Edington and Tinhead W.I. July and August meetings.

At our July meeting we  were pleased to welcome four visitors  to hear a lively, entertaining and thought provoking talk,” A Woman in Scholarship and on TV” by Professor Francesca Stavrokopoulou of  Exeter University. The talk  was  based on the recent TV series, examining the Bible from an historical rather than theological perspective. We heard  about some of the very hostile reactions to her conclusions, based not on academic grounds in most cases but  on  her acknowledged atheism/youth/ gender or indeed all three!  Professor Stavrokopoulou. described some of the difficulties faced by women such as herself in what is still seen by many as a male preserve;.however as well as enjoying her work  and being a successful and respected academic  she is clearly more than a match for any of her detractors.

We had a report from the President on the National Conference of the W.I. that had been held in June. Finances are healthy, a series of “Inspiring Women” conferences, enabling members and National Federation committee to meet had been a great success, Denman College has a new business plan and is on target to break  even. The Resolution asking that people make known their views on organ donation  was passed with a 97% majority. Outside guest speakers for the day were: Sir Andrew Motion, Doctor George McGavin and Bill Turnbull. Plans are also well underway for the Centenary anniversary of the W.I. In 2015. The Talents scheme to boost our income continues and there was produce for sale at the meeting. Members were invited to join Potterne Springs W.I. 0on a visit to Devizes Museum.

In August we met for a BBQ  There was a minimum of business: a proposed outing in the Autumn to Somerset to give some financial  support to areas affected by the winter floods. Anne Tottingham was thanked for being the driving force behind the sub group that has met this past year and  produced recipes for the Village website. Recipes will now appear at more infrequent intervals. Most of the evening was spent catching up with friends over  some delicious food and wine.

The Speaker next month (September) will be JedFitzGerald “Staying safe on the Internet” Do come along if this or any other topic interests you.