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Here is a selection of events for 2011
DECEMBER
It was birthday time for Sutton in Ashfield WI in October, when they celebrated 20 years with a lovely meal at the Red Brick House in Mansfield Woodhouse. They had 3 founding members with them, and after the meal they had a toast to the next 20 years which caused a laugh. They then looked through the scrap books of photographs and news snippets enjoying the memories and the friendships made in the past 20 years.
Sutton in Ashfield WI
Shireoaks WI recently visited the John Coghlan School of Cookery near Chesterfield. 18 members went to see a 2 hour demonstration of Patisserie cookery presented by Master Chef Simon Lilley and his senior chef tutor Bryan Thompson, which was mouth-wateringly wonderful. The tiny cakes were masterpieces of chocolate, cream and sponge and beautifully presented and were eaten as dessert with the wonderful lunch they were given after the demonstration. They had two wines to taste, and coffee on arrival and finished with a visit to the Wine shop where various different types of chocolate and silicone cooking utensils were also on sale. Many other types of cookery demonstration are on offer as well of hands-on courses and it was a day out they would recommend to any other WIs who may be interested, although not for anyone watching their figure! Their Secretary Dawn was taking a course on sausage making a few weeks after and they await to hear - and taste - the results
The Wolds Group, Colston Bassett WI, Hickling WI, Kinoulton WI and Willoughby on the Wolds WI who were the hostesses for the evening held their annual meeting in October at Willoughby on the Wolds Village Hall. Guests attending were Federation Chairman Maureen Ashby, Federation Vice Chairman, Jane Jefferson together with Heather and Fiona from the County Office. The Guest speaker, Charles Hanson gave a very lively and exciting talk about the world of antiques and valued several items brought along by members. It was a fun event enjoyed by all.
Gedling WI member, Gladys recently celebrated her 90th Birthday and was presented with a cake and Winter Hanging basket by the Right Honourable. Vernon Coaker. MP. Also at the meeting was a demonstration of Belly Dancing, in which Gladys took part – they don’t say if Vernon Coaker did as well!
NOVEMBER
Here is novel way to begin your WI Challenge, to get new members to join your WI, this came from Carol of Hickling WI, somehow I don’t think many WI’s will try this method of recruitment! On a recent local history tour around Hucknall, Carol and her friend together with others on the tour visited the Bestwood Colliery Winding House and were guided into the lift. They were tightly squeezed in and the doors closed. Then the lift jammed and they were trapped – no fresh air. The guide calmly told the eight of them this had never happened before and didn’t really know what to do. In true WI style they started chatting to each other and soon discovered that ALL the women except one were WI members, coming from WI’s in Leenside, Hickling, Bestwood and City WI. 45 minutes later the Fire Service and Lift Engineers finally managed to rescue them and they had all become friends. The one lady, Susan who was the only one not a WI member was so impressed with the WI she has joined and is looking forward to attending her first meeting. Although they can laugh about their experience now: 45 minutes stuck in a lift is no joke but the WI members kept each other’s spirits up as well as recruiting a new member.
• Only one Celebration this month: Newark Fountain WI celebrated its 30th birthday in August and members celebrated the occasion by having a tour of the house and gardens at Thoresby Hall. Followed by a lovely afternoon tea in the Blue Dining Room at the hall which of course everybody enjoyed.
Newark Fountain WI
• Here is news about Ranskill & Torworth WI. For their contribution to the Knitting for the Samaritans Purse Appeal they have sent in County House: 27 Scarves, 93 Hats and 76 Pairs of Mittens! Two ladies from the village, not WI members, have always very kindly helped and have knitted all of these items for the appeal. That is a wonderful total and we send our thanks to them.
OCTOBER
In 1984 WI's in Nottinghamshire received a request from the County Council asking if members would report on litter they found in the countryside and a small group of walkers within Abbey Gates WI decided they would meet for walks to do this. These walks were so enjoyable they became regular monthly walks that took place in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, planned and organised by Marion In August they met at members Ruth's caravan in Alport, Derbyshire for coffee and biscuits before setting off on their 300th walk! After the walk they returned to Ruth's and enjoyed tea and cakes, the 4 founder members cut the celebratory cake. The photograph shows the members and friends part way through the 300th walk on Stanton Moor in Derbyshire. Well Done.
Abbey Gates WI
September 2011:
After the excitement of winning the National Why Tri Challenge, Hawton & District WI have come back down to earth by visiting Highgrove for a guided tour of the gardens. Although HRH the Prince of Wales was out in the gardens during the morning, he unfortunately wasn't to be seen in the afternoon when they were there. Perhaps he had heard the WI were coming! The gardens were amazing and the weather was very kind to them. They had a wonderful day and would certainly recommend Highgrove for an outing.
Hawton & District WI
August 2011:
For their summer outing this year, Granby & Sutton WI together with friends and fellow members, spent a most enjoyable day in June visiting Brodsworth Hall and Gardens near Doncaster. The faded interiors of this typical Victorian country house have been carefully conserved (rather than restored) by English Heritage and provide fascinating insights into how the family and staff lived and worked; and the gardens and grounds were delightful.
July 2011:
Summer is the time for Outings and Ravenshead WI went along to Harewood House in Yorkshire and had a good day with lovely sunny weather. The house, especially below stairs was very interesting – some of the members were a bit disconcerted to realise that they were still using some of the kitchen utensils that were on display! In the grounds there is a bird garden with over 90 species of exotic and endangered birds along with a Himalayan garden, well worth a visit if you are looking for an outing venue for your WI.
June 2011
70th Birthday celebrations for Eakring WI – It started with members joining in a Sunday morning Church Service and was followed by Coffee and cake in the Cator Hall, Eakring. A memorabilia display of photographs, competition entries and snippets taken from the minutes all created “ Do you remember” moments amid much laughter.
May 2011:
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