Ashbourne Show 17th August 2013
Ashbourne WI joined with other WIs from the area on Friday afternoon and early on Saturday morning to set out the WI tent for the annual Ashbourne Show. Of course, work had begun much earlier in the year with committee meetings and then the preparation of items to enter in competitions and for sale.
The tombola and cake stall are always popular fundraisers and in 2013 members of the WI manned a stall selling craft items to raise funds for the Nightingale Macmillan Unit at the Royal Derby Hospital. Headquarters staffed an information table all day and there was a demonstration by Lorna Knight. http://www.lornaknight.com/
There were a good number of entries in each of the classes to be judged and the corporate entry from Ashbourne won second prize with the floral arrangement scoring full marks. Once judging was completed the tent opened to the public who kept members busy for the rest of the day.
This was an excellent opportunity to work with members of other WIs and showcase aspects of the WI.
The tombola and cake stall are always popular fundraisers and in 2013 members of the WI manned a stall selling craft items to raise funds for the Nightingale Macmillan Unit at the Royal Derby Hospital. Headquarters staffed an information table all day and there was a demonstration by Lorna Knight. http://www.lornaknight.com/
There were a good number of entries in each of the classes to be judged and the corporate entry from Ashbourne won second prize with the floral arrangement scoring full marks. Once judging was completed the tent opened to the public who kept members busy for the rest of the day.
This was an excellent opportunity to work with members of other WIs and showcase aspects of the WI.
Visit to The Wedgwood Museum and Factory
13th August 2013
Having enjoyed a talk by a speaker from the Wedgwood Museum earlier in the year several members of the WI accompanied by friends and WISHs (WI Supportive Husbands) visited the site in Stoke-on-Trent. There was plenty to fill the day. The factory tour gives an insight into the manufacture of Wedgwood products. The museum contains an astonishing collection of materials, all arranged to tell not only the story of Josiah Wedgwood and his many and varied interests but also the development of the company and elements of British history from the early 18th century. There is a restaurant serving morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea as well as two shops providing ample retail opportunities!
http://www.wedgwoodvisitorcentre.com/
http://www.wedgwoodvisitorcentre.com/
Derbyshire Federation weekend at Denman College 2nd to 4th August
We had an action packed weekend at the WI College in Denman, meeting up with old friends and making new ones.
Derbyshire Federation took over the whole of Denman College for the weekend giving us the choice of one of five courses to do. The choices were: The History of the Square Mile; Bags of Fun (craft); Cooking for One; Digital Photography; Lark Rise to Candleford (studying the book, TV series and walking the area); and Show Stoppers (rehearsing and performing songs from the shows).
A coach picked up ladies from local WIs in Ashbourne, which was most convenient for us, and we met up with the rest of the group at Denman. The College was as usual welcoming and comfortable with good food and good company.
I was particularly pleased to get on the History of the Square Mile course. We started on the first evening after dinner with a lecture on the City of London. Saturday saw us in London for the day walking around the ‘square mile’ with our most knowledgeable tutor. He knows the history of all the little alleyways as well as the main structures and buildings. Back at Denman we had a further lecture after dinner followed by an excellent performance from the Show Stopper course before we fell, exhausted, into our beds. On the final day we had two more lectures one of which was about the tunnels under London.
Exhausted but happy we returned to Ashbourne on Sunday afternoon – another excellent time at our WI Denman college.
For details of courses go to: http://www.denmancollege.org.uk/
Derbyshire Federation took over the whole of Denman College for the weekend giving us the choice of one of five courses to do. The choices were: The History of the Square Mile; Bags of Fun (craft); Cooking for One; Digital Photography; Lark Rise to Candleford (studying the book, TV series and walking the area); and Show Stoppers (rehearsing and performing songs from the shows).
A coach picked up ladies from local WIs in Ashbourne, which was most convenient for us, and we met up with the rest of the group at Denman. The College was as usual welcoming and comfortable with good food and good company.
I was particularly pleased to get on the History of the Square Mile course. We started on the first evening after dinner with a lecture on the City of London. Saturday saw us in London for the day walking around the ‘square mile’ with our most knowledgeable tutor. He knows the history of all the little alleyways as well as the main structures and buildings. Back at Denman we had a further lecture after dinner followed by an excellent performance from the Show Stopper course before we fell, exhausted, into our beds. On the final day we had two more lectures one of which was about the tunnels under London.
Exhausted but happy we returned to Ashbourne on Sunday afternoon – another excellent time at our WI Denman college.
