WI news for December

NEW MEMBERS AND VISITORS FROM EDINGTON, COULSTON AND ERLESTOKE ARE ALWAYS VERY   WELCOME Contact Helen O’Donoghue on 01380 830501 for more information

We certainly enjoyed our Christmas Meeting on the 9th December when we were entertained by Wafaa Powell a Lebanese Belly Dancer. Wafaa told us that Belly Dancing, also known as Raks Sharki, is an ancient form of dance created by women to entertain women and to help with menstrual pain and strengthen the muscles before and after giving birth. It is for women of all ages, shapes and sizes, it promotes good posture and circulation, enhances body movements and strengthens bones and muscles, and it can also help to express emotions in a way that promotes wellbeing. Belly Dancing dates back over 2000 years originating in the Arabic world. The name Raks Charqui translates to Oriental Dance. The name Belly Dancing differentiates this form of dance from Indian, Chinese and dancing from other cultures. After some instruction from Wafaa we all tied some very pretty scarves around our waist and tried our best to follow her.  This was really enjoyable and we all did quite well – not as graceful as Wafaa but at least we all had a laugh. She then danced for us to show how it is done by a professional.

The Committee had organized a take-away meal from The Tale of Spice in Westbury which was enjoyed by us all with a glass of mulled wine. A different Christmas Meeting but very well organized by our Committee to give us all an excellent meeting.

Lynne Binney our Treasurer reported that we had done very well raising funds with the £5 talents and also a very enjoyable WI Village Lunch. Our next skittles match will take place in January; we are not doing too bad so far winning a couple of games earlier on in the season.

A visit to Street Shoe Museum took place on Wednesday 10th December with just       a few members – who after a visit to the Museum had a very good lunch in Street     High Street, thus supporting local trade in Somerset. This is needed after the disastrous season with not a lot of visitors to the area after the flooding earlier on this year.

Our next meeting will be on 13th January when the speaker will be John Sansom on Photography. Do come along you will be most welcome.