MAY 2018
THE SUTTONS
The Suttons WI have been very active recently, with Belly Dancing in February and Tai Chi in March. In April we hosted a Heartstart session, which was an open meeting, attended by other people in the village, in preparation for the defibrillator which will soon be installed in the telephone box outside the village pub.
At our next meeting on 16th May we will be discussing the Resolutions, and Cecilia, one of our members, will be telling us about her trip to India
LINTON
At the April meeting Linton WI welcomed Malcolm Watkins who gave a fascinating talk about food and recipes from Tudor and Stuart times, entitled “Ginger in the Coffin”.
Mr Watkins began his talk with the turbulent times of fire, plague and execution which changed English cultural life; there were new landowners, and new wealth and opportunities arose to experiment with foreign cuisine, such as anchovies, wine and capers. The English discovered that it was safe to eat raw fruit and vegetables and would sometimes include it alongside their meal.
Food for the majority of people was potage; a thick stew of vegetables and oats, which was kept hot and ingredients such as mutton, other vegetables and herbs would be added. It would be served with bread and cheese.
Food was cooked on an open fire in cauldrons. Ovens were used for bread, pies and cakes. People would have their own set of cutlery (spoon and knife) which they would carry with them from house to house. Spoons often made of horn or pewter.
During this time there was an interest in cookery books, although mainly written by men, many of the recipes were invented by women. Although a few women could read in the 17th century very few could write. Readers of the cookery books were often members of the clergy and the gentry. “Countrey Contentments, or the English Huswife” by Gervase Markham in 1615, was a best seller of its time. Published and handwritten books included knitting patterns and remedies for common ailments such as toothache and canker.
Mr Watkins showed photographs throughout his talk of recipes, cooking pots, a pestle and mortar, cheese grater and Abernodwydd Farm a seventeenth century farm house and garden, which can be found at St. Fagan’s National Museum of History, Cardiff.
The talk was followed by light refreshments and a chance to chat.
Our next meeting is on 10 May 7.30pm and will be a Resolutions meeting with cheese and wine. If you would like to come to our meetings, you would be assured of a friendly welcome.
We meet at Linton Village Hall on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.
For more details please contact Jonquil Dodd 01989-7850238 email jdlinwi91@gmail.com or Irene Tuttiett on 01989-721258 email roberttuttiett@hotmail.com
HOLMER
After discussion about this year's WI resolution- in support of 'Mental Health Matters'- we had our own in-house ' Cookery Corner'. We had all tightened our belts significantly during the day , in anticipation of the culinary delights to come. We weren't disappointed! Mary Burgess, in the photo, made a Greek dish Yvezzi ; Talia Wheeler prepared cheese biscuits; Joyce Crosier made treacle bread and Palmiers; Christine Cooper rustled up some cheese scones ; Maureen Graver cooked some Tomato and Mozarella puffs; Sue Howells made some Cypriot almond biscuits; Margaret Powell prepared a boiled fruit cake, which was cooked using an old family recipe; Jackie Hancock made a scintillating range of sweets which included Turkish Delight and marshmallows; Jane Jenkins made tangy lemon pots; Margaret Jones prepared a treacle tart and Sue Patmore cooked some sourdough bread. As well as the food, there were samples to take home and recipes to try later . A truly mouthwatering evening, further complemented by a beautifully iced birthday cake made by Frances Riddell , commemorating our WI's 77th birthday.
Many of our members and friends recently marked the occasion with a delicious Sunday Lunch at Burghill golf club. In addition, each member has been given a special pen as a memento.
We next meet on Wednesday 6th June at 7.30 at St. Marys Church , Grandstand Road. Georgia Milan will talk about her work as a vet. Our WI continues to welcome new members of all ages and continues to grow. If you're interested in a welcoming, enjoyable evening out, do come along and join us.
