Watton Evening WI

Our October meeting started promptly at 7.30pm and there was a good attendance. Each month more members are getting used to being back together.

President Sandy Vellam, welcomed everyone and gave out notices for forthcoming events. Our Christmas meal will be at Barnham Broom Golf Club and a coach would collect and return all those going.

Karen Barwood had a certificate from “Breast Cancer Now” thanking her for holding the wonderful Cream Tea at her home this summer, which raised magnificent £345.

The crocheted squares made in 2020 by members have now been made into lap blankets by Pat Holdcroft and Carol Robeson(Pictured). They are being donated to Dorrington House Watton.

Some members of the committee are retiring and members asked if willing to be committee members.

The competition for the evening was a marine collage to reflect the subject of tonight’s meeting.

The speaker for the evening was David Carlin, Science Director for Cefas, who gave a presentation on a range of marine science issues. David described how Cefas, the UK Government’ Marine Science Agency, undertake research and provide scientific advice on a range of topics to support UK Government policy and help to keep the marine and ocean environment healthy, safe and productive. He explained some of the science which feeds into establishing quotas for fish and supporting fisheries negotiations. He talked about the health of the marine environment and how different sources of pollution, including microplastics are monitored, and provided further information on dredging activities and offshore wind as examples of how we use the marine environment. David introduced the topic of Deep-Sea Mining and engaged in a discussion with members on the topic and the impacts to the environment, as well as our scientific understanding of Deep-Sea Mining.

The talk was fascinating to all, and many questions asked. After lots of discussion, Amanda Tortice had to close the talk as we would all have gone on much later, such was the interest. A hearty thanks to David Carlin for his fascinating presentation.