The Memorial Hall was looking seasonal as members were trying out their decorations on the tree which they were to use for the Christmas tree festival taking place later in the month in the church.

Judy Rich welcomed guests from Bepton and Midhurst and three officers from North Lodge, one of whom, Anne Parry, was the outgoing federation chairman for the region.

Judy welcomed the lone male at the event, speaker Paul Ullson, a brave man to face a hall full of women. He was there to talk about Christmas in the Jacobean period.

After official business members enjoyed a marvellous lunch prepared by Janice Sayers.

While they drank their coffee, Paul, a member of the Raven Tor Re-enactment Group – dressed in full Jacobean costume – explained what very tempestuous times England went through in the Jacobean period.

After thanking Paul for a very entertaining talk, Judy proposed a toast to the WI and Eve Phillips was invited to cut the birthday cake which had been decorated by the daughter of a member.