For details of courses go to: http://www.denmancollege.org.uk/
July Garden Meeting
Ashbourne Women's Institute members and their guests met in the president's garden on a glorious summer's evening. Our theme for the evening was "all the fun of the fair" ... and we certainly had an enjoyable time.
There were lots of competitions for us to do in teams of two or three. These included quoits, coconut shy, hook a duck, bottle lucky dip, feely bags, and an English garden picture quiz. They were great fun, but some were definitely harder than they looked.
When the scores were added up at the end of the evening, competition between the top teams was close.
We also had a "guess the weight of the cake" to raise funds for the evening. Our guesses ranged wildly - sadly demonstrating that we are not all cake bakers!
We now take a break and don't meet again until September. However there is the visit to The Wedgwood Museum and The Ashbourne Show - we hope you all have a good summer.
There were lots of competitions for us to do in teams of two or three. These included quoits, coconut shy, hook a duck, bottle lucky dip, feely bags, and an English garden picture quiz. They were great fun, but some were definitely harder than they looked.
When the scores were added up at the end of the evening, competition between the top teams was close.
We also had a "guess the weight of the cake" to raise funds for the evening. Our guesses ranged wildly - sadly demonstrating that we are not all cake bakers!
We now take a break and don't meet again until September. However there is the visit to The Wedgwood Museum and The Ashbourne Show - we hope you all have a good summer.
Glass Workshop
Members of Ashbourne WI spent an interesting afternoon making glass dishes and coasters. Angela Thompson from Glass@thebarn in Tissington showed us how to cut coloured glass and use the pieces to create patterns and pictures on plain glass which was then fired to create decorative objects. Mastering the technique of scoring and then snapping the glass safely was less difficult than we had imagined. Some members managed to make circular pieces and petals. There was the added interest of deciding which colours to use as some types of glass change as they are heated. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and felt inspired to have another such afternoon in the future.
Visit Angela’s website and see what else is possible….
http://www.glass-at-the-barn.co.uk/
Visit Angela’s website and see what else is possible….
http://www.glass-at-the-barn.co.uk/
June meeting ~ St Oswald’s church, some of the best bits
Ashbourne WI had a fascinating sprint through some of the interesting facets of St Oswald’s church under the heading St Oswald’s church, some of the best bits. There is much of interest in the church, so John Titterton FSA treated his talk like the stepping stones in Dovedale and invited us to join him in hopping across them.
On the first stone we heard how much the building has changed over time with extensions, floors raised, windows added and taken away, etc. He explained why the consecration plaque is dated 1241 even though the church was established much earlier.
On the next stone John queried why the church appears to be outside the main town centre. He developed an explanation (that the town centre has moved over time) and illustrated this. On another stone he explored why the church is named after a Northumberland king and saint.
Hopping onto the next stepping stone John looked at the stained glass. He explained that, although much of the original glass has been lost, St Oswald’s still contains fine examples of medieval glass. The east window contains heraldic glass depicting John of Gaunt and his entourage.
We then hopped on to the monuments in the north transept. None of these appear in their original positions and he described how some tombs have clearly been reused.
His final stone looked at the treasures of the church. After mentioning the Penelope Booth monument, he concluded that really the whole church is a treasure.
The craft competition was a bookmark illustrating St Oswald’s church.
On the first stone we heard how much the building has changed over time with extensions, floors raised, windows added and taken away, etc. He explained why the consecration plaque is dated 1241 even though the church was established much earlier.
On the next stone John queried why the church appears to be outside the main town centre. He developed an explanation (that the town centre has moved over time) and illustrated this. On another stone he explored why the church is named after a Northumberland king and saint.
Hopping onto the next stepping stone John looked at the stained glass. He explained that, although much of the original glass has been lost, St Oswald’s still contains fine examples of medieval glass. The east window contains heraldic glass depicting John of Gaunt and his entourage.
We then hopped on to the monuments in the north transept. None of these appear in their original positions and he described how some tombs have clearly been reused.
His final stone looked at the treasures of the church. After mentioning the Penelope Booth monument, he concluded that really the whole church is a treasure.
The craft competition was a bookmark illustrating St Oswald’s church.
NFWI AGM in Cardiff ~ Saturday 1st June 2013
A delegate from Ashbourne WI represented The Dovedale Group at the 2013 AGM in Cardiff.
Delegates from Derbyshire who travelled by coach stopped for lunch in Worcester in bright sunshine. There was an opportunity to visit the cathedral there. As the day remained sunny there was time for an evening walk before the evening meal at The Park Hotel.
