The BMWI had a bit of a surprise guest at their meeting on Wednesday night. The Team arrived to set up as usual expecting a talk on working with clay and polymers to make jewellery, home decor and wall hangings. The WI had been advised to use the committee room and smaller kitchen as the hall had been taken over by a film crew. On arrival the chairs and tables were already out but in the main hall in a tight circle. Helen Smith takes up the story -

"As I came through the door my first instruction was “don’t touch anything”!! Slightly panicking I looked around me to see exactly what I was not allowed to touch. Dominic McDonald stepped forward and introduced himself, smiling and explaining that the 'No Touch' was all about continuity within the film set. He was in fact the producer of the children’s TV series they were filming at our village hall. He went on to explain that his mum, also a member of her local WI was thrilled that he was going to take part in our meeting.

"It turned out that Dominic was going to stay and tell us all about what they were up to in the hall, how they chose our hall and a little bit about him and his career path.

"Our speaker, Gemma, had already set up and was ready to go after Dominic. We had a good turn out and as everyone arrived they were also told “don’t touch anything”!

"This 'No Touch' was all to do with continuity - everything was in a particular place for continuing filming the next day. The hall had all different scenes unfolding from a relaxed sitting area to a bring and buy scene. Fascinating!

"Dominic told us he’d started production in Blue Peter , Biker Grove and Chuckle Vision to name but a few.
The series they are producing via CBBC is called 'Football Fantastics' and is aimed at a young audience from about 5 years upwards. It will be shown later this year.

"It is not totally about football you might be interested to learn- but about teaching young children different life skills and sharing and team work with a different story unfolding each episode.

"Lots of questions from our members afterwards and a cup of tea all round whilst we listened to Gemma, our next speaker."