SALTMARSHE & DISTRICT
On Wednesday 13th June we are heading off to visit a garden in Worcester belonging to the daughter of a one time member of our Group. We hope for good weather to enjoy this. If you'd like to come along please contact Wendy, Janet or Mary on 01885 489342/ 488650 / 482789 respectively
As we left for home after our May meeting we were all of one mind that we'd had a jolly good evening's entertainment. We dealt with the more formal part of the session- the Resolution that "Mental Health Matters as much as Physical Health", which was unanimously voted "Yes" - we turned to a series of items which each had a story to tell.
So it was that we saw a piece of genuine Berlin Wall complete with graffiti, hand chipped away on that momentous occasion when the wall came down in 1989. We laughed at the Welsh Tea party ceramic showing women in Welsh costumes as we heard Celia tell us that it was a reminder to be "respectable". Janet R showed her grandparents very pretty and strong sounding bell. Betty gave us a memory of happy days bowling, Rachel told us of charming Sally Pigtails, Jean showed off an African bean pod, Sue gave us a pictorial version of making the wonderful home and garden she now lives in, Gwen showed a candlestick rescued from a bombed house, being totally blackened but now looking as good as ever and JJ took all our breaths away with the fine piece of jewellery designed from family pieces.
Evelyn was the Lucky Winner of the Raffle; her 2nd time this year!
BROMYARD
BROMYARD’s speaker in May was Sarah Eardley, CEO of the H.O.P.E. Centre, a local charity supporting children, parents/carers and families in various ways. From its origins as a mother and toddler group it has evolved into a purpose built Children’s Centre manned by forty staff and volunteers. As well as a Child Contact Centre and an OFSTED rated “outstanding” Nursery/Preschool it offers rooms for hire and a café open to all.
ALLENSMORE
At their May meeting Allensmore W.I. met Wendy Steadman and her volunteers, Ann and Janet, who introduced us to Morsbags.
Wendy gave us the history of how Claire and Joe Morsman conceived the idea of making a simple cloth bag to help combat the damage done by plastic waste fuelled by the use of plastic bags. When they put their pattern on the website in 2007 the idea went worldwide. To date 272,484 Morsbags have replaced 141,691,600 plastic bags.
Wendy and her team make these to give away. We were shown how to make our own during the evening and those of us who didn’t have time to do this were still able to take one away to use.
In return all Wendy and her MacsBag pod need is donated fabric and willing volunteers to produce more bags.
An enjoyable evening with a serious message that we can all help the environment in a small but important way.
UPTON BISHOP
The monthly meeting of Upton Bishop WI was held on Tuesday 8th May 2018. It opened with a business meeting by the president Jane Pendlebury, who then welcomed Paul and Michelle Connell to give us a talk on the Napoleonic War Re-enactment.
Paul and Michelle are part of a group who portray the lives of soldiers and their ladies during the early 1800’s. Paul wore the uniform of a Sergeant of the Worcester Yeomanry Cavalry raised during the Napoleonic Wars as a back up to the regular army and Michelle was dressed in the traditional costumes of his wife. As well as the costumes they also brought with them all the
authentic equipment and a collection of weapons that would have been used at the time.
As part of a group they do it for their interest in history and drama and acting and appear regularly at Eastnor Castle which was the original base of the Worcester Yeomanry. The vote of thanks was given by Pat Lemin and this informative talk was concluded with a raffle and refreshments.
The next regular meeting of Upton Bishop WI is on Tuesday 12th June 2018 at the Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop at 7.30 p.m.
Upton Bishop WI is also holding a special evening on Friday 7th September 2018 at the Millennium Hall at 7.30p.m open to all.!
“An Evening with Quentin Letts”. Ticket £10 available from Jane Pendlebury or Clare Bell. (details see below)
Anyone interested in joining is most welcome. Please contact either President Jane Pendlebury on
01989 780763 or Secretary Clare Bell on 01989 780383 for further information.
