125th Ashbourne Show
The 125 show was held on Saturday 20th August 2016 at the Osmaston Polo Ground
Dovedale Group Outing - on the canal boat
17th August 2016
What a glorious day we had when we had lunch on the Judith Mary canal boat which took us from Whaley Bridge to New Mills (and back again). Members of Ashbourne WI joined members from neighbouring WIs to travel up to Whaley Bridge, stopping for coffee at Lyme Park on the way. Some managed to look round the Hall there, others the gardens, while others just had coffee. But we all enjoyed lunch as we travelled along the quiet waterway enjoying the scenery.
Super Displays from Supermarket Flowers
14th July 2016
We had a great time at our July meeting when Linda Torr demonstrated how to arrange flowers. She used a supermarket bunch of mainly yellow flowers to make two beautiful arrangements - one in a basket and one in a bowl. She then used red flowers from her shop to make a stunning hand-held bouquet, passing on tips to us throughout the evening. Linda made it all look so easy.
It was an open evening and so we welcomed members from other local institutes. There were so many people there that we nearly ran out of chairs! But everyone had a good time.
It was an open evening and so we welcomed members from other local institutes. There were so many people there that we nearly ran out of chairs! But everyone had a good time.
Display celebrating 90 years of Ashbourne WI
16th June to 2nd July 2016
We celebrated 90 years of Ashbourne WI with an exhibition in The Heritage Centre, Church Street, Ashbourne. Open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays for 3 weeks in June / July, we welcomed well over 100 visitors. The exhibition was on during the Ashbourne Arts Festival and town was especially busy in the weekend of the Street Fest.
It was lovely to meet the steady flow of visitors but we were especially pleased to welcome WI members from near and far – it was good to chat to you all.
It was lovely to meet the steady flow of visitors but we were especially pleased to welcome WI members from near and far – it was good to chat to you all.
Cooking for one's and two's
9th June 2016
It was a great evening at Ashbourne WI. The main event was Nancy Hawksworth demonstrating cooking for one's and two's. In under an hour she produced five attractive dishes which we all tasted and declared to be delicious. Armed with the recipes, we will try these at home.
Our competition, an unusual kitchen implement, was won by the potato chipper.
As well as normal business, we also discussed our exhibition of Ashbourne WI which opens next week in Ashbourne's Heritage Centre. We hope to show what the WI has achieved over the years as well as demonstrating some of the activities and crafts members have done.
Our Tea to Celebrate HM Queen's 90th Birthday
18th April 2016
We had our own celebration of the Queen's 90th birthday with a delicious afternnon tea at Betty's Sewing Box here in Ashbourne. We all dressed up in our finery, which included a number of fine summer hats, and had a great afternoon.
William Coltman VC - WW1 Stretcher Bearer
14th April 2016
The story of William Coltman experiences during WW1 was extraordinary. He was the most decorated non-commissioned officer of WW1 being awarded 5 medals for bravery in just over 3 years service. But he never fired a shot in anger. Our speaker, his great-grandson was proud of hid ancestor and keen to share his very moving story.
We are collecting items for sale at the international conference for women being held this year in Warwick. It is attended by women from all over the world, many from third world countries, so we are providing inexpensive (and light) gifts for them to buy to take home as souvenirs of their time in England.
We're also collecting knitted and crocheted flowers but they are destined to stay here in Ashbourne to be used when Ashbourne Arts yarn bomb the railings of the Methodist church as part of the Ashbourne Arts Festival.
We are collecting items for sale at the international conference for women being held this year in Warwick. It is attended by women from all over the world, many from third world countries, so we are providing inexpensive (and light) gifts for them to buy to take home as souvenirs of their time in England.
We're also collecting knitted and crocheted flowers but they are destined to stay here in Ashbourne to be used when Ashbourne Arts yarn bomb the railings of the Methodist church as part of the Ashbourne Arts Festival.
History of The Red Cross
10th March 2016
The March meeting proved to be a very busy and informative one. Members signed up for our own birthday tea in honour of Her Majesty's 90th birthday. There was a report on The Federation Council Meeting, where The President had been presented with Ashbourne's 90th birthday certificate. Some of the first hand-crafted flowers to be used during Ashbourne Arts Festival were handed in. Items were collected for the sales table at ACWW's Biennial Conference in August.
John Coulhurst spoke in an entertaining manner about the history of The Red Cross. It began with Henry Dunant, who had been moved by the horrors of war, experienced on witnessing the aftermath of The Battle of Solferino. Dunant had bankrupted himself in pursuing the ideal of a neutral organisation that could be recognised and trusted by all combatants. Nevertheless, he succeeded in his dream and was able to establish the first Geneva Convention in 1863. His efforts were rewarded with the award of the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
The speaker continued to explain how the organisation is "guardian" of the red emblem which has no religious significance and is actually on loan from The Ministry of Defence. Using a variety of visual aids, he told us of the many ways in which The Red Cross can assist locally - from offering first aid at events to aiding patients on discharge from hospital. The Red Cross will loan wheelchairs, assist after house fires, house refugees and operates a message and tracing service. Members did not know about the full range of work done locally by The Red Cross and were encouraged to "spread the word." As fundraiser and legacy manager, John rounded off his talk with a light hearted quiz about how money can be raised for this excellent organisation.
