The main topic of the evening was, of course, the search and their discovery of The Gloucester shipwreck off the coast of Great Yarmouth in 2007.
 
Julian went into fascinating detail of the research so far carried out by Professor Claire Jowitt, Dr Ben Redding and their team at the University of East Anglia.
 
The precious artefacts, which are gradually being brought to the surface, are helping piece together how this terrible tragedy came about, as well as offering a rare glimpse into life in 17th century society.
 
The event, which was sold out, has enabled Reepham WI to make a sizeable donation to The Gloucester charity headed by Lord Dannatt.
 
The end goal is to open a dedicated museum to house the many artefacts that still have to be discovered. Fundraising is vital for the project’s ongoing success.
 
Readers might like to join WI members help this initiative by visiting the forthcoming exhibition that UEA is partnering with Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, which will showcase some of the fascinating objects to the public for the first time.
 
The Last Voyage of The Gloucester: Norfolk’s Royal Shipwreck, 1682 runs from Saturday 25 February to Sunday 10 September.
 
An informative and commemorative catalogue will also be available from the museum. All proceeds will be used to carry out further exploration work.
 
As well as the monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month at St Michael’s, the WI looks forward to welcoming other topical speakers to Reepham for open meetings in future months. These are proving to be most enjoyable get-togethers for members as well as the local community.
 
Dee Taylor