Mrs. C. S. Keedwell Tells W.I. Of Overseas Visit

Chronicle (Levin), 23 April 1949, Page 7

Mrs. C. S. Keedwell Tells W.I. Of Overseas Visit

The April monthly meeting of( the Levin Women's. Institute washeld recently in the Oddfellows' Hall. The president, Mrs. Powell, extended a cordial wetcome to members and visitors. There was a very go3d atiendance and two new members were enroiled. Apo.ogies for absence were received from Mesdames Kilsby, Shaw and Hudson. The guest speaker for the afternoon was Mrs. C. S. Keedwell. who gave a detailed and very interesting account of her experiences during her recent visit overseas. Members listened with keen interest to her impressions and vivid description of the cities and villages she visited, Oxford with its wonderful spires and air of tradition and learning, the fearful devastation of Hull and Coventry and/the really marvellous way in which the latter is being rebuilt, the magniflcent architecture of the beautiful old cathedrals of Eng and, the loveiiness of the picturesque French villages, the hardships endured by the French during the German occupation, the almost unbelievable devastation wrought by the R.A.F. and the contrast of the abundance of food, cloihing and luxuries of all kinds in Belgium with the heavy rationing still in existence in England. Mrs. Keedwell stressed the need for more and more food parcels for England, making particular mention of the great- shortage of meate and fats. The speaker ws-s accorded a vote of thanks by acclamation for her really outstanding address, and was presented with beautiful flowers by the president. Mesdames Johnson and McLeavey were elected as delegates to the Federation council meeting a.t Paremata on April 28. Buses for this meeting 1eave at 8.45 a.m. The president spoke briefly on the arts and crafts exhibition to te held in the Regent Hali on M3y 24, 25, 26 and 27, and the drama festival to be heM in Ju y. A social competition was won by Mrs. Leach. Mrs. Maugham, the retiring secretary, w°s presented with a sniall gift in appreciation of her services. Mrs. Maugham suitably replied. The competitions resulted as follows: — Flowers: Mrs. Maugham 1, Mrs. Milnes 2. and Mrs. Smith 3. Shrubs: Mrs. Hall 1, Mrs. Mi'nes 2, iMrs. Hyde 3. Vegetab1es: Mrs. Hall 1, Mrs. Powell 2. Bottled tomatoes: Mrs. Sharp 1, Mrs. Harvey 2, Mrs. Hills 3. Handwork: Mrs. Griffiths 1, Miss Atack 2, Mrs. HiTs 3". A bring-and-fcuy stall under the direction of Mrs. Maugham was most success. A daintv afternoon tea was served by the hostesses.