At our March meeting Brockenhurst WI members and guests enjoyed a presentation from coach and hypnotherapist, Chantal Dempsey. Linking into International Women’s Day her talk focussed on ways to empower and unleash our inner confidence.

She began by encouraging us to look on ourselves as another human we need to cherish and care for – we cannot focus on everyone else’s needs all the time! Chantal addressed the inner voices we sometimes hear that put us down and reinforce past negative messages and suggested techniques to tackle this. There were some comments and questions from the audience, and it was certainly thought-provoking. More ideas and information can be seen on Chantal’s website.

Julie told us about the hedge planting that took place on Saturday to commemorate our 108th Birthday and NFWI’s 110th Birthday. You can read more here.

Julie thanked everyone for entering the forthcoming Group Show with our record number of entries. She encouraged everyone to go and take a look at the Show and everyone’s hard work.

There were lots of sign up sheets and information for future activities and our customary raffle. The Spring Council was also discussed and members were encouraged to attend.

Karen told us about the events that she is organising, including skittles, croquet and our annual outing.

The ‘Competitions of the Month’ was a cheee scone or a cheese scone recipe and the winner was Julie. Donations from this go to ACWW 

Long service Certificates were awarded to Ann Hessey 42 years of membership and Carole Blaylock 10 years of membership (catching uni from last month).

Mavis is celebrating a big Birthday this month and Liz made a beautiful cake to commemorate this. The cake was enjoyed by all with a cuppa.

These beautiful table flowers were arranged by Barbara W.

Julie thanks Janice for running the reception desk, Maureen & April for organising the Raffle, Sue & Claire for serving refreshments, Barbara W for table flowers and the committee for all their help.

Thank also go to Suzanne A for her write-up of the talk and for taking photographs and to Jayne for additional photographs