THURROCK Nub news is delighted to share a round-up of activities in recent months at Bulphan WI, written by President Jan Curtis.

Bulphan WI were back in the village hall for their January meeting, Essex Federation's Lead Climate Ambassador updated members about the climate crisis and gave lots of ideas on how to make small changes that add up to a bigger change. We were also joined by a local resident and former member who explained the benefits of switching to eco-friendly cleaning products and refilling plastic bottles rather than throwing them away after one use.

At our February meeting we were whisked back in time to relive the story of the Titanic from when the pencil first touched the paper for her, and her sister ship's design up to the discovery of the wreck site. Speaker Steve Lester's passion for all things Titanic shone through and the experience was added to by a vast display of memorabilia and six members reading eyewitness and newspaper reports of the time.

Members led a fun filled and busy meeting in March, they had appointed temporary officer roles and President Mel who opened the meeting handed over to Linda to explain the rules of the first activity, a game with giant dice where everyone, after much laughter and 'stealing' of parcels, ended up with a least one surprise gift. This was followed by Tina and Jill presenting round one of their quiz, the second round took place after the refreshment break.

During the business part of the meeting deputy Treasurer Pat A. reported on finances, Linda gave details of upcoming trips and Pat H. listed the lottery winners, all this was ably recorded by Secretary Jan F. Pat H. gave a vote of thanks to the committee for all the time they have put in to making our WI one of the best and I thanked the members for holding such a successful meeting, wonder what they will come up with next time it's their turn.

Members and invited guests climbed aboard the good ship Bulphan WI to mark its 93rd birthday, many in suitability nautical and fishy themed outfits including a mermaid, sou'wester wearing fisherwomen, assorted crew from Admirals to deck hands and a few pirates. They celebrated with a fish, or veggie burger, and chips supper followed by excellent entertainment from The Silver Darlings sea shanty crew. After enjoying the birthday cake and raffle draw, they disembarked to make their journey home.

Our May meeting was another busy one, members and visitors discussed the NFWI Resolution Women and Girls with ASD & ADHD Under-Identified, Under-Diagnosed, Misdiagnosed, Under-Supported, with FEWI Resolutions Coordinator Laura who also oversaw the members vote which the majority was for the resolution to go forward, although some felt it didn't go far enough it was at least a step in the right direction.

Laura, in her role as President of Chafford Hundred WI also led the Annual Meeting part of the evening. After the usual committee reports, presentations of Membership anniversary certificates and the much-converted Competition Cup won by Lesley, the Committee for the coming year were elected – Janet, Sally, Denise, Mandy, Lesley, Carol and myself who is once again happy to be President.

Updates about future meetings, information, photographs, and much more can be found on Facebook at Bulphan Women's Institute and on Twitter @bulphanwi or email [email protected]