Preston WI members are preparing to spread a little happiness throughout the village with 170 handmade “random acts of kindness”.
Following the success of last year’s Izzy doll initiative, members have created a colourful collection of gifts that will be hidden in and around Preston during the four weeks of August.
More than 40 items will be placed in plain sight each week for children and adults to discover. Finders are welcome to keep their gift, give it to somebody else or hide it again for another person to enjoy.
The initiative was championed by Preston WI secretary Mary Wood, who said members had risen to the challenge despite having only six weeks to prepare.
She said: “This was decided at very short notice and our ladies rose to the challenge to produce 170 fabulous items.
“We have not only made Izzy dolls this year but also teddies, fish, hedgehogs, butterflies, tortoises, seahorses and other random pieces.
“The challenge is now set for villagers and visitors to look out for them. It is always heartening to see some of the finds pictured on the Preston and Preston South Facebook page, as it is gratifying to receive feedback.”
The group will also play an active part in Preston Show, which takes place at the Nags Head on Saturday, August 8.
Members will enter several of the competition classes and run the WI cake stall, while the group’s popular Human Fruit Machine will return after becoming a firm fixture at the annual event.
Preston WI has a packed programme of meetings and activities, details of which are displayed on its dedicated noticeboard outside Preston Community Hall.
The group also maintains a Book Hut where residents can freely borrow or exchange titles, including children’s books.
Members have recently introduced a Books for Schools initiative, through which suitable titles are specially selected and donated to local schools.
Preston WI meets at 7.30pm on the last Tuesday of each month at Preston Community Hall. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to attend a meeting, where members promise a warm and friendly reception.