It was a full house at the Gaiety on Tuesday evening when Ann Widdecombe entertained an audience of WI members and the general public with a sparkling array of anecdotes, very clear explanations of her views on a wide range of topics and an insight into "Strictly Come Dancing". She had been invited to speak by the Island Federation of WI's to mark their Diamond Jubilee and this event will always be remembered as the highlight. Miss Widdecombe covered her political life, her religious beliefs and her writing and television careers. She is obviously passionate about her novels and signed copies throughout the evening. The book-signing was organised by the Lexicon bookshop. Judith Ley from Manx Radio was the chairman for the evening and was able to put a number of questions from the audience, which Ann Widdecombe described later as very courteous. Manx Radio were able to interview her and have in fact designated Sunday as Widdecombe day, with a programme at 7.30 am entitled "Faith", one at 9.30 am called "Totally Strictly" and the third at noon on political topics. This will include the talk she gave to a group of about two hundred island sixth-formers on Tuesday afternoon. The WI is indebted to Ann Widdecombe for honouring her engagement to speak in the middle of rehearsals for "Strictly", especially as she missed three days of rehearsals, so we are asking all island residents to vote for her on Saturday night, as we would hate to be blamed for her departure! Ends