Meeting Reports

The Village Hall was bustling and there were delicious smells coming from the food for our 101st Birthday Supper that we would all be enjoying after the usual business. We welcomed two visitors and heard about the Lunch Club and two trips, one to the theatre and another to Llanthony Priory, both coming up in the next few months. Thanks were given to Sandra Hughes for the excellent updating of our website which we hope will encourage more members to join our WI, the money that was donated instead of sending Christmas cards will be given to the Quedgeley Kitchen for their funds and two bookmarks were given to members who had been with our WI for ten years. The first competition of the year was for a homemade birthday card but, as we hold competitions several times a year, cash prizes and a trophy were presented to the winners of last year’s competitions. We were reminded that subs of £54 are due in April. Finally, on to the food which was baked potatoes and several different fillings along with salad and followed by the usual delicious puddings, all provided by the committee and other members. Thanks were given for yet another successful Birthday Supper. In March we will be hearing about the Air Ambulance Heart Defibrillator and we look forward to welcoming any new members or visitors.

Our first meeting of 2026 began on a sad note when we spent a few moments remembering one of our members who had recently passed away after a long illness. After the singing of Jerusalem we heard the usual business that included the discussing of the Resolutions, important issues on which they want the National Federation of Women’s Institutes to campaign. Two members were presented with bouquets and cards for there recent 80th birthdays and we heard about some upcoming visits to look forward to in the next few months.

Our talk for the evening was on the Gloucester Men’s Shed, an Australian concept that was started in 1990. When it was realised that the effect would get men doing things where they can pursue hobbies and learn new skills and more importantly get men talking, the idea spread to other countries. The Gloucester Men’s Shed, originally called the Kingsway and Quedgeley Men’s Shed changed its name and now welcomes members from several parts of the county. The ages range from men in their 70s to the youngest at 26. Many wooden items are made including planters, bird and hedgehog boxes for rescues, memorial plaques and benches, some of which can be seen around our local area. Next month is our 101st `Birthday Supper when we will be celebrating with the usual delicious food and puddings.