members being on holiday the meeting was slightly less well attended than normal but we began by discussing coming agenda and then quickly handed over the meeting to our guest speaker Mrs Howes who gave us an extremely interesting and informative talk on 'Corn Dollies'. We learnt of their use in ancient times as fertility symbols to ensure a good harvest the following season, to their development throughout previous centuries and almost extinction after the last war when farming methods changed, to the craft they have become today. After showing and explaining the significance of the varied and beautiful examples each member was given four straws and shown how to make a 'Countryman's Favour', which we did with varying degrees of dexterity.
Following the talk a delicious supper was served and meeting ended at 10pm.

Patricia Haye

Apologies to the WI for not printing the August report last month - just an administrative error, nothing personal. Ed.

August
Despite torrential downpours the week before the August meeting optimism reigned when the weather forecasters were suggesting two days of summer would return, and one of these days was when Northwold W I were having a summer garden party to replace the usual meeting. Our contingency plans for the use of an alternative venue were scrapped when Tuesday, August 13^th dawned bright and sunny The beautiful garden where the party was held had been lovingly prepared by our host member and her husband. Gazebos were erected, chairs and tables with cloths, flowers and candles were arranged, games of boule, darts, croquet, dingbats and more were prepared and then the food and drink arrived. Now the W I is renowned for it's food, but this spread was especially good. Lists can be tedious, suffice it to say that everything was excellent from the Bucks Fizz and Fruit Punch on arrival to the gooey

calorific puddings to finish.
Of course all this would be for nothing if everyone hadn't risen to the spirit of the occasion. Guests were invited from neighbouring villages and along with Northwold members joined in the fun and games. When the final raffle ticket had been drawn it was quite dark, and one of the beautifully decorated hats worn by some members was judged to be the winner - a straw number embellished by fresh flowers from her garden. The President thanked all concerned for making such an enjoyable party, and suggested a possible replay next year.
Going home the moon was a small crescent in the western sky but there were no Perseids to be seen in the eastern sky, however the stars glistened magically bringing the evening to a peaceful end.
September
The W I met at the Village Hall on the evening of Tuesday, September 10^th. Due to several