We are now Wells Tuesday WI, as a new sister WI - Wells Monday WI - will meet on the third Monday of each month staring in March. We hope women on our waiting list will take the opportunity to be part of this exciting new adventure and wish President Sharon every success. It's great there is such demand in Wells for the friendship and opportunities that the Women's Institute offers!

President Anne reminded us that April's meeting will include the AGM and encouraged people to consider standing for the committee, and to be ready to propose and second others. Our sculpture made from spectacles, inspired by the campaign to raise awareness of the signs of ovarian cancer, is now on display in a town centre optician's window.

Plans for a grand picnic in Wells at the end of May to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee are being discussed. Other social plans include the first ladies singles dinner; the growing cinema group involving people going to Wells Film Centre and discussing the film over a drink after; and buying tickets to see comedy festival shows together. Other groups are busy as usual with walking netball, gardening, photography, crafting and at least two book groups. Jane reminded people that costume jewellery is still being collected for upcycling and resale to raise funds for Yeovil Hospital's breast cancer appeal. Our speaker was Lesley Barber from Keepers who told us about her journey from teaching Art and Design in secondary schools to running her lovely showroom and workshop at 25 St Cuthbert's Street, where she transforms furniture with beautiful paint to give it a new lease of life. Lesley's shop features a waiting room of items waiting to be upcycled with new colours, either by customers themselves or using her bespoke service. Lesley reminded us of a few design trends from recent decades and explained that some are experiencing a revival, albeit with a new twist – stencilling is making a comeback but with a sharper finish. People often stencil ivy in kitchens, and fish in bathrooms. Grey was very popular during lockdown but people are now buying more colourful shades. Lesley recommends Autentico paint, which comes in an 150 colours, and Cornish Mineral paint which has similar properties. Both dry extremely quickly, as evidenced by her lightning demonstration of decorating a table. These chalk and water-based paints are sometimes described as eco paints. They don't smell, so you could paint furniture in a room and sleep safely there the same night. Because no sanding or priming is required, and the paint dries fast, Lesley finds it easy to get creative with designs and enjoy painting as a therapeutic activity. She also makes lampshades from fabric remnants, and encouraged members to try her workshops. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be on April 5 at Wells Museum.

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Veronica Howe