September 17
CRADLEY
Our August meeting had a ‘DIY’ theme – members were invited to volunteer as speakers, and share their experiences, thoughts or passions. This led to a diverse evening’s entertainment – one member overcame a terror of getting her face wet to develop a passion for scuba diving; another has become a keen motor biker (pillion only!) donning leathers of equivalent to travel across Europe. We have a child TV star in our midst, who took the experience into amateur dramatics; another has spent leisure time camping or sailing in unlikely places around the globe; and we learnt about experiences working in the former asylum at Powick - a very different world. We heard fascinating memories of living in East Africa as it approached independence, and of the establishment of an Arts festival in Malvern. A real ‘variety performance’ – getting to know more about each other, stimulating reflection and amusement.
ASTON INGHAM
Some of the members of Aston Ingham W.I. went to Smart's Cheese Factory in July. We were shown the process of cheese making from start to finish and thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
A number of ladies from Aston Ingham W.I. went to Weston Hall gardens on 8th August by kind permission of Mr Aldrich Blake. Our host gave us lots of information about the gardens, then left us free to explore. There was an amazing perfumed magnolia and paniculata hydrangeas, as well as many other plants There was a thriving vegetable garden, a greenhouse and a lake. Tea and cakes were served in the courtyard.
The sun didn't shine but we thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.
SALTMARSHE & DISTRICT
Our Annual outing this year was to the NT Croome Court. We were blessed with good weather and, as a bonus, enjoyed an exclusive guided tour of the privately owned walled gardens there. Chris and Karen Cronin met at Pershore High School and for many years drove by the walls to Croome Court often wondering what was behind. When the head gardener's cottage came up For Sale it was a chance to find out.
The place had been derelict for 40 years and in decline for a hundred. It's been a labour of love over almost 20 years to restore it in an ongoing project." It's Britain's largest walled gardens" Chris told us. We delighted in the wild flowers, the roses, dahlias, the east border, the glasshouses with melons, figs and Madagascar jasmine and - how exciting! - the tunnels with the resident two toads we were warned not to harm.
Lunch in Croome Court itself was much appreciated and then we took ourselves round the magnificent country house and grounds, once home to the Earl of Coventry, returning for tea and cake in the Wartime Visitor Centre.
PEMBRIDGE
In August Pembridge WI were entertained by Carole Dowding who spoke about how, in her youth, she learnt to fly a helicopter. For the September meeting we are looking forward to hearing from Heather Carrington on the World of Forensics.
In between monthly meetings lunch at The Grove followed by ten-pin bowling is regularly on the menu and on the last Tuesday of the month afternoon tea at The Steppes is always an opportunity to meet up for a chat.
HOLMER
Our September meeting included a talk by Alison Palfrey, representing the Breast Cancer Haven. Based in St. Owen Street, the charity unstintingly supports women diagnosed with breast cancer, sensitively and effectively before , during and after treatment. 50,000 women are diagnosed annually with a 1 in 8 likelihood of diagnosis nationwide .The Haven takes pride in supporting women when they need it most, providing a wide range of therapies including acupuncture, reflexology, hypnotherapy, exercises and nutritional guidance . Diane Emmett is now the centre manager and nursing specialist, members present who had experienced her care spoke very highly of her and her work .Alison informed us that October will be breast cancer awareness month , many fundraising activities are planned some of which are using the pink theme. For further details of the work of The Haven and activities in October, phone 01432361061. A vote of thanks was given by Sue Howells.
In June, Frances Riddell led a five and a half mile walk in Ashperton, in the photo from the left Margaret Powell, Jenny Hare, Maureen Graver, Talia Wheeler and Margaret Jones. We had a very active time in June, Jenny Hare organised an evening walk around the city, led by one of the Guild of Guides from the Cathedral.
In July, the speaker at our monthly meeting was Keith James whose subject was ' The Photographic studio of Derek Evans'. An enjoyable summer evening was held in the beautiful garden of Frances Riddell.