LEDBURY
The topic for our May meeting was to the National Federation’s 2018 conference resolution - “Mental health matters as much as physical health. The NFWI urges all members to recognise the importance of parity between mental health and physical health and take action to make it as acceptable to talk about mental health issues as much as physical health issues and to lobby government for better support for mental illness”
Rosie Sessarego proposed the motion, giving a heartfelt and professional presentation. This stimulated considerable debate amongst members, with many giving their views and experiences. The motion was approved unanimously.
Pete Dobson from the Ledbury Archery Club, Putley, then gave an introduction to the imminent visit to the Club by ten of our adventurous members for a ‘Have a Go’ experience of the sport.
Jenny Harrison was congratulated on receiving a Ledbury Distinguished Citizen’s Award. This was given in recognition of her research of Ledbury’s First World War I history and arranging exhibitions at the Parish Church, as well as helping organise the rededication of the war memorial site and centenary field on the recreation ground.
Elaine Toyer updated us with news of the Association of Country Women of the World ( a charity supported by WI donations ) including their important involvement with UNESCO .
Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 13 June at 7.30 pm - the Parish Room of the Catholic Church New Street Ledbury HR8 2EE, when Penny Platts will speak about ‘ Churches of Herefordshire’.
Visitors are always welcome.
PARKWAY
In March Tessa Jones gave an informative and well received talk on Aloe Vera and its uses, with Tessa including several personal anecdotes.
Isabelle Gibson and Stephen Parker talked about the Allotment Movement, a subject close to members hearts, and the founding and development of Ledbury Allotment Association, which works with schools in the area and is looking to extend its outreach other areas of the local community.
In May Pat Perks gave a talk on buttons, which had members not only reminiscing about their own button boxes but also about 'Granny's button box', with its button hooks shoe buttons, buttons from baby clothes and the rest; lots of shared memories and laughter.
BISHOPSWOOD
This month our meeting was open to family and friends. We welcomed the musicians Rachel and Mike Fenton to our meeting and waited not knowing exactly what to expect given that some of us had not come across their instruments, the Dulcimer and Autoharp. Rachel introduced us to the Dulcimer, a type of zither; we learnt it is played sitting so the instrument can rest on the lap and the strings strummed. Although Rachel has a handcrafted mountain Dulcimer from the US Appalachians, it’s found in many cultures, especially in the British Isles and is often regarded as an ancestor of the piano. Meanwhile the Autoharp is also in the zither family but you play it standing and hold down the strings to mute them and hence when all the stings are plucked the remaining unmated strings give the sound. Mike teaches both instruments and taught Rachel to play and tells us, “even if you have never touched a musical instrument before it is possible to learn”.
The music made was enchanting; especially so as Bishopswood Village Hall picture windows enjoy uninterrupted views of the beautiful River Wye which this evening sparkled in the sunshine. The Duo magically threaded their way through pop classics, songs from hit TV shows and classical songs. Mike, although a professional musician, was a Headmaster and is adept at engaging with the audience and got us all singing along. One of the most memorable scenes of the evening was us all singing and hand signing to a Russian lullaby written by a six year old child. There was plenty of humour to keep the mood light and particularly, Mike’s impersonation of a Dr Who Dalek on the Jew’s harp.
We ended the evening talking to Rachel and Mike about their music and some of us got to play some of their collection of Zithers generously brought along for us.
The Duo are playing at the WI County’s Annual Council Meeting and we can only give them our highest recommendation.
Our next meeting is at Bishopswood Village Hall, Kerne Bridge, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5QT on Friday 8th June, 2018 at 18:30hrs. Visitors are always welcome. Our speaker will be Mr Adrian James (a Worcestershire based professional garden photographer) to tell us about and show images from his travels to “Southern Africa”.
STOKE PRIOR
At their May meeting, members of Stoke Prior & District WI voted on the National WI Resolution on Mental Health matters. By coincidence, Zoe Baggot of Alzheimer's Research UK visited us to focus our minds on fighting the increasing level of Dementia and Alzheimers. As always, money is required to ensure that the appropriate treatment is available and the need is becoming ever more imperative.
