Betty Carter writes:

Packington WI’s October meeting was well attended, and members enjoyed a talk entitled A Tourist’s View of Russia by local resident David Fill.

Mr Fill was already proficient in three languages when he was required by the Army to learn Russian. This gave him an abiding interest in the country, which he subsequently visited many times.  He illustrated his talk with slides, which proved most interesting.

The competition, for A Memento of Russia, was won by Hazel Brown, with a Russian doll. Second was Margaret Stalker (a Cossack hat), and third Ruth Morris (a samovar).  A vote of thanks to the speaker was proposed by Beryl Latham.

Sue Talbot acted as secretary for the evening in the absence of Sandra Hawley, who is currently in Coalville Hospital and much missed. Several members have visited her and it is hoped she will soon be well enough to resume her post.

New committee members are urgently needed – the Annual General Meeting is on November 7, so now is the time to put your name forward.

The Help Out Mill in Shackerstone is the venue for the annual Ivanhoe Group lunch on October 19.