Chipperfield Afternoon WI May meeting was going to be what it normally is, a discussion of the Resolutions and a display of members’ crafts. But all that changed with a phone call to our Secretary from a film company Flame, asking if it would it be possible to film our WI members listening to a talk on Antiques for Interior Design at our May meeting. A lot of phoning and planning then ensued and, with the committee’s approval, the filming was to go ahead.
It was decided we would make it a Group Meeting and we would have our business and resolutions first, then visitors would arrive for the antiques talk at 3pm but as with most filming it was late, and the speaker arrived at 3.30. Cameras in place, we waited with baited breath as the curtains drew back and on the stage stood Marie Vanderbilt to begin her talk. I must say that her appearance caused quite a stir, very tall, blonde hair, ‘well endowed’, and the most curious voice.
My suspicions grew, as did others, as she continued talking about the slides she was showing – was this a man disguised as a woman? Marie felt our confusion because with the words “There’s no fooling you ladies” he removed his wig and some facial make-up to reveal David Dickinson of the TV programme Bargain Hunt fame. After much laughter, and still being relieved of his make-up, he then went on to give a fuller account of the slides. He disappeared to change, only returning after tea to exchange niceties – a charming man. After all this, will we see it on screen? The rumour is Channel 5 in September. Eileen Foulgham