New Barkby W.I.

Mrs Shirley Franklin, President of New Barkby W.I., Chaired the February meeting of the Institute. She wished everyone a ‘Happy New Year’. There was no January meeting due to covid and the omicron variant.
‘Jerusalem’ was sung, followed by various business matters including rotas for duties and forward planning, plus correspondence and financial matters. Competitions will commence from April.
The speaker for the evening was Rachel Greaves, assisted by her husband Alan. As an author and illustrator, Rachel has now written several stories for children based on her Airedale Terrier (her books tell of adventures with Ruffles and his involvement at the Great Central Railway). One story tells of a lost Teddy bear and another about railways. Also there was Rachel’s interaction with a dog and cat (puppets), plus two doll like models of two men, a soldier with a bandaged head, plus other items on display to enhance the talk. Afterwards members were able to view the books and possibly buy them and to have a question and answer period. Also she brought along a book from her childhood ‘Black Bob’ (a dog).
The vote of thanks was given by Mrs Jean Brutnall and the tea hostesses were Mrs Margaret Sewell and Mrs Alma Wright.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 2nd March at Syston Community Centre at 7.30pm. Visitors are always welcome to attend.