From the age of just seven Judy always wanted to be a journalist and she regaled members with many amusing anecdotes connected with her various jobs towards this ambition. The final stepping stone was when she started a poetry column for her local newspaper moving on to writing advertising features before training as a reporter and then a sub editor. She recited some of her poems which all related to her own experiences in life and overall it was a very funny but inspirational talk.
Details were given of the many interesting forthcoming events arranged both by the local WIs and Federation (see details of the events on the home page of this website). Oakley and Deane WI are having a trip to Oxford in May, going racing at Newbury in August and visiting Bombay Sapphire later in the year. The main event arranged by Group will be the Centenary celebrations in June being held in Stratton Park, Kempshott where there will be a full day of entertainment, displays and presentations. The group are also hoping to arrange a trip to Waddesdon Manor in December where there will also be a craft fair. Federation are holding a Family picnic evening in June at. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey. when there will be an Abba tribute band and firework display and in September there is a Sunday lunch at Audleys Wood when the puppeteer who devised the War Horse will be speaking.
During the evening a draw was held for one member to undertake a course of her choice at Denman College and a draw has also been made for one member to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace which is being held to celebrate the centenary of the WI.
The meeting in May will be the Annual Meeting and after the business Helen Carter will be talking about Denman College which is owned by the WI and offers residential courses on a wide arrange of subjects.
There are a few more pictures of this meeting on the pictures page of this site.