This vibrant new WI (October 2009) is already very busy and below you'll find details of their forthcoming meetings, followed by a written and pictorial record of all their activities so far....

MEETING DETAILS:
Venue for meetings is Manor House School in Ashby, on the third Wednesday of the month, commencing at 7.30pm

Please don't hesitate to email the Committee on  ashby.spa@googlemail.com if you have any queries with regards to our monthly meetings or the activities and clubs that we have on offer.


PROGRAMME FOR 2012:

15 February - Allotments in Pots - Graham Wagstaff

21 March - A Taste of Zumba - Vanessa Tyers

18 April - An Unusual Job for a Lady  - Marian Canning

8 May - LADIES EVENING - with star guest ROSEMARY CONLEY

16 May - Resolutions Meeting - PLUS Cheese and Wine!

2-4 June - VINTAGE TEA PARTY at ASHBY ARTS FESTIVAL

20 June - Fair2All Fashion Show

18 July - Doodle Doo - Diana Osborn

15 August - Behind the Scenes at Birmingham Airport - Gary Root

22 August - A SUMMER AFTERNOON at MELBOURNE HALL

19 September - Bras, Boobs and Bubbly - Katherine Ellis

3 October - SAVOUR AND SLURP Taste and Try Evening with County HE Team NB.  THIS EVENT IS STRICTLY TICKET ONLY - contact ASWI Committee for details

17 October - Annual Meeting - plus What's New in the National Forest - Lynne Richards

21 November - Cabaret Night - Seductive Stories by Cat Weatherill - Professional Storyteller

19 December - Christmas Quiz Night - PLUS Mulled Wine and Mince Pies

EVENT AND ACTIVITY REPORTS:

GALLOPING DONKEYS SEEN AT ASHBY SPA ...

Star of the WI Ivanhoe group carol service was of course the baby Jesus.  Hosted this year by Ashby Spa WI, the lifelike latex baby was held lovingly by Mum Alice and totally unaffected by the baaing sheep and galloping donkey in the hilarious ‘alternative’ nativity play.  This ‘one night only’ production of  the Christmas story was succinctly told by energetic and talented Ashby Spa WI members.  A brilliant, unforgettable event! 

On a more traditional note, the Reverend Tim Phillips of Trinity church invited us to consider the intriguing question ‘What if it’s true’?  We were also treated to calm readings from ladies of other WIs in the Ivanhoe group and carols were sung by the renown Ashby Spa WI choir.

And of course, no WI event would be complete without refreshments and lively chat with family and friends plus an opportunity to contribute to the Trinity Church roof restoration fund.  Only £70,000 to go!   Any further contributions gratefully received…..

Ashby Spa WI’s next meeting is a carvery on 21st December at 7.30pm.   but if you can’t make it, very best wishes for a happy Christmas to all.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AND GALLOPING DONKEYS AT ASHBY SPA...
Decorated poly balls, embroidered cards and origami baskets.  Believe it or not all items made at our ‘hands on’ Ashby Spa WI craft night.   So effective yet so simple to make, especially with guidance from our ‘crafty’ members.  Everyone went home flush with success at their achievements.  And talking of success, the discount day at Champneys and the special evening a Grace & Co jewellers were very popular events organised by our resourceful members Alice and June.

Some of these members have now decided to join our lively committee and replace those who have sadly decided to take a break.  So, new committee and new programme out shortly. Watch this space!

But nearer to date, the full on Hollywood style party at Willesley Golf Club on 2nd December when all the stars will come out to shine in diva dresses and smart suits.  Then we have the Christmas Carol Service on 7th December to look forward to at Trinity Church with galloping donkeys and our own WI choir. Open to all so bring a friend and enjoy the fun. Our usual meeting in December will be a carvery meal with Ian Rodgerson and his group of singers.  So, if you want to celebrate Christmas WI style, come and feast, frolic and hear details of the outings, groups and speakers for next year.

If you can’t make it on 21st December, get to know us at the Open House coffee morning on first Wednesday each month at 10.30am at the Crowded House in Bath Street, Ashby.   We’d love to meet you and we really are a friendly bunch.  We’ll keep a seat for you!  members, friends, supporters, especially Betty Dearden, and families.  Look out for the amazing new programme of events on this page soon!

HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY ASHBY SPA...
Ashby Spa WI celebrated their second birthday in October.  Secretary Val gave a summary of last year’s events and President Tara thanked all members who have helped to make the group so successful.   Tara was re-elected as President and some committee members have changed.  Treasurer Helen gave the most amusing financial report ever heard and as we are in a very enviable financial position she may well be recruited by Greece to solve their problems!

The AGM took only a small part of the evening so we continued by judging the size of oak saplings planted last year and our craft group leader Christine won a well deserved £200 bursary to a Denman WI college course.  Then we heard that the skittles team are through to the next round and a darts team are through to the final.  Well done to everyone.

We also heard that the visit to Bantock’s flowers was well attended and the carol service at Trinity Church on 7th December is being rehearsed.  The Spa day at Champney’s is booking fast and only a few tickets are left for the Christmas party on 2nd December.

We finished the night with a ridiculously exciting beetle drive. How throwing a dice and drawing a beetle could be so much fun was an eye opener but boy, did we have a laugh!  And there were even prizes!

So, now on to the coming year.  An amazing 2012 programme is imminent with a huge variety of activities and events. Oh, and watch out for news of a nationally known Star Speaker in May. You will not want to miss it.

If you’re tempted to come and join us in November, Brenda and her team of friendly hostesses will be there to greet you.  We’re having a ‘hands on’ craft evening so you can go home with your own Christmas decoration.

A VERY DIFFERENT WI EVENT AT ASHBY SPA…


What an Inspiring Woman….!  Not only is Tara the President of Ashby Spa WI, a telecomms high flyer and always immaculate but she’s now organised the ultimate programme event…. her own wedding.

WI members were proud to be invited to our own Royal couple’s  wedding and though we didn’t sing Jerusalem, a guard of honour and floral displays by our expert crafter ensured a WI presence was recorded.

Hope you agree we all scrubbed up well.

So, in true WI style, everything went according to plan.  The seats were comfortable, we could hear the ‘After Dinner Speakers’ the food was delicious and of course a perfectly baked cake to finish!  Then a Strictly Come Dancing display started the evening reception of dancing and casino.  The whole event was truly spectacular, emotional and uplifting.
 
But now we’re wondering how to top this event in next years’ programme.  I’m sure we’ll think of something.

'SWISHING’ FOR HOSPICE HOPE...
Ashby Spa WI have been ‘Swishing’ for Hospice Hope.  We love fun events with a purpose so our WI members sold ‘previously loved’ clothes to each other in a bid to raise funds for Hospice Hope.  Never heard of Hospice Hope? Well listen up.  This is a dynamic organisation determined to provide opportunities for palliative care to local people with terminal illness.  Since 2003 they have raised £100,000 with sponsored walks, antique valuation events, small change boxes and occasions similar to ours. 

So, after an evening of modelling, the odd glass of wine and scouring the clothes racks, Ashby Spa WI raised an amazing £214 in just one evening.

President Tara presented the cheque to Sue Stubbs from Hospice Hope and a WI member.  This money will go towards support cafes, nurses and equipment.  As every penny helps we hope to have made a difference and if you would like more details about Hospice Hope call 01530 810018.

ASHBY SPA RELAXED, LAID BACK AND SMELLING LOVELY...
How time flies when you’re enjoying yourself.  Already our 2nd birthday.  Ashby Spa WI goes from strength to strength with almost 100 members and 22 visitors last month.  Wow!  So, to ensure we balance new ideas against experience we’ll be changing a couple of the committee members in October.   Smaller activity groups have certainly been a good idea with the choir in high demand for Christmas events and the new Crowded House coffee morning proving very popular.  The craft group is creating Christmas items and the skittles and darts teams are honing their throwing skills.

This month, Andrea Bray an expert on aromatherapy, talked us through preventing midge bites and sleeplessness and then on to creating love potions.  Yep, another amazing Speaker and we eventually let Andrea go home, but only after answering more strange and unusual questions.

So, to next year.  Our very able Programme Organiser is finalising the programme for 2012.  Do look out for it.  Believe me, it’s going to be a bumper year with the famous and the fascinating coming to chat to us.  Also look out for the Christmas Carol service for our WI region, the Christmas party Hollywood night and, early days yet, but also the Ashby Arts Festival 2012.

