HELPED by an authentic diary of a Dorchester wool merchant, members walked, in imagination, through the streets of Dorchester in the 17th Century, with Mr Brian Bates.

He gave a glimpse of the devastation by several fires suffered in the County Town (thought by inhabitants to be retribution of past evil doing), and the effect of the plague.

The importance of Denzil Hollis to Dorchester and English history, crime and punishment, morality and marriage and the ways of agriculture and business, were some of the aspects of Mr Bates’ fascinating talk, entertainingly described.

He was warmly thanked by Shirley Crawshaw on behalf of the members.

Christmas is drawing near and the president reviewed the arrangements for the eagerly looked forward to annual party.

Members were also invited to the parties of East Burton and Sutton Poyntz WIs The group carol service is to be held this year in St Martins Church Broadmayne, with mince pies afterwards in the village hall, on Thursday, December 4 at 7.30 pm.

At the last group meeting, 4 members won competitions for poetry and a headband and Broadmayne returned with the winning cup.

This was originally given by Madge Buxton, a past president of the Institute, who has since sadly died.

Marilyn Holehouse enjoyed the county event at the home of the Pitt Rivers family, when the beautiful and unique DFWI War Record’s book was celebrated.

She related that it has become of national importance.

She also took herself off to Denman College with the help of a WI bursary, and is now an expert on wines, especially Bollinger Champagne!

The ‘Flower of the Month’ will be discontinued and that cup, presented annually, will be given to a member who will have made a merited contribution to the institute.

The entertainment for the Christmas party this year will be performed by ‘Two’s Company’.