The AGM took place in the Motorpoint Arena in the centre of Cardiff which has a layout similar to Derby Assembly Rooms. After the singing of Jerusalem and a welcome, the Extraordinary General Meeting began. The amendments to the constitution were discussed and voting took place.
The Public Affairs Resolution was discussed with a speaker from the Board for and William McKee against the resolution. The need for businesses to update themselves and meet today's needs, internet sales, sales from iphones etc. and the fact that people would not follow the wording of the resolution to make their local shops their first choice as it was unrealistic re choice and cost, were points discussed. The vote was taken and the High Street resolution was passed 5266 for, 758 against.
The afternoon speakers were Grif Rhys-Jones and John Humphreys. The day ended with the singing of Jerusalem and both national anthems.
Delegates from Derbyshire who travelled by coach stopped for lunch in Worcester in bright sunshine. There was an opportunity to visit the cathedral there. As the day remained sunny there was time for an evening walk before the evening meal at The Park Hotel.
The AGM took place in the Motorpoint Arena in the centre of Cardiff which has a layout similar to Derby Assembly Rooms. After the singing of Jerusalem and a welcome, the Extraordinary General Meeting began. The amendments to the constitution were discussed and voting took place.
The Public Affairs Resolution was discussed with a speaker from the Board for and William McKee against the resolution. The need for businesses to update themselves and meet today's needs, internet sales, sales from iphones etc. and the fact that people would not follow the wording of the resolution to make their local shops their first choice as it was unrealistic re choice and cost, were points discussed. The vote was taken and the High Street resolution was passed 5266 for, 758 against.
The afternoon speakers were Grif Rhys-Jones and John Humphreys. The day ended with the singing of Jerusalem and both national anthems.
Visit the WI website for more photos and access to the Trustees' speeches
http://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/news-and-events/past-news-and-events/agm-2013
READ the resolution and the resolution debate here:
http://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/resolutions-and-mandates
http://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/news-and-events/past-news-and-events/agm-2013
READ the resolution and the resolution debate here:
http://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/resolutions-and-mandates
Meeting held in May 2013
The business part of the meeting involved discussion of the Resolution that will be proposed for adoption at the National Meeting on June 1st in Cardiff. The Resolution proposes halting the decline of our high street shops in the face of the growth of supermarket giants and internet shopping by supporting the local businesses. Many of us felt that this may prove to be a near impossible task, although we support its objective. We agreed to give our delegate the authority to vote as she felt fit after listening to the arguments in Cardiff.
We ended our meeting by making purchases from a plant stall and with a food tasting. Several members had brought puddings to try, and provided the recipes.
A delicious time was enjoyed by all.
We ended our meeting by making purchases from a plant stall and with a food tasting. Several members had brought puddings to try, and provided the recipes.
A delicious time was enjoyed by all.
Archive workshop - May 2013
Around 40 members met in our Federation offices to listen to a County Archivist describing his work and how the County Archives look after documents.
Archives tell the story of our past and how we got to where we are now. The workshop showed us how important it is to look after the documents that tell our history – we owe it to all our past, present and future members.
WI archives tell the story of what’s happened in the organisation, bringing the WI to life. They show what a fantastic organisation it is and what great initiatives we’ve led on. Sadly, if not cared for properly, documents are often lost and so we must ensure we take care of those we have.
Records kept in the County Archives are prepared by removing staples, dust etc and then stored flat in acid-free folders in strong-rooms at constant temperature and humidity. All archived documents are accessible to the public.
So what documents should we archive? Minute books may seem dull but they are an important record of the organisation. Other documents that add to the story include annual reports, accounts, membership lists, and programmes.
Archives tell the story of our past and how we got to where we are now. The workshop showed us how important it is to look after the documents that tell our history – we owe it to all our past, present and future members.
WI archives tell the story of what’s happened in the organisation, bringing the WI to life. They show what a fantastic organisation it is and what great initiatives we’ve led on. Sadly, if not cared for properly, documents are often lost and so we must ensure we take care of those we have.
Records kept in the County Archives are prepared by removing staples, dust etc and then stored flat in acid-free folders in strong-rooms at constant temperature and humidity. All archived documents are accessible to the public.
So what documents should we archive? Minute books may seem dull but they are an important record of the organisation. Other documents that add to the story include annual reports, accounts, membership lists, and programmes.
Dovedale Group Spring Meeting 2013
Following the cancellation of the Group Meeting in March because of the bad
weather, members of the Dovedale Group met in April. The host WI was Kniveton
who did a magnificent job.
