Boothsmere WI

Chris Cameron welcomed members to the October meeting of Boothsmere WI and thanked all who supported the MacMillan coffee morning, which raised the grand total of £480.80.

Events were then discussed. A walk is to take place from Ridgegate Reservoir to Higher Sutton on October 28; a hotpot supper is arranged for October 30; the WI Group Meeting will be held at Marthall Village Hall on November 15, and a day trip to Chatsworth is scheduled for November 20.

Contributions were requested for Christmas Hampers, to be raffled at the Christmas Party on December 8.

The speaker for the evening was Allan Littlemore. Allan’s entertaining and informative talk was about the fascinating history of Foden’s Brass Band. His talk reflected his great enthusiasm for the band which Edward Foden, a wealthy and successful inventor of steam engines, founded in 1909. With great determination Edward Foden and his sons managed to create a band worthy of performing and winning at many prestigious competitions around the country. Since the formal ranking of bands was introduced in 1990, Foden’s has always been one of the top ten worldwide. Members were interested to hear that the first woman joined the band in 1985.

The next meeting, which will include the AGM, is on November 10. Caroline Gregson will give a talk on “Willow Sculpture”.