November 17
HOLMER
In 1974, Sir Richard Cotterell coordinated a nationwide tree planting scheme on behalf of Herefordshire. Holmer WI opted to plant a Rowan tree in Queenswood. Kath Lambert, member since 1964, placed the sapling in the ground and, over the intervening years, watched it grow. Kath took several of us to see its progress on a recent group walk in Queenswood. From the left, Jenny ,Jane, Ann, Gwynneth, Kath Lambert , Norma, Janice ,Frances and the dogs Alfie and Teddie. Sue was behind the camera and Jean was keeping seats in the cafe. The tree is now some fifty feet tall and flourishing!
Our Annual Meeting took place in November , during which our President, Jenny Hare, reviewed the year and reminded us all what a supportive, friendly and active group we are part of. An enjoyable beetle drive followed a very plentiful and tasty meal which was provided by the Committee.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 6th December at 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Church , Grandstand Road. Ladies , come along and join us for our Christmas meeting. There will be plenty of festive cheer!
HUNTINGTON HEREFORD
On October 12th Huntington – Hereford celebrated their 90th Birthday in the form of a Buffet Luncheon at St John’s Church Hall served by the committee and the members. We were formed in 1927 but National did not register us till the following February, but we have always celebrated this month. Our guests included a few of our older members who are not now able to join us each month, June Stephens our W.I. Advisor, guests from the City Group W.I.’s, The Suttons, Tupsley ,Wye Women, unfortunately Dinedor were unable to attend. Twin W.I. Pontrilas & District W.I. and old friends at Huntington - Kington W.I. and not forgetting the ‘Famous Four’ from W.I. House, who’d, actually escaped for the day. Federation Chair: Val Lewis, Federation Secretary: Pauline Shannon: Federation Administrator Jane Jenkins and Federation Book Keeper Brenda Wright. The President Pat Amos welcomed members and guests and told everyone that without W.I. House and its hard working staff we would not have our W.I’s. and that it was a great pleasure to welcome them all.
After lunch our Speaker Mr Allen Wells was welcomed who had also joined us for lunch then gave his talk on ‘Tulipmania’ accompanied by slides, he gave a really interesting talk on the history and background of the beautiful Tulip and how it had arrived in Amsterdam in the 1700’s. (A talk we recommend).
After the talk Tea was served along with slices the lovely Birthday cake made by Secretary Brenda Drake. The cutting of the cake was performed by 2 of our ex older members who had both recently celebrated their 90th Birthdays, Mrs Edna Benson a past President and Mrs Jean Lowe who had looked after the monthly table flowers. A lovely after noon which we hope was enjoyed by members and guests.
SALTMARSHE & DISTRICT
Our floral tribute for our November meeting was very in keeping with the mood of Remembrance. Norma had put a lot of thought, as ever, into her design.
We soon dealt with the business section and the AGM part of the evening, which always provides a lovely summary of what we've achieved in the past year. Wendy also reminded us that we share each other's joys and sorrows and that gift of friendship grows ever more important in an increasingly changing world.
Our pictures show us having fun making our wobbler Christmas cards. Norma was there to demonstrate the "how to", then provided us with all we needed to create them. They looked really cute standing together once finished.
Tea and biscuits are appreciated every meeting; especially so this month as there were Jaffa cakes beloved by Rachel.
In December, we meet this year on wednesday 6th at 12 noon at The Falcon in Bromyard to enjoy our Christmas get together.
LINTON
Just recently three groups of WI (Aston Ingham, Linton and Upton Bishop) enjoyed a social afternoon at Aston Ingham village hall. They were introduced to the game of short mat bowls, which was followed by a delicious afternoon tea. Many thanks to Aston Ingham for hosting this event.
MUCH COWARNE
A cookery demonstration was held at Much Cowarne WI in October. Jackie Hope and her young daughter kept producing lovely well-presented spicy dishes and dips for us all to taste, they were so delicious that eating our usual WI supper became quite challenging as we were all so full. In November we held our annual meeting. Voting took place after the business with Jenny Maund being elected as president for a second term. A fund raising auction followed, then our usual supper and chat bought the evening to a close.
SPARKLING WYE
In September after sharing programme ideas for next year and enjoying delicious puddings, they were entertained by the Ukulele Man of Ross, Matt Stead. He told how he got into playing and teaching the uke, leading him to set up a very successful ukulele school and he recently released his own CD. His chat was interspersed with songs. Matt is very enthusiastic and fun so it was an entertaining, enjoyable evening.
