WI Meeting, March 2009 ©Anita Davies
Last year I was approached to be a volunteer speaker at the local Womens Institute, I agreed and was promptly booked in for the 5th March 2009.
So last Thursday evening I went along to talk about my journals. My 'slot' was to commence at 7.45 but I had asked permission to be there from the start of the meeting at 7.15 so I could sketch and was made very welcome.
I have never been to a WI meeting and wasn't sure what to expect. We began by singing a hymn, my absolute favourite 'Jerusalem' and then, while plans were made, dates thrown around the room and minutes read...I sketched.
My 'speach' was unplanned, I prefer to 'ride by the seat of my pants' when talking but I did take a bag load of journals to pass around the room and delve into... I even had the members sketching one another!
I was received warmly and was pleased to be approached by quite a few members, through our coffee and cake break, afterwards telling me how I had inspired them. One woman writes a diary and also sketches but had never thought to mix the two and couldn't wait to get home and start!
I was thrilled. I am very passionate about what I do, I love it, and I love to see that same excitement in someone else's eyes, especially as a result of something I have said or done.
I had a great time and would like to thank the ladies for their kindness and delicious cakes!
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