WI News June 2014
BOSBURY
The President, Rosemary Bayles, welcomed members and visitors to the May meeting. The garden meeting will be on 17th July, a week later than usual, and will be a visit to Hampton Court near Leominster when we will be celebrating our 90th birthday complete with cake. The next Ledbury group meeting is now on Saturday, 27th September at Bosbury for a vintage tea party.
Members voted unanimously in favour of the resolution on organ transplants asking us as WI members to make our wishes regarding organ donation known to our families.
Fred Clark, who lived and worked in the Falkland Isles for thirty years then gave us a fascinating talk illustrated with slides of the abundant wildlife. He told us there are 400 islands, two of them large, with no trees and a population of 2942 inhabitants. The wildlife ranges from sea birds to barn owls which arrived from Britain on grain ships, and turkey vultures who are scavengers to walrus, sea lions and king penguins.
The next meeting will be a talk by Jan Long entitled "My work with the British Council" on Thursday, 12th June. The craft evening will be on Thursday, 19th June, and open to non members. For further information please telephone 01531 640 622. New members are always welcome.
LEDBURY WI
The President Margaret Caulson welcomed members to our May meeting, not as many ladies present this month due to another organisation clashing their day out with our meeting. The Secretary Jenny Treasure placed the minutes of the previous meeting on the table for members to read and told us our financial situation as our Treasurer Jo Butcher is resting after a ligament replacement to one of her knees.
The President informed the meeting of four members who would be representing Ledbury WI at the Hereford Federations ACM on 19th May at the Courtyard in Hereford.
Now was the time to discus the Resolution we will be voting on at our AGM, which this year is taking place in Leeds on 7th June. The President read the resolution: The NFWI notes that three people die
every day whilst waiting for an organ transplant. We call on every member of the WI to make their wishes regarding organ donation known, and to encourage their families and friends and members of their local communities to do likewise. A lively discussion ensued, then we held a vote which was carried unanimously.
There was not enough time for a speaker this evening instead we amused ourselves with a round of True or False. Mary Stewart was our Quiz Master for the evening. Refreshments were then enjoyed and we decided to play another round of True or False, the answers opened up much discussion before the end of a fulfilling evening.
The June meeting on the 11th will be an open meeting to which we would like to invite non-members (£3) to hear an amusing talk by Nadine Carr entitled A Peck, a Gill and a Firkin. Our meetings are held at 7.30pm in the Trinity Rooms behind the Catholic Church, New St; Ledbury.
KINGTON
At the May meeting Kington discussed fund raising ideas. A quiz is being prepared and we are holding a strawberry tea in July, we had a craft session. We produced cards and these were judged afterwards, winners were Heather and Marian with Kath runner up.
PUTLEY
95000
It wasn't the glorious summer evening that we'd planned but the rain did hold off when Alex & Jane Morton showed us around their six acre smallholding just over the border in Staunton, Gloucestershire. But at least the rain held off and our spirits were lifted by a fascinating evening when they shared some of their secrets (e.g. no dig gardening!), their wonderful wild flower areas, the raised beds, poly tunnels and over 200 cherry trees. Then they welcomed us into their 15th century house for the most delicious spread. We'll certainly be back when the cherries are ripe... Further information: www.vinefarm.co.uk
SALTMARSHE
How amazing that this year our Annual Garden visit was blessed with wonderful weather; calm, dry, with only a light breeze ...... something quite unknown over the past few years ! So it was with some excitement that we met at the Hall at ten past six, then headed off in convoy down the lush country lane to Wolferlow House. There we were met and made very welcome by Stuart and Jill Smith. Stuart led us first to look at the ponds and wildflower meadow. Bullrushes ringed the water where newts and insects live and a whole cacophony of birdsong filled the air. It was wonderful to hear again the pure song of a skylark overhead in the sky . Skirting the edge of the next field, where three horses peacefully continued their eating unperturbed by us, we were able to see the Southern aspect of the house with striking rose garden and fountain. From there we struck out in all directions to explore all that this impressive garden has to offer.
