WI

President Sue McEwen opened the meeting with a short silence in memory of Edith Coote, a longterm members who had died recently.

Mrs McEwen reminded members that the Group Carol Service is on Sunday December 3 at 2.30pm in Purleigh Church and Purleigh WI choir will lead the singing. Transport is being offered for members, please ring 828557.

The coffee morning in aid of St Peter's Hospital raised just over £300 and the shanty evening in aid of our WI's 80th birthday celebrations in 2008 made £207. The president thanked members for their support of these events.

The spring group meeting will be held at Wickham Bishops on April 14 and the competition is for a bag made from re-cycled materials.

The National Federation is holding a competition for a scrapbook of a walk showing hidden treasures in our locality. Members were urged to get their cameras out and get walking.

An initiative to send shoebox parcels to our troops for Christmas is being supported by Purleigh WI, members should either prepare their own shoeboxes or bring suitable items to the Carol Service on December 3 in time for posting, items can include toilet requisites, razor blades, sweets, biscuits in tins etc.

If in doubt, ring 01245 321126.

A grant-aided class in beading will be held, over a three-week period in May 2008 - anyone interested in attending should ring 01621 828433.

Mrs Marlene Shepherd presented the Wheatsheaf Cup for the most points gained in the monthly competitions to Sue McEwen, runners up were Jean Hustwayte and Pat Whiting.

Winners of the November competition, for the Oldest Copper Coin, were: 1 Edna Matthams (1754 George II), 2 Sue McEwen (1793), 3 Pat Whiting (1797).

Mrs. Valerie Stone, county adviser, invigilated for the election of the new committee and for the president. The new committee comprises Marie Baker, Betty Jones, Edna Matthams, Gill Crosbie, Sue McEwen, Dorothy Oliver, Jean Ostler, Hazel Ridgwell, Mary Strathern, Jac Snow, Jenny Taylor and Marlene Shepherd.

Sue McEwen was re-elected president for a third term of office.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Following the Sung Eucharist in All Saints church the congregation joined others outside, by the war memorial, for the Service of Remembrance.

The Rev. Elspeth Bland read the names of those commemorated on the memorial and wreaths were laid by Don Nowell, for the 53rd Welsh Division; Stanley Kingsnorth for those killed on the home front by enemy action; Sue MacEwen on behalf of the Purleigh Women's Institute; Kevin Ascott for the Parish Council and Eric Gildersleve on behalf of Purleigh Church. Many people then joined others for coffee in the Cock Clarks Room before going home.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Members and friends of All Saints Church, Purleigh are holding the annual Christmas Bazaar in the village hall on Saturday November 24, starting at noon.

There will be gift stalls, including hand-made quality Christmas articles, Christmas decorations, cakes and produce, toys, jewellery, books, plants, raffles, a tombola and refreshments, including mince pies. The Purleigh Handbell Ringers, led by Siobhan Gower, will entertain with a selection of Christmas carols and other music.

PURLEIGH QUILTERS

The final meeting of 2007 will take place in the village hall on Tuesday November 27 when members will bring along all the articles they have made during 2007.

A very successful day school in hand stitched applique was held on October 26 and a follow-up session is being planned for later in 2008. Anyone interested in joining this group should ring 01621 826988.

PURLEIGH SCHOOL

Headteacher Dawn Dack says parents of children who will be five years old in the academic year 2008/2009 need to register and arrange a visit to look round the school.

The Key Stage 1 teachers Mrs Evans and Mrs Owen will visit pre-schools and day-care settings to meet with children there. The school telephone number is 01621 828282.