Hartwell Women's Institute has now been going for a year and I am happy to report that we have gone from strength to strength. We have in excess of 30 members this year so far, with frequent visitors who pick and choose the events that they wish to attend.

So far this year we have had a good selection of activities incorporating a lecture on a sea captain's memories, a karate demonstration, a pressed flower craft lecture with a chance to try it out for yourselves and a wine tasting (which was an open event and had over 40 attending). With seven very good wines to try (and no spitting out!!) we all left in very good spirits! The committee have worked hard to ensure that there is a good variety of events to enjoy throughout the year and we happily welcome ladies who simply wish to come to specific events. Each month, details of the next event are posted around the village and appear in the local paper - so if you want to know what we are doing - look in the shop window. This year, we have a great programme of events, some of which are open to husbands, friends etc too - so if you feel inclined to treat the old man indoors to a night out this may be for you.

But in a broader sense, the WI is not just about what we do in our local group. There are many activities within the county and nationally that are really worth looking into. For example, there is a sponsored cycle ride being organised for 2006 which will take place in Cuba, a two-day orienteering experience in June, a four-day trip to Bayeux and Normandy and loads more. The WI also have their own college, which holds day and residential courses in all manner of things, including belly dancing. We have a massive political voice and come together to agree on a variety of resolutions and mandates - from human trafficking, environmental issues and
fair trade to name a few.

We also have a skittles team who have braved a variety of working men's clubs around the county for the good of the Hartwell WI - so far, we are still on a steep learning curve and have fought bravely against some very formidable teams. However, the main point of it is to have some fun and get out and about meeting new people.

The rest of the year has some great things in store - a forest walk in early summer, a treasure hunt, a strawberry and Pimms event for Wimbledon and lots more - culminating in a visit to Sulgrave Manor at Christmastime to experience a Medieval Christmas.

At every meeting we hold a book sale - members bring along books to sell for WI funds as well as buying some. They are between 50p and £1 and very good value. Our Treasurer Alison Mead also ensures that there is a good turnaround by regularly setting books "free". This means that they are left in public places with a sticker inviting people to take them home to read and then set the books free again. Since a WI coffee morning last year at the Forest Cafe, books are regularly set free at the cafe - so if you would like a quiet, leisurely coffee and cake with a selection of books to choose from, then this is the place for you. We also have a Lucky Stars lottery each meeting, so this is also a bit of fun.

Basically, we try to organise events to cover a wide range of tastes - but even if there are a few that you do not feel would be your "cup of tea", there will invariably be some things that will take your fancy - so either come along and join (that way you get a newsletter delivered every month telling you what¹s on in the county) or simply come along on the odd occasion.

See you there!!!

Amanda Robinson
Secretary
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