There was an old orchard with a kiwi fruit plant trailing up and around a very ancient fruit tree. Further on was a pond of very abundant watercress. As we walked along the cut grass path the three sheep kept firmly on the move, meaning they were opposite us at all times. Stuart told us how he'd asked one group of youngsters what did they think was growing on this particular ( pear ) tree. " A turnip " said one girl and you could understand why . The very productive vegetable garden was well laid out: one of the lettuces in a row of Little Gems had decided to outgrow its neighbours at least threefold - " a true rebel, that one " said one of us. The whole outdoors area flowed so easily and naturally that there was something to please the eye with every look. Formal and informal areas; awesome planting schemes; quiet and spiritual areas; a rock garden created two years ago on the site of an old hazel tree stump ; metal rails with atmospheric bronzed fennel plants against them; a comfortable seating area. Stuart explained that each year he and Jill decided to embark on a "project". This year that is to plant a blue and white area. Having been there now eight years they must surely find it very satisfying to see the results of their labours.
And you can see it all too................... as Stuart and Jill are in the National Gardens Scheme of gardens open for charity. ( See http://www.ngs.org.uk/ for more details ) This year they're open on Saturday 5 July from 10am to 5pm with admission £3.50, children go free. Or maybe you fancy a luxury break in an apartment with indoor heated pool and sauna ? We looked through the windows at the pool, which seems a very generous size. If so, look on www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/worcester/210892
By this time we were thirsty and peckish, so we all settled down to enjoy a refreshing cup of tea and to partake of the scrumptious selection of cakes on offer................ some of which were very moreish. ( We could always diet tomorrow ! ) The two dogs, Bramble, a Jack Russell, and Tink, a Patterdale, were very interested in any crumbs that came their way. We concluded the Business section of our meeting very quickly and enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to one amongst us before returning our attention to the cakes.
As we reached a quarter to nine you could feel the evening beginning to lose its heat and so we thanked out host and hostess profoundly and headed for home .... one of us being delighted at having christened a very stylish pair of pink summer shoes tied with a fabric bow.
BROMYARD
For the first time we had an early evening Garden Meeting, hosted by Jan and John Berry, and what a beautiful garden, so much to see, we all gathered in the Garden and sang Jerusalem and it sounded marvellous outdoors, then we went indoors as the weather was a little iffy and had a small amount of business. We then split into 2 lots with the first one going back up the garden to Jan's beautiful Art Studio where she gave us a lino cut demo, this was fascinating as she took us through the whole process of the way she produces her pictures and cards. Meanwhile the remainder enjoyed a light supper of Pimm's, pate and puddings and of course lots of chat. Then we did it all again with the 2nd party. We had a raffle and another glass of Pimm's and all parted around 9 o'clock.
On Wednesday afternoon 6 of us went to Alfrick WI Summer meeting held at Alfrick Pound, what a beautiful house and the garden was breathtaking with wonderful views over towards Cruz Hill, they had won the skittle shield the night before so we were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate their win, we all bought raffle tickets (with 2 of us winning) had a glance round the bring and buy, then sat and enjoyed a marvellous flower demo by Kerry Power who was one of the florist who decorated The Queen's Barge, she did 3 arrangements all of which we would love to have won in her raffle, but alas it was not to be. So we enjoyed a sumptuous homemade tea how many meringues did we eat!!!
We look forward to our July meeting where Mary and Shirley are boning and stuffing a chicken!!
All welcome, any queries ring Shirley on 01885 489029
BISHOPSWOOD
On June the 13th thirty members of Bishopswood WI and nine visitors attended our meeting. We had a short meeting presided over by Mrs Ann Jones our president, and then followed a most amusing presentation and talk by Mr Mike Pullin B.E.M. on the subject of the Hospice Angels. He explained how he had founded the organisation in 1996 to raise money for St Michael's Hospice a local charity to help and care for patients with cancer. It had started with his birthday. He had a party which was well attended with a jazz band, however afterwards some of guests said they didn't like jazz! Two years later he decided to have another party at the local pub and charge an entry fee of £5, he was amazed to find that the proceeds were £1650, and decided to give the money to the local charity St Michael's Hospice. From then on it became an obsession!