John Coulhurst spoke in an entertaining manner about the history of The Red Cross. It began with Henry Dunant, who had been moved by the horrors of war, experienced on witnessing the aftermath of The Battle of Solferino. Dunant had bankrupted himself in pursuing the ideal of a neutral organisation that could be recognised and trusted by all combatants. Nevertheless, he succeeded in his dream and was able to establish the first Geneva Convention in 1863. His efforts were rewarded with the award of the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
The speaker continued to explain how the organisation is "guardian" of the red emblem which has no religious significance and is actually on loan from The Ministry of Defence. Using a variety of visual aids, he told us of the many ways in which The Red Cross can assist locally - from offering first aid at events to aiding patients on discharge from hospital. The Red Cross will loan wheelchairs, assist after house fires, house refugees and operates a message and tracing service. Members did not know about the full range of work done locally by The Red Cross and were encouraged to "spread the word." As fundraiser and legacy manager, John rounded off his talk with a light hearted quiz about how money can be raised for this excellent organisation.
Clean for the Queen
4/6 March 2016
Ashbourne WI members joined with other groups in Ashbourne this weekend to "Clean for the Queen". The result is roads that look better as litter on the verges and in hedges was put in special purple sacks ready for disposal.
Annual Council Meeting
1st March 2016
The Council Meeting at Chesterfield proved a real treat from the singing of Jerusalem to The National Anthem at the close. There was a warm welcome from the Mayor, followed by Chrissie Booth's address and The Treasurer's report.
Reports from various committees updated members on, among other things, Denman, the success of The Smalls for All collections, the money collected for Derbyshire's ACWW water and sanitation project in Uganda and forthcoming events such as The Queen's 90th Birthday celebrations, DFWI's Fun and Games and the Health and Wellbeing Day. We were asked to suggest ideas for celebrating The Derbyshire Federation's own centenary in 2018.
During the presentations, Ashbourne's President collected The Institute's 90th birthday certificate.
The Federation had engaged two excellent speakers - each worthy in their own way of the standing ovations they received.
In the morning Mandy Hickson spoke of her 17 year career in the RAF, culminating as a pilot in a Tornado squadron (the same one in which her grandfather had served) flying multimillion pound jets at 700 miles an hour in combat over Iraq. Mandy began her talk with hair-raising video clips of her in action in the skies above The Peak District and Wales. She spoke of how her initial attempts to join the RAF and then her efforts to qualify as a Tornado pilot had met with difficulties. These had been overcome through support from people who had faith in her and teamwork from colleagues. On leaving the RAF, after initially qualifying as a commercial pilot, Mandy took up a career as a motivational speaker. She spoke with a mixture of seriousness and humour of resilience in the face of setbacks, of the importance of teamwork and leadership, supporting potential in others and learning about yourself. Not being afraid to try. She was certainly a great motivator.
In the afternoon there was a complete contrast. We were entertained by Judith Hibbert – a lady with roots in Lancashire, Yorkshire and now Derbyshire. She sang a selection of songs made famous by Julie Andrews, Joyce Grenfell and Gracie Fields, interspersed with comic asides, sketches and monologues, brought to life by quick costume changes. Her performance in the music hall tradition certainly had us in gales of laughter throughout.
Reports from various committees updated members on, among other things, Denman, the success of The Smalls for All collections, the money collected for Derbyshire's ACWW water and sanitation project in Uganda and forthcoming events such as The Queen's 90th Birthday celebrations, DFWI's Fun and Games and the Health and Wellbeing Day. We were asked to suggest ideas for celebrating The Derbyshire Federation's own centenary in 2018.
During the presentations, Ashbourne's President collected The Institute's 90th birthday certificate.
The Federation had engaged two excellent speakers - each worthy in their own way of the standing ovations they received.
In the morning Mandy Hickson spoke of her 17 year career in the RAF, culminating as a pilot in a Tornado squadron (the same one in which her grandfather had served) flying multimillion pound jets at 700 miles an hour in combat over Iraq. Mandy began her talk with hair-raising video clips of her in action in the skies above The Peak District and Wales. She spoke of how her initial attempts to join the RAF and then her efforts to qualify as a Tornado pilot had met with difficulties. These had been overcome through support from people who had faith in her and teamwork from colleagues. On leaving the RAF, after initially qualifying as a commercial pilot, Mandy took up a career as a motivational speaker. She spoke with a mixture of seriousness and humour of resilience in the face of setbacks, of the importance of teamwork and leadership, supporting potential in others and learning about yourself. Not being afraid to try. She was certainly a great motivator.