And another hectic night next month!.  What  with electing a new committee, instructions on planting our year-old oak saplings, a beetle drive and bargain WI subscriptions for new members,  it’s going to be a busy night.  But then we wouldn’t have it any other way.

ASHBY SPA WI - NOT ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY ...
We've launched a new Coffee Morning!  First Wednesday in month from 10 - 12 at Crowded House in Ashby, South Street. Just drop in. Coffee only £1 cup plus pastries if you're tempted.


About 12 people turned up at the first meeting so looking forward to  next month's gathering.

Great opportunity to just chat which we can't always do at the WI meetings.  Why don't you come?  Be good to see you and nice and chatty so sure you'd have a good time!
 
The Choir is busy practising already for Christmas events - 7th Dec at Trinity Church Ashby for Ivanhoe group and then in Glenfield on 3rd Dec..... busy, busy

ASHBY SPA TALENT TOPS AGAIN...
Congratulations to Ashby Spa WI.  Yet again the creativity and ingenuity of our ‘crafty’ members secured numerous first, second and third wins at the Ashby Show: 

Cleverly engineered, the dipping bird hat came 2nd for Christine Letts and...

... a deliciously sweet decorated hat also gained  2nd for Val Moreland...

...this delicate flower arrangement in a champagne glass gained another 2nd for Christine ...

...and 3D snakes and ladders...

...superb photographs, placed 3rd for President, Tara Miles ...

...and a mosaic sunflower, which gained 1st place for Pat Bithell...

all contributed to our reputation as a force to be reckoned with. 

Look out Ashby Show 2012. There’s more to come!  If you fancy learning something new and joining the winning team, just come along to our monthly meeting.  We’d love to meet you.

Then, just to winkle out any other creative members, this month’s WI meeting involved ‘Paint a Pot’ session. 

A colourful array of jugs and piggy banks will soon be adorning many an Ashby home.

For something completely different next month, Peter Hardy will give an insight into the phenomenal success of the National Memorial Arboretum.  This inspiring site has captured the hearts and minds of the Country and we are immensely proud to have it in our area.

SELF-PRESERVATION AT ASHBY SPA…
Just what would you do.  If you were mugged or attacked, what would you really do to protect yourself.  Hopefully we’ll never be in a position to find out, but as a safeguard, Ashby Spa WI enrolled a local expert to give advice.  Bill Smith is a personal safety awareness officer who gave members specific, practical demonstrations on how to act in such a situation.  You’ll be surprised to know that one of the most important responses is to hold your arms out firmly at chest level then shout loudly and continuously for the attacker to GO AWAY. Members shouted at friends at the top of their voices in the practice session which was really quite scary - and you would be wise not to mess with some of the Ashby Spa ladies!!

But Ashby Spa WI has a gentler side and next month we are painting our own individual pottery items.  Budding artists will be able to create their design, perhaps for a birthday present, on a jug, plaque or egg cup.  Who knows, this could be the start of another new hobby. 

We already have a thriving craft group with a fabulous programme of origami, glass painting, knitting and flower arranging are attempted… you name it, they’ll try it.  Meeting just once a month in Ashby, it’s a great way of getting to know a small group of like-minded, fun members. 

ASHBY SPA WI TACKLE THE 2011 RESOLUTIONS ...
Strange though it may seem, we had a ‘thoughtful’ evening this month. The WI are keen to be involved in national concerns as well as entertaining and educating our members and this month we discussed the proposed closure of libraries and the opening of mega farms.  Both sides of the subjects were discussed and the results of our voting on the resolutions will advised to national WI to be forwarded to government.  The collective voice of our 95 members plus all other WIs will hopefully influence the final outcomes. 

But obviously, the whole evening wasn’t serious with the ultimate contrast being a fish’n’chip supper and our unique Alice calling a Bingo section. 

So much activity, and members still had to ensure their names were included on the forthcoming events lists. A huge variety of local and regional events were on offer, both during the day and evening.  Visit thewi.org.uk for full details or phone Val, whose contact details may be found in the Yearbook.  There’s bound to be something of interest for you and perhaps the start of something new!

