April 2017
HOLMER
Our April meeting had a distinctly culinary flavour. Geoff Tookey, a local chef, demonstrated a smoked salmon dish and a pear and chocolate pudding, which we were encouraged to subsequently taste .Ann Jackson gave a vote of thanks, emphasising the benefits of using locally sourced ingredients as far as is possible . Members present gave Geoff a round of applause.
Over the past months , Margaret Smart, member, has been compiling a cookery book to help commemorate the seventy fifth anniversary since Holmer WI was founded. It contains many favourite recipes donated by our members and friends, and is now available to purchase.
The monthly competition continued the foody theme. Members were invited to 'Bake it, Bring it, Taste it'- another opportunity for indulgence! Talia Wheeler won first prize with a stunning chequerboard cake.
To continue in a similar vein, mention should also be made of the wonderful buffet provided by Shel Roos, Vick Gauld, Pauline Shannon and Ruth Stott. All 'first timers' at this somewhat daunting task. Well done everyone!
Recently, Margaret Powell, member, kindly organised another skittles evening which was held at the Golden Lion, Grandstand Road. Paula, the landlady, once again provided sausage, chips and bread and butter for the unbelievably low price of £1 ! A great time was had by all. The men's trophy was won by Mike Jones and the ladies trophy by Vick Gauld. Gina Rawlings sold draw tickets which significantly boosted WI funds.
Holmer WI next meets on Wednesday May 3rd at 7.30pm in St. Mary's Church , Grandstand Road. This will be our members and resolutions evening. Several of our ladies will be demonstrating crafts following the discussion and vote on the proposed resolutions. Do join us. You will be made most welcome.
WEOBLEY GROUP MEETING
On 6th April the Weobley Group of WIs had a most enjoyable evening, being entertained by Synergy, a wonderful a cappella male voice choir from Abergavenny. The obvious fun they were having in making music was infectious. From the liveliness of 'My Girl', through the lyrical qualities of 'Myfanwy' to a highly competitive - and hilarious - rendition of 'Duke of Earl', their singing was a delight. Many thanks are due to Eardisley for hosting the event and supplying us with such delicious refreshments.
PETERSTOW
Recently 5 members of the Peterstow WI committee visited Ross Court Residential Home. It was an afternoon of jovial participation by both residents and WI, with the decorating of Easter eggs and other items, which were then placed on an Easter tree. Twenty residents, including one gentleman, thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, which was followed by afternoon tea. We hope to repeat a similar event in the future.
The guest for our meeting this month was Zoe White from Megan Baker House. The charity originated in Hungary for helping children with cerebral palsy and other conditions including dyspraxia and now also treats adults with Parkinson disease and stroke victims.
It began in this county in 2002 to help a young girl, Megan, and developed into this charity in 2004 established near Leominster.
Zoe explained that this technique can only be learned in Hungary or Birmingham University, although there are centres around the world. She proceeded to show us slides of the children being helped to overcome their disabilities.
The members found this talk both educational and inspiring, especially as many of us were unaware of the service provided.
WEOBLEY
Weobley WI held a cake and produce stall in the village on Thursday morning 6th April (see photo attached). Our members did us proud in what they brought along to sell and we raised a tidy sum of money for our coffers.
BROMYARD
In April we welcomed Malcolm Penny who spoke about the manor house at Lower Brockhampton – a National Trust gem on our doorstep. Malcolm’s enthusiasm for his subject shone through his slide and film show on the estate’s history. He urged us to re-visit to see the recent changes - the whole house is now open with rooms dedicated to different eras. These include a bedroom in honour of an estate worker who paid the ultimate sacrifice in World War I and a sitting room complete with 1950s furniture and effects.
MUCH COWARNE
Much Cowarne WI was given a very interesting talk on The Work of the Street Pastors.This is a registered charity which Mike and Maggie Wilkinson went on to explain is a religious organisation which started in the UK in Brixton in 2003, this Christian organisation is now operating in 300 countries. The volunteers main objective is to patrol the streets during the evening and assist persons in need of help due to all manner of stressful circumstances, such as alcohol,drugs,domestic and personal problems, which are so varied that the volunteers carry a back pack containing an extensive first aid kit, even flip flops for the odd shoe crisis!!
Much Cowarne WI would love you to join us ladies on the second Friday of the month, 7.30 at Stoke Lacy hall, we are a friendly group of folk who enjoy great suppers and talks, come and see for yourselves before committing to join, you won't regret it, I didn't.
STOKE PRIOR & DISTRICT
Stoke Prior and District WI had an enjoyable afternoon recently when they visited Marion Wilcock at her studio in Dilwyn where she demonstrated the art of spinnning wool. Members were shown some finished clothes etc. The visit ended with tea and cakes in her cafe.
ASTON INGHAM
Aston Ingham W.I. welcomed Mr. David Barrie who gave us a talk titled, 'Feel Good and Stay on Top - What Good Nutrition can do for You.' Mr Barrie told us that all disease can be traced to mineral deficiency and that there now 76% less minerals in the soil.