WYE WOMEN
Well the Spring months have been busy for Wye Women WI ! In March we had an informative talk on the importance of a good fitting bra. Staff from Hart's of Monmouth made it a fun evening and some of our members have since visited Hart's to experience one to one fittings.
April's meeting was Candle Craft. Tracey Jones talked to us about how she set up her business initially from home and how it has developed. We had the opportunity to make candles and sample and buy a selection of candles - the room smelt very sweet !
On a glorious spring day our walking group experienced the very best of the British countryside around Eastnor - the bluebells and vista were stunning - followed by a tasty lunch at a local pub.
Our fundraiser was held in May - and Debbie Coplans from Hibiscus Florist once again entertained us with her humour as she demonstrated two very unusual hanging baskets and a stunning table decoration. We welcomed guests from other WI's and everyone enjoyed a very tasty buffet afterwards. Debbie kindly donated three of her wonderful creations and other raffle prizes included afternoon tea and a dog grooming voucher.
We have enjoyed participating in other WI events - boules - great fun ! - a cookery demonstration,visits to Denman and a very informative ACM. Our sewing group have been busy and new projects are underway.
We welcomed several new members to a thriving and very busy City WI !
BOSBURY
President, Isabel, welcomed members and visitors to the May meeting. The next Ledbury Group Meeting is being organised by Colwall Wings WI on 2nd July from 6.30 - 9.30 pm in a marquee at Colwall Church. The cakes baked for Bosbury School raised
£12 for funds. Members were reminded to collect toiletries and handbags which will be delivered to a local Womens’ Refuge.
The resolution for the National AGM “Mental Health Matters” made for an in depth discussion and we voted in favour. This will be
passed on to our delegate.
After a welcome cup of tea we held a knitting workshop for our Community Project to crochet or knit poppies for a display
in Bosbury Church during November. The whole village is involved and the poppies will be required by mid-October.
Simple patterns are available from Helen on 01531 640337.
The next meeting is on Thursday, 14th June in Bosbury Parish Hall at 7.30pm. This is an Open Meeting to which everyone
is welcome - adults £3. Artisan Gin Making with Duncan and Alex Fox. The garden meeting will be on Thursday 12th July at The Dog, Bosbury by kind permission of Yvonne Prestidge from 6.00 pm - 8,30 pm. Details from Helen on 01531 640337.
WEOBLEY
The Jenny Pipes Morris dancers entertained members of the WEOBLEY WI at our May meeting. Some of our more nimble members put their talents to the test, with mixed results!
LEOMINSTER LASSES
We met outside Grange Court on a glorious evening for a "Cluedo" style walk around the town. Our aim was to find who had taken our funds, and the town and place in which she had hidden them. Armed with a page of "mug shots" looking very much like our members but with dodgy names) and a list of fiendish clues, we set off in small groups to track our quarry. The well deserved destination was The Chequers Inn for liquid refreshment.
KINGTON
The meeting began with a minute silence in memory of our late, much lamented member, Gill Duberly.
The main purpose of this months meeting was to discuss the resolution being put forward at the National AGM. Our delegate will vote in favour of the resolution.
We were then spoken to by Margaret Smith about her great interest in sewing beginning with dresses and then learning different needlework and crafts.
She then showed us how to make flowers out of cardboard. Not every body was successful, but one member managed it very well.
Tea was served among bits of cardboard and glue.
HAMPTON BISHOP
On 15th May Hampton Bishop celebrated their 70th birthday party, as it was very close to the royal wedding of Megan and Harry we decided to go with a wedding theme. We thought we would have an afternoon tea which was held in the village hall. Members made sandwiches and cakes and we started off with a glass of bubbly. We felt it would be fun to dress in smart clothes or mother of the bride outfits as some of us had an outfit that had only been worn once .A few members brought in their wedding dresses one dating back to 1948 some had made their own many brought photos and very enjoyable day was had by all. We ended up by cutting a celebration birthday cake great fun and fairly easy to arrange in true W.I. style.
