Members of the WI arrived at the Village Hall on December 10th to be greeted with mulled wine and tables beautifully decorated for our Christmas meeting. Before we descended on the refreshments we were treated to a talk about Street Organs by John Hunt, who also gave us some splendid illustrations of the sort of music that could be produced by the two instruments he had brought with him - complete with stuffed monkey! Then, thanks to the Committee who had produced the goodies, we all enjoyed a tuck-in, helped along by a little more mulled wine.

At our first meeting of the new year, on January 21st, Martin Way talked to us about the Golden Age of Coaching, leading us from the time when roads had ruts several feet deep and people travelled rarely, through the age of the turnpikes and tolls, stage coaches, timetables, the precision and reliability of the Royal Mail(how times change!), and taking in the exploits of highwaymen on the way. All fascinating stuff.

As we go to press, members are looking forward to our annual dinner, this year at The Chequers. After that, our next meeting is on February 18th, when Andrew Moss will come to talk to us about the Old Radcliffe Infirmary, and on March 18th we will have our AGM. When (if?) the weather improves, our walking group are planning to stretch their legs on sections of the Oxfordshire Way, The walks are open to all. Watch this space. As always, new faces are always welcome.