THERE was a sombre tone to the December meeting of the Coads Green WI.

Doris Baker, a founding member and past president, had died at the grand old age of 105 and president, Pat Mallett, kindly asked members to remember her friendship in a minute’s silence. There will be a thanksgiving service for Doris in January at Coads Green.

The December meeting was an in-house Christmas craft evening and was lead by Pat. The members were all given individual packs of materials, which included Christmas shapes, brushes and pre-cut paper. It was possible to create two or three decorations within the given time and many did. It was good to take away these beautiful decorations, all of which were very individual and unique. Thanks must go to Pat Mallett for the preparation of the pack and introducing everyone to the art of deco-patch and to husband, Paul, who was also instrumental in making the Christmas shapes ready for immediate use. It was a very enjoyable activity.

In the business side of the meeting, plans were finalised for the senior citizens’ christmas party on Friday, December 9. Christine Walters and Alison Gribble, who have just celebrated landmark wedding anniversaries, will cut the cake and Christine Evans, the long serving member and president of Altarnun WI, will open the stall.

Mince pies and clotted cream were provided by the committee and served by Gerry Rennie. Birthday posies were presented to Viv Trewin and Betty Gribble. Rae Argent won the raffle. The flower of the month prize was awarded to Rosemary O’Brien and Alison Gribble won the competition prize, with Ulrike Van Loo taking second place and Em Martin taking third.

The next meeting, which will be an open meeting for partners, friends and family, features Rupert Kirkwood, who will talk about his experiences kayaking around Cornwall. It will be held on Wednesday, January 11, in Coads Green Chapel at 7.30pm and includes refreshments.