The meeting started with a minute’s silence in memory of a long standing WI member, Connie Hawes.
Our President, Anne Frampton, then welcomed Mrs Carol McFadzean who gave an informed and much enjoyed talk on the life and work of a Devon lacemaker, Charlotte Treadwin, who had local connections having been married at Gulliford Chapel, Lympstone in 1850. She learnt lacemaking at Woodbury and earned a Royal Warrant by making lace for Queen Victoria and the Princess of Wales. One of Carol’s journeys of excitement and pleasure came in 2002 when a lace dealer’s bag, found in Woodbury Salterton school, became a major find in the lace world as it contained over 700 samples of lace dating from the 18th century. She was thanked by Diana Letcher who wondered just how many of us had, in our childhood days, played with pieces of lace which would now be regarded as important samples!
Our February lunch will be held in the Function Room at 12 noon for 12.30pm on Tuesday, the 14th, cost £6. Members may bring their own drink, if they wish. The Devon WI Spring Council meeting will be on Wednesday 25th April at the Riviera Centre, Torquay. The celebrity speaker is Chris Beardshaw, the popular broadcaster and gardener, so reserve your ticket soon for this full and interesting day. Coach transport is available. Our next Committee meeting is on Tuesday, 28th February at Rose Cottage, Longmeadow Road at 2.15pm.
The Rev. S Hoyle is the speaker for our next meeting on Wednesday, 7th March; his subject is “The Titanic”. Do come and hear him, all ladies welcome.
Diana de la Rue
