Leonard Stanley WI with guest speakers Eugene and Margaret Schellenburg on the Ifakara Bakery Project, Tanzania

IN THE absence of Maureen who was on holiday, Ann welcomed everyone including visitors from Stonehouse and Stroud Shambles WI to our Open meeting.

Attractive Birthday flowers were presented to Jean A, Sylvia B, Penny C, Val C and Jan R and we were reminded that the Bring and Buy Stall was in aid of raising funds for the Christmas boxes for overseas children.

Ann was pleased to say that she had received three offers for covering boxes.

Some items were on show that members had made or contributed and we were reminded to bring further items in by next meeting.

As our guest speakers had travelled from Birmingham, Ann introduced Eugene and Margaret Schellenburg who gave an extremely interesting and informative talk about the Ifakara Bakery Project set up by them in Tanzania.

Eugene and his wife raised about £30,000 initially to set this project off and are continually fund raising and are committed to helping others less fortunate than ourselves.

We could have listened to Eugene for hours as he painted such a clear picture of life for children in Tanzania and how the bakery and provision of fresh bread is making such a difference.

He is an excellent speaker and he and his wife Margaret are truly inspirational people and we would like to say ASANTE SANA (thank you) to him for coming along to talk to us.

After tea and cakes, we went quickly through our business and it was noted that the Macmillan Coffee morning in which we helped, had raised the sum so far of £563.

Chris was organising an Autumn walk from the village hall on Tuesday, October 31 at 10am, ending up at the coffee shop at the King's Head and Lunch will be at the Beacon on October 25.

Members were reminded by Margaret of a possible trip to the Wedgewood factory and of the request from Stroud Hospital to knit small baby jackets (not premature babies).

It is the AGM on November 13, and volunteers are needed for 2018 committee.

At this meeting there will be a talk by Arthur Ball on his Botswana Safari and the display is for a foreign postcard.

Visitors of course are always very welcome.