Stanhoe & Barwick WI news archive
3 February 2012
Left, right, left...
Osteopath advises the WI on healthy movement.
“You must do something active every day,” Stanhoe and Barwick WI members were told by Cameron Reid, an osteopath, at their February meeting.
Osteopathy, introduced into Britain in 1911, stimulates the ability of the body to self heal, and reduces pain by maintaining mobility. It is very much about muscle manipulation rather than bone manipulation.
A short discussion on how to walk had us thinking about our habits, and vowing to be more active at all times of day.
The competition for a “Get Well” card produced a tableful of very professional entries.
We finished the meeting with two very funny stories, and went home in a happy mood.
Posted by: Charles
Posted on: 3 February 2012
5 January 2012
Mouse magic
WI members meet children’s author Brian Ogden of Maximus Mouse fame.
Seated in a semi-circle, and clutching a furry toy, we were led astray by Brian Ogden at our January meeting, singing our hearts out, with different words, to the tunes of ”The Hokey Cokey”, “This Old Man” and “Michael Finnegan”.
Having found the talent for writing at an early age it was later in life that Brian found his niche in writing children’s books, and found fame with the stories of Maximus Mouse. He explained the rocky road to publishing with us, and his way of working with children.
As the light failed we were treated to some stories; had our sing song; and best of all, laughed a lot. It was a very happy afternoon on a very chilly day, and a good start to the New Year.
Posted by: Charles
Posted on: 5 January 2012
3 December 2011
Jingle bells
Handbell ringers enliven WI December meeting.
It was festive cheer all round at the December meeting. The committee had trimmed the hall with holly, candles, a tree, and lots of sparkly decorations. The “bring and buy” was full of Christmas things. And three ladies from the Windmill Ringers wove their magic, creating Christmas tunes by intricately ringing their 29 very shiny bells. We all sang along. It felt like the start of the festive season.
Mulled wine and savouries started off the proceedings, and tea and mince pies concluded the afternoon.
We chose the Christmas lunch; had fun with the Christmas quiz; and marvelled at the competition Christmas crackers; and generally revelled in a sense of festive well being, leaving for home looking forward to the year ahead.
photo: Rosemary Brown
Posted by: Charles
Posted on: 3 December 2011
4 November 2011
Year in focus
AGM sees the WI set for another year.
The November meeting of Stanhoe and Barwick WI saw eighteen members involved in a busy AGM. By popular vote Pamela Austin was re-elected as president and four loyal committee members agreed to work with her.
A witty secretary’s report spoke of the many events, trips, and meetings that our “friendly bunch” had supported. A very thorough treasurer’s report showed rising costs, but that hard work has kept us solvent. All of the committee were thanked by the members for their committment and behind the scenes effort.
Before going home a musical quiz, mostly about forgotten pop music, kept us thinking, and a shopping quiz caused much laughter.
We look forward to doing things together during the coming year.
Posted by: Charles
Posted on: 4 November 2011
8 October 2011
Helping farmers
WI members learn about the work of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.
At their October meeting Stanhoe and Barwick WI members had their eyes opened to the realities of farming life when Bob Baldwin spoke about the work of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI). The reality of the effects of low incomes, poor weather conditions, serious accidents, and epidemics of animal disease on small farmers and farm workers was graphically illustrated in a DVD presentation. And we were told how RABI has helped families in a wide variety of ways by support with food, grants towards personal equipment, heating oil, funeral expenses, and care home accommodation.
Although funding is through donation it is also by the sale of cards and calendars, and through sponsored events such as Welly Week, National Cream Tea Week, Farmhouse Breakfast Week, walks, and marathon running.
An enlightening talk.
Posted by: Charles
Posted on: 8 October 2011
1 September 2011
Goodbye Carol
WI loses a valued member.
The September meeting of Stanhoe and Barwick WI saw sadness and happiness.
Sadness as we presented farewell gifts to Carol Mountney, a stalwart committee member, who is moving to Suffolk. Happiness as we welcomed Gilly Spencer with a splendid display of Blackwork embroidery.
Gilly took us through the history of the craft from its original use for decorative effect on clothing in Tudor times, to its present day creative use on wall hangings and cards. She finished with a clear explanation of the construction of stitches used, and offered to come back another day to take a workshop on the subject.
Plans were also made to help at a fundraising table top sale, a group meeting, and for several outings.
The afternoon closed with a “Social Half Hour” quiz on shopping, organised by Gillian Beckett.
Posted by: Charles
Posted on: 1 September 2011
26 August 2011
Cakes and rain
WI members brave damp weather to sell home-made goodies.
Village residents and passing motorists stopped by the Pit this afternoon to buy a range of tempting provisions baked and bottled by Stanhoe and Barwick WI members.
The enthusiastic sales team was unruffled by the odd shower of rain — not that it took them long to dispose of their stock — and made over £150 for WI funds.
photo: Charles Butcher
Not just cakes but jams, chutneys
and other produce on the WI stall
Posted by: Charles
Posted on: 26 August 2011
5 August 2011
Flower talk
Local flower arranging expert Sue Elliott enthuses the WI.
At our August meeting members were regaled with tales of judging at the Sandringham Flower Show, accompanied by exquisite work, whilst Sue Elliott created five stunning flower arrangements.
photo: Rosemary Brown
Using flowers from her garden a voluptuous basket arrangement emerged; Sweet Peas made a splendid display; supermarket yellow roses in two tiers were beautiful; and brightly coloured Gerberas from the market were statuesque in both a tall black plastic plant pot and a container made from an old vinyl record. Sue made it all look so easy, and five lucky members went home with a prize arrangement.
August is a busy month as we take part in the village Flower Show soon after the meeting; we run a cake stall at the end of the month; and in between we are out for afternoon tea.
Posted by: Charles
Posted on: 5 August 2011
7 July 2011
Not rained off
Showery weather moves the July WI meeting under cover, but enthusiasm is undimmed.
“Wear something red to the July meeting” were the instructions given to Stanhoe and Barwick members who were anticipating a happy meeting in the immaculate garden of Frances Ulyatt. Sadly the rain sent us into the village hall, and Poppy Man and Kate were unable to come to attend our Poppy Party.
Undaunted our president filled us in with praise for the British Legion and its umbrella of activities; a visiting delegate related events at the Liverpool AGM; members happily volunteered to help with the background jobs for the upcoming Flower Show; and we all admired Geraldine’s lovely photos of members wearing exotic hats at the May party, whilst we ate Fran’s scrumptious cakes. A busy afternoon again.
Posted by: Charles
Posted on: 7 July 2011
5 June 2011
Memory lane
WI speaker reveals social history through everyday antiques.
It was a trip down memory lane at the June meeting of Stanhoe & Barwick WI when Jill Arnold displayed a range of “collectables” and talked about each one. Ranging from presents from Great Yarmouth to rolls of knitting needles, and from a beautifully painted page of manuscript from Afghanistan to decorative post cards we identified with lots of items that had been commonplace in our homes not so long ago.
We finished with a discussion of members’ favourite antiques brought in for the competition, ranging from a beautiful doll with a china face through silverware to a collection of family jewellery.
We were a very small group but it kept us enthralled.
photo: Rosemary Brown
Posted by: Charles
Posted on: 5 June 2011