He devised diverse ways of raising money, from skydiving, to visiting a total of 19 different countries on a motorbike, in the company of many other motorbike enthusiasts, and another event where he and his friend Mick Marshall to his horse called Frank and a carriage to London from Ledbury, a total of 120 miles, taking 6 days . That trip raised £12,500. The talk was accompanied by two DVD's, the first explaining how the organisation was founded, and the second, video footage of Frank's journey to London and the various stops on the way. Mike was most amusing, had a great store of stories and jokes to tell, and was really inspiring. From 1994 until 2012 he has raised over £170,000, which resulted in his being awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of his work. Everyone really enjoyed his talk, Mrs Ann Jones gave the vote of thanks, and members were invited to donate if they wished. The result was a record for any W.I. that Mike has been to, as just under £325 was raised, and with Gift Aid making another 25%, well worthwhile.
The meeting closed at 8.50pm. The next meeting is on July 11th at 6.30pm, we have no speaker as it is our Summer social. Everyone is most welcome.
LEDBURY
The June meeting of Ledbury WI was held on a beautiful sunny evening. President Margaret Coulson welcomed everyone and accepted apologies from those unable to attend. Our Secretary Jenny Treasure placed the minutes of the previous meeting on the table for members to read if they wished. As our speaker Nadine Carr had already arrived we decided to resume business after refreshments.
Nadine is a well known on the speaker's circuit for the many caricatures she plays. To-night she is dressed as a Housekeeper namely Mrs Trehearne and we were all enrolled into the Trehearne School of Housekeeping. We were informed after our training we would all be found a position. But first we needed to learn how to dress and sit appropriately, what colours to wear when & how to keep our hair. We also required items attached to our belt, e.g. keys, scissors, mirror, measure, notebook & pencil. Then we received instruction on how to run the Big House in the country & what staff we needed to accompany us to the Town House also the pecking order of the various staff and how to hire and fire them and to remember the Housekeeper is the most senior member of staff after the Butler.
Mrs Trehearne then distributed papers for a mock Entrance assessment which was thought provoking and amusing, we all duly answered the questions and then discussed the answers together as the talk came to an end.
We were now all ready to enjoy our refreshments.
We continued with the WI business, the President informed us of forthcoming Federation outings also some details regarding the WI Centenary Baton which is making its way around England & Wales.
The Resolution (Organ Donation) was voted for by Delegates at the AGM in Leeds on 7th June and passed by 5981 votes to 133 against. Mary Stewart gave us an over view of the Herefordshire ACM she attended on 19th May at the Courtyard in Hereford. Birthday posies were distributed and the winner of the monthly competition was announced.
The next meeting is 7.30pm 9th July 2014 at the Parish Room, Catholic Church, New St; Ledbury. We are delighted to have our own member Elizabeth Whattler as our Speaker. Her talk is titled
Summer Cookery & we are looking forward to tasting the dishes she will be preparing for us. Visitors are always most welcome.
PARKWAY
At the June meeting, Andy Offer of Whylehouse Farm gave an informative and interesting presentation. He told of how he started as a hobby farmer keeping sheep, eventually taking on the role full-time. He described the challenges of maintaining a balance between respect and provision of good quality care for his animals with the need to be profitable. There was a good deal of empathy for Andy from members who were involved with farming.
Parkway WI meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the Baptist Church Rooms, from 2.00pm.
Visitors and new members are most welcome.
BOSBURY
At the June meeting Jan Long gave us an interesting insight into her work with the British Council.with many hilarious anecdotes. The British Council was formed in 1934 to promote Britain overseas and have fellowship with other countries. It operates around the globe.
She worked mainly in the UK, but did short stints abroad, and told us her favourite posting was to Newcastle-upon-Tyne where the Council supported foreign students studying there, they also covered Yorkshire and Humberside. Jan had a team who welcomed the students on arrival and told them about their courses and what to expect. She used to take students all over the country on visits and organised social events where they were encouraged show something of their own cultures.
Rosemary reported that she had attended the annual meeting in Hereford with Judith and was presented with a certificate from HFWI for our 90th birthday this year. Tthe plant stall at the Farmers Market in May raised £92. The WI Centenary baton will be in Ledbury on 9th September and then goes on to Worcester.
The next meeting will be a 90th birthday outing to Hampton Court, Leominster on Thursday, 17th July, a week later than usual. Meet at the Parish Hall at 1.00 pm to arrange transport. For further information please telephone 01531 640 622. New members are always welcome.