Our Activity Groups are as active as ever, the choir developing their harmonies, the craft group creating origami birds and the Strollers group walking and  talking for health.  We love to welcome new ‘girls’ so please come and join us. 

ASHBY SPA STROLLERS TAKE ST GEORGE'S DAY WALK ...
Ashby Spa Strollers had a wonderful short local walk.  Eight ladies and one husband (how lucky was he?). 

Easy walk in glorious sunshine and a stop for tea and cake made it a perfect morning event....

HANGING BASKETS GALORE IN ASHBY SPA...
For the Ant and Dec of gardening look no further than Alan and Cory from Sunnyside Nurseries.  These two cheeky chappies made a hanging basket demonstration to Ashby Spa WI into a thoroughly raucous evening.   What with their ‘Dark and Delicious’ baskets planted up with Slap and Tickle, and Orange Fizz flowers, we learnt there’s more fun to gardening than ivy and lobellia.   But then Ashby Spa WI always do things differently and 14 new visitors enjoyed the fun.  Beautifully planted baskets were donated to four of our members and we all learnt from the very instructive question and answer session.   

Another brilliant evening!

For a completely different evening, food will play a part at next months evening with fish and chips on order while we discuss this years WI national Resolution.  Then afterwards,  our own ‘Alice the Caller’ will give a repeat performance of her individual style of bingo.  But beware, legs eleven and two fat ladies will never sound the same again.
So come and have your supper then hear about all our exciting  future events.  Strawberries and Pimms at Donnington le Heath,  skittles and even a craft evening.  Don’t be shy! A Hostess will meet you and introduce you to some of our members, or bring a friend.  See you at 7.30pm Wednesday 18th May at Manor House School, South Street,  Ashby.  Or talk to the lovely Valerie (contact via email address above) or visit Ashby Spa WI at www.thewi.org.uk/leicestershire and look for the Ashby Spa page for more details.

P.S.  Our choir would love some new members!  No audition. No need to read music.  Come along and sing out with Music from the Shows.  Just call Val.  We’d love to hear from you.

DOWN ON THE FARM AT ASHBY SPA ...
Spring really is in the air.  New buds, clear skies and the inevitable list of garden jobs!  So to start with a real splash of colour to any garden we’ve invited Alan Ginn from Sunnyside Nurseries to show us how to produce a magnificent hanging basket.   Look out for them around Ashby.  They’ll be simply the best!  Alan will also provide a mini Gardeners Question Time so come along if you have any gardening queries – what he doesn’t know is not worth knowing…

And our Speaker last month, Brenda Woodings, knows all there is to know about being a farmers wife.   Apparently it’s easy.  Just include accountancy, hostess, cook, wife, mother, teacher and Defra expert on your C.V. rolled in with humour, patience, compassion and dogged determination.  Simple really!   But the vision of Brenda in her nightie and wellies herding cattle at midnight will remain for ever.  Just ask her to explain that one!  Thanks Brenda for a wonderfully funny evening.

Still with the environment, don’t forget it’s Earth Hour at 8.30pm on 26th March.  We’ll all be switching off our lights for one hour to indicate to the government our growing concerns of global warming.   What a splendid opportunity for romantic candles and peace and quiet.

Contact us on ashby.spa@googlemail.com if you’d like to join us for a different evening out.  Honestly, your life will never be the same again!

BELLYDANCING AT ASHBY SPA ...
Laugh! Well what a night. So much shaking and shimmying going on. Our belly dancing night was an Ashbylutely Wonderful experience for the ladies of Ashby Spa WI.  We were beautifully led by Helena Bundock who is a real enthusiast and expertly taught us all the sensuous moves and teasing touches. 

Keeping fit has never been so much fun and hopefully some of us will get the bug and continue to learn.

I’m sure our speaker next month, Brenda Woodings, has no need for a keep fit regime as she is a farmer’s wife!  Amusing anecdotes of her energetic life will give us an insight into the fun, workload and surprises of working on the land. I believe she has a very good Bull story to tell!!

And of course we’ll also be kept up to date with the various group activities, book club, craft, choir and the darts teams, soon to start throwing a few arrows again.

