £150 had been received from the Village Safari Supper Committee to pay for the postage for Operation Christmas boxes for which we are very grateful and a lovely thank you letter from the Willow Trust regarding our donation of £235 raised at our annual Lent Lunch.

Chris read out the results of the GFWI 2017 elections.with Jan Turner now being our new Federation Chairman.

Volunteers were requested to make cakes for Three Counties Show and recipes were given out.

Thank you ladies for volunteering.

Maureen then introduced Rich Lockyer, Station Manager who talked about Fire Safety in the home which is part of his remit.

Rich gave an insight into the work they do in relation to safety in the home and impressed members the need to have at least one fire protector on each floor of their home.

He said lots of fires were caused by tumble driers being used at night and to always clean the filter of fluff every time it is used.

They also visit people at home due to more staying at home rather than in care.

They can offer a simple eye test, look around the house for signs of fuel poverty and sub standard conditions and stressed the danger of hoarding things.

He also said to be aware of the use of tea lights, candles etc.

Rich answered lots of questions from members and then just as he was finishing, he was called away on an emergency not before giving us cards if we know vulnerable people who would like a visit.

Treasurers Report – Mary gave details of our Lloyds account etc and said that in future Newsheets will be only for those who have paid and Ann will put names on so as to avoid confusion.

Mary then gave an interesting report as delegate at the Annual Council meeting at Cheltenham, due to Margaret C being unable to attend She described the various speakers and one could imagine it all, particularly Lucy Wordsley's talk.

Competition for spring flowers in a mug was won by Val, being the only entry.

Therefore she was first, second and third!

Our next meeting ins on May 8, when we will cover the Resolutions and enjoy ourselves making Christmas cards for Operation Christmas box.