Les Nicoll, from Essex Fire and Rescue Service, came to Tolleshunt D'Arcy WI to give a talk, which although stressing many points of fire safety in the home, was also very entertaining. Les emphasised the need to have an escape plan and to make sure that each member of the family knows what to do. It is important to close interior doors at night as a door can keep fire at bay for some time. Smoke is the deadly problem, as smoke from burning modern furniture fabrics, being man made, is toxic and can kill very quickly if inhaled. The first rule is to have working smoke alarms installed; these can be obtained free on application to the Home Fire Safety team on 01206 574255, who will ensure that the alarms are correctly fitted. On hearing a smoke alarm during the night, (when no toast is scorching), all family members should be aroused and dressed, if only in dressing gowns and then everyone should leave the house if possible, before ringing 999. If fire and smoke are already present and the stairs are not passable, ring 999 at once from a bedroom, assemble all members of the household in one bed room if possible and rugs, blankets duvets etc. need to be placed along the bottom of the door.

It is also important to have available a portable light with keys for the outside doors attached, if those doors are locked with keys. All WI members were very attentive to all this useful advice and information and many filled in application forms for smoke alarms right away, others taking forms home to send off later. The anecdotes Les told about his 40 years in the fire service made everyone laugh, but he had still passed on his important message.

Preparations are under way for the Blackwater Spring Group meeting to be hosted by D'Arcy WI in D'Arcy Village Hall on Tuesday 1 April at 7.30pm. Doreen Munt's lovely camellia was Flower of the Month and Freda Wyatt's Coat of Arms was judged best and will be entered in the Spring Group Meeting competition.

SPICES TRAVELS

Tolleshunt D'Arcy Spices are planning a coach trip to Dunwich for Wednesday May 14 and to the Music Museum in Cotton, Newmarket, for Wednesday July 23. There are spare seats available on both trips and the Spices would welcome bookings from non-members nor do you need to be over 60. To reserve your place or for more details, please call either Margaret Blackmore on 01621 868622 or Pat Hudson on 01621 869457.

SPRING QUIZ

Quiz teams are reminded that the Spring Quiz is taking place on Saturday March 29. The doors open at 6.45pm with proceedings starting as close to 7pm as possible.

The organisers have been taking bookings for teams of six and are hoping to raise as much money as possible to boost village hall funds, with the raffle proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support. Tickets are just £2 per person and everyone is invited to bring their own drinks and a picnic.

If anyone would like to book a team or donate a raffle prize then they should call Lloyd on 01621 860212.