Sidlesham WI meeting report, Wednesday 12th November2025
The meeting started promptly at 2.15 p.m. when the president led the group with a rousing rendition of Jerusalem. Following this, finance was discussed by Judy, the Treasurer, and arrangements were made for both the November and Christmas Lunch Bunch. Ann, the Secretary, told members she would come around with a sign-up sheet for both during the tea break.
A reminder was given about the forthcoming W.I. Carol Concert and the unveiling of a plaque which is going to take place at North Lodge, in Chichester, at 1.30 on the 9th December. This is to commemorate that it had been the home of the West Sussex W.I. Federation before they moved to their new building in Horsham.
News about next month’s meeting included plans for a Christmas Tombola, with every member receiving a gift, and the opportunity to share seasonal poems. Members were invited to bring their favourite poems to recite at the meeting. The committee will be supplying the cake and mince pies.
Then Sue introduced the speaker for the afternoon, Bill Avenell, with his talk ‘Concentrate in Geography’. Bill gave a humorous and entertaining talk which touched on plate tectonics, ecology, and geopolitics. He described Geography as “the queen of subjects” and showed a number of interesting slides.
Sue thanked Bill for his talk and then the Bloom of the Month competition was judged. This month first was Louisa with a Fuchsia, second a Rose from Sue and third a Nasturtium from Ann. Tea and cake were served by Corina and Ann W. and there was plenty of time for members to socialise and catch up.
The next meeting will be held at 2.15 p.m. on Wednesday,10th December in the Parish Rooms of St. Mary our Lady Church in Sidlesham. The speaker will be Colin Field on Stansted House and the Ponsonby family.
Kim Hopkinson