Thurlow
W.I. has twenty members and meets on the second Tuesday
of each month. The committee consists of the President (Mrs.
Sylvia Robinson), Vice President (Mrs. Dorothy Clark), Treasurer
(Mrs. Jean Lansdell), Secretary (Mrs. Margaret Ince) and
seven others.
The
W.I. was formed in 1946 with many more members than today
there were, for example, forty-two in 1952. Five
of the founder members remain: Dora Rowlinson, Cherry Rising,
Rene Sargent, Belle Thomas and Joan Smith.
Speakers
are invited to present various topics at each meeting, except
in May when national issues are discussed and voted on,
and in December which is when we hold the Annual General
Meeting. Examples of some recent talks are: A treasure trove
at Ashdon, The history of vegetables, Behind the scenes
in dress making couture and A wildlife photographer's year.
Outings are sometimes arranged but because of the small
number of members short trips to local inns for a meal are
favoured. In 1997, for example, we went to the Cherry Tree,
Stradishall for Christmas, and the Hartest Rose and Crown
on one summer evening to celebrate our 50th anniversary.
Each
year members have the opportunity to join with the rest
of Suffolk West at the A.G.M. in Bury St. Edmunds and the
Autumn Council Meetings. The national meetings are held
at the Albert Hall, the Birmingham Centre or various regional
venues.