Packington WI’s February meeting was held in the  Memorial Hall on Thursday 6th February  2014.   It was addressed by Joanna Wilson, her subject being “100 years of Macmillan Cancer Support“.

The speaker’s enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, the renowned cancer charity was inspiring, and everyone agreed that it was deserving of universal support.

Joanna described how its founder Douglas MacMillan, after witnessing his father’s death from cancer, realised that what sufferers from the disease and their families needed above all else was practical support in the home. Accordingly, his first step towards providing this was to buy a bag of coal for a household where he knew a patient was gravely ill. From this one thoughtful act sprang an organisation known and appreciated throughout the land.

A Packington member described how she had been diagnosed with breast cancer 40 years ago, but after treatment was “left to get on with it” . Although the MacMillan charity was in existence then, it was not anything like as well known as it is today, and cancer was not generally talked about. The difference between then and now is incredible.

A vote of thanks to the speaker was proposed by Wendy Jones.

The raffle was won by Liz Deakin.

Next month’s meeting on Thursday 6th March 2014 is the occasion of the annual supper buffet, when members themselves provide the food for a much looked forward to meal. Bring a plate, pudding plate, knife, fork and spoon, and a glass.

Report by Betty Carter