Our speaker at the August meeting was Paul Green, who told members about Exotic Plants. We welcomed several members from Peterstow WI on that occasion. Peterstow kindly invited Holmer to their September meeting. Jenny Hare and Ann Jackson went along to hear about L.S. Lowry.
In mid-August, a pudding and quiz evening tested members and their families and friends. The questions were compiled and delivered by Jane Jenkins. Win or lose, it was a very enjoyable evening.
Holmer WI will next meet on Wednesday October 4th at 7.30pm in St. Marys Church, Grandstand Road. The speaker will be Jan Matthews and she will tell us about wet felted pictures. An interesting topic for all you 'crafty' ladies out there, come along and join us!
MUCH COWARNE
A wet July meeting for Much Cowarne, replacing the usual colourful garden party, was held in our village hall. Attendance was low but the auction was profitable, helped by the usual summer Pimms! August - David Podmore accompanied by two well behaved dogs gave a talk on 'The Forever Hounds Trust', a rescue/retirement organisation caring for greyhounds in need of help. September - Sue Skyrme a Physiotherapist gave an insight into her profession, she talked about the numerous treatments and exercises applied for pain relief. We were encouraged to participate in a few simple exercises to keep us mobile.
BRAMPTON BRYAN
Brampton Bryan had a ‘Make and Share’ evening when 6 members, brought their favourite dish, with the recipe and told us why it had been chosen. The following dishes were presented:-
Devonshire Splits made with yeast and topped with cream and jam. The maker had attended a yeast cookery course as a young farmer and had enjoyed it so much. Her flour was bought in Lincolnshire. The tip she offered was “don’t hurry yeast cookery”.
A cheese pie, which brought back memories of eating it on Saturday nights with the family. Followed by a trip to the Picture House to watch the latest film.
Chocolate Fudge Brownies, which were very economical because they were very rich and a little went a long way! Advice on which wine to eat with the brownies was also given with tongue in cheek!
Roast Belpepper Tart, a reminder of time spent in Italy. This normally contained Mozzarella Cheese and green olives, but substitutions had to be made!.
Coffee and walnut sponge, which is always a great favourite with everyone. The maker of this confessed she usually left the walnuts out, but this time is was the margarine, so she had to start again.
Quiche Lorraine to suit a”very fussy husband” who is difficult to please, but as this was described as the “Ultimate” Quiche Lorraine, he had to eat it!
This was a new venture for us and was a very happy evening enjoyed by everyone. The food was delicious and we all tried everything!
LLANWARNE & DISTRICT
On a very stormy night in September Llanwarne & District were joined for a very special Beauty Evening by Jackie, from the Polished Nail & Beauty Lounge, Pengethly and Sophie from The Therapy Room, Much Birch. Willing volunteers from the assembled throng enabled them to demonstrate and advise on a variety of treatments which they can offer. These include: facials, manicures, pedicures, eyebrow and facial threading for hair removal, waxing and electrolysis and various types of massage therapies. Despite a few breaks in power they continued in true British fashion and left some of us looking a good deal neater and more relaxed than when we arrived! We were supplied throughout the evening with a wonderful array of homemade delicacies provided by by our tea hostesses, Kay and Joan. The evening was full of fun and the subject matter attracted many new welcome visitors and hopefully future members!
WYE WOMEN
For their September meeting, Wye Women invited John Turrell to present "Skeletons in the Cupboard" - an illustrated guide to tracing your family history using his experience in researching his own family history in Hereford and further afield. Everyone listed very attentatively and enjoyed the evening.
The walking group took in the gorgeous early Autumnal scenery following the Mordiford Loop - here we are having a well earned rest on some very convenient logs ! The Moon at Mordiford was the venue for our well deserved pub lunch !
LINTON
Living on cereal bars and bottled water Manuel Queiroz flew round the world in his hand built plane. It was a single seater, the other seat had been replaced by fuel tanks, to a capacity of 450 litres.