In the afternoon there was a complete contrast. We were entertained by Judith Hibbert – a lady with roots in Lancashire, Yorkshire and now Derbyshire. She sang a selection of songs made famous by Julie Andrews, Joyce Grenfell and Gracie Fields, interspersed with comic asides, sketches and monologues, brought to life by quick costume changes. Her performance in the music hall tradition certainly had us in gales of laughter throughout.
Derby Soup Kitchen
11th February 2016
It was a busy evening at Ashbourne WI in our February meeting. Our speaker came from the Derby Soup Kitchen which is run by volunteers and provides soup, rolls, tea etc to the homeless of Derby each evening. Jackie told us about how the work had evolved and described some of the characters she'd met while volunteering on the soup run. Her talk was truly inspirational.
We also collected donations for the food bank here in Ashbourne, filling two very full and heavy boxes.
We also collected donations for the food bank here in Ashbourne, filling two very full and heavy boxes.
Navajo - the ancient ones
14th January 2016
We had a great time at our January meeting when Ann Pockington kept members enthralled with her stories of the history of the Navajos and how their culture developed over time. We saw pictures of the inhospitable countryside they lived in and how they built their houses in the rocks. A really fascinating evening.
Our competition was an item of beadwork and it was won by the Navajo necklace on the left of the picture - and no-one could argue with that!
It was a slightly larger group than usual as we welcomed 4 visitors. We hope to welcome them back next month.
Our competition was an item of beadwork and it was won by the Navajo necklace on the left of the picture - and no-one could argue with that!
It was a slightly larger group than usual as we welcomed 4 visitors. We hope to welcome them back next month.
Christmas Activities
December 2015
Christmas began for members of Ashbourne WI with hosting the Dovedale Carol Service in Ashbourne Methodist Church.
The Christmas meeting began with business when lots of information was given out and arrangements made. This was followed by a bring and share supper - what a feast was laid out on the tables. We had a great time chatting and eating - the evening just flew by.
For the second year running, Ashbourne WI has decorated a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival in St Oswald's Church. Members embroidered and embellished stockings to hang on the tree, which looked lovely.
The Christmas meeting began with business when lots of information was given out and arrangements made. This was followed by a bring and share supper - what a feast was laid out on the tables. We had a great time chatting and eating - the evening just flew by.
For the second year running, Ashbourne WI has decorated a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival in St Oswald's Church. Members embroidered and embellished stockings to hang on the tree, which looked lovely.
Annual Meeting
12th November 2015
November's meeting was in two parts - usual business which consisted of making arrangements for Christmas activites and then the annual meeting. Members heard a summary of the previous year's events - had we really crammed so much into twelve months? The treasurer's report confirmed the health of our finances. Cups were presented and the committee was elected for the coming year.
Business was followed by the opportunity to socialise and create brooches in the shape of an acorn.
Business was followed by the opportunity to socialise and create brooches in the shape of an acorn.
Mastermind - the experience of taking part
meeting on 8th October 2015
We had a great evening listening to David Down talking about his experiences on Mastermind. We lived the experience with him as he progressed from initial interview to first round, semi-final and then the final. What a star. He tried to persuade us that anyone could do it with a bit of research on their chosen subject, but I'm not sure how many of our members will take up his challenge !!
It was a very busy evening as we also discussed arrangements for our Christmas celebrations and heard about the plans for decorating our Christmas tree in St Oswald's this year. There's a lot to look forward to.
It was a very busy evening as we also discussed arrangements for our Christmas celebrations and heard about the plans for decorating our Christmas tree in St Oswald's this year. There's a lot to look forward to.
Autumn Group Meeting
Ashbourne WI joined Kniveton, Tissington and Clifton WIs at the autumn Dovedale Group meeting in Kniveton village hall on Wednesday 23rd September 2015. We welcomed our new group convenor and then, after a short business meeting when we heard about future events, it was on to the main item of the evening.
This was the Alton Handbell Ringers ringing a wide selection of music. The sound they produce is amazing and, at one point, they had us all singing along to 'over the rainbow'.
http://www.altonhandbellringers.org.uk/
The entertainment was followed by a buffet supper - a grand spread of savouries and cakes. A great evening and I'm sure everyone enjoyed it.
This was the Alton Handbell Ringers ringing a wide selection of music. The sound they produce is amazing and, at one point, they had us all singing along to 'over the rainbow'.
http://www.altonhandbellringers.org.uk/
The entertainment was followed by a buffet supper - a grand spread of savouries and cakes. A great evening and I'm sure everyone enjoyed it.
Centenary Celebrations
To mark The Centenