EDINGTON and Tinhead WI had a busy month in September, with a visit from an auctioneer, and a game of walking rounders.
Anne Tottingham reports, “We had many visitors including three new members on 13th September when local resident Gordon Brockman, auctioneer and valuer from Chippenham and Berkshire Auction Rooms, gave a very entertaining and salutary insight into auctions and our need to be on our guard when looking for collectible items.
“Gordon had learnt his trade over many years. He told stories of visiting people’s homes where they had no idea of the value of some of their valuables. The expression he used was ‘While I’m here, that’s what I’m here for.. I’ll take a look…’ At the moment Art Deco and costume jewellery are collectable.
“Gordon recommended that as a first port of call we don’t use house clearance people or those who advertise to buy gold and silver. He challenged us to put items he had brought into a valuation order after describing them in great detail.
“There was much discussion but in the end only 2 items were genuine, the rest were fakes. This proved that it was worth checking out an item you might have been going to buy before bidding for it.
“During the business part of the evening, Jan Billinge agreed to represent our group of WIs at the National Annual Meeting in Liverpool June 2017. A survey was shared to canvas people’s views on speakers for 2017/18.
“As part of the WI nationwide sport’s week, a ‘walking rounders’ tournament was held at Erlestoke cricket ground on the 17th September and was a great success.
“We played against Bratton and 5 Lane Ends WIs – Bratton won. The competitive spirit was high and all enjoyed the event. One member had been to look at the Stone Curlews project, two had learnt instructing lessons from the IAM about driving.
“We are collecting old bras for a third world project.
“The Weavers group (five WIs joining together) will see Mike Rowe talking about his passion for all things French including a wine tasting on 17th October at Heywood Hall.
“There is a lot going on in our WI and in the wider WI network.
“You will be made most welcome to our next meeting on Tuesday 11th October at 7.30pm when Sarah Buttenshaw will talk about ‘Burma: the land and its people’.”
