Markfield WI News

From Lynda Owen

FOR OUR FEBRUARY meeting we had an interesting talk by Bill Haley (not that one) about his time on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Accompanied by a screen presentation he took us through the history of the Royal Yacht from its launch in 1953 to its decommissioning and retirement to Edinburgh. Although now much visited as a tourist attraction its demise was a sad time for the Royal family and for many of us in Britain.

Bill told us of the Yacht’s trips around the world as a symbol of Britain and the Commonwealth; we heard tales of the glamour of State visits, Royal Honeymoons and of relaxing family holidays, we also learned of the billions of pounds gained through trade and business deals brokered during the Yacht’s time in various parts of the world.

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Bill was one of around 220 crew on board, there was a lot of hard work as well as a lot of fun at times and he obviously looked back on his time with nostalgia and a great deal of pride.

• OUR MARCH MEETING will be Andrew Smart with a talk entitled ‘That Ruddy Cucumber’.

WHAT A WONDERFUL occasion our second Clear Out Sale on 25th February was.

At 8.30am the Community Centre was completely empty and silent. At 9.30am both the hall and the sports hall were awash with cardboard boxes of every size, carry bags, loose items, people scurrying around setting up their stalls and the smell of cooking bacon. It felt like chaos! But it wasn’t and soon everyone was all set. Even before 11 am people were finding bargains to buy. And what bargains – goodness me. From a circular drinks cabinet to puzzles, glamorous dresses to jewellery, from tools to clothes airers, tables to cushions, the list is endless. It was amazing. People were leaving with bags, sometimes as many as 6! Full of stuff.

I heard comments from folk that the sausage and bacon cobs were the best ever. And Raj’s - or should I say Raj’s wife’s - samosas were delicious.

And as ever with Thornton events the atmosphere was happy throughout. And the weather was kind!

And then by 2.30 pm all was empty and quiet again. All quite amazing.

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