For Dunkerton WI, 2022 began with the notes of the Post Horn of the Royal Mail guard.

It was a very dark night on January 11th when Dunkerton WI members gathered together to learn about the development of the Royal Mail from 1782. It was then that John Palmer, from Bath, began to develop the high speed service from London to Bristol. In 1784 he had managed to reduce the time from 38 hours to just 16 hours! 1st class stamp territory!

Martin Horler was our speaker for the evening and dressed as a Royal Mail guard, he painted a fascinating picture of life in those days and the efforts the Royal Mail made to ensure the mail was safe and on time. This included a change of horses every ten miles and guards carrying a blunderbuss and two pistols!

Following the talk we enjoyed homemade refreshments before beginning our WI news. This included an update of our activities, which are still in post Christmas/New Year mode. Many plans for the year were discussed and included day trips to Oakham Treasures in the Spring and Kew Gardens in June.

We next meet on Tuesday, February 8th at 7.15 pm when there will be a talk by Susan Symons entitled ‘Victoria and Albert’. Visitors can be assured of a warm welcome.

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