His first journey in his plane took him from Gloucester to the Isle of Wight. After recovering from a major illness he decided to fly round the world, stopping at various points for fuel and provisions where he experienced different cultures, some unpleasant and some welcoming.
He flew over great expanses of water, deserts and perilous mountain ranges. He flew through electric storms, tsunamis and sometimes too high in the sky where his little plane got covered in ice and stopped his engine, forcing him to drop five thousand feet before it would start again.
Often flying at night Manuel would experience some beautiful sunsets and sights that could only have been seen from a small plane.
Manuel's talk was interesting and often amusing and was supported by photographs of beautiful sunsets, cloud formations, mountain ranges, islands in the oceans and the odd picture of the cockpit.
Irene thanked Manuel for coming to speak to Linton WI and guests at the Open Meeting. The talk was followed by light refreshments.
LEDBURY
Our President, Margaret Coulson, welcomed all to the meeting and introduced the evening’s speaker, Nick Wilkes speaking about his ‘Life in the Theatre’.
Nick proved to be a popular and very professional speaker. He spoke of his training at The Old Vic and the many venues in which he has acted with roles ranging from Shakespeare to Pantomime. He has also been in stage management and other behind the scenes roles. Clearly a man of many theatrical talents, Nick has written numerous plays, one of which will shortly be staged in Stratford upon Avon.
Following his engaging presentatation, members enjoyed a cup of tea together then birthday posies were presented to members who would be celebrating during the month.
If you would like to come as a visitor to our meeting please join us at 7.30 pm, Wednesday 14 September at the Parish Room of the Catholic Church New Street Ledbury HR8 2EE. Our speaker will be Margaret Roy telling us about ‘The Wye Valley Walk’.
LEDBURY GROUP MEETING
Earlier in September Margaret and many Ledbury members had attended the Group Meeting hosted by Mathon WI. Paul Whittake OBE, profoundly deaf since birth, gave a talk which proved to be not only inspirational but highly amusing and entertaining with a good deal of audience participation. Paul is hoping to create deaf choirs, with the aim of helping deaf children. Naturally the afternoon tea was delicious!
ASTON INGHAM
Jackie Cox. a local artist and art teacher, came to talk to us and teach us in the art of pastel painting, made popular by the artist, Edgar Degas.
Jackie told us that there are about 1,300 different pastels, oils and pencils available. Some papers are not good and colour easily comes off, better textured paper, like velvet paper are better but are more expensive. Jackie likes mat paper the best because one can get lots of pastel on it. Most of the time, pastel artists spray their work to make the finished picture. Jackie showed us the same picture on different paper, the result was very different.
Most members attempted pastel painting with pencils, smudging was fun and very forgiving, for those of us who aren't good at drawing. It was a fun afternoon, one to be repeated.
SALTMARSHE & DISTRICT
We may have been somewhat diluted in numbers due to WI visits and holidays, but the Members who were able to be at our September evening really enjoyed listening to a firm favourite of ours: Mr. David Barrie on "Confessions of a Wine Taster"
Our picture shows us getting ready to taste a red wine. We've looked at the colour, swished it round in the glass and are just getting ready to "analyse" the aroma before actually taking a sip and "chewing" it.
Dave spoke about how he started in this career at the tender age of 16, when he was able to sell wine but not entitled to buy it. His journey through the world of wine and his stories gathered along the way kept us very entertained. Those of us not able to be there missed a good evening.
Next month, we're having a Social evening and a Bring and Buy Sale and will bring a plate of food for sharing; that's on Wednesday October 11th at 7.30pm at Saltmarshe District Hall. Perhaps we'll see you there.
STOKE PRIOR
Elaine Russ demonstrated her skills of making a Patchwork Cover for a book to the members of Stoke Prior & District in September. Although she didn't claim to be an expert, everyone was amazed at the result, with some hoping to complete their own covers.
