Before the meeting, a minute's silence was held in memory of a former member, Trish Thornton.

President, Amy Breeds, welcomed us, especially including some prospective new members, who had previously been members of Peasmarsh WI.

After the singing of Jerusalem, secretary Betty Crosskey dealt with the business (previous minutes were available to view).

The president will be the representative for the Eastbourne Conference and she will be receiving the 90th birthday recognition there. Names were taken for members wishing to go as support.

Two members were picked to attend the Beckley WI's 90th birthday celebration.

Attention was drawn to the competition to design a panel for the new county Cloth and also for the photographic competition for the 2010 calendar on 'Activities in East Sussex'.

A card was signed by members for Sheelagh Fox, who is unable to attend due to ill health.

Treasurer, Margaret Holbrook, asked for subscriptions to be paid.

A sub committee met at Tessa Cleveland's home on January 16 to set up a schedule for the Home Economics and Craft Show, to be held in July - findings to go before the main committee.

Tessa Cleveland asked members to look out previous craft entries for the Memorabilia Exhibition on May 10/11.

A board was sent round for savouries for the birthday meeting tea on February 11, when many invited guests will be with us.

Pretty cyclamen plants were given to the two birthday ladies, Betty Cramp and Betty Crosskey.

Margaret Hewett still has a few places available for the trip to the Tutankhamun Exhibition on March 3 and also to the Tulip Festival at Pashley Manor on April 30.

Sadly, the planned Rhine Cruise may not now take place, as the travel firm has ceased trading. Margaret said there MIGHT be an alternative arranged and asked members to 'watch this space'.

It was decided that the quote for the planned 'lunch trip' to St. Omer was too expensive.

Menus were given out for the joint birthday lunch in the W.I. Hall on March 8, with outside caterers - a three-course lunch for £16.

Members were then enthralled with photos and slides taken by Mr. Colin Page and explained in detail by him.

Local landscape and wildlife was caught beautifully and we were amazed by the many different species of flora and fauna to be found on our doorstep.

The diversity of growth surviving on our windblown seashore and beaches was fascinating and possibly we may all recognise more birds in future when visiting the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Janet Jones gave the vote of thanks.

During the tea break, the raffle was drawn and Tessa Cleveland was announced as the competition winner. The new format of any article starting with the letter P proved very popular.

Following the singing of the National Anthem, the meeting closed.