THE January meeting of the Bude WI, held at the Bude Methodist Church Hall on Tuesday, January 9, was awash with talent.

The walls of the hall were packed with tables displaying handicrafts of all descriptions, wicker work, painting, needlework of very type, knitting, photography and card making.

The membership was also entertained by talented members with Heather Thomsett reciting a medley of poems.

Then Edna Steell read two of her own short stories recalling her happy days as a child minder. Pam Williams then appeared in a flapper costume and the music started. No one realised Pam could tap dance, and how.

The evening concluded with a demonstration of flower arranging by Joan Trewin. President Cynthia May, wearing a top hat and acting as presenter, congratulated everyone who had taken part and the audience joined in rapturous applause.

Carol Sparham gave details of a new photography competition, requesting members take photographs at WI functions during the month and choose one to have printed and hand to her. At the end of the year twelve photographs will be chosen to be made into a photo book or similar to mark the Cornwall Federation of WI’s 100th year.

Bude WI is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year and the next event to mark this wonderful occasion will be 95 challenges. Each member is being asked to carry out one new challenge. This could be sky diving, learning a new skill or completing any task which has not been done before. One member wants to dye her hair a vivid colour and a few others are going on the high wire at Eden.

The competition was a winter photograph of Bude and the winner was Joan Lashbrook, second Carole Edwards and third Ms Sparham. Foliage of the month was won by Jenny Dabbs with second Ruth Pearce and third Ms Lashbrook.

The February meeting will be on Tuesday, February 13, when the main speaker will be Sajlas Taaz, who will demonstrate her curries with lots of samples. The competition is a handmade Valentine card and flower of the month. As usual visitors are welcome.