New Barkby WI

Shirley Franklin, President of New Barkby W.I., welcomed members and one visitor to the institute’s October meeting.
Jerusalem was sung, then everyone stood in a minute’s silence in memory of former member Dolours Murphy who had recently passed away.
Business matters followed, with repeats of past events, including a canal boat trip which had to be abandoned after a crew member fell overboard, so there will be a trip planned for next year. Also, members who visited Kilworth Theatre for a Proms concert enjoyed that visit.
Speaker, Mr Steven Bruce, from Warwickshire, paid a return visit to talk about ‘The Hoarder Next Door’. He brought along a hoard of items he has collected, as an auctioneer and valuer, and gave valuations on some of them, as he gave anecdotes about his career, giving advice to would be sellers on how to present items for an auction, and disadvantages if an item may not be as valuable as first thought.
Some items Mr Bruce had brought were passed around the members, and eventually a valuation was given. A very enlightening and entertaining talk.
The vote of thanks was given by Joy Goulden.
The competition winner for ‘something you have kept for a long time’ was Louisa Chapman with her Teddy Bear. Janice Bond won the raffle.
The date of our next meeting is Wednesday 5th November, 7.30pm at Syston Community Centre and will be New Barkby’s Annual Meeting.
All visitors welcome.