The March monthly meeting of the Brockenhurst W.I. was held in the village hall on Monday 11th March and led by Elaine our Vice President. There was a good number of members and guests attending.

The table flowers were beautifully arranged by Jayne J.

Birthday flowers were presented to those ladies whose Birthdays are in March.

A throng of ladies perused the room to see what was on offer over the next few weeks. Sign up sheets offered places at a lunch club, Croquet, a quiz team, a local walk through Beechern Woods and a demonstration of ‘Spiced Dorset Apple Cake’ – truly something for everyone!  

This gorgeous hellebore received the most votes in our ‘Competition of the Month’ but there were camellias, a daffodil and heather also on show. The silver coins that we vote with, are donated to ACWW (The Associated Country Women of the World).

Future events were also flagged. The ‘Needlework Fiesta’ is held over the weekend 27th and 28th April and is where the W.I. holds court in the kitchen catering for all the visitors to this textiles based event.

Britta was our champion chilli grower last year so it was her decision what we should have a go at growing in 2024. We were all offered beetroot seeds in varying colours – it will be exciting waiting to see what the seeds produce. 

Britta told us about the upcoming Greener Brockenhurst event with the theme “Making Space for Nature; Reptiles and Amphibians” on Saturday 23rd March from 10-12 at Brockenhurst Village Hall.

Rita did a wonderful job of explaining what her ‘Bandages for Ukraine’ group does on a weekly basis. Used sheets are torn and sewn into the desired lengths before being rolled ready for use. It was salutary to think about the destined use of the bandages. Tiny layettes were also held up as Ukrainian mothers are desperate for clothes for their new born babies. Many members generously donate yarn and skill to make these small items to send out in filled shoe boxes. Booties and mittens are needed and Rita asked for knitters to help out with these.

Mandy Driver from the ‘Scottish and Southern Electricity Network’ talked to us about services available during power cuts. There is a free priority register available for anyone requiring electricity to maintain their health – this can be accessed via a free phone number 0800 294 3259

We were also advised to enter 105 into our mobile phones – the number to call if there is a power cut. You can also sign up to the Priority Service here. Mandy also recommended the ‘Power Track’ app.

Our brilliant member Jackie stepped up when the booked speaker didn’t show. We were all fascinated and enthralled to hear about her Girl Guide trip to Annapurna in Nepal. Jackie travelled with 16 others ranging from 16 to 61 years of age. We heard about the training undertaken in the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and the 17 Thames bridges in London in preparation.

Jackie brought the adventure to life with her descriptions of the trials (which included sickness and altitudes sickness) and tribulations of reaching Base Camp. A video featuring coloured prayer flags, incredible scenery and a taste of the hard work involved in climbing such a steep, high mountain brought it all to life for us. Jackie deserved the enthusiastic clapping she received for such an interesting talk and for standing in at such short notice. Thank you Jackie!

Our next meeting is on Monday 8th April 2024 Monthly Meeting with speaker Marcus Ward of Wild New Forest. Marcus will talk about the “Pine Martins in the New Forest”. This will be held upstairs at Brockenhurst Village Hall – arrival from 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Guests and visitors are welcome. Please email us in advance to let us know that you are coming.