BROMYARD
Guide Dogs, represented by Richard Nash, Jean Embellin and Shirley Sheridan with her guide dog Taylor, were the speakers at our September meeting. Richard gave a most informative talk about the history of guide dogs and his experiences as a “puppy walker” – one of the stages involved in training a guide dog. Shirley, herself a member of Hot Peppers WI in Upton-upon-Severn, lived up to the WI maxim “Inspiring Women” with a moving and thought provoking account of the life changing difference her guide dog has made to her previous restricted and isolated existence.
BARTESTREE & LUGWARDINE
In the last few months Bartestree and Lugwardine have heard about the trials and tribulations of life running a B&B from Rosemary Prosser and spent an evening with Collette Mansell Gray viewing her Art Deco collection. In August instead of having a meeting we visited Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton. At the September meeting members had a flower arranging workshop which was organised by Portia and Wendy, when each member made a table arrangement which they later took home.
BOSBURY
After the August break, Rosemary, who was standing in for Isabel, welcomed back members and visitors and especially Elizabeth after her recent spell in hospital.
Arrangements were made for the Craft and Produce Show in October. Members were reminded to bring their entries early from 7.00 pm to allow plenty of time for judging.
A donation of £50, from our fund raising events, will be made to the Ledbury Food Bank.
Our speaker, member Wendy Greensmith had brought along a wide range of Christmas decorations from Christmas trees, to patchwork table mats and wreaths, all made from fabrics. She showed us how to assemble each item using a machine. She first became interested in patchwork after she enrolled for classes to give herself an interest outside the house.
The next meeting will be the Craft & Produce Show on Thursday, 13th October in the Parish Hall from 7.00 pm. Craft evenings continue on 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. New members and visitors are welcome to join us. For further information please phone 01531 640337
UPTON BISHOP
Our September speaker, Carole Dowding, was warmly welcomed by UBWI members.
Carole gave us all a very entertaining evening on how she became a female helicopter pilot.
As a young girl she was a very accomplished show-jumper who was encouraged in showjumping by her very strict father, but it certainly wasn't the route that she wanted to follow. After various jobs, i.e. working for Charles of the Ritz, Yves Saint Lauren, then Christian Dior, she then decided that she wanted to learn how to fly. She was given a book entitled "Flight Briefing for Pilots" which she told us was the first book read by anyone wanting to be a helicopter pilot,
Her strict father relented and said that she must learn to fly in one month, which she did.
She qualified as a helicopter pilot in 1980, going onto fly three different helicopters.
Along her journey to becoming a pilot she met and married her husband who at the time was a Air Traffic Controller.
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 10th October at 7:30pm at the Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop. Our talk will be Children's Wellbeing. You will be made very welcome.
PARKWAY
On a warm September afternoon the President Val Graham welcomed members and our speaker Miguel Dean to our monthly meeting. Jerusalem was sung and Miguel was invited to speak, the members had wondered what the talk was going to be about as the WI is non religious and non political and the title was Heaven on Earth?
Miguel said he is now mainly a youth worker and as we all know many youths need a lot of understanding and help. He told us of his life, his mother dying when he was 7months and he and 3 other siblings were cared for by various realatives untill his father remarried. After a unhappy childhood he ended up homeless etc etc. Miguel realised he had to seek help, he tried various agencies in Hereford but all said he didn't fit under their umbrella when a kind lady gave him a number to ring. That was the turning point, he attended college in Worcester and studied counselling, became a lecturer and now works for himself. Miguel has also written a book.
An interesting Q&A session followed and a vote of thanks was given, miguel then joined us for a cup of tea and cakes. Our business meeting continued, the secretary Eileen Hunt informed us of forth coming federation events after we enjoyed some picture quizzes the meeting closed at 4.30.
Our next meeting will be at 2pm on 10th October in the Baptist Hall, The Homend, Ledbury.
Our speaker will be Eileen Dilly talking on Edwardian Charms. Visitors Welcome.