At the meeting held on Wednesday 5th October, President Anne Frampton opened the meeting and welcomed three prospective new members, Jerusalem was sung. The President then introduced our Speaker, Mr Bob Spencer, ex- Devon and Cornwall Policeman, his talk was entitled ‘The Policing of the MSC Napoli’. The Napoli and many other container ships have now been replaced by ships eight times bigger and heavier, but supposedly safer! Divers were flown in from Alaska to seal off the oil tanks, to avert an even bigger disaster, although we saw many pictures of sea birds covered in oil, thankfully no more than one hundred actually perished. Many looters came from all over the country causing massive traffic jams in the area, taking whatever they could, much of it was ruined by sea water, all items such as the BMW motor bikes were eventually recovered. Many looters were even seen to be abseiling down the cliffs to get to the beach. The cost to Devon and Cornwall Police was £ 400,000.
Mr Spencer kindly waived his fee, but said he would give a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association. The vote of thanks was given by Mrs Diana De La Rue.
The Treasurer reported that she had received a payment from Gift Aid, we had been able to give a donation to the Furry Dance Committee.
Jill Hearne who has ably run our Drama Club for many years has decided to retire from WI.
There is to be a Litter Pick on Tuesday 25th October at 3.00pm, and members were reminded of the Coffee Morning at the Methodist Hall on Saturday 15th October and to please bring items for sale and cakes for the Cake Stall. There is also to be a road safety talk on Tuesday 11th October and a silk painting workshop on Tuesday 1st November. The next Committee Meeting is on Wednesday 26th October. Our next meeting will be the Annual Meeting on Wednesday 2nd November. All visitors welcome, contact Mrs A Frampton on 276464.
Jo Cotton
