WI News Oct 14

BISHOPSWOOD

Bishopswood WI met on Friday October the 10th at 2.30pm.  Over 30 members attended.  We opened with 'Jerusalem' as usual, although unaccompanied as our pianist is on holiday.  Our president then took the business meeting.  Various upcoming events were announced, both locally and countywide.  We were reminded of our fund raising event in November, jointly with the village hall committee, which will be a French evening with French food and wine.  Cost is £8 for 2 course, the date is November 6th at 7.30pm,  tickets are available on the door.  There were two members with birthdays this month, Julia Brain and Yvonne Wilken.  Our president Mrs Ann Jones went on to say remind us that next month is the AGM, and that two of our committee members wish to stand down this year.  We were all asked  to think about who would make good replacements, and ask anyone if they would like to stand and then let Ann know.  As she said, if we do not have a committee we do not have a WI, and many of our committee members have stood for several years, so perhaps it is time for some new blood!  Happily by the end of the meeting we had two volunteers!

Tea was then served and we settled down to our speaker for this month.  Sandra Snell of The Flower House in Ross came to give a flower arranging demonstration.  What a treat this was.  We learnt so much, about various foliage plants, how they could be used, whether they would dry so we could re-use them, and how to make the most of an arrangement with really very little in the way of outlay.  She really was very knowledgeable and inspirational, even for those of us in the 'press and plunge brigade', of which I am one!  She did three arrangements all of which were stunning.  The first was presented to Mrs Ann Garner, who had announced that after many years would not be rejoining WI because of family commitments, Ann was delighted although sad to be leaving.  The second arrangement was presented to Margaret Blomfield on the occasion of her wedding anniversary, and the third was donated as a raffle prize and won by Maureen Mojer, needless to say all recipients were very pleased.  The rest of the raffle prizes were won by Kathy Hargest and Beryl Taylor.  The competition this month was for 'an arrangement containing 3 flowers and foliage'.  This was won by Sheila Trezona, Peggy Williamson was second, and Maureen Mojer was third.  The vote of thanks was given by Alison Kinder, who echoed all our thoughts when she said how enjoyable and inspirational the demonstration had been.

The next meeting is on November 14th and is the AGM, it is at 2.30pm everyone is welcome.  The meeting closed at 4.30pm.

SALTMARSHE

Our Speaker for the evening was on fine form, regaling us with witty commentary and wonderful pictures. Brenda Crump, a florist by trade and now a lecturer at Pershore College, took us from start to finish of how the flowers for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Barge were brought to life from mere designs.

The whole procedure was very hush-hush : originally only five were going from Pershore - 4 lecturers & one past student- but they weren't told what their job was to be, nor where they'd be staying. A week prior to going, the College was asked to provide a much larger group, in less than three hours. Students went into meltdown, obtaining passports and proof of identity. So, they set off on the due date, still not knowing any details.They arrived at a Central Airport hotel, where some of the group had put -u -up sofa beds. Next morning they entered a derelict disused warehouse in Thames docks to find they'd be working on the arrangement of flowers for the Jubilee Barge: the focus of the whole River Pageant and bearing members of the Royal family.

Tables, chairs and a marquee were erected inside the warehouse and the work began: own top clothes off, navy blue T- shirts on. High vis. jackets to be worn at all times out of the warehouse and onto the Barge. No cameras, professional photographers only were allowed to take picture. The hardest thing was knowing the cut off time was 7pm on the eve of the actual day of the Jubilee River celebrations. The team had one week to do everything. Crocus.co.uk supplied all the flowers and plants. A huge numbered template kept them aware of where they were up to and how much still had to be done. Amongst these 25 florists was one Belgian man. Tony, a soldier with PTSD was the team's gofer, without whom the task wouldn't have been completed on time. As a reward for all his hard work he was presented with pink shears, pink watering can and pink secateurs. Rachel de Thame arrived straight from the Chelsea Flower Show and set to work: a lovely down to earth lady who worked solidly.

Rhododendron, hebe, box all had to be conditioned, prepared and wired. Lavender dried and then wired. Inside the marquee gilding work was done with spray paint. 32 large and 18 short garlands had to be prepared along with 64 posies attached to flagpoles. A knot garden at the rear of the Barge displayed the Orb from the Coronation and plants of the Commonwealth. David Austin roses with their lovely perfume; African violets; lovely peonies and much more besides. Tea and coffee was in constant demand. Lunch was made for about eighty people, including police officers and frogmen as well as the florists.

Brenda found herself on the last day spending 7 hours, in the rain, sitting on an upended bucket putting flowers onto the prepared frames of chicken wire and moss. It took her hands six weeks to recover, and though she was paid she'd " have done it all for nothing ". She can be so proud of being part of such a glorious end result.

For our A.G.M. next month, ( Wednesday 12th November @ 7.30pm ) Wendy has asked us to bring along an unusual "gadget" or article so that we can all have fun guessing what it's used for. See you there ?

STAUNTON ON ARROW

Staunton on Arrow were delighted with the demonstration by Karen Jones on how to distress furniture and decorate with decoupage.  They had a very fascinating demonstration on painting and decorating an ordinary pine cupboard.  She was quick and expertly assisted by her sister Debbie and was finished in ¾ hour.  She also showed us how to finish off by craqueluring or aging the finished look.

PUTLEY

Putley WI enjoyed a wonderful evening thanks to milliner Lenette Isko. She explained the fascinating history of headwear and brought along a huge variety of the examples that she made. She also kindly picked out hats that she thought would suit us before letting us loose on her fabulous creations!

TUPSLEY

Tupsley WI made 29 heart shaped cushions & donated them to The Haven during the Breast Awareness Month.

ASHPERTON & CANON FROME

Recently, Sue Strutt who has been Vicar in various areas of Ledbury retired and Wendy Myles from our WI , who is proficient in Tiffany Glass Art,  offered to make her farewell gift.  After many hours of dedicated workmanship she produced this greatly admired and beautiful lampshade.

BOSBURY

At the October Craft and Produce Show President Rosemary  welcomed back Jan More after a  long convalescence.  She reported that the Ledbury Group Tea Party had been well supported.  Whilst taking afternoon tea guests were entertained by a local group "Sounds Familiar", who sang popular songs through the decades.

The Show was judged by Cradley WI  members.  Entries were up this year and made a colourful display from vegetables, fruit, and flowers, preserves and baking to hand-made bead  jewellery knitting, and other crafts.  The winner with the most points overall was Jane Delahaye, and runner-up was Rosemary Bayles.

The next meeting, in the Parish Hall, will be the AGM on Thursday, 13th November when we will be looking to elect a new president and secretary.  For further information please telephone 01531 640 622. New members are always welcome.

BOSBURY WI – 90TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

On a glorious sunny day Bosbury members celebrated their 90th birthday with a tea party at Hampton Court, Leominster.  After touring the gardens with their herbaceous borders, kitchen garden, water features, and maze, a party of members were taken around the castle with its interesting history.  The rest of the group relaxed in the shade enjoying icecreams.

Then to the tea rooms, and after a cream tea the delicious birthday cake made by Janet and decorated by Sue was cut, and handed round.   Photos were taken of our oldest visitor, past President Mary,  and our youngest member Christabel with her two young  children, who accompanied us.  All agreed it had been a perfect way to celebrate.

LEOMINSTER

The September meeting of Leominster welcomed G Ding who came and spoke about her work at the Tourist Information Office.  Members felt that it was work well done, more people visit market towns now and Leominster with the Priory Church, the museum, lovely walks and also local shops is worth a visit.

Members and guests enjoyed a Harvest Lunch in October and the speaker Dr Fiona Smith spoke her work in Nepal with deaf children.

KINGTON

The chairman opened the October meeting by welcoming our speaker, Jane Davey.
Jane gave us a very interesting talk on The quirks of Norway. She had lived there for seven years so knew the country well.
Mountains, lakes and glaciers abound with months of daylight followed by months of darkness.
The climate is often warmer than the UK because the very deep fiords stretch far in land and there water is warmed by the Gulf Stream.
Jane showed us pictures to accompany her talk which were stunning, showing landscapes, animals and the Northern Lights.