The meeting had begun with a warm welcome to members and several guests, and a few minutes silent reflection on the sad loss of two members who had passed away over the Christmas period.

Christmas cards and letters of thanks for the Christmas party were read out, and all agreed that the entertainment by the 1st Crowton Rainbows and Brownies at the beginning of the evening and the Comberbach WI at the end had been excellent. The hot meal provided through Pam Clegg had also been much appreciated, and everyone was pleased to see the presentation to Robert Gleave for all he had done for the village over 42 years on the Parish Council.

Rose and Irene, who had both retired from the WI committee at the end of the year, were thanked for all they had done as Secretary and committee members, and there was a spontaneous round of applause for Judy Pardoe and Jane Evans, who have stepped forward as Secretary and Treasurer elect.

The preparation of the slide show allowed members to enjoy some excellent tea and home baked, sinfully scrumptious cakes provided by Judy and Ann Roberts, before settling to watch the slide show. Grouped with a theme of "Familiar but Different", members looked saw this applies to both the architecture, gardens, plants, forests and scenery, as well as to the birds and animal life. Several members with connections or knowledge of New Zealand found their own experiences vividly recalled. Rose Leckey, in proposing the vote of thanks, said it made her "quite homesick for her second home".

All are welcome to the meetings, and the programme for the year is posted on the parish rooms notice boards. Other events, including local walks and visits to the theatre or other places of interest, are organised through the year, and details are posted monthly on the website and can be found by clicking the WI logo at www.actonbridge.org. The next meeting will be at the Parish Rooms as usual, at 7.30pm on Tuesday, February 12th, when Peter Turner will be talking about the "Inside Secrets of a Magician".