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  • Writer's pictureWendy Warman

The Barnes Mystery Murder


It was the perfect talk for October's darker evenings; who knew Blood, Guts & Gore - True Stories of Murder in Victorian England would be such a hit? We had a fabulous group meeting this month being entertained by David Allen and his meticulously researched tale of the Barnes Mystery Murder committed by Kate Webster in 1872. David delivered the story with talent and flair, and had us all laughing! Having seen her picture we wouldn’t want to meet her in a dark alley.


Diane S said: "What a fab talk, and speaker! David really brought the tale to life, who knew an historical murder could be so entertaining?" and Jenny added: "Very entertaining! Enjoyed it loads. Could listen to him all evening." Kim said: "He was brilliant, I didn’t realise murder and mystery would leave me smiling so much. Fascinating and sent me straight to do more research in to Kate Webster and her victim Julia Martha Thomas.", whilst Michelle reflected on what makes a virtual talk a success: "I didn't expect him to dress for the part, but it added so much to the tale... and those props! I loved seeing everyone's smiles and reactions as he was talking, I felt we were all there together rather than being apart in a virtual world."


We had not one, but three Presidents at our meeting, plus a Mayor! Teresa was there as a Belle instead of her more formal role; our president Kim was there as usual and joined by Jane Buckle from our Lockside WI friends and Lesley Holdway from Wiltshire Federation. On Facebook afterwards Lesley said: "Thank you for an extremely entertaining evening, I thoroughly enjoyed it. David was a brilliant raconteur." David saying we were the best WI he'd visited was the icing on the cake!


Elsewhere this month, the Walkie Talkies tackled not one, but two of the Corsham Heritage Trails whilst the Happy Hookers made Hallowe'en pumpkins in one session, followed by double thread baskets a fortnight later. Book Club reviewed Lisa Jewell's The Family Upstairs and rated it as one of their best reads. Several members attended Wiltshire's Annual Meeting held virtually and finally, Walking Netball now offers two socially distanced sessions per week.

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