Highfield WI members’ meeting, Monday 25 October, 2021
Minutes by Liz McCallum
Apologies from:  Clare Jackson, Cath Sanderson, Hannah Lingard
Members present:  12 including one new member, Patricia Coffey.
Visitors:  1
Collection: £18.50 raised for the Women’s Refuge, rounded up by Helen to £20.   
Donations:  crockery, light on towels.  See note below for the November meeting.
Notices
Laila welcomed members back to our second face-to-face meeting of the year.
Briefly mentioned the Covid measures we are taking in the pavilion – good ventilation, members sat
at tables arranged at a distance from each other, mask-wearing optional.   This will be reviewed in
line with government announcements.
The evening’s collection was to raise money for baby monitors for the Women’s Refuge.
Reminded members to look out for toys for the December meeting, again for the Women’s Refuge
Requested a couple of members to volunteer for washing up at the end of the evening.
Introduced our guest, Phoebe Ross, who gave an interesting and engaging ‘hands on’ talk about
aromatherapy, with some background on the history and uses of essential oils and a demonstration
of its use in hand massage with a beautifully aromatic mix of lavender and rose oils.  Laila stepped up
as guinea pig. Members could choose to massage their own hands or to work in pairs.  
Everyone enjoyed the experience, the wonderful smells, the relaxation it provided and the
opportunity to chat while taking part in the activity.   
Refreshments, organised and delivered by Nancy John and Liz O’Connor, reflected the botanical
theme: fruit cordials and Liz McC’s Hummingbird cake (banana, pineapple and lime).  
Next members meeting: November 22.  This will be a craft meeting, remember to bring a small
container for water and some newspaper.
Since a number of members were unable to attend the October meeting because of half-term, there
will be a further opportunity to donate cash or items for the Women’s Refuge at the November
meeting – think towels, but crockery also welcome.