THE Rye Group Spring Meeting was held on Friday, April 25, at Beckley village hall. Nearly 30 members from the four institutes attended the evening meeting, which was hosted by Beckley W.I.
The group chairman, Elizabeth Meldrum, welcomed everyone including the two speakers, Heather Hyrapiet and Commander Roger Paine, R.N.
The meeting then commenced with the unaccompanied singing of Jerusalem, followed by the business and financial r
eports.
The chairman then reminded members of the date of the autumn Group meeting at Iden, on October 24, at 2.30pm, when the speaker will be Ann Chance 'An Adventuress'.
The Carol Service will also take place at Iden on Friday, December 12, at 7.30pm.
More 'knitters' were requested to knit vests for the babies of Kisiggi in Uganda and hats and scarves for the Seaman's Mission.
Anyone interested please ring 01797 222471 for more details.
Amy Breeds, Playden president, then told the meeting about the ninth birthday celebration Open Weekend at Playden W.I. Hall (May 10/11) where there was an exhibition of W.I. memorabilia.
She also gave everyone an open invitation to Playden WI's Summer Fair on June 14, taking place in the garden of Rea Festing, where it is hoped that Michael Foster, MP will attend.
Heather Hyrapiet, from county, then spoke about WIs in other parts of East Sussex - some new ones that had been formed and some re-formed with growing numbers. It all sounded very encouraging for the life of WIs in East Sussex.
Heather was warmly thanked by Jean Watson, of Landgate. Heather then judged the competition of six watercolour birthday cards from each institute. The winner was Betty Crosskey, of Playden, with a lovely painting of sunflowers.
Commander Paine was then introduced and we settled down to hear a very fascinating and amusing talk on the 'Ditty Box' and naval yarns during his 28 years in the Royal Navy.
He had visited many places, including the Falkland Islands, the Caribbean and Scotland, an told a very funny story about Invergordon.
Sadly, we were only able to hear a short selection of his naval yarns but he certainly left us all wanting more!
During the refreshments, the raffle was drawn and the chairman then thanked the hosts, Beckley, for a very enjoyable evening, Playden for the excellent raffle, Landgate for 'manning' the bookstall and Iden for taking the notes.
The meeting then ended with the singing of the National Anthem, again unaccompanied.
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