We were delighted to welcome another superb turnout to our February meeting, including seven visitors, to hear Jo Golby’s talk “A Design for Life”.
Jo captivated her audience as, dressed for the part, she recounted the life of Laura Ashley. It was fascinating to hear the inspirations behind her famous designs and how her early life had shaped her career. It was amazing how her humble beginnings and her passion for living a very basic life culminated in the huge and lucrative Laura Ashley brand. It was also interesting to learn that she had once worked as secretary of the handicrafts section of the National Federation of WIs in London and masterminded an exhibition about patchwork at the V & A as part of this role. 
The most poignant fact was that she was found dead, after falling down the stairs, dressed in a white Victorian style nightdress which was the inspiration for so many of her designs.
After the speaker, members had time to browse genuine Laura Ashley clothes and memorabilia, socialise over refreshments and sign up for this months’ activities which include lunch at the Three Horseshoes, East Leake; Out for Coffee at Cherry Lane and a sociable stroll round Rushcliffe Country Park, followed by a café stop. A bring and buy book sale also proved very popular with lots of bargains being snapped up!
Members had also received their first WI Life magazine of the year which, among many interesting articles, contains an update on our current campaigns. It was wonderful to see that the newest campaign, implemented from the middle of last year, concerning women and girls with Autism and ADHD is well underway with advice on how we can help these women feel comfortable and included at our WI meetings.
Our new programme of speakers will be published in April and we are pleased to be able to offer another varied and high quality selection of talks. In March we will be welcoming Michaela Kelly on “Cruising for the Uninitiated” which we are sure will appeal to cruisers and not yet cruisers alike!
For details of our full programme of speakers please visit our page on the village website https://east-leake.co.uk/east-leake-womens-institute/ or look out for our posters on the village noticeboards and outside the library
New to the village or been here a while? Why not come along as a visitor, enjoy a pleasant evening and join in and find out more about us. We offer a warm welcome to a range of events and activities with fun and friendship. For further information please contact our Membership
Secretary, Carolyn Barnett, on [email protected]