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The Autumn programme of Doveside W.I. continues to be a full and interesting one, covering a variety of topics and interests.
There was no meeting in August, but there were a few outings over the break – members enjoyed a walk in the gardens of Haddon Hall, had an interesting time at Notty Hornblower’s costume museum, and had a go at Nordic walking. Many had also been busy preparing their entries for the village Gala – resulting in a number of prizewinners.
Travel was the theme of the September meeting with Danny Wells giving an illustrated talk on the History of Cook’s Tours – making us realise how much easier it is to see the world now.
In an introduction to Spinning, Frances Murray, from Tutbury Craft Shop, gave a brief history of the craft, and demonstrated methods of spinning using a variety of tools and yarns explaining the different qualities of fleece from many animals.
A day visit to Denman College, W.I’s residential college, was enjoyable, and some may well be tempted to attend one of the interesting course available there.
The Group meeting organised by Rolleston, brought another success with Annette Styne winning the competition for home made Victoria Plum Jam. The variety of skills at W.I. was also on show in the impressive collection of items at the October meeting of Doveside – jewellery, coasters etc. all decorated by members at a recent glasswork session at the club. I am sure this will be continued in the activities arranged for the coming weeks – ceramic painting, decoupage and Christmas flower arranging.
The Group continues to be involved in village activities and we are busy making decorations for the tree to be part of the Advent Festival in the church, and many enjoyed and helped at the recent Barn Dance.
The programme continues with a talk on Indian Cookery in November, Christmas Miscellany in December and a festive meal is planned at the Jinnie Inn.
As always visitors are welcome – see village noticeboard or contact President on 813234.
Elunid White
There will be much to add to the photo album of Doveside W I to record the past few months. The meetings have been varied and interesting – in April Geoff’ Smith’s talk “Behind the Scenes at Chelsea Flower Show” gave an insight into the hard work involved in having a garden or display at this prestigious event. From blank canvas through to building site, followed by beautiful creations and then back to the original state –members were amazed at the ingenuity and attention to detail.
The following three meetings could be entitled “Wine, Flowers and Song” , with women as the audience. In May Alan Hopkins entertained with his medley of tunes depicting his life in music.. The wine tasting in June to accompany Ken Marshall’s talk on wines from the hedgerow, added to the enjoyment of the morning. Elsie Hood and Ann Haywood’s floral art demonstration “Floral Summertime” left my usual arrangements in a vase looking somewhat sad. With strawberries and cream refreshments this helped to dispel the gloom of recent bad weather.
At the June meeting members drank a loyal toast to the Queen and enjoyed crown shaped biscuits baked by Carol Swift. With royal memorabilia brought in by members, this helped commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.
Over the weeks various local and national matters have been discussed including plans for the village, and the shortage of midwives. The latter is the National W.I. resolution and there was overwhelming support for the need for more midwives.
A variety of outings and activities have been enjoyed – cream tea at Tutbury Castle, an evening visit to Lichfield Garrick to see ”Calamity Jane” and a canal boat trip from Willington Marina on a day when the canal was not the only wet environment, but in true W.I. spirit, a good time was had by all!. Some members also enjoyed joining other local W.I.’s for a cabaret evening at Hanbury.
Along with attending workshops, members have also been successful at the W.I. County Show.
Although this has been a relatively quiet period, Doveside W.I. has continued with a variety of activities.
The two meetings held since the last Rollestonian report have been very interesting. In February, Peter Shelley gave a talk entitled –A Handful of Straw – an uninspiring title that did not prepare people for the surprise in store. Not only did he make the most intricate ‘straw dollies’, he also used the straw to make mosaics and to weave and embroider. Whilst demonstrating his craft, he related how he became interested, and told of many places he had visited in connection with this, and showed examples of work from various other countries.
In March, Keith Blood gave an illustrated talk about Croxden Abbey, a relatively unknown local historical ruin. He gave an insight into its history, and of life in the abbey when it was inhabited.
Members have visited local ‘eateries’ for lunch, met up for Scrabble games every month, and to learn new skills at the craft workshops. A few weeks ago, some were even adventurous enough to spend a morning Go-Karting – apparently a very enjoyable outing, with no serious mishaps!
A successful coffee morning was held in conjunction with other local W.I.s at the Rolleston Club, and members continue to be involved with a number of local and county W.I activities, and with village events in Rolleston.
The next speaker will be Geoffrey Smith ‘Behind the Scenes at Chelsea’ – this starts another year of interesting speakers, and with many activities and visits in the pipeline, the next few months will be very busy indeed.
As usual, new members are always welcome – contact Kate Arnold on 813234 or look at the village noticeboards.
Elunid White
Doveside W.I members have again had a busy and enjoyable few months, and an increasing membership makes for a broader range of interests, adding to the variety of both meetings and activities.
The November meeting had everyone taxing their “grey matter” as Gill Pyne a member had compiled an enjoyable and comprehensive quiz.
The December meeting had a festive atmosphere with the tree decorations of members for the Advent Festival on display and refreshments of Christmas food. The speaker, Sue Robinson, gave a talk entitled “Drunken Robins Sugarcraft” – she skilfully decorated a cake to look like a log and made3 drunken robins to stand on top. She also made other cake decorations, and showed members how to make a small gift bag with paper decorations.
The local libraries development officer also gave a brief talk on the importance of keeping libraries open as National W.I. is supporting the campaign to keep our libraries.
The first meeting of 2012 started what promises to be a busy year. Two members of the Rolleston Neighbourhood Plan steering group came to explain the work they are doing, listened to members’ opinions, answered any questions and asked for everyone’s support.
Following this Katy Shakespeare of Shakespeare Hat Company went through the stages involved in making a hat – this was so interesting, and she was kind enough to allow us all to try on the beautiful headgear she had on display – she makes them all by hand. A timely talk in view of the President’s wedding in the near future.
Members continue to be involved in a variety of activities – the Scrabble Group continues to thrive, and workshops have been well supported, an attractive Christmas card and a snowflake decoration were made at the quilling morning, the Christmas table decoration made at another session would grace many a table over the festive season, and the origami box made at the third workshop, could be used as a gift box, or a storage box out on display.
The Christmas tree for the Advent Festival was again a striking sight with all the luggage labels customised by members to depict all the states of the U.S.A. , this being the country chosen by Doveside for the international theme of this year’s exhibition.
The Christmas meal at the Jinnie was enjoyed by all who went.
The coming year promises to be busy with an interesting programme planned, various outings in the pipeline including theatre visit, Go-Karting, garden visits and tea at Tutbury Castle. The Institute is involved in the hectic schedule Rolleston has for the Jubilee, Garden Sunday and Transport Day, as well as W.I events both locally and at County level.
The ever expanding Institute has room for more – you would be welcome to visit – we meet at Rolleston Club on the third Friday of the month at 9.45am. For further information see village noticeboard, contact President on 01283 813234 or visit the website – www.dovesidewi.btck.co.uk
Elund White
Last updated: 26 December 2012