In January, Reepham WI members were invited to vote on their chosen resolution, with “Dental Health Matters” going forward to form the basis for the WI’s 2024 national campaign. This was followed in February by our AGM, with new members joining the committee.

So, it was a pleasure to invite to our March meeting Jeni Neill, our first speaker for 2024, who gave us a brief insight into how she took up writing, then successfully self-published her first novel The Devil’s Dye.

This is an intriguing tale of the de Hems family, weavers who emigrated from the Low Countries to Norwich and became known as the “Strangers”.

The story, which centres around Jowan, a dyer, and his wife Eliza, takes us to Bungay, where they settle, and beyond in his the quest for indigo, a rare and expensive commodity in those days.

It is a warm tale, with fascinating, authentic historical detail such as references to Black Shuck, the legendary Suffolk giant black dog. A future visit for members to Strangers’ Hall is planned.

In April we were privileged to have Mary Newton, a retired forensic scientist, give a presentation – “Blood, Sweat and Fears” – to members, family and friends about her long and fascinating career with the Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory, as well as a brief stint as an adviser on the Silent Witness series.

Mary explained how analyses are carried out, to establish the presence of blood and DNA at a crime scene, on weapons and clothing.

We were astounded to learn that from the use of Sellotape, a basic household item, incriminating fibres can be obtained and this evidence kept intact for years to come.

Mary explained that with the advance of new technology cold cases are being re-examined and prosecutions are now able to be made years after the event. She used two harrowing murder cases, committed in 1993 and 1996, to illustrate how ultimately justice can be achieved with meticulous and tenacious forensic science.

Mary donates fees from her speaking engagements to local food banks, so was extremely appreciative of the larder items brought along by our members to complement her worthwhile initiative.

Reepham WI meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm at St Michael’s, Reepham. Next month, on 16 May, Saffron Summerfield will give a digitally illustrated talk with birdsong and music entitled “When Birds Sing”.

Dee Taylor