November Report It's always amazing to hear how much a WI can achieve in just one year and what a wide range of activities and opportunities are available to members both locally and at federation level. Giving the committee's report at the 73rd Annual Meeting of Whitley WI, Mary Highmore, Secretary, said that talks during the year have included life as a prison governor in Styal Prison, what your handwriting tells about your character and 76 Days crossing the Atlantic in a small boat. Demonstrations and craft workshops have been enjoyed, visits have been made to Emma Bridgewater Pottery, Biddulph Grange and Port Sunlight and a Bee Garden has been planted in the village. Highlights of the year for Paula Priestner, President, were the NFWI AGM at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, the very profitable and enjoyable coffee morning in June in aid of the local Homestart group and the very successful sales of the Whitley WI Cook Book. Maureen Laithwaite thanked Paula and her committee for their work over the past year and expressed her pleasure at seeing so many new members of all ages. Membership now stands at almost 90. Paula was re-elected at President, Mary Highmore remains as Secretary and Ann O'Brien as Treasurer. Other committee members are Sue Antrobus, Pat Gaskell, Anne Lucas, Beryl Medland, Sally Riley, Pat Sharp, Chris Spittle and Dorothy Thompson. Members were reminded that the draw for the Denman College bursary would take place at the January meeting and that the bursary could be used for any two-night course of their choice or for the Cheshire federation visit to the college in August 2012. Speaker, Janet Harrison, gave a lively and interesting talk. After many years running seminars for people about to retire, she decided it was time for a change and embarked on a voyage of self-discovery to find out, firstly, what was she passionate about and secondly, what was her ultimate goal. An analysis of her strengths and skills revealed that she was a great communicator and networker and a natural leader so, armed with this information, she set out to attain her final goal - which is to write and produce a feature film. Having recently produced a well-received short comedy film and created the First Comedy Film Festival, she is well on the way to achieving her goal. December 1st is our Christmas Party night and the new season begins on January 5th with speaker Erwin James, "The truth about prison". Visitors and potential members are always welcome at any of our meetings, workshops and events and for full details and information about all Whitley WI activities, monthly rambles and book club email president@whitleywi.org.uk, or ring Paula on 01925 730564 or Mary on 01925263466. Meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm in Whitley Village Hall.