Oakley and Deane WI (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Oakley and Deane WI
11:13am Tuesday 23rd November 2010 in Reports
THE November meeting of Oakley and Deane WI was the annual meeting when members received a round-up of the very varied and interesting meetings and activities held during the year.
There have been informative talks, including Kipling – his life and poetry, St Michael’s Hospice, Southampton’s medieval history, and Dr and Mrs Moss spoke on how, after retirement, they embarked on a venture to provide eye surgery and restore sight to many disabled and disadvantaged people living in bad conditions in poorer parts of the world.
Entertainment by Two in Harmony was provided at the WI’s 91st birthday and there was also a very popular evening when a representative from Marks and Spencer came to talk. On another occasion, tips were given on seasonal baskets and containers, and a very interesting slide show was given which included views of Leeds Castle, the Lake District in autumn and unusual buildings in Hampshire.
There have been several most enjoyable outings during the year, one to Downe House, the home of Charles Darwin, and another to Ascot Racecourse where members received a conducted tour of the new grandstand and all its facilities as well as enjoying a food fair which was on that day and, of course, a race meeting. There was also a BBQ, a walk on Southampton Walls and afternoon tea at Oakley Hall.
All these activities were in addition to the regular scrabble, bridge and craft sessions, jumble sales and various group and federation activities so, all in all, it has been a very busy and enjoyable year.
The business of the evening was kept to a minimum but reports were given on the recent group skittles competition and the federation autumn meeting at The Anvil, when the guest speakers were Jonathan Wilcox and Eve Pollard, both of whom were most interesting and entertaining, and a most successful jumble sale. Following the election of the new committee, members finished the evening with a quiz.
An equally varied and enjoyable programme has been arranged for 2011, and any guests or new members will be most welcome. Meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month at the village hall in Andover Road, Oakley, from 7.30pm to 9.45pm.
