Over recent months Doveside W.I has continued to enjoy a varied programme of meetings, outings and activities.

As there was no meeting in August, a Treasure Trail at Barton Marina was organised – refreshments and retail adding to an enjoyable outing.

One warm sunny morning, also in August, a few members drove to the Lavender Patch at Hilton – after picking some lavender, they sat under the trees making “Lavender Wands” with the lavender and ribbon – it must be said, some had greater success than others (!) – but the cake and drinks provided by host Sally Hibbert, assisted concentration.

The speaker at the September meeting was Ian Rogerson giving a talk about cheese – he brought a variety of cheeses for members to sample along with biscuits and wine tasting – the latter provided by staff from Jinnie Inn – members went home quite replete.

An illustrated talk about life below stairs was given by Dr Wendy Frear in October – much of her research had been at Calke Abbey, which gave added local interest to a most informative morning.

A Quilling morning in July was so successful, another one has been organised for November when Christmas cards and tree ornaments will be made. Maybe some will also use these skills to decorate their contribution to the tree Doveside will have at the Advent Festival – all members have an item to customise for the tree.

Having sponsored the Craft section at Rolleston Gala - it was pleasing to have a winner in this, and many other sections of the show. Prizes have also been won at W.I. events – in the mask making at the Group meeting attended by some in October, and the Doveside newsletter, compiled by Kate Arnold, won first prize at the Staffordshire W.I annual council meeting.

With an interesting programme of meetings, visits and activities, including Scrabble afternoons, planned and a Christmas Lunch at the Jinnie Inn – it promises to be another enjoyable few months ahead. Maybe you would care to join us – you would be made very welcome. For further details see village notice board or contact the President on 813234

Eluned White

Doveside W.I. continues to thrive with an ever increasing membership.

Over the past few months, the speakers at the meetings have been varied and interesting – in May, Audrey Hall gave a talk about her experiences taking a production of Shirley Valentine from Lichfield to Greece – sounded like a herculean task, but great fun. Forensics was the topic for June – the speaker, Paul Newman, gave an insight into the service involved in the detection of crime – a fascinating account. On a lighter note, Sue Small, an image consultant, had members participating in her demonstration of colour analysis – no shortage of volunteers to be advised as to the colours they should be wearing. This was a most enjoyable morning.

Following on from a talk earlier in the year about Denman College, a manor house in Oxfordshire where W.I run a variety of courses, Doveside is to organise to pay a visit there in the future.

Apart from the monthly meetings, Doveside organises and takes part in a number of activities – joining in village events with a stall at Transport Festival, and more recently winning the Bloomin’ feet competition at Garden Sunday – thanks to the skills of Beryl Pipe. The floral expertise of Ann Haywood was recognised when she won a trophy for her flower arrangement in a Staffordshire W.I. competition.

Various informal workshops have been arranged – such as flower arranging and quilling, and Scrabble meetings are held every month. Members have enjoyed lunch at local hostelries and a cream tea at Tutbury Castle, with the appearance of Nell Gwyn to entertain them. Outings to places of interest have also taken place.

Continuing a year in which we have had a quiz morning, advice on digitally adjusting photographs and an aromatic talk given by the owner of the Lavender Patch, the Autumn programme continues to look interesting with talks on cheese, Life below Stairs and Sugarcraft, and a variety of outings are being arranged.

Why not join us one morning to see whether you would like to become a member. We meet at Rolleston club on third Friday of the month at 9.45am. For further information contact 813234 or see the village noticeboard.

Elunid White

Our meetings continue to be well attended and everyone is well pleased with our venue, the Club, which being situated in the centre of the village is more convenient to most members. We have had some very interesting speakers at recent meetings on various subjects. It is always gratifying to learn about things that we possibly take for granted especially if they seem to be run of the mill. We are looking forward to many interesting topics in the meetings to come. We are always pleased to welcome new members and we meet on third Friday of every month except August at 9.45am. in Rolleston Club.

The first meeting of the New Year was held on Friday 21st January at Rolleston club which is proving to be a much more convenient venue being in the centre of the village. Although it was a very cold day there was a good attendance of members and we enjoyed chatting and catching up with our news.

This was a “do-it-yourself” sort of meeting as we had no outside speaker, but enjoyed a quiz, prepared by one of our members and gave us a chance to use our intellect again after the torpor of the Christmas period.

We look forward to the forthcoming meetings when there will be a variety of speakers on interesting topics to entertain us and get us thinking, and of course with the better weather on the way it won’t be so hazardous venturing out and we can be sure of larger attendances

May Anderson

Spring Programme

Friday 18th March
Annual General Meeting
Speaker Mrs Sally Hibbert - "The Lavender Patch"

Friday 15th April
Speaker Mrs Jill Williams - "The Denman Experience"

Friday 20th May
Speaker Mrs Audrey Hall - "Taking Shirley Valentine to Greece"

Meetings start at 09.45, in Rolleston Club.

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Last updated: 24 January 2012