David was appalled when he saw what was on sale in Worcester Hospital, food and drinks on offer had a high sugar content. He complained to the hospital and ran a campaign for change. Fortunately, healthy choices are now on offer. When recently we were told in the press that we should be eating 10, not 5 fruit and veg. a day, Mr. Barrie wrote to the newspaper to say that at last we were getting the message about how to stay healthy.Some decades ago, when it was found that men in Norfolk were living much longer than men in other parts of the country, research found that it was due to the selenium in the soil in Norfolk.
Our President told Mr. Barrie that Janet's uncle who is 95 is from Norfolk and has just moved down to live with Janet. (Janet is our Secretary).David's talk was informative and interesting and humorous, he left us lots of leaflets and some bottles of multivitamins. The ladies asked lots of questions and thoroughly enjoyed the talk.
SALTMARSHE & DISTRICT
At our April meeting we dealt easily with the business section, so that we could have ample time for Angie Pearson, who's a Qualified Instructor with Extend - Fit4Life classes.
Angie has been an Extend Instructor for ten years and is passionate about being able to help people of all abilities to maintain a sense of well being. Now that many of us are living so much longer, surely we all feel the need to maintain a good level of fitness and independence for as long as we can into our later years ? Angie says it's quite simple - "Just keep moving!" and attending an Extend class does just that as it's exercising to music using simple, everyday equipment like scarves, hoops, balls and paper plates.
Our picture shows us in action and that you can be seated or standing and having fun.
Some of our members already join Angie in the Public Hall, Bromyard on Mondays from 3pm till 4pmand feel better for doing so.
Next month we discuss the W.I. Resolutions and follow that with Mrs Rhiannon Turrell talking on "The history of Buttons". Our competition is a fridge magnet.
We do all that on Wednesday May 10th at 7.30 at Saltmarshe & District Hall. We welcome newcomers or visitors at any meeting.
LINTON
Members welcomed Mark Jessop who talked about the Community First Responders, who are a group of highly skilled first aiders that often arrive at the emergency scene before the ambulance. When an emergency number 911 or 999 is rung, the call goes out to both Community First Responders (CFR) and the Ambulance Service. If the emergency is in Ross and the ambulance has to come from far away, it is highly likely that the CFR will be first on the scene. Most common calls outs are strokes, heart attacks and resuscitations.
Mr. Jessop showed the group the contents of his large first aid bag he carried with him at all times, most of the contents are paid for through fundraising, although oxygen and burns equipment are supplied by the Ambulance Service.
Mr. Jessop informed the group how important defibrillators are to the communities, rural and otherwise. He showed the group the defibrillators he carried with him and how to use them, although when the machine is activated it tells you what to do step by step.
There are defibrillators located through the area - Ross Market Hall, John Kyrle school, Goodrich village hall, Kerne Bridge Paddle company, Symonds Yat - Royal Lodge, The Ferry Inn, Weston-under-Penyard. In fact there is a national register of 14,000 defibrillators in the country.
Many questions were asked and answered at the end of the talk. It was a very enjoyable and informative evening.
Dianne Evans thanked Mr. Jessop for his enlightening and interesting talk and she felt assured that the CFR would be in there in an emergency.
The talk was followed by tea and biscuits and a plant sale. If you would like to join in our activities, you would be most welcome. We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm (summer timetable) at Linton Village Hall. Or contact Janet Griffiths, our secretary, on 01531 8200094
BRAMPTON BRYAN
Our speaker was Fay Wentworth on ‘The Ups and Downs of a Short Story Writer’. Her short stories, novellas and articles for children and adults have been published in magazines, anthologies, online and have won awards in national competitions.
Fay entertained us with a brief history of how she came to start writing. A farmer’s daughter from Herefordshire, taking great inspiration from her father who was a wonderful storyteller, he spent most evenings dreaming up and telling tales of the animals in Dingle Wood (a wood close to their house); sat on the landing between Fay and her brother’s bedrooms so that both could hear. They would subsequently visit the wood and watch the foxes and badgers at play. In later years Fay published short stories about the animals from Dingle Wood for which her father was rather honoured. Her mother had always discouraged her from writing, as it was rather an ‘odd’ thing for a girl to do, at the time. Although in later years once published she softened and was quite delighted to hold the short stories and novellas in her hand boasting to friends “my daughter wrote this”.
We heard of her struggles to write finding time amidst being a young farmer’s wife herself with two small children; then of her endeavours to get published, having to deviate somewhat from the rather macabre tales of the early years into romantic short stories with happy endings.
From In 1982 encouraged by a small business set up grant, she set up her own business, writing mainstream short stories for magazines. After a six month stint of churning out stories, she lost her spark and started as a freelance secretarial and book keeping work, back in the real world her spark returned and from the early years of being paid for a short story by Kay’s Catalogue, to Peoples Friend for whom she wrote for over 20 years, amongst many others; Fay continued. Finally in 2009 Fay found a publisher and her dream of publishing her first book of short stories was realised. Along the way Fay managed to suitably embarrass her teenage daughter by writing for Loving, which she continued to do but under a pseudonym.
