The January meeting of Polstead W.I. was held on Tuesday the 8th and chaired by our new President, Mrs Chris Cuthbert.

The flower of the month was won by Vivien Wallace with a Hebe, and 2nd, with a Vibernum, was Inge Hall.

The competition, entitled 'A Horse Shoe', was won by Ann Barnard.

Val Cadman & Lyn Bensusan from The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding, were our speakers and gave us a very interesting, and at times very heartwarming, explanation of all the hard but rewarding work that they and their volunteers do at the centre, to help mentally and physically disabled people of all ages and levels of ability to experience what it would be like to ride a horse.

For those unable to mount a real horse, they use B.A.B.S (Bruno Active Balance Saddle). A very good tool that helps to build up strength and also knowledge, posture, social skills, balance and communication, to name but a few. It was a very good evening enjoyed by all. (Maria Oxford)

Our speaker on Tuesday February 12th, in Polstead Village at 7.30pm will be Mary Mudd from Carters Vineyard in Boxted. Her subject is 'Planting a vineyard and making wine in England.' During the evening, we will be sampling some of the wine produced at Carters Vineyard.
 
Our President for 2008 is Chris Cuthbert.

We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in Polstead Village Hall.
Keep your eye on the newsletter and the website to see what our programme has to offer.
We look forward to welcoming new members during 2008. Do come along.

Contact Wanda Colleer, 01473 823364, for more information.