WI News December 2016
HOLMER
Unsurprisingly perhaps, our Christmas meeting was held at the beginning of December and what a truly enjoyable meeting it was! We are blessed with many talented ladies in our group and two of our youngest members, Vicky and Michelle, are very 'crafty'. They led a seasonal demonstration on the history and manufacture of Christmas crackers, subsequently enabling many ladies present to ' have a go' themselves. The resulting crackers significantly added to the festive atmosphere.
In addition, Jenny, our President , informed us of roles for members in the fast approaching New Year ,Christmas cards and gifts were distributed and Gina organised a Christmas bring and buy table.After a mouthwatering Christmas buffet, provided by members present and which included a beautifully iced , flavoursome Christmas cake made by Frances, there was a pantomime,Snow White and the Seven Dwarves( but with only five actresses!) which was performed by the drama group. As may be imagined , it was quite hilarious, with Jane taking the role of Snow White as well as all seven of the dwarves!
This was followed by a light hearted quiz and many good wishes for the festive season amongst us all.Recently, our Cogan cup winning drama group were invited by Much Birch WI to re-enact that performance at their AGM. The ladies were very appreciative. In addition, Ann and Gina, two of our members, went to Denman College to learn about aspects of Italian cookery and reported back very favourably.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 4th January 2017 in St.Marys Church , Grandstand Road at 7.30pm. Sally Robertson will be talking about John Venn, who worked so hard along with his sister to alleviate poverty and encourage social reform in Hereford in the 1800s. A hugely important figure in the history of Hereford and an occasion not to be missed, so do come along and join us. You will be made most welcome.
Lastly, all of us at Holmer WI would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy year in 2017.
SALTMARSHE & DISTRICT
Our Christmas Lunch was a jolly affair; dealing with the "business" before even our orders for Starters were taken meant we could concentrate on enjoying ourselves fully.
As ever, Upper Sapey Golf Club gave us great food and there was much laughter and chatter.
We still found time to each make our choice of which resolution merited our support.
Norma announced that Betty had been our competition winner for the whole year.
Once we arrived at the desserts, Wendy launched us into a 3 section Quiz involving famous faces and British birds. Then we had the "memory test". Wendy had placed 20 eclectic items on a tray. We had 2 minutes to look at them closely before then writing down how many we could remember. Lin was the winner as she recalled 19.
We left in good spirits, knowing that we would come together once more in February 2017 as January is our rest month.
SPARKLING WYE
SWWI's charity of the year is the Haven in Hereford, a support unit for women with breast Debbie Hutchins, their fundraiser, explained that many therapies are offered e.g. Reflexology, massage (up to 12 hours free) plus Tai Chi and yoga sessions. No doctor's referral is needed though everyone has an initial appointment with a nurse. The unit costs £300,000 pa to run and receives no government funding so funds and volunteers are always needed. Then Julie, one of the members, had organised some fabulous ice breaker games which included a "getting to know you" sheet and a picture quiz, getting everyone talking while being great fun.
UPTON BISHOP
Diana Gaskins gave a demonstration of "Short Cuts to Christmas Cookery" dishes to Upton Bishop in December. She prepared a fruit and nut rice salad, pork and mushroom stroganoff which smelled delicious, plus ham and cheese bites and spiced red grape jellies which people were able to taste afterwards, while also giving a lot of useful time saving tips as she worked.
LEDBURY
We met in early December for our Christmas Celebrations. The meeting had a festive feel from the moment of arrival, as members were wearing the brightly coloured party hats which they had created in November. Everyone then sat down to a delicious meal prepared and served by the officers and committee as a thank you for their help and support during the year. The trifle was especially popular!
Afterwards we all enjoyed a hilarious game of Christmas Bingo, which was great fun.
The first meeting for 2017 will be held on Wednesday 11th January at 7.30 pm in the Parish Room of the Catholic Church New Street, Ledbury HR8 2EE
We look forward to welcoming our speaker Chris Johnson whose presentation if entitled ‘From Desert to Ice’.
Visitors are most welcome to join us.
STAUNTON ON ARROW
Pam Bufton from Shobdon expertly tutored members of Staunton on Arrow WI in table centre pieces and Christmas wreaths. Everybody was very pleased with their evening’s work and celebrated with mulled wine and supper.
PARKWAY
In October Parkway WI had Sara Stringer from Wiltshire Farm Foods give a talk and food tasting which was both informative and fun. In November Malcolm Watkins gave a talk entitled Ginger in a Coffin, taking members back into the kitchens of Tudor/Stuart times with a little hint of bawdiness, much to the amusement of all and in December the Christmas party was celebrated with the help of the Wellington Heath Singers and some uplifting carols.
BOSBURY
Bosbury WI celebrated Christmas in style with mulled wine and a “bring and share” supper at their December meeting. Members enjoyed jazz music and a medley of carols played by musicians Mike and Steph Halliday from Malvern. A Christmas Quiz completed the evening.
Isabel reported we would be taking a stall at the Parish Hall Christmas Fair selling Christmas decorations, and preserves. The programme of events and speakers for 2017 was distributed.
The next meeting will be on Thursday,12th January at 7.30 pm when the speaker, Matthew Stead will be telling us about Ukulele Old Time Music. The craft evenings are on the third and first Thursdays of the month also in the Parish Hall. For further information please phone 01531 640029. If you are looking for something new next year why not join us.
WEOBLEY
Weobley had mulled wine, minced pies and stollen bites (home-made of course). All had a go at making a Xmas wreath or table decoration under the supervision of Vera from Mansell Lacy. It was a wonderful evening, with Xmas music to add to the atmosphere.