Her latest novella Are you Lost, was published and released in February and is based in Herefordshire around Leominster.
Fay rounded her talk off, treating us to a reading of one of her short stories.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Sheila Smith
SPARKLING WYE
April's speaker was Kim from Debbie and Jilly's Lingerie in Ledbury. She had a range of different items with her to demonstrate her talk and stressed the importance of a well-fitting bra, explaining that around 80% of women are wearing the wrong size because they have never been properly fitted. She went on to say that the service they provide is a fitting and is not measured; they assess the client's body shape to ensure that the correct style and fit of bra is offered. Prices vary considerably from £30 to nearly £100! Members were able to chat to Kim afterwards over coffee.
LEDBURY
Our President Margaret Coulson welcomed all members and one visitor.
After a short business meeting, Rowena Gale and Penny Usher spoke about the National Gardens Scheme and the Gardens of Herefordshire including a short history of the NGS. £60000 was raised for charity last year in Herefordshire alone. Their talk was illustrated by many beautiful pictures of gardens which are open to the public.
The competition for ‘a flower’ followed the theme of the evening – and prizes went to a perfect red camellia, a carnation from the member’s Mothers’ Day bouquet, and a poppy brooch made by a first world war veteran.
Our next meeting will take place at 7.30 pm, Wednesday 10th May at the Parish Room of the Catholic Church New Street Ledbury HR8 2EE. The meeting will discuss the Resolutions to be debated at the National Association of Women’s Institutes AGM to be held in Liverpool 7th June.
Visitors are always welcome to join us.
BARTESTREE & LUGWARDINE
In February Bartestree & Lugwardine discovered the benefits of laughter yoga with Erica Grant, then at the March meeting, Val Long one of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Guides, visually transported us down the Wye from Ross to Chepstow comparing present day views with scenes from the Victorian era. The April meeting took the form of a cheese tasting evening, enjoying cheese, biscuits, cider and apple juice from Truffles Delicatessen in Ross. They supplied notes to tell us about the cheeses sampled. The evening then finished with a cheese quiz.
LITTLE HEREFORD
Wendy White demonstrated 'The Importance of Time' in saving someone's life by using chest compressions and our members practiced using cushions to simulate the pressure needed to be effective. The defibrillator was explained and the whole emphasis was on time! A brilliant and informative evening.
PARKWAY
At April's meeting Justin Bowen of Wychbold Fudge gave a good presentation and brought samples for members to try. It was interesting to hear how much difference technology has made to small scale production of the confectionery and almost eradicated waste.
STAUNTON ON ARROW
Powys Radnorshire Chair and Vice Chair came along to Staunton on Arrow WI with their new age Kurling equipment and taught us all to play. We had a great evening, suitable for all ages!
SALTMARSHE & DISTRICT
We were pleased to be able to field 2 teams for this year's Quiz in aid of Saltmarshe & District Hall, where we hold our W.I. Meetings. We neither shone with honour, nor disgraced ourselves so feel satisfied in showing our support.
It was announced that a defibrillator will, in time, be affixed to the exterior of the Hall in the hope it will never need to be used but its presence will be appreciated.
BOSBURY
At the April meeting Penny Platts gave us a fascinating talk on Herefordshire Market Towns. Did you know that the Market House in Ledbury is on the original crossroads. The Master’s House, recently renovated and now a library, is on the site of an 8th century church. She also talked about Bromyard, Leominster, Ross on Wye, and Kington.
President, Isabel, congratulated Bosbury ‘A’ Team for taking 2nd place in the County Quiz. Sue Sharples is retiring as Secretary and was thanked for all her hard work. The new secretary will be committee member Helen Poulton.
We need extra helpers for the WI Garden Stall on Saturday, 20th May in the Parish Hall. This will be part of the Farmers Market and is from 10.30 am - 12.00 pm.
Members were given patterns for knitted poppies. These will be displayed in front of the church for the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI in 2018. So there is plenty of time to get knitting.
The garden meeting on 13th July, to be arranged, will be in the afternoon.
The next meeting is on Thursday, 11th May at 7.30 pm in the Parish Hall when the resolutions will be discussed and voted on. Please bring a photo of your “happy memories”, there will also be a bring and buy stall. The Craft Group continues to meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays in the Parish Hall. New members and visitors always welcome. For further information please phone 640029.
LEOMINSTER LASSES
In March the ladies of Leominster Lasses WI got fit for summer with Holly after 45 minutes of nonstop dancing. We danced with pom-poms, top hats and ribbons and could almost imagine ourselves in a Broadway Show. The tea and biscuits to follow were most welcome. We were also delighted to welcome back a visitor and welcome a new member.
At our April meeting, Geoff Crofts from Brightwell's Auctions lead us in a quiz "Guess the use of?" Having shown us a number of weird, wonderful, and some very lovely objects and listened to our responses, he then revealed the original use - rarely guessed. It proved to be an education delivered with much humour. We were also once more delighted to welcome a new member and several guests. This relatively new and youthful WI is growing by the month.
