Press Releases 2007 and 2008

At the March meeting of Gibson WI, the speaker was the Fashion Buyer from Eaden Lilley, accompanied by some young members of staff who had bravely volunteered to model a selection of fashions from casual to dress wear.

We were given an insight into how fashion is bought; the stock for next autumn and winter have already been chosen and she was already considering the stock for next spring and summer, even though most of us have not yet thought of buying this summer's clothes.

Apparently there are no clear trends at the moment, although brown did seem to be a popular colour for next winter and there may be a return of the poncho!

She explained that their different stores stock different ranges as the type of customer varies, for instance the Shelford branch attracts a more mature customer whilst Saffron Walden has more of a mixed clientele.

The clothes modelled were a good mixture and the evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Members brought boxes of soap powder and packs of toilet rolls for George Mills to take to Chernigov.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 03 April at the United Reformed Church Hall, Abbey Lane, Saffron Walden.  The speakwe will be Jean Smith, The Cycling Granny.  All visitors and very welcome.

At the February meeting of Gibson WI members and visitors were entertained by Susan Schneider speaking about the History of Britain's Waterways.  She explained that they had been built originally to carry cargo such as coal and china.  The boats were mostly horse drawn and families worked and lived on them, including their babies being born and the children having their lessons.  They were beautifully furbished with surfaces and household items decorated with flowers and castles.  Eventually the railways took over as they were much faster and the waterways fell into disrepair.  They have now been repaired and are used for leisure.

Members were asked to bring toilet rolls and washing powder next month for George Mills to take to Chernigov.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 06 March at the United Reformed Church Hall, when there will be a fashion workshop run by Eaden Lilley.  Visitors are very welcome to attend.

Mrs Margaret Hammond was the guest speaker at the October meeting of Gibson Women's Institute.  Margaret spoke about the time she has spent trekking and painting in Nepal and Ladakh and showed the group photographs of the breathtaking scenery and the pictures she painted whilst in the mountains. 

The next meeting of Gibson Women's Institute will be held at 7.45 pm on Thursday 01 November.  The guest speaker will be Mark Carter from Heckford Norton solicitors who will be speaking about inheritance tax.  There will also be a bric-a-brac stall to raise funds for the Saffron Walden Museum Heritage Quest Centre. 

Members are also reminded that the group will be planting bulbs on Thaxted Road from 10.30 am on Sunday 28 October (weather permitting).