Horsham Normandy W.I.

At the beginning of this year one of our group was reading A Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain and it prompted the idea that our only targeted reading this season should be on the theme of the Great War and we would review our choices in November 2015. Several of our selections  viewed the war from a woman’s point of view. Two volumes, Dorothea’s War, a first World War nurse tells her story, by Dorothea Crewdon  and Diary of a Nursing Sister on the Western Front 1914-15 published anonymously, both recall the experiences of women who volunteered to serve and who also endured the horrors of the conflict. The only novel amongst selection was The Lost Soldier by Diney Costeloe, which by linking letters and diaries draws attention to the injustices which happened then and are still on-going. The final choice of Silent Night – the story of Christmas 1914 by Stanley Weintraub, also drew on letters from soldiers of all ranks, on both sides of the conflict, serving along the front on Christmas 1914. A most moving record of this event and the common links that we find with an opponent. It’s final chapter poses the question “What if these thousands of men had refused to continue fighting?” How would the course of twentieth century history changed? It provided a suitable discussion point on which to conclude.

Book group meetings will resume on 27 January 2016.

The ladies in our craft group made these lovely poppies for our members. They were distributed for a donation which we have passed on to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Sue R. & I took £60  into the Legion Shop at the end of October 2015.

A representative of the Legion expressed their thanks for our efforts.

The Chanctonbury Science Group met on 30th October to hear Yvonne Price speak enthusiastically about the creation of fragrances. She explained the history of perfumes, their purposes to make life smell sweeter, on to the the popularity of fragrances today.   The sophistication of the formulae required and the industry to supply the volume of natural material surprised us all. Many memories from our youths were recalled when we were allowed to try some of her varied perfume collection.                                    A very fragrant and enjoyable afternoon.

96^th Annual Council Meeting of West Sussex Federation of WI’s held in Worthing on Thursday 22nd October 2015.

Helen Sharman, first British female astronaut

            Julie Summers, author

How apt and appropriate that the two guest speakers, in this our Centenary Year, encompassed the ethos of the WI and truly delivered on the aim of inspiring women. These well accomplished speakers shared what had inspired them to take on the challenges, for which they are best known. Each spoke of how they were inspired and those who had continued to inspire as they undertook the challenges which lay before them. Both spoke with humour and humanity, relating their achievements with examples linked to the embodiment of the WI. They made us feel proud to be members of The WI.

They were inspiring women and a pleasure to listen to.

On Monday  October 12th four of us joined our Federation walk around Petworth Park, led by Jan Marsden, from Bognor Regis W.I., who was assisted by Jacky & another Jan.

We had a short talk about the house & grounds from a NT guide before starting our circuit of the park. The afternoon brightened to give extensive views & further excitement was provided by the deer throughout the park. The rutting season has started and the males are strutting their stuff and gathering their harems together.

We all agreed it was a most enjoyable afternoon.