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AUTUMN FEDERATION MEETING 27 OCTOBER
 
Sarah & Wheat
 
Sarah Benton accompanied by her guide dog Wheat, gave everyone a greater understanding of the problems facing blind people, when she started a bright day at Dorking.  "Look after your diabetes and it will look after you - I wish I had", she said. Sarah lost her sight at 25 years of age. She has since gone on to become an award winning blue belt in karate and recently undertook a charity parachute jump, in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
 
Dorking5
Nigel Davies and Averil Mansfield with Bette Dexter, Gret Woodason and Pat Ashworth at Dorking Halls
 
 
Mr. Nigel Davies, spoke about the valuable role of the Royal College of Surgeons and introduced Professor Averil Mansfield, CBE FRCS. She related the history and barriers that many women doctors have faced in the predominantly male sphere of surgery. After qualifying as a doctor she fulfulled a lifelong ambition to become a vascular surgeon, and she is currently Chairman of the Stroke Association.
 
Valerie & Gwilym
Valerie Arnold with Gwilym Simcock
After lunch, members were entertained by the talented pianist, composer and BBC3 Jazz award winner, Gwilym Simcock. He played a superb selection of jazz and classical music along with his own special blend of "jazz fusion".
 
Accompanied by the usual shopping opportunities everyone was shown the brilliant colours of an autumn day.
 
BELLS RING OUT FOR SFWI AT GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
The bells rang out to greet over 300 WI members and guests as they attended Choral Evensong on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Surrey Federation. Beautiful blue and yellow flower arrangements by WI members graced areas of the Cathedral.

Evensong on Thursday 12th June had been specially arranged to include a celebration for SFWI. Following the Dean's welcome, Chairman Valerie Arnold gave the address reflecting on the past nine decades  and said "We will continue to work together for a better future for our members and the community."
The second lesson was read by former Chairman Pip Davis, and Evensong ended with the singing of "Jerusalem".

At the end of the service about a dozen White Rock Doves were released on the Cathedral green.

Cathedral
Federation Officers Gret Woodason, Bette Dexter, Pat Ashworth and Chairman Valerie Arnold release the doves.

 
Our major celebration of the year was our evening at Wisley RHS garden and full details of this are on the separate page entitled Midsummer Magic.
 
WISLEY -TASTE OF AUTUMN
 
Betty Dominy, members of the HE committee and demonstrators returned to RHS Wisley for this event which is the second largest staged by the RHS. June Parrett and Diana Buckingham demonstrated their lace making skills to interested crowds of all ages. Pauline Turner from Bramley WI chose autumn colours, flowers and shrubs to show how easy it is to make splendid table decorations and Betty and her team gave out recipes and tips on making preserves.