On a cold and frosty December evening 35 members of High Levels WI met at the Reindeer Inn, Sandtoft to enjoy a Christmas social with a craft input. The evening began on a sombre note with a minute’s silence to mark the death of a very long-standing member. Cath Watson had held many positions of office over the years and tribute was paid to her wonderful contributions to the Institute and her amazing skills of entertainment too. A memorial service will be held for her on 20th January 2024 at 11.30am in Hatfield Church.

The meeting continued with a brief overview of business followed by the introduction of Anne Nichol who was to involve members in an evening of origami creations suitable for Christmas.

Anne is very able teacher and members were shown how to make a hanging circular “snowflake” by folding two sheets of paper which were provided. This simple procedure was executed well by most and there was much cheerful conversation to be heard. Next members were shown how to fold a part book into a cone shape while Anne assisted where necessary. Creating a chubby star was next. Members folded a long strip into a flat pentagon (eventually!) and many were helped to shape this into a 3D star.

At that point an assortment of Christmas nibbles was sampled and members circulated.

Returning to the activities everyone was shown how to turn a white square of paper into a Christmas tree. This took a lot more concentration on folding in exactly the correct sequence. The triangle shapes were achieved but the cutting which followed was a little more difficult and this time the chatter was more serious.