By Geoff Fisher 
Following an informative speaker programme last year, with such diverse talks on scams (and how to avoid them), the Six Wives of Henry VIII and a look behind the scenes at Peter Beale’s rose stand at the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower shows, not to mention a tutorial on how to apply “drag” make-up, the 2026 Reepham WI schedule kicked off with a visit by Jo Daffin from Phoenix Birds of Prey Rescue.
Jo shared how Phoenix Rescue was set up in 2013 for the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured birds of prey. After appropriate care, administered by their team of falconers, birds are released back into the wild.
Species that have benefited from the charity’s work include kestrels, hen harriers, sparrowhawks and buzzards as well as tawny owls and barn owls. As an example Jo brought along several birds they have rescued, including a long-eared owl and a spectacled owl.
The talk was followed by a brief explanation of each of the resolutions put forward by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, on which members were then asked to vote. These were:
- call for more accessible public toilet facilities;
- action on women’s homelessness;
- Nearer to Nature (green health);
- Love your Vulva (prevention of vulva cancer);
- Every Child Needs a Friend (befriending children in the care system).
Reepham WI meets on the third Thursday of every month at 7.30 pm in St Michael’s, Reepham. The next talk, on Thursday 19 February, will be “Stories and Insights” by Ivan Fisher Funeral Directors.
Photo: Phoenix Birds of Prey Rescue
Geoff Fisher