The speaker Notty Hornblower; using 4 models (including one man) and a host of back room assistants, put on a display of clothes from the 1950s to the 1970s. As usual Notty’s knowledge of her clothes and accessories was extremely detailed.
After the display Kniveton WI treated everyone to an excellent supper.
weather, members of the Dovedale Group met in April. The host WI was Kniveton
who did a magnificent job.
The speaker Notty Hornblower; using 4 models (including one man) and a host of back room assistants, put on a display of clothes from the 1950s to the 1970s. As usual Notty’s knowledge of her clothes and accessories was extremely detailed.
After the display Kniveton WI treated everyone to an excellent supper.
Meeting held in April 2013
After a short business meeting, Matt Hatch from C.W. Sellors gave an interesting and informative talk on Blue John and Whitby Jet.
Matt described how each stone had been created, mined and made into pieces of jewellery. He brought along numerous samples and the range of questions from members indicated the interest he had generated in these semi precious stones.
Matt described how each stone had been created, mined and made into pieces of jewellery. He brought along numerous samples and the range of questions from members indicated the interest he had generated in these semi precious stones.
A Visit to Denman College
Visit to Denman College
In April 2013 two members of Ashbourne WI and one WISH (WI Supportive Husband) went Denman College for a weekend. One member did ‘Stunning Afternoon Teas’ the other member and the WISH studied the History of the Strand in London - the road linking the City of Westminster to the City of London.
The cookery course involved producing delicious items for an ‘afternoon tea’ including black pepper brioche for sandwiches, madeleines, cherry scones, chocolate shortbreads, pate sucree (sweet pastry) for the little tartlets that you see in the photo, and fondant fancies. All items were made from scratch and to exacting standards in the Cookery School.
The History of the Strand comprised four lectures and a day visit to London looking at where the Strand was originally and where is ended up after the Embankment was built to control the Thames.
As usual the tutors for both courses excelled in their field and everyone was made to feel most welcome by the college staff. The accommodation was warm and comfortable and the catering to WI standards. The WISH even said he would go again!!
Anyone travelling by train can arrange to use the college taxi service from Oxford or Didcot station at no extra charge.
The cookery course involved producing delicious items for an ‘afternoon tea’ including black pepper brioche for sandwiches, madeleines, cherry scones, chocolate shortbreads, pate sucree (sweet pastry) for the little tartlets that you see in the photo, and fondant fancies. All items were made from scratch and to exacting standards in the Cookery School.
The History of the Strand comprised four lectures and a day visit to London looking at where the Strand was originally and where is ended up after the Embankment was built to control the Thames.
As usual the tutors for both courses excelled in their field and everyone was made to feel most welcome by the college staff. The accommodation was warm and comfortable and the catering to WI standards. The WISH even said he would go again!!
Anyone travelling by train can arrange to use the college taxi service from Oxford or Didcot station at no extra charge.
DFWI Annual Meeting in Chesterfield
Four members of Ashbourne WI attended the Annual Meeting.
It was a most enjoyable day with a range of entertaining and informative speakers. There was a welcome from the Mayor and the High Sheriff Alan Woods enlightened the audience as to his duties. Martin Gurdon delivered an amusing account of his world of cars and chickens. Edwina Currie spoke on the topic of From Battleaxes to Babes; drawing on her experiences in politics to describe the careers of some of the female MPs from Nancy Astor onwards.
As ever the flower arrangements were beautiful and there was an array of WI stalls.
WIs across the county donated a great quantity of items for Safe and Sound.
It was a most enjoyable day with a range of entertaining and informative speakers. There was a welcome from the Mayor and the High Sheriff Alan Woods enlightened the audience as to his duties. Martin Gurdon delivered an amusing account of his world of cars and chickens. Edwina Currie spoke on the topic of From Battleaxes to Babes; drawing on her experiences in politics to describe the careers of some of the female MPs from Nancy Astor onwards.
As ever the flower arrangements were beautiful and there was an array of WI stalls.
WIs across the county donated a great quantity of items for Safe and Sound.
Meeting held in March 2013
Announcements were made about the Spring Group Meeting to be held on Wednesday 27th March in Kniveton, and the summer walk on Wednesday 7th August, followed by a cream tea at Anne Brown’s.
A scheme to bring WI fully into the digital age was mentioned, whereby experienced computer users could become ‘digi friends’ of those who lack such skills, to help them become computer literate.
The business part of the meeting ended with Jenny Whitby delivering a comprehensive report on the DFWI Annual Meeting in Chesterfield.