The October meeting was a demonstration by glass blower, Tony Osman from Cheltenham. He explained how the different colours and types of glass are created and what intense temperatures are used to mould the shapes. It was fascinating to watch as he demonstrated traditional glass blowing, producing a beautiful and very delicate perfume bottle which he then kindly donated as a raffle prize.
November was the AGM; afterwards, Claire, one of the members, then demonstrated how to make a fondant icing snowman, complete with scarf and hat; everyone was then given ingredients and instructions to make their own to take home!
BRAMPTON BRYAN
There was no speaker this month as we held our Annual Meeting. Our Secretary Pauline Oliver read out the Committee Report reminding us of events over the past year.
The competition was won for the first time by Pat Benton, who has been a member for 35 years. The cup was presented to her by our President Gill Harnett.
As is tradition following the Annual Meeting, we had a hot supper provided by the outgoing committee, which was enjoyed by all.
STOKE PRIOR & DISTRICT
Members and visitors of STOKE PRIOR & DISTRICT welcomed Tony French at their November meeting when he gave a powerpoint presentation on SSAFA. We discovered it is the oldest Military Charity which was started in 1885 and supports members and ex-members of the Armed Forces in many different ways.
ASTON INGHAM
Anne Cummings, an Emotional therapist and Graphologist came to our A.G.M. to talk about what our handwriting reveals about us. Several members provided samples of handwriting and the results were quite intriguing and very interesting. Anne could tell that some people were talented, some determined, optimistic, controlling etc. just by looking at a small paragraph of writing. We all enjoyed the afternoon.
BROMYARD
Following the business of the Annual Meeting members of BROMYARD WI made gift boxes from re-cycled Christmas cards under the tutelage of our “senior” lady, Olive. These will be used to decorate our entry in the Christmas Tree Festival where we are hoping to repeat last year’s success.
PUTLEY
We like to do things differently at Putley WI. Our AGM – where the necessary business must be carried out – is combined with crafting so that all members can take their handiwork home. This year, under the guidance of Annie Blandford, we enjoyed creating a Christmas wreath or table arrangement. Even the least imaginative amongst us were pleasantly surprised by our artistic endeavours (see photo).
Members also take part in our own mini Bake-Off for our much-loved silver rose bowl that has been with us since the 1930s. This year the theme was ‘savoury bites’. With judging by two former members, the winner will be announced and presented with the award at our Christmas dinner.
The meeting was rounded off by an entertaining PowerPoint presentation by our energetic Secretary Julie Crompton. Her thoughtful and amusing review of 2017 really brought home what a fabulous year we’ve enjoyed with diverse speakers, garden outings and group activities. We’ve all got to know each other a little better too - and can’t wait for 2018.
BOSBURY
At the AGM in November President, Isabel, welcomed Angela Southwell from HFWI and Cherril Watkins from Cradley WI, our speaker. Cherril gave an excellent talk on the Suffragette movement
before WW1 and their struggle to get the vote for women. 2018 will be 100 years of women getting the vote. Cherril is training to be a WI Advisor.
Two longstanding members are retiring from committee, Dianne Hodgson and Elizabeth Watson. They were thanked for all their hard work over the years. Joining the committee will
be Jane Howe and Fiona Penwarne. Isabel remains as President and said we have a wide ranging programme to look forward to in 2018.
Cakes for the grandparents’ harvest tea at the school were much appreciated and raised £43 for funds.
The Christmas meeting will be on Thursday, 14th December at 7.30 pm in the Parish Hall with mulled wine and festive refreshments. Chris O’Grady will be telling us about his pilgrimage
walk from Pershore to Rome. Craft evenings continue on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays in the Parish Hall. New members and visitors are very welcome. For further information please phone
01531 337.
WYE WOMEN
Another busy month for Wye Women WI. At our AGM our current President, Deralyn Smith stood down. Deralyn had served on the committee since the inception of Wye Women. A vote of thanks was given to her especially for all her hard work as President over the last two years. Two other members of the committee also stood down and we welcomed some new committee members. Pauline Jenkins was voted in as our new President. We then enjoyed very tasty fish and chips freshly cooked by Golden Galleon.
The November walk was around the fields and countryside of Lugwardine with a pub lunch enjoyed at the Crown and Anchor.
Several of our members thoroughly enjoyed their recent weekend at the Denman Taster Weekend - a welcome opportunity to socialise with other WI's whilst taking part in a variety of activities.
Our 2018 programme has now been finalised and will be available soon - meanwhile we look forward to our Christmas party.
