Womens' Institute
Elvaston, Thulston & Ambaston WI
President - IRIS CAMPBELL Tel: 01332 792869
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Elvaston WI January 2012.
The speaker at our first meeting of 2012 on 12th January was Tony Spacey. He introduced himself as Captain Spacey and gave an interesting talk on the highs and lows of his life.
He comes from Normanton, left school with no qualifications and joined the army at 15. There he had a chequered career but, although being charged with misconduct on several occasions, eventually found himself Captain of Special Forces in South Africa! On leaving the army he became a Military Advisor in the United States. Wanting to settle down with his family, he returned to Britain and sold Insurance door-to-door. He was good at this and after a time, formed his own company. He became rich but then began the downward spiral! He lost his wife, his house, his money and his will to live – avoiding suicide only because of his faithful dog. After treatment he sold Health Insurance, was again successful and formed a Company. Then he and a friend invested in bees. The first year, with 100 hives, they produced over 200lbs of honey per hive. Beginners luck! The next year was not nearly so successful and they realised there was a lot to learn. He now owns a Company called the Littleover Group which owns bees all over the world. A subsidiary of this, Littleover Leisure, includes fly-fishing on its agenda and Tony has founded a charity, 'Fishing for Heroes', through which he helps people regain control of their lives. Fly-fishing is a great way to combat stress. Last year the charity helped around 100 people including many ex-service personnel, and is hoping to increase.
The story of an amazing life!
Yearly Subscriptions were then collected.
Ticket sales for the Valentines Evening have sold well. We look forward to a good night with entertainment by Ruth Standford and a’ bring and share’ supper.
Wednesday 28th March is the date of the next Group Meeting in Spondon.
If anyone reading this thinks they might be interested please come along and try the WI. We will make you most welcome.
Further events include:
9th February - Next Regular Meeting . The speaker will be Wendy Staples and the subject Quirky Cakes and Cookies.
Wed 28th March - Next Group Meeting in Spondon