July 2009

Winteringham WI
Minutes for Members Night in the Village Hall at 7.30pm Thursday 16 July 2009

The President, Mrs Christine Wood, welcomed 24 members and led them in the singing of Jerusalem. Mrs Margaret Johnson welcomed committee members before the business was dealt with at speed. Some items from the Federation News were circulated during the evening and tickets for the 'Fabulous Fifties' at Great Limber given out. During the evening the menu for the August outing was circulated.

Mrs Johnson then welcomed the speaker, Mr Glen Shipley, Senior Prison Officer from HMP Moorhead. Glen gave us a résumé of his career in the prison service, which began in 1980 after an unsuccessful attempt to be a car salesman. He discussed his six years at HMP Pentonville describing day to day life 'inside ' for prison officers and inmates with humour and compassion, giving us a very clear insight into the sensitive nature of the work.

He explained the structure of the prison system and gave us many fascinating bits of history, including details of Albert Pierpont and his macabre duties. Glen answered numerous questions and took part in a lively discussion with members on some of the current issues concerning crime and punishment.

Mrs Johnson thanked Glen on behalf of all the ladies for his interesting talk on an unusual subject.

A delicious supper of cold meats, quiches and salads followed by a tempting selection of sweet dishes and a cheese board with fruit juice and wine had been prepared by members and was much appreciated by everyone.

The draw took place for the numerous Mystery Parcels.

Mrs Wood thanked all the members for arranging another successful and very enjoyable Members Night.