It's difficult to adequately describe the past two meetings. Both were sensational and everyone has asked for a repeat of each. In June Timothy Walker the Hortus Prefectus of Oxford Botanic Garden talked about the garden his wife had created. He described how the garden had been re designed and planted up. Funny, inspirational, informative- he was brilliant.
The July meeting turned into something of an Arabian rave. The BcS WI Middle Eastern dancers assumed the name of Nijoumn al layou (Stars of the Night) and performed the dance that we've been practising to tumultuus applause and a lot of ululating - the high pitched sound that women from Africa and the Middle East use at times of great excitement. This mostly came from members of Hathor, the group that entertained us last year and got us doing this. They again danced for us and that was followed by the most amazing spread of delicious food brought by members. Then it was a free for all! Shimmy belts were exchanged so that everyone could get the feel of it: what an evening!! We hope to carry on with our Middle Eastern dancing, so if you would like to join us, let me know.
In the last Villager I said that the August meeting, when our MP Ed Vaisey would be coming to talk would be an open one. Unfortunately it will be for WI members only. He won't be wearing his political hat and will be talking about parliamentary life
On Sunday 24 September we are having a fund raising lunch to sponsor Liz Eaton, who lives locally. She is doing a cycle ride in Cuba to raise money for Denman College at Marcham which is where we can go to study.
Mais Appleton
