YVONNE Cocks took us through amusing, moving and some unusual circumstances with her story as Hereford and Worcester’s first female paramedic. Despite some fears and phobias she decided to join the ambulance service. Extended Training helped overcome her fear of needles and the phobia of heights was beaten when she passed all the training to join the air ambulance service. Her motto is “If you can’t think of a reason not to do it then do it”. After a total of 31 years in the service Yvonne has retired to become a stress medic using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) which helped her conquer a fear of spiders.

Business next – Carol Swanson read the minutes. Mandy Lockett gave details of:

Christmas Meal details at next meeting please bring £10 deposit

Subs for 2016 will be £37.50 payable next month or in January.

Next meeting please bring a gift for Heathlands, value about £5 for male or female (unwrapped but provide some wrapping paper)

Money will be collected for ACWW – the price of a cup of coffee.

Books and unwanted gifts will be on sale.

100 daffodil bulbs to celebrate WI centenary were planted on the village green in Charlton on November 11. A suitable date for remembering.

Next meeting Tuesday, December 8 at 7.30pm in Cropthorne and Charlton Village Hall. Betsy Harmony will lead festive singing, helped by wine and mince pies of course. The competition will be “Favourite song to sing along to” a title and a reason, don’t worry you won’t have to do a solo!

If you are interested in joining or just want to come along to one or two meetings contact 01386 861966.

DIANE BARLOW