The March monthly meeting of the Brockenhurst W.I. was held in Brockenhurst village hall on Monday 10th March. There was a good number of members attending.

The table flowers were beautifully arranged by Jean, but unfortunately, we didn’t get a photo!

After singing Jerusalem, Liz introduced our speaker, Bridget Eastman, who talked to us about ‘Becoming an Artist in later life’.

Bridget has a studio at Spudworks in Sway. She told us about how, in an attempt to prevent loneliness in old age, she tried a variety of arts including weaving, clay, life drawing, jewellery making and bead making. This led her to studying for an MA is Fine Art.

Bridget told us how she loves planning and the challenges of setting up a loom and the anticipation of how it will turn out, but is afraid of finishing something as that means having to start something new!

Bridget said that she has met a lot of encouraging people who’ve helped her on her way. She told us of the pleasure she gets from using her hands and getting lost in a passion and how you can weave away upset and anger.

This talk fitted in well with International Women’s Day and how you are never too old to try something new! Our members had lots of questions for Bridget and enjoyed looking at her loom that she brought along.

Rita and her team of bandage makers and knitters had a table of items that will be sent to Ukraine..

After a cuppa, Liz conducted the business element of the meeting and thanked Janice for running the reception desk, Ann B and Esther for serving the refreshments, Maureen and April for doing the raffle, Jean for the table flowers and the committee for setting up the room

We had 7 members with Birthdays this month and 3 carried over from last month.

Evelyn updated us on the New Forest Show and asked for any questions regarding the schedule for the meeting on Thursday 13th March. The draft schedule can be seen here.

Carole has planned sessions for the Craft Group that feature skills that will be useful for categories in the New Forest Show. New Members to the Craft Group are welcome.

Julie updated us about campaigns and the collection for toothpaste and toothbrushes for our Dental Health Matters campaign. The walk on Monday 17th ,a Spring Council Watch Party on 19th, a community litter pick on Monday 24th and advance notice of an ACWW Walk and tea on 29th April.

Seeds were available for this year’s growing competition, growing Luffas. As well as being able to eat the small fruits, if they are left to grow and dry, they make great scrubbing mediums for cleaning, and are eco as well as being plastic-free!

Christine told us about Lunch Club on Tuesday 25th March The Rising Sun at Bashley for 12.30 and a Brunch on Monday 28th April.

Karen told us about a Skittles Evening on Tuesday 22nd April, Croquet on 18th June and an outing to Highclere Castle on 18th August.

There were lots of sign-up sheets for the above activities.

The ‘Competition of the Month’ was a photo of ‘Wild Weather’ voted for with silver coins which are donated to ACWW. The winner was Julie with her photo of ponies in the snow in November.

The meeting ended with the raffle being drawn and members looking forward to a range of forthcoming activities – something for everyone!