PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Mr Nick Williams came and gave us a fascinating talk about the History of being a Sheriff of Norwich.

In 1404 King Henry IV granted a charter to appoint one Mayor and two Sheriffs and Aldermen to run the affairs of the City in order to keep order, hence the role of the ceremonial sword and mace - there is only one Mayor and Sheriff now and they serve for one year. Mr Williams had worked and been a Norwich City Councillor for some years and when he was invited to be a Sheriff, at a Special Meeting of Norwich City Council, he was delighted to accept for the year May 2007/8. He and his wife Gill thoroughly enjoyed their year but found it could be very tiring sometimes - 2 engagements were not unusual in a day. He brought along a photo album to show us his robes and memorable moments.

Special events for him during the year were the Mayor and Sheriff Ceremonies at the City Hall followed by the evening reception at Norwich Castle, going in the Ceremonial Coach to Norwich Cathedral for the Civic Service and the Lord Mayor's Procession.

However, the most moving event for him was in November 2007 coming down the steps of City Hall with HRH Duke of Gloucester to present to the Royal Anglian Regiment, who had returned from Afghanistan, the freedom to parade through the City. With thousands of spectators applauding, several hundred soldiers with fixed bayonets and flags flying and the Minden Band of the Queens Division, marched through the streets to the Cathedral for a Thanksgiving Service.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 14 March at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Brian MacFarlane will be coming again to show us a further selection of his Nature Photography - members were enthralled last time he came. Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155 .

Shirley Shackshaft

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Christmas has passed all too soon. Hope you all kept warm and healthy.

Our December meeting was very enjoyable and our Lucky Dip Parcels proved very popular. We made over £50 profit and this will be sent to a local Charity, yet to be decided.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 8 February at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when one of our members, Beryl Keen, will demonstrate Painting with Materials ie Patchwork. I look forward to watching this.

Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155 .

JUMBLE SALE

Our next Jumble Sale is on Saturday 25 February at 2.00pm. This will be in the Communty Centre. As usual there will be books, tombola, bric-a-brac. clothing, household goods, raffle and tea/coffee and homemade cakes. Everyone very welcome - I am sure there will be many bargains there.

Shirley Shackshaft

Caistor Church Tree Festival

Caistor Church tree festival was well worth a visit, and our tree above looked splendid thanks to everyone who donated baubles.

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Our October meeting proved to be a great success when Margaret Furness demonstrated the art of truffle and fudge making. Recipe sheets were handed out and so I am sure some our families will be enjoying these over the Christmas period.

Our December meeting is always a highlight of the year. Our entertainment this year will be provided by The Trillers, a lovely group of singers. We have invited some of our friends from neighbouring Institutes as well. We always manage to put on a lovely buffet and so we have all the ingredients for a very enjoyable evening. This will be on Wednesday 14 December at 7.30pm in the Community Centre. Why not come and join us (alone or with a friend) - you will be made very welcome. Any queries to Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155 .

Finally, on behalf of our members, may I wish all of you that read this, a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.