WI Christmas event draws 500+ members to hear adventurer Louise’s inspiring story
Louise Minchin has become a household name due to appearances on TV but her Keynote Address to the Staffordshire Federation of Women's Institutes Christmas event showed that she is much more than just front-of-camera.
Over 500 WI Members from across the county - with guest members from neighbouring federations - met at the Staffordshire County Showground for the annual Christmas event. Everyone was in awe of Louise's achievements - many of which showcased adventures with extraordinary women. These are set out in her book, Fearless. Louise took the audience through extreme challenges in cold water swimming, caving and endurance racing which raise money for good causes.
Louise made the point that women are breaking through barriers - and why not? Her message was that it is never too late to give something a go and no-one should give up on anything that makes them happy.
The morning Speaker was Paul Mealor, composer to the Royal family. Paul wrote music for William and Catherine's wedding, the Coronation of King Charles III and is teaching Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to play piano. His style of delivery was captivating and the video clips of his compositions at Royal ceremonies were tear-jerking.
The morning included an eclectic mix of harmonious renditions from the Staffordshire Show Choir, conducted by Ashley Mellor. Audience participation ensured a feel-good factor for the shopping experience over the lunch break. And what a shopping experience!
With a wide range of stalls offering unusual and festive goods, Christmas shopping could have easily been completed in record time.
The event was organised by the Staffordshire Federation of Women's Institutes Events Committee and their Chair, Verity Conner, said: "'What a joyful occasion ! It was so lovely to see WI members having a good time. It is also good to widen our horizons and hear personal experiences of people that we think we know because they are so familiar to us."
Helen Mancey, Chair of Staffordshire Federation, added: "My thanks go to everyone on the Events Committee for all their hard work in putting on such a massive event."
The next Staffordshire federation event at the Showground is in April when Julia Bradbury will be the Keynote Speaker.
For more information about Staffordshire Federation of Women's Institutes, go to sfwi.org where there is a link to Facebook and Instagram.
