THE Tedburn St Mary Women’s Institute meeting on Tuesday, June 3 was held at Tedburn St Mary Village Hall, with 35 WI members in attendance.

Following the business section of the meeting, Tedburn St Mary WI enjoyed an excellent presentation delivered by the speaker for the evening, David Brewer, about his career as a building inspector, working in the local area. 

David, who qualified as an inspector in his twenties, has carried out over 40,000 inspections in a career that started in the early 1970s.

WI members quickly became familiar with building vocabulary, and were soon up to speed on how inspectors work as the police force of the building industry, maintaining standards and ensuring public safety.

David gave us a fascinating insight into the history of the development of building regulations, and the influence government bills and Acts of Parliament have had in bringing change to the buildings we live and work in.

David has witnessed the effect of this in the lives of people in our local area, from the move of gas lighting to electric, through to the development of Princesshay shopping centre, and the building of the Meteorological Office.

David completed his presentation with a cooking demonstration, using his acting skills honed through years of appearances in local pantomimes to show WI members how to make a traditional fruitcake (aided by a large number of glasses of whiskey!?!).

A thoroughly entertaining evening was had by all. Our thanks go to David for his presentation. WI members also took part in the monthly competitions, a raffle, and enjoyed tea, coffee and biscuits.

Members of Tedburn St Mary WI continue to enjoy a busy programme. Thirteen of our members recently enjoyed sharing a day with Alphington WI for the NFWI Annual Meeting via Zoom and members have also had lunch out together at Homeleigh Garden Centre in Crediton.

Our meetings are held in Tedburn St Mary Village Hall on the first Tuesday of each month, at 7.30pm. As always, we love to meet prospective new members, and you will be warmly welcomed if you would like to attend. There are lots of activities on offer at Tedburn St Mary WI every month, including good speakers, walks, and knitting and craft sessions.

Remember that the first meeting attended is free, to enable you to decide whether to join our WI.

You can get in touch with president Jane by telephoning 07814 659526 or secretary Rachel on 01647 61868.