OUR June meeting was the much anticipated picnic meeting with silent auction.

When everyone was seated, the president welcomed members and asked Joan Allen to say grace.

We were then served with a salmon supper accompanied by a green salad and potato salads.

This was followed by bowls of strawberries and cream, all washed down with elderflower fizz.

At the end of the meal the silent auction was held and members really entered into the spirit of things by providing a wide range of items for sale and for bidding generously.

The very few items remaining at the end of the auction were swiftly dealt with by our very own auctioneer, Sue Allen.

The treasurer reported that she had banked £124.35 as proceeds from the silent auction and raffle, all of which will help support the institute throughout the year.

This month the president was able to show members the completed piece of bunting that was being sent to WI House, we all thought that it reflected Hill and Rockhampton WI perfectly.

The report from NFWI Conference was read and the votes for and against the two resolutions noted. Members were delighted to hear from Josie Wilson who had taken part in the Midnight Walk in support of St Peter’s Hospice.

We were particularly taken with her flashing hat and neon yellow socks that had been knitted for her by members of the Berkeley Dementia Clinic where she volunteers.

Josie will be hosting a Cream Tea on August 20 in aid of St Peter’s with entertainment from Mo, Mac and Me, vintage tractors and caravans and a bric a brac stall.

Members were asked to think about the design for a new banner during August.

Our original banner is now getting very fragile and we would like to replace it for our 100th celebration in two years’ time.

Our speaker for the evening was Tim Lewis whose subject was ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ ably accompanied on keyboards by Sheila. Tim had cleverly taken the synopsis of Jules Verne’s novel and retold it in rhyme and song.

The songs were all written by him using well-known tunes. The anticipation of what tune was coming next invariably resulted in much laughter. The vote of thanks was given by Dorothy Long for a truly entertaining evening.

There is no meeting in August.

Our next meeting will be September 12 when Alan Freke will be speaking on Frenchay Hospital’s Hidden Past.

Visitors are very welcome to come along for a small charge of £3, which will of course include a light supper.