Burleydam Women's Institute

I am sure that many Womens Institutes have found themselves without a speaker on the night of their meeting – for many different reasons, and Burleydam W I were in that position in April. The speaker failed to arrive and so the question was, what to do. Maybe a quiz or bingo, but then one of the members came to the rescue, Elizabeth offered to tell members about how she came to acquire Monty, her hearing dog.

Elizabeth is very deaf, and she told the meeting what life was like before she had Monty. She was nervous when she was out on her own, in the street she was always looking behind herself, feeling something or someone was there. Consequently, she tended to stay at home unless it was necessary to go out, which of course it is, when you have a home and family to look after.

Then she heard about the organisation Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and decided to investigate whether a dog might be helpful to her. Elizabeth visited the headquarters of the organisation and embarked on the road which resulted in her having Monty to live with her. It was a long process, requiring visits to assess her suitability, training for her as well as for the dog, inspection of her home to see if it was safe. But after 3years, Monty was brought to her home with all his equipment to spend a night with her, to see if he settled, and fortunately he did.

Monty goes everywhere with Elizabeth to W I, to Church, (Elizabeth is a Lay reader), and shopping. She says that he gives her so much confidence, which enables her to take part in the many activities that she enjoys.

Karen gave a vote of thanks to Elizabeth for stepping into the breach, and also for telling us about a very worthy charity.

The competition was for a house plant which was won by Margaret, second was Karen.

In the business, members were reminded about County activities including the Cheshire Show, a bowling competition at Wrenbury, and events at County House.

The Malbank Group Spring Meeting is on April 21st at the Nantwich Football Ground Room when the speaker will tell about the seamstresses of Auchwitz. Burleydam duty is to Host the Speaker.

The next meeting is on Tuesday, May 5 th at 7.30pm in the Community Meeting Room when the Speaker will be Margaret Carding her topic ‘The River Weaver’.

Visitors and new members always welcome, visit our website http://www.burleydamwi.org