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Women's Institute News: - Christmas arrived early for Alton W.I. on Wednesday December 2nd. when the meeting took the form of a party in the village hall which, thanks to Alton Scouts decorations, looked very festive.  Following a brief business statement the evening, which was hosted by President Doreen Adams, included a buffet supper provided by all members.  The evening's entertainemnt consisted of a Snowman Drive,organised by Dorothy Ratcliffe,a poem read by Betty Cooper and  several humerous readings by Freda Martin and Muriel Day.  Everyone left the meeting in good spirits ready to resume their own Christmas preparations.

 

At the committee meeting which was held on the previous Wednesday Joan Carroll was thanked for laying the W.I. wreath at the Alton village Service of  Rembembrance.  The new handrail at the War Memorial which was provided by Alton W.I was found to be very useful.

 

At the November meeting of Alton Women's Institute business matters discussed included plans for the Christmas Party to be held in the Village Hall on December 2nd. 2009, a visit to Lichfield for the annual carol service in Lichfield Cathedral and proposals for the resolutions for the A.G.M. in 2010.  It was reported that the Quilting Exhibition held in the parish church had been a great success and that the refreshments provided by the Alton W.I. were praised for their high standard by the many visitors who attended the event.

 

The speaker for the evening was Gerald Sneyd site manager of R.S.P.B. Coombes Valley in North Staffordshire.  He gave a most informative and entertaining insight into his life's work with the R.S.P.B., both in this country and abroad, with a photographic presentation which was brought to life by his excellent bird impressions!  It was interesting to learn that the R.S.P.B. which was formed in 1889 now has one million members and over 200 nature reserves - making it the largest wildlife conservation group in Europe.

 

Along with 40,000 pairs of puffins Gerald worked, for three years, on the Farne Islands monitoring bird populations. He actually lived in the cottage which is now used by Simon King when broadcasting for the popular T.V. show Spring & Autumn Watch. He worked at Leighton Moss in North Lancashire, sites in Scotland and was involved with environmental projects in Spain.

 

Gerald is now based in the Coombes Valley Nature Reserve which he considers to be "one of the R.S.P.B.'s undiscovered gems".   His work includes projects concerning the protection of bird, bees, flowers and wildlife in general.  Visitors are most welcome to the site which can be reached just outside Leek on the road to Ashbourne or from Cheddleton.  Gerald's love of his work was transmitted to his audience who brought a fascinating evening to a lively conclusion with lots of questions and he was warmly thanked by the Programme Secretary.

 

The Revd Brian Leathers has been appointed as the new Vicar of Alton. He will be licensed on Monday 9th November at 7.30 p.m. At St Peter's Church. Brian is currently the Vicar of Immanuel Church, Stapenhill in the Diocese of Derby where has been the incumbent  for the last 10 years.  He is married to Joy and has four children. The Parish of Alton with Bradley is currently involved in reorganisation.  It was formerly linked to Cotton and Oakamoor.  Those two parishes are to be linked with the Parishes of Kingsley and Whiston.  Alton and Bradley for some time now have been working with Denstone, Ellastone, Stanton and Mayfield.  In due course, when the scheme is finally approved it will become one benefice.  However Brian will be assisted by part time assistant curates living at Mayfield (the Revd Ray Owen) and  Denstone (the Revd John Richardson).