The Clifton Women's Institute

Thanks to all your many wonderful contributions to our stall in the Artisan Market, Clifton WI made £150 from this event. Home baking and preserving from WI members still has a particular appeal and it was notable how many of our customers stopped by and bought because of the WI reputation. It helped as well that our stall was the most attractive and vibrant one there, according to one customer! Victoria spent much of the day recruiting in her usual inimitable fashion, and we confidently expect some new visitors as a result. As for the dog show, our very own Jane Thomas confesses she was in doggy heaven as one of the judges. Jane reports: Canine Chaos, but many wagging tails, happy owners and dog treats. Canine comedy with 40 odd dogs all trying to do a quickest sit, and the best dog trick was won by one who could dance on her hind legs, followed by the husky who could woof on demand. Odd how many people were proud to enter the owner who looks most like their dog! (AND THEY D

Traditionally our August meeting is a social with "home-grown" activity or entertainment, and this year our programme co-ordinator Jill is presenting a quiz with a difference. Rumour has it there might be silly drawings involved, and pubs, and pasta. Do we know anything about pubs and pasta? We'll see! These August meetings are great for getting to know other members, as we're in small teams around tables and there's more time to chat properly. It's a good opportunity for new members to integrate and for visitors who might be thinking of joining to get the feel of Clifton WI.

Our summer meeting was quite a novelty and over 30 members enjoyed Nordic Walking tuition from Bristol Nordic Walking and then a short walk on the Downs, before joining the hardcore (sorry, the key committee members who'd nobly foregone the exercise in order to meet and greet the returning walkers) in the Kings Arms. It was a lovely evening and we ended up taking over half of the roof terrace in the sunset while we had a very relaxed and enjoyable social time.