The Swaffham Crier Online

WI Notes

THE FEBRUARY MEETING was held on 19th in the Village Hall. During the business we were given an outline of the meetings planned for the next year. There is an exciting programme to look forward to, including some interesting speakers and a number of outings and parties. Our speaker was Linda Gascoigne who gave a very enthusiastic talk on 'Wild Flowers and Wildlife Gardening'. Careful planting can make sure you attract wildlife into your garden - even if you are limited to a few pots on a small patio. While herbicides have been responsible for the loss of many wild flowers and improving grasslands has reduced the number of hay meadow plants - we are now finding new unexpected habitats on roadsides and verges where mixed wild flowers are being sown.

Linda had lots of stories and folklore about plants which was very interesting and informative. We also learned of the various uses of wild plants in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications and other more sinister use (but no I am not telling you what Cripin used to murder his wife - after all I don't want to be blamed for any accidents in the village). Over refreshments we had the opportunity to buy some of Linda's plants (not the lethal ones!)

Next month will be the AGM and once the business is completed, we will hear about the work of a Vet from Burwell.

Pat Cook