Our speaker, Jenny Mather from The Wedgwood Museum, gave us an interesting insight into Josiah Wedgwood’s life and work, setting him in the context of 18th century history.
A scheme to bring WI fully into the digital age was mentioned, whereby experienced computer users could become ‘digi friends’ of those who lack such skills, to help them become computer literate.
The business part of the meeting ended with Jenny Whitby delivering a comprehensive report on the DFWI Annual Meeting in Chesterfield.
Our speaker, Jenny Mather from The Wedgwood Museum, gave us an interesting insight into Josiah Wedgwood’s life and work, setting him in the context of 18th century history.
Meeting held in February 2013
A short business meeting was held, when the County Quiz team was organised, and the Dovedale Group Autumn Meeting was discussed, as Ashbourne WI will be hosting it. A Harvest theme is being considered.
Our speaker, Angela Thompson from Glass @ the Barn in Tissington was introduced. She explained that after several years working in industry following university, she wanted to do something more creative. Having set up Glass @ the Barn, she started experimenting with warm glass, using her scientific knowledge to create decorative items and jewellery. In addition to creating her own pieces Angela runs regular workshops.
Our speaker, Angela Thompson from Glass @ the Barn in Tissington was introduced. She explained that after several years working in industry following university, she wanted to do something more creative. Having set up Glass @ the Barn, she started experimenting with warm glass, using her scientific knowledge to create decorative items and jewellery. In addition to creating her own pieces Angela runs regular workshops.
Meeting held in January 2013
President Lois Wilkes wished us all a Happy New Year at the start of our first meeting of the New Year. This was followed by a short business meeting that included discussion of the problems facing Denman College. We were told the new Ashbourne Show schedule was now available, and members were encouraged to participate in the various competitive categories. We were also asked for suggestions for how we would like to spend our recently awarded windfall tax return to benefit all members – visits to the Wedgwood Museum and Tissington Glass were among ideas.
Our speaker, Roger Hoskins had braved a foggy drive from Sudbury to get to us. He said the whole day had been stressful, but he was delighted to be with us, although he had not done much preparation, He then proceeded to hold us captivated by his wonderful achievements, working with troubled youngsters at Highfield “Happy Hens”.
Our speaker, Roger Hoskins had braved a foggy drive from Sudbury to get to us. He said the whole day had been stressful, but he was delighted to be with us, although he had not done much preparation, He then proceeded to hold us captivated by his wonderful achievements, working with troubled youngsters at Highfield “Happy Hens”.
Big Walk, Little Splash - summer 2012
What an adventure we had last year when we took up the Big Walk Little Splash challenge. At one point it looked like we might be the best in Derbyshire, but sadly we were just pipped at the post. That didn’t spoil our enjoyment of the challenge though.
It was fun - the challenge was to walk a cumulative distance of 209 miles during the summer. Along with many other Institutes, we accepted this challenge and members had a great time as they walked with other WI members, with friends, and with family. Our walks covered the length and breadth of the country and included walks in France, Spain and Germany.
In all 27 members (87%) took part in the challenge and together we covered a distance of 313.5 miles.
It was fun - the challenge was to walk a cumulative distance of 209 miles during the summer. Along with many other Institutes, we accepted this challenge and members had a great time as they walked with other WI members, with friends, and with family. Our walks covered the length and breadth of the country and included walks in France, Spain and Germany.
In all 27 members (87%) took part in the challenge and together we covered a distance of 313.5 miles.
Entries in our journal included:
… On the edge of the Osmaston estate, I was followed across a field of sheep by a grumpy tup which was rather large and walked two feet behind my legs growling at me all across the field. Later I avoided a field with a bull in it as I’d had enough of an adrenaline rush for one day!
A friend and I joined the annual cancer research sponsored walk. Our group leader shepherded about 10 of us down the road to a gate, squeezing though a small stile to scramble down Biggin Dale. The rocky sides of the dale protected us from the wind but underfoot was uneven and slippery…
… We wandered happily along village lanes, past wisteria clad, thatched cottages, round a beautiful duck pond, sampled glasses of specially brewed Urchfont Scarecrow Festival ale and fairly confidently identified some 47 of the scarecrows …
… I joined the Chesterfield walking festival ‘In Bess’ Footsteps’ walk around the Hardwick Estate. The guide took us through the varied estate and explained how it had developed in Bess’ time and since …
On holiday in Boppard, Germany, we explored the romantic squares and small lanes in the old town and strolled along the Rhine.
… walked by the river Rhone to Pont Avignon …