The April meeting enjoyed a fascinating and entertaining talk by Eileen Carter who gave a slide presentation and talked about The Day We Walked to London.

Her humorous and interesting anecdotes of her adventure prompted a lot of questions from the audience. On May 24, 1997 a large group of people set off from St Kevern, for a walk lasting over a month, to commemorate the Quincentennial anniversary of the Cornish Rebellion of 1497 when there was a popular uprising against the raising of taxes by King Henry VII.

Diane Lyons gave a report of the Spring Countdown held at the Hall for Cornwall which had been attended by secen members.

The bench the WI donated to the National Trust for placement on the Penrose Estate is now in situ complete with plaque by the lodge.

The winners of the Flower of the Month competition were- 1st Sue Smith - 2nd Eunice Powell - 3rd Frankie Pullinger. The winners of the Who Should be on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square competition were: 1, Sue Smith; 2, Eunice Powell. The winner of the Barbara Gething Trophy, for an Easter card, was Di Lyons.

At the Group Social Evening we were joined by members of Cury, Mullion and Sithney and District WI to enjoy a delicious buffet, prepared by members, and to listen to a talk about the Africa Mercy Ships by Mike Temple. The Africa Mercy is dedicated to bringing continued hope and healing to the people of Africa. This vessel has five operating theatres, an 82-bed patient ward and accommodation for more than 450 volunteer crew members. It provides life changing and life saving treatment for people mainly in West Africa. Mike, has just returned from the Republic of Congo, was a cook onboard the ship and has applied to work again onboard in a more clinical role. He was able to give us the exciting news that the charity will soon have an additional ship which will be purpose built.

There was a successful skittles evening later in the month. The final event of a busy month was the Children’s’ Hospice Southwest Fashion Show when members and friends and supporters of the Children’s’ Hospice Southwest, modelled clothes from the charity shop in Helston. The charity organised the raffle and sold clothes and accessories after the models walked the cat walk modelling casual, smart casual and formal wear. It was a very successful evening raising £435, including Gift Aid, for the charity.

At the May monthly meeting there will be a presentation by member Edna Wood on her visit to another member of the group who lives in the Falklands Islands and Resolutions will be discussed.

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