BRAVING THE ARCTIC COLD...
We certainly like variety in our WI and this month local Heather-born Adrian Cross inspired us with his tales as an Antartica explorer.  Graphic tales of sea-sickness, frost bite and derring-do brought the dangerous realities of Antartica to life.  With a crew of all nationalities they set sail to learn leadership and survival skills and the effects of global warming.

It isn’t all work though.  Within one of the coldest but most beautiful areas of the world there is also the thrill of seeing intelligent Hump Back Whales, penguins and dangerous Leopard seals.  All of the crew have interesting stories to tell on return including one of the first girls to over winter in Antartica who was from Ashby!  But these expeditions would not be possible without the dedication and leadership of explorers like Adrian to continue these life changing experiences.

But now next month is a completely different event.  We go from scenic to sensuous with a belly dancing master class.  So girls, get out those chiffon scarves and come and have a real belly laugh! It’s surely got to be a sight worth seeing!

Then if you fancy becoming a professional belly dancer our craft group could help design your outfit or join the very lively book group to read tales of the Arabian Nights.  These are just two activity groups within Ashby Spa WI but all our groups have a really friendly vibrancy so do come along and try something different.  You know you want to!

CHRISTMAS TIME ....
Christmas has certainly been a merry old time for Ashby Spa WI.  Not only did we cook up delicious goodies for the December Bring and Share Supper, but also fell about laughing at the Christmas cracker making demonstration (soon to be premiered on U-tube – you really don’t want to miss it!).  Plus, to get us in the seasonal mood we were entertained with carols, music and readings by the 2nd Ashby Brownies.  They were an absolute delight and I felt about seven years old again.  Then to end the evening our choir sang a short but spirited Christmas selection.

If you feel a song coming on, now is a good time to join the choir as they start their new programme.

But that wasn’t all. Not by any means!  The huge success of the year was our Christmas Ball at Willesley golf club.  With dancing till after midnight to a mix of singer and disco music it was a truly fantastic night and we were even favoured with an unscheduled performance from our own Air Guitar group.  The ‘dress to impress’ code saw us so glamorously clad we were hardly recognisable!  Then a major event of the evening was drawing the amazing raffle prizes donated by very generous local businesses.  Sincere thanks to you all. 

So now we need to rest and recuperate in time for our January meeting when an intrepid Antarctica explorer will recount his adventures.  How different is that?  Why not make it a New Year’s resolution to come and join us for more fun than Santa could ever bring you.  7.30pm on 19th January at Manor House School, Ashby - or contact the super secretary on email ashby.spa@gmail.com.

RETAIL THERAPY IS NOTHING NEW, YOU KNOW...
Here it is… the news you’ve all been waiting for!  The new Ashby Spa WI 2011 Programme is now available (see above).  From Antartica explorer to belly dancing, from fashion to skittles, we’ve something for everyone to enjoy and take part in.  And of course, true to form, we have plenty of eating and drinking activities for 2011.

Talking of food, the Christmas dinner dance at Willesley Golf club has just a few tickets left so come on, dress to impress and shake your bootie!

With Christmas in mind, the vibrant Wendy Eccles (pictured below) spoke to the group this month on the history of shopping.  ‘You shop, we drop’ may be a current phrase but nothing much has changed when it comes to parting us from our hard earn money.  From Dickens to the Internet, shops have satisfied our ‘must have’ needs and if there’s a bit of gossip to hear at the same time, so much the better.  Even Co-op divi numbers (do you remember one?) are now loyalty cards and instead of M&S one penny shops we have one pound shops.  But at least we no longer have to lick Green Shield stamps!

Wendy Eccles with one of her lovely props.

At the December meeting we’ll be munching our way through a delicious selection of food at the Bring and Share supper while the local X-factor Brownies choir entertain us.  Then to really get us ready for Christmas we’ll be trying our hand at making Christmas Crackers. Now that will be a laugh!

So, for full details of our programme, the outings and numerous activity groups, come along to the next meeting. Manor House School, South street, Wednesday December 15th at 7.30pm. Lots of parking.  Or contact the super secretary on email ashby.spa@gmail.com. Come and be part of an Ashbylutely Wonderful group.

VERY NAUGHTY (BUT NICE) CHOCOHOLICS' MEETING ...
September's meeting was extremely well attended with numbers in excess of 65 including approximately 25 being visitors.  That had a lot to do with the guest speaker Nigel Hollings' subject of the History of Chocolate and also an open invitation to other WIs to attend from within our group.  Nigel's company BitterSweet Chocolates is based in Breedon on the Hill and they make the most delicious handmade chocolates.  After Nigel's presentation, taking us from 2000BC through to the present day, Nigel handed around single origin chocolate from several of the cacao growing countries on the Equatorial belt so that we could taste the subtle differences and then we sampled flavoured chocolate made by his team.  I am sure a place on one of his Chocolate Heaven workshops will appear on many Christmas gift wish lists.  The night was jammed pack with information which included June Scott updating us with the book club's change of venue, they now meet at the Crowded House on the first Wednesday of the month, Barbara Ivatt appealed again for someone to lead the potential singing group in order to be able to take this idea forward.  
 
STATELY HOMES, EXOTIC MEALS AND DARTS...
August has seen the group off out on our first excursions.  On Saturday 7th the first Culture Vultures bus trip was organised by Christine March and Sarah Bartholomew to Althorp House, the ancestral home of the Spencer family.  The bus was full of members, their friends and family looking forward to the day out.  For me the timings were perfect, a walk round the House with an audio tour, a walk down to the oval lake and then lunch alfresco in the stables courtyard before a look at the exhibitions in the converted stables and a few purchases in the gift shop, with time left for a leisurely drink and chat before getting back on the bus for the journey home.  Everyone seemed to have had a great day.
 
The second trip of the month was on the afternoon of Wednesday 18th and was our Summer Outing to Catton Hall.  The Hall was opened for our private viewing by Mrs Katie Neilson who guided us through her lovely home.  After a detailed summary of the family history Katie took us on a tour of the family art collection and included the Dining Room, Hallway, Drawing Room, Library (where we had a quick look into her adjoining kitchen!) and then on up the stairway to one of the guest bedrooms and en-suite facilities and the long landing on which were the seat scales used in days gone by to weigh in and out house guests.  We then went out to the Chapel and the gardens and returned to the Dining Room for a deliciously cake laden afternoon tea. 

Unfortunately the ramble and faith supper at Packington WI was called off due to wet weather, which was a shame as some of us who had already met with a few of the Packington ladies through the darts league were looking forward to seeing them again. 

On Tuesday 22nd June the Strollers did a circular walk from Ashby to Smisby to Ashby on a very warm day. 

On Wednesday 21st we were first updated on the NFWI AGM held in Cardiff by Mrs Helen Trevena who was the delegate for Leicestershire & Rutland, she was obviously very proud to have been the representative, especially as her daughter Ruth Bond holds the position of NFWI Chair and made the opening and closing speeches.  Our speaker for the evening was Ian Rogerson who brought along a huge variety of cheeses and was so enthusiastic about the produce that by the time his presentation was over everyone was more than ready to pick out their favourites or new flavours to try out with the biscuits and wine they had brought along.  I am sure in the days that followed many of us went off to the cheese counters at our delicatessens or supermarkets to try out different varieties to those that normally make it into our shopping baskets. 
 
Barbara Ivatt announced that she was interested in setting up a singing group and appealed for a leader to guide and conduct the group.  If there is anyone that is willing to take on this position please contact Barbara.  By the end of the evening there were a good number of ladies that had expressed an interest in joining.  If you enjoy singing and would like to sign up then make yourself known to Barbara.  Also Christine March announced a new Culture Vultures organised trip to Haddon Hall, Bakewell and the Peak Village Shopping Outlet on Saturday 9 October.
 
I believe both darts teams have played all their league games and results have been sent off for collation. 

Only the winner of each of the groups goes through to the next leg of the competition and we wait to hear if either team has topped their group to go forward. 
 
In August we have our summer outing to look forward to which is an afternoon at Catton Park on 18th.  Also there is a day trip to Althorp on 7th for those that have signed up.

DOWN THE GARDEN PATH...


June's evening meeting was held at our new venue, Manor House School.  Author David Bell (seen left in the picture, with Vice-president Sue Perks) presented Down the Garden Path on the privies of Leicestershire and Rutland.  He was an excellent speaker and kept the audience's attention throughout with his funny stories, anecdotes and interesting information on the subject, gained while researching his book Leicestershire and Rutland Privies.  The stories of the night soil men held a particular fascination for me as I hadn't even considered that such a job existed.  Apparently David has another 9 presentations in his repertoire and hopefully we will hear more of them in the future.
 
Helen Child gave us an update on our financial situation and the setting up of a subcommittee for fundraising events, anyone interested in helping or with any fundraising ideas don't be shy on coming forward!  The first of such events will be a book sale to be held at the September meeting, all book donations will be gratefully received.  Sue Perks updated us on the Christmas party at Willesley Golf Club, this is looking to be a popular event so initially it is open to members + 1 guest, please put your name down as soon as possible if you would like to attend, it is to be held on Friday 17 December, there will be a hot and a cold buffet and the cost is £20 per person.  Forward notice was given by Barbara Ivatt that the November's speaker would be changing, therefore watch out for news of who will be replacing the Fun and Games in M&S.  Names are still being taken for the afternoon at Catton Hall on 18 August.  We had another 7 new members join at June's meeting. 
 
Our next meeting will be held on 21 July and is the cheese tasting Smile Please Say Cheese presented by Ian Rogerston, please do bring your own biscuits, wine and glass to add further interest!  Don't forget the trading table for any surplus produce you may like to sell from your garden, kitchen, hobbies and crafts.

A SPOONFUL OF MEDICINE....
Our April meeting was a presentation by Serene Foster of Hyde's Herbal Clinic on Herbal Medicine in the 21st Century.  Serene bought with her many of the nicer tasting herbal tinctures which she passed around for all to sample, although in some cases a smell was enough!  She explained the herbal source, the treatment and the prescription of singular and multiple herbal remedies.  Serene also advised that there were medical conditions that may prevent the use of some herbal medications. 

During the evening a vote was held to decide on a relocation for the monthly meetings to accommodate our growing membership.  Our new venue is Manor School House.  

In April both of our darts teams played their first games in the WI league.  The walking group had a beautiful warm and sunny day for their return walk through some of the new plantations of the New Forest from Shellbrook to Blackfordby, stopping at one of the pubs mid route to enjoy their garden in the sunshine and, of course, refreshments.
 
Our next meeting will be held on 19th May at our new premises where we will discuss the resolution being put to the vote at the AGM of the NFWI in June, namely the mandatory clear labelling of food with its true country of origin. After the discussion we will be having a game or two of bingo.

WALKERS AND TREE HUGGERS UNITE FOR THE SNOWDROP WALK!


Members of Ashby Spa WI Walking Group recently took advantage of the welcome sign of spring by taking a walk through the snowdrops. 

On 23rd March the walking group met at Staunton Harold to do the Diminsdale walk, around 13 people turned out and finished off the outing with refreshments at Staunton Stables Tearooms.  This group meet on the Tuesday following the main evening meeting at which the route and meeting times are made known. 
 
The next meeting of Ashby Spa will be held on 21st April at 7.30pm and will include a presentation by Serene Foster of Hyde's Herbal Clinic on Herbal Medicine in the 21st Century. 

ASHBY SPA'S HISTORY LESSON
Jane Elson's talk on the history of the WI soon dispelled any thoughts we may have had about the movement being "just about jam and Jerusalem".  The presentation covered the WI from 1897 through to the present day and the introduction of the new logo - The WI, Inspiring Women.  The logo seems to be very apt for our new group, as we have new members joining at each meeting, so much so that we are having to consider a change of premises to accommodate us.  

BEAUTIFUL LADIES ...
Ashby Spa WI's latest event was a presentation by professional make-up artist Sheelagh Powell.   Member Christine Letts volunteered to be the model for the evening and Sheelagh gave a running commentary as she was making up Christine's face, taking us through the processes and application of make-up.  Sheelagh also gave us hints and tips along the way answering the questions of members with regard to the problems they face when applying their own make-up.  This was a very helpful and informative demonstration where everyone came away with ideas for updating their skincare and make-up routines.