OUR meeting began with a tribute to our dear friend Dons Eastwood who in years gone by had taken a keen, active part in Box Hill Afternoon Wl, having been Secretary and President.

We had a report on the AGM at Dorking Halls, which was attended by three of our members. It was an interesting meeting with a very good guest speaker telling of his years travelling around the world on horseback - a fascinating account of his adventures.

One of our members, Dot, was missing because she was celebrating her 75"' birthday - a card and flowers had been sent to her.

Our speaker was Mrs Joan Lee, who told us of her trip to Lapland by Polar Express, although this was a misnomer as the train never went more than 30 miles an hour! The accommodation was somewhat cramped and how was it she wondered, that of all the couples in her group the men had the convenience of the bottom bunk and the ladies had to climb to the top - this is ladies of mature to considerably senior years of age. As she spoke, Joan did some sketches of the animals and birds that were seen in the countryside. The trip took them from
Stockholm and across the Artic Circle as far as Narvik. They were to have returned cross country, but because of floods and bad weather had to fly back.

Joan recognised a number of our members - not only has she visited us before but she belongs to Ranmore WI and has served the WI in various capacities for over 30 years.

We look forward to another interesting afternoon next month - come and join us, bring a friend - you will be most welcome.

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John Brown from North Holmwood was looking through the Dorking Advertiser to see if his piece about the Railway Club had been published, when the name Oliver Symons caught his eye - included in the report from the Box Hill afternoon WI (Oliver was our speaker last month). John read the report thoroughly and yes, this definitely must be the same Oliver Symons he had done his National Service with. Through the Dorking Advertiser he contacted the WI and is looking forward to renewing the acquaintanceship of his long lost friend. You never know what can be achieved through the WI!

Beryl Langley