Good turn out for Horsham WI group spring meeting

This magnificent number included guests Father Keith Littlejohn - Rector of Bolney, Mrs Debbie Smith and Mrs Debbie Thomas - Bolney Parish Councillors, Brenda Adlam – WI County Adviser, representatives from Roffey Greenfields, North Heath, Southwater and Holbrook WIs, and of course members that make up the Weald Group – Bolney, Handcross, Horsham Normandy and Mannings Heath.

A vocal rendition of Jerusalem got the meeting off to a lively start, followed by a very warm and friendly welcome from Dilys Dunkin, President of Bolney WI, the hosts for the afternoon. The Group Chairman then conducted the brief WI business before introducing special guest Mr Jonathan Pratt of Bellmans Auctioneers (a familiar name to those who watch The Antiques Road Show and Bargain Hunt). Jonathan was a charming speaker, full of information and amusing facts as he went through in detail the many items that he had brought along to show us.

We also found out how he got involved in antiques, (inspired by Lovejoy so we believe!) and how much pleasure he still gets out of seeing and recognising objects of value.

Jonathan’s presentation prompted many questions, which he happily stayed to answer whilst enjoying, along with everyone else, the superb tea provided by Bolney. To follow the ‘antique’ theme there was an exhibition of corkscrews past and present to mark the anniversary of the corkscrew patent being filed.

Mollie Gray, The Group Chairman again worked tirelessly with her team to organise yet another successful meeting, and a special vote of thanks went to the ladies of Bolney who despite being without a permanent meeting venue managed to co-ordinate and produce the marvellous refreshments – a real team effort.

The meeting was brought to a close with the raffle and a date for the diary – Thursday 2nd October the Autumn Group Meeting 2.30pm in Handcross Village Hall.

Report contributed by Hazel Hewitt, Mannings Heath WI.