By Geoff Fisher 
Our September meeting was another lively and enjoyable evening, filled with community spirit, inspiration, laughter and friendship.
We began with our president, Brenda Gostling, presenting a collection of garden hand tools to the Papillon Project. These were donated by WI members who have downsized or no longer required them — a wonderful example of the WI ethos of reuse, recycle and reduce.
The project’s trustees, Sarah Seery and Diane Davies, were delighted to receive the tools and thanked Reepham WI for the generous support. The donation will benefit new start-up projects at Wayland School, Hellesdon, and in Great Yarmouth, giving young people the opportunity to enjoy gardening, growing and learning outdoors.
We also received an invitation to visit the original Papillon Project at Reepham High School & College next year. We look forward to seeing the project first-hand and discovering how it has developed.
We then welcomed Candi Robertson of Candi’s Chutney, who gave us a fascinating and entertaining insight into running a small business. Candi spoke passionately about her love of flavours, as well as the challenges of sourcing British suppliers, navigating regulations and dealing with unexpected costs such as the glass tax.
Starting her business with just £50, Candi shared the highs and lows of her journey. Her humour, personality, enthusiasm and determination shone through, making for a fascinating, flavoursome and thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Fancy finding out what Reepham WI is all about? Why not come along and join us? Whether you’re new to the area, haven’t been to the WI for years or have simply wondered what we get up to, you’ll receive a warm welcome.
Bring a friend and come along for an evening of friendship, fun and interesting speakers – we’d love to meet you!
For more information, contact Brenda Gostling on 07760 458967 or email, or use the enquiry form on the Reepham WI website.
New women are always welcome – come along and give us a try.
Jillian Brown
Pictured above: Sarah Seery, Papillion Project trustee (left) and Brenda Gostling, Reepham WI president. Photo: Reepham WI