Another interesting speaker at the April meeting of Kirby Hill WI. ‘Cast Out and Set Free’ was, at times, heart wrenching and poignant but ultimately a tale of triumph over adversity. Christine Wallach was born into the Exclusive Brethren and had known no other life but then, at the age of 50, was cast out with her husband and two sons for transgression on the boys’ part. Christine told her story of fear at having to face the ‘outside world’ with no experience, her heartbreak at losing contact completely with parents, daughters, grandchildren and the effect it had on her two sons who blamed themselves for the Brethren’s actions. Christine and her husband now have a tearoom near Newton-le-Willows serving home made cakes and biscuits and are opening a cake and cookie company online. Christine is a very good speaker with an extremely interesting story to tell.

Well April is indeed a busy month for Kirby Hill WI. The book club meeting on April 2 at a member’s house had the book’s author in attendance. The chosen book was ‘Snares of Guilt’, the first book written by crime writer Lesley Horton. Lesley was a teacher in an inner city Bradford school and had run an educational unit for pregnant schoolgirls and also worked as a volunteer for Victim Support. A very lively meeting ensued with plenty of discussion about the characters, storyline and outcome.

The monthly ‘Pudding-Club’ was on April 3 (yummy) and an outing to Ripon Operatic Society’s Sweet Charity at Harrogate Theatre is on April 17. Our monthly meal out is at La Taska, a Tapas bar in Harrogate.

May looks set to be interesting too. Dr Keith Rix (Stories of a Forensic Psychiatrist) is the speaker for May. Another Pudding Club, Harrogate Operatic Society’s ‘A Century of Song’ at the newly-refurbished Royal Hall, an outing to the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe, a cookery demo at the Group WI, an open afternoon at Boroughbridge Bowling Club and an outing to the Lakeland Farm Shop for lunch followed by a visit to Kiplin Hall are on the agenda. Wow, when do we draw breath?

Kirby Hill WI currently has 46 paid up members but always has room for more. We are a friendly, welcoming group who, as you can see provide plenty of opportunity for enjoyment. Of course, not everyone does everything, but we do provide a diverse choice! We meet on the first Tuesday in the month at The Coronation Hall, Milby so just come along or contact Sue Noyes on 01423 324770 for more information.