Reports

2020

Many thanks to Tim Coltman for speaking so passionately about his great grandfather William Coltman at our January meeting and also for passing on his in-depth knowledge of the conditions faced by all those who took part in the first world war. Born in 1891 near to Burton on Trent, William who was a Christian, signed up along with so many others but said he would not fight.  He served as a stretcher bearer, often without a stretcher, on many occasions single handedly rescuing the wounded, including his captain. His faith kept him strong and. although only a slight unassuming man, his bravery and disregard for personal safety led to the award of the Victoria Cross and many other medals.

This was an amazing story and how wonderful to know that William lived until 1974 and was able to return to his quiet life as a gardener after witnessing so much death and horror.

2019

It was good to have Carolyn Boulter back in Huncote for our October meeting, this time instructing us on how to Make an Owl Paperweight using the little packs of materials she had prepared in advance. Lots of concentration and discussion followed as our owls gradually took shape and, before the evening was over, a delightful group of owls was on display. This was a very enjoyable evening.

Huncote WI

Good advice was given at our September meeting by Matthew Eames of the Waste Initiative Team (part of Environmental Health at Leicestershire County Council). The team is responsible for all environmental issues from home composting, recycling, use of real nappies etc. Helping to keep things out of landfill and thus preventing further pollution into the atmosphere is part of a national campaign supported by the Council. We can all play our part and Matthew’s subject Love Your Clothes concentrated on the damage we do by putting clothing into our black bins rather than extending their life by careful buying, care and repair and taking or buying our clothes from charity shops and the like.