Dilton WI hear about Antarctic adventure

The ladies of Dilton Marsh WI welcomed Sarah Buttenshaw to speak of her wonderful trip to the Antarctic Peninsula an animal lover’s dream. 

Accompanied by an array of breathtaking photographs, Sarah told us many interesting facts.  It is larger than Australia and the highest and driest of all continents, made up of 70 to 80% water. 

The adventure started in South America and then proceeded to South Georgia for the 21-day trip. There are many different types of penguins including the Chinstrap, King, Gentoo, Magellanic, Macaroni and Adelie. These creatures together with the birds feast mainly on grill.  There are also seals and whales in abundance. Elephant, Leopard, Fur and Crab Eating seals (who don’t eat crabs.) Humpback and Minke whales. 

Georgia was named by Captain Cook after King George the Third. The birds are many including the Albatross who is the largest sea bird in the world and can grow a wing span of up to 11 feet. Then there are  Prions, Terns, and Pintails to name just a few. The scenery and surroundings are beautiful, glaciers, icebergs, floating ice tongues and the islands housing these beautiful creatures. Sarah was given thanks for her talk followed by rapturous applause. 

Treasurer Sara Honor gave a report on the Wiltshire Federation AGM held in Salisbury City Hall at the end of October. Members were told that there had been 5 new WIs opened in Wiltshire and also 500 new members of the WI.  Next year being the centenary year, poems had been written by members in celebration.  

One of the invited guests to speak at this event was Sally Becker, an inspirational humanitarian and author who has spent over 25 years rescuing families from war. She is an advisor for the Humanitarian Intervention Centre and a patron of Tell Mama UK. She became known as ‘The Angel of Mostar’ following her rescue work in Bosnia.  She also works with international charities to promote peace and is a goodwill ambassador to ‘Children of Peace’ and founded Road to Peace.  

Sally’s rescue work has been recognised with many awards including the Unsung Heroes Award, The Ross McWhirter Award for Bravery, The Variety Club Award and Woman of the Year and the Blue Drop Group Sicily. Following her moving and inspirational address to the members telling of the families and children she had met, Sara reported that Sally was given a standing ovation and a collection was made as a contribution to her charities. 

President Alison Irving reminded members that next month’s meeting will be a Christmas celebration at a local hostelry.

Liz Lee