APRIL 2015 MEETING
The meeting opened on a sad note as we observed a minute's silence in memory of Peggy Crocker, a long-time member twice serving as President, of Woolavington WI who had recently passed away.
Teresa reported on her progress so far as hostess on what promised to be a busy WI week on the twitter account “women of the WI”.
County chair Margaret had sent a most appreciative letter of thanks to those members who provided a fantastic array of home made cakes for the Road show at Edington. Reports were given of the visits to Deal or No Deal Show and Owen Barry sheepskin and leather factory.
Teresa and Mo outlined the details and issues relating to this year's national Resolution which was then voted on by members after some discussion.
Business being completed Brian Wright was welcomed for his talk on Dragons of Somerset., commencing his presentation by asking how many members believed in the existence of dragons. (A few hands were raised!)
It appears Somerset is an area rich in recorded stories of dragons, which might account for the Somerset emblem depicting a wyvern, just one of the eleven different types of dragon to be found in our county.
Whilst Western culture portrays the dragon as a terrifying beast, breathing fire, attacking humans and often guarding treasure, in Asia they are regarded as bringing good luck.
Although it is said dragon young are mostly born from eggs the cockatrice is unusual in that it gives birth through the mouth.
Somerset churches have an amazing variety of depictions of dragons which Brian featured in his slide show. These range from beautifully carved pew bench-ends inside the church to the stone gargoyles and hunky punks for which Somerset is famous. The latter are often found over the door, a weak point as it is the easiest entry, or north facing, as it is from this side that evil would be expected to approach.
Brian had researched his subject over many years and held us enthralled by his knowledge of Somerset references. Did we believe in dragons? Well after such a wealth of fascinating facts maybe even the sceptical had a change of heart.
The meeting opened on a sad note as we observed a minute's silence in memory of Peggy Crocker, a long-time member twice serving as President, of Woolavington WI who had recently passed away.
Teresa reported on her progress so far as hostess on what promised to be a busy WI week on the twitter account “women of the WI”.
County chair Margaret had sent a most appreciative letter of thanks to those members who provided a fantastic array of home made cakes for the Road show at Edington. Reports were given of the visits to Deal or No Deal Show and Owen Barry sheepskin and leather factory.
Teresa and Mo outlined the details and issues relating to this year's national Resolution which was then voted on by members after some discussion.
Business being completed Brian Wright was welcomed for his talk on Dragons of Somerset., commencing his presentation by asking how many members believed in the existence of dragons. (A few hands were raised!)
It appears Somerset is an area rich in recorded stories of dragons, which might account for the Somerset emblem depicting a wyvern, just one of the eleven different types of dragon to be found in our county.
Whilst Western culture portrays the dragon as a terrifying beast, breathing fire, attacking humans and often guarding treasure, in Asia they are regarded as bringing good luck.
Although it is said dragon young are mostly born from eggs the cockatrice is unusual in that it gives birth through the mouth.
Somerset churches have an amazing variety of depictions of dragons which Brian featured in his slide show. These range from beautifully carved pew bench-ends inside the church to the stone gargoyles and hunky punks for which Somerset is famous. The latter are often found over the door, a weak point as it is the easiest entry, or north facing, as it is from this side that evil would be expected to approach.
Brian had researched his subject over many years and held us enthralled by his knowledge of Somerset references. Did we believe in dragons? Well after such a wealth of fascinating facts maybe even the sceptical had a change of heart.