Jenny B, Tina, Sheila and Sparks went to Torquay today to the Devon Federation WI Day - a celebration for all Devon WI members! It was an excellent day, with a friendly, warm and relaxed atmosphere. We chatted with members from Exmouth, Lewtrenchard and Plympton - people had travelled from all across Devon.
Jeryl Stone, our National Chair, spoke to us about the need for change in the WI to ensure that it remains the leading organisation for women - as it has been for the past 111 years. The WI offers fun, friendship and learning, a movement we can be proud to pass on to future generations.
In the foyer we were able to see the entries for the decorate a bra competition, as well as the beautiful flower paintings entered for the Molly Nosworthy trophy. There were several stalls for those who wished to indulge in some retail therapy, Jackie Buxton was there letting us know about the pocket meadows project and we were able to meet the Federation staff.
Andrew Hughes gave us a very interesting talk about his work at Backsford Farm, Bickleigh. He mentioned that they run tours of the garden he has created, alongside his wife’s cream teas. (Special note made of this!) https://www.backswood.co.uk/nature-garden-1
Finally, our main speaker was Judi Spiers whom many will recognise from West Country television in the 1980s with Gus Honeybun (surely you remember him?), or Pebble Mill, or Radio 2, Radio Devon and who now works for Boom radio https://www.boomradiouk.com/judi-spiers/ She was very entertaining!
What a wonderful day! We also found our own piece of the Devon WI bunting!
