October started with Brockenhurst WI having a stall at Friends of Brockenhurst Station’s Artisan Market, where we had an awareness stall promoting our campaign, ‘Bystanders can be Lifesavers’. We gave out information cards and enjoyed engaging with those attending.

At our October meeting, our speaker Liz Murray, gave us an excellent talk entitled “Health is Wealth”, which looked at the ways in which we can “grow old gracefully” by taking care of our bodies and minds. We also had the judging of our annual growing competition. You can read more about it here.

Thursday 15th October was Restart a Heart Day, so Rose and a few members of Brockenhurst WI handed out our information cards in Brockenhurst village, promoting our campaign, ‘Bystanders can be Lifesavers’.

Our Craft Group have been learning to make cushions, under Carole’s tutelage. We made cushions and quilts for teddies and dollies, which we will sell at future events. We also enjoyed a chat and a cuppa. Thank you Carole for hosting these sessions.

Great fun was had by all at the skittles evening, which was organised by Karen. The best score and first prize went to Britta. Liz gained the honour of holding up the rest of us in the points table to claim the chocolate orange. Fish and chip supper was delicious with plenty of chat around the dinner table. A good time was had by all.

Lunch Club this month was held at The Palais des Vaches, Lower Exbury Farm, Exbury.

Twenty Five of our members were given a guided tour by Sara Lawrence around the unique art collection of her father Anthony Lawrence, a local artist who resided with his family in Sway and who passed away in 2022. Sara gave us an interesting and detailed account of his work over the years.

Afterwards we all sat down to a delicious lunch of homemade quiches, scones and cakes, all made that morning by Rachael Rabbits, previously of Rosie Lea’s Tea Rooms in Brockenhurst. All of the staff were very hospitable and ensured that we had a pleasant time as we all enjoyed our lunch surrounded by the many colourful and thought provoking works of art.

The idyllic surroundings of the farm, together with nearby Lepe and the Beaulieu River, were just the other side of the door and the chill wind outside reminded us all that autumn has arrived.

The Darts team have continued to practice on Thursday mornings at The Foresters Arms.

Rita and her team of bandage makers have continued to make bandages for Ukraine on Wednesday mornings.

We look forward to November.