IN July we celebrated the Jubilee in big style – the hall and tables were decked with union flags with matching plates and red roses on every table. Most members remembered to wear something red, white or blue and Jerusalem was sung with even more pride than usual.

Brains were tested from the start with a wordsearch puzzle with an Olympics theme.

Final details were given for our river outing in August with a 10.45am start from the Dolphin Centre. Let’s hope the water stays underneath us and none falling on us.

After the usual WI business had been dealt with, we welcomed Veronica Collette who told us of her work and life as a nurse in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s. A fascinating talk, but it was disturbing to hear how male-orientated the country was and made us appreciate our emancipation so much more. Girls were married at 15 and many had had 10 children by the time they were 25. We were shown the traditional dress for women and men, but it was surprising that the full-length black dress for women was made of nylon which was so hot to wear. She was amazed to find that underneath the women were dressed in the most expensive dresses and jewellery, showing the wealth of their husbands. We were relieved that she didn’t dwell too long on the chop-chop square where miscreants had their hands and heads chopped off in public and moved on to the story of a builders crane with men perched dangerously on the arm which positioned itself over their swimming pool – peeping toms are everywhere. Switching from serious to amusing topics, Veronica proved an excellent speaker and at the end of her talk we were able to examine many examples of jewellery and other items she had brought with her. Tea-time was special with home-made cakes and scones, jam and cream and a quiz about the Queen which was won by Pat Wilkes.

We meet at the Masonic Hall, Churchfields, on the second Tuesday in the month at 2.15pm. Visitors are always welcome.