LORD LIEUTENANT FINDS NO SOGGY BOTTOMS AT FRESHWATER BAY WI’S AFTERNOON TEA

The sun certainly had its hat on when Freshwater Bay WI welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Mrs Susie Sheldon, to a special al fresco cream tea. Members turned out in force to show the VIP visitor some of their activities – and indeed the Lord Lieutenant proved game for a go on their zip wire, and a tractor ride during the afternoon. The occasion marked the culmination of celebrations for FBWI’s 65th anniversary, and, against a backdrop of Pimms and light music, the Lord Lieutenant inspected displays of members’ work. She was particularly impressed by the Freshwater Bay Baguettes, who make specially adapted cushions and bags for mastectomy patients on the Island. Sandra Thearle leads a team of volunteers who cut out and sew items including syringe driver bags for the hospice, emergency toilet bags for people unexpectedly in hospital, and anti-ouch pouches for the Applegate Breast Unit at St Mary’s. FBWI has chosen the Tata Foundation as its charity of the year, after hearing how Ryde-based Gemma Bowers offers free 3-D areola and nipple tattoos to mastectomy patients. The Lord Lieutenant learned how Island women felt their life and self-confidence was improved by the skills of Gemma and her team. After judging a scones bake-off competition, the Lord Lieutenant joined members for tea, including delicious homemade cakes. Tea was followed by a tractor ride for the Lord Lieutenant, who even had a go on the ever-popular zip wire. She was delighted to receive a gift of intricately decorated Christmas baubles, presented by Gill Dye, on behalf of the beading group who make them to raise funds.