BULPHAN WI have been busy over the past few months and have returned to Thurrock Nub News to update us on what they've been doing since their last report.

In July members and visitors gathered together for another virtual meeting. Member Sherry expertly lead them in a meditation during which they grounded themselves by sending roots to the centre of the earth.

She suggested other meditation techniques they could use including visualisation of their happy place. The discussion included helpful crystals, protecting against negativity, taking care of their minds by being mindfull and making their bodies aware of different situations such an operation or treatment.

For their August meeting members were joined, virtually, by others from around the county to enjoy their speaker Elizabeth Gowing who was beaming in direct from Kosovo. Elizabeth told of her life there, some facts and history and how she found out about Edwardian traveller Edith Durham and her involvement in the country. An excellent speaker thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Towards the end of the month several members and friends met on the recreation ground for an informal socially distanced catch up, luckily we'd chosen a good weather evening and sat chatting until almost dark. This was also an opportunity to hand over some reusable Bulphan WI tote bags to the village shop for them to give to shoppers who hadn't brought their own.

In September members were joined, all be it virtually, by Thurrock TerraCycle coordinator Sara Santiano who informed them about all the items that TerraCycle recycle that can't go in blue bins. You can find a list of these on the TerraCycle website and Facebook page.

The next speaker was Lynn Aben, Thurrock Council's Recycling Project Officer. Lynn explained how Thurrock Council are trying to increase the number of items that are reused and recycled, members gave her several suggestions that might help with this. Lynn was kind enough to judge a members competition for a wearable recycled item.

In October members were joined not only by members of other Essex WIs but also those from other Federations around the country and Wales, therefore claiming that they went international for that meeting. The big draw was speaker Sarah Slater, a Hampton Court Palace guide, Sarah wowed everyone with her inside expert knowledge of the palace and its famous and infamous occupants, members are hoping to arrange a visit there when circumstances allow. The group also took the opportunity to present member Pat with a certificate to mark her 50-year membership, exactly to the day of the meeting.

November had members enjoying an exclusive Neals Yard pamper session. Those attending received a selection of product samples to try in the comfort of their own homes while listening to consultant Daisy explain how to use them to benefit their skin and wellbeing.

Members and guests donned their best festive attire for the December meeting. Along with decorations galore it certainly set the mood for the speaker whose talk was entitled 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas'. Members heard about traditions of Christmas past, how decorations have moved on from homemade paper chains, finishing with an amusing poem about using up the turkey.

A Meeting in a bag, given to each members by the committee of Christmas elves contained a craft kit which members could make into a bird, along with some treats, a themed quiz, and a Christmas card with each member's name on it to show the group is still united even if members can't all meet together.

Updates about future meetings along with this year's programme, information, photographs, and much more can be found on Facebook at Bulphan Women's Institute and on Twitter @bulphanwi or contact Secretary Janet McCheyne on 07752836902