THE hall was decorated in a very festive, Christmassy fashion, with a tree and baubles, fairy lights and crackers.

In the background Christmas music played.

As the members arrived they brought finger foods for the buffet and as usual for the WI the standard looked very professional.

The meeting began with a glass of warm punch as members began the business, they were lead to believe that during the next weeks and during next year members will have a huge amount of very interesting meetings and trips to which they can look forward. Demonstrations at Waitrose, trips to London and a practical meeting learning to create,’Life Drawings or Still Life.

It has also been suggested that internal groups are created, such as Book Club, Walking Group, Craft Sessions are but a few, and there seemed a great deal of enthusiasm.

Next, the lights were turned off leaving only the fairy lights making a magical atmosphere and members were introduced to Fiona Eadie, who is a storyteller.

It is hard to describe the atmosphere created by a single voice drawing pictures in the imagination of different styles of story which were so cleverly told that the characters and scenery appeared to be real in your mind. Fiona is an absolutely superb storyteller and members were all sorry when the session finished.

Members gathered around their tables with the glorious food to discuss yet another splendid WI meeting.

If you would like to come and join members meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Ripple Village Hall.