Saundersfoot WI President Gwen welcomed everyone to the October meeting. Jean was thanked for the beautiful table flowers from her garden, and Jennifer was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers for her birthday.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed. The newsletter was read and dates and events noted.

Speaker was Martine Johnson, curate of St Issell’s. She gave a very moving account of her journey of faith to her ordination in June.

As a child, her family lived next door to a church. None of them was religious, but Martine loved to sit on the window seat in her bedroom and listen to the singing next door.

At the age of 12 she began to have anxiety and panic attacks which left her severely depressed. One night, when she was 13, she went to bed feeling that she wouldn’t mind if she didn’t wake up. Then, in the night she had an experience in which God stood in front of her; calling her by name. He said, ‘Martine, trust Me. Follow Me’, and she was filled with an enormous sense of peace and love. This experience couldn’t be dismissed as a dream because of the profound and lasting effect it has had on her life.

Her first course of action was to go to the church next door to one of their services. This was a daunting thing for the young girl to do, and although she didn’t understand what was going on, when she should sit or stand, and not being given a friendly welcome, she persevered.

She had a wonderful RE teacher in whom she confided everything and who encouraged her. One day, one of the ladies in the church, discovering that Martine didn’t have a Bible, gave her one, and which she still has. Sitting outside the church she opened the Bible at random and it fell open at the 23rd Psalm – the Lord is my Shepherd, which has been her guiding star ever since.

She wanted to become an RE teacher, but while she was uncertain as to which college to choose, a friend suggested that she study theology – a term she had never heard of before! She studied theology at Oxford and then did a year at a teaching training college before spending 18 wonderful and enjoyable years as an RE teacher. She was able to help many young people suffering mental health problems from having been there herself.

Then she felt called to the ministry. The selection process was very thorough, but having already got her degree in theology meant that she was ordained in less time than usual, and is now studying for her Master’s degree.

Martine said that when she stepped into St Issell’s church she felt as if she had come home, and now her visiting book is full! Being a ‘people person’ and with her warm personality, she said she is happy to talk with anyone, whether they are a believer or not. WI members then chatted with her over tea, cakes and biscuits. Jean gave the vote of thanks.

The scarf competition was won by Val 1st, Gwen 2nd and Peggy 3rd. The raffle prizes were won by Pat, Jean and Sue and Jean gave her flowers to Martine for St Issell’s church.

Saundersfoot is a small, informal and friendly group, and always welcomes new members.