Cainscross WI with Mike and Angela Cooper ‘I was Olympic Volunteer -twice!’

WE HAD quite a few apologies for our August meeting, including Pam Clapp, Dot Brunning, Patsy Williams, Jean Horsfall, Thelma Weldon, Mandy Sutton and Crystal Harrison.

Sadly, one or two have been in hospital and others were away.

We hope they soon recover and are able to join us again next month.

We thanked Georgie for some very pretty table flowers, which included some lovely dark red dahlias.

After the usual business, we discussed some correspondence received and the arrangements for our Craft Evening in early September, when we will have the opportunity to make either a printed tea towel, a lavender bag, a handmade greetings card or a felt ornament.

Doreen is arranging the evening for us.

With business concluded, we welcomed Mike Cooper, along with his wife Angela, for his talk on ‘I was Olympic Volunteer -twice!’

Mike first volunteered for the Olympics which took place in Alaska back in 1996 and then again at the 2012 London Olympics.

He also played a part in the Opening Ceremony at the London Olympics.

Mike was a good clear speaker and gave a very interesting account of his experiences at both venues.

He was wearing the ‘uniform’ provided for his London experience, which included a light weight jacket in a waterproof fabric with the Olympic logo on the back.

He showed us a bag the volunteers were each given as part of their kit, which had a pocket holding a fold-up umbrella one side -no doubt very useful for our climate.

He has also written a book about his experiences which he brought along to show us.

After his talk, he judged the competition for a poem about sport with the winners as follows:-

First - Georgie Hall

Second - Tina Hewgill

Third - Mary Jarrett

As already stated our next meeting, due to take place on Tuesday, September 5, will feature learning a new craft or two.

The meeting will take place as usual at St. Matthew’s Church Hall, Cainscross, starting at 7.15pm.

Visitors or new members would be very welcome to join us and if more information is needed, you can call 01453 762812 for details.

Every month we have a raffle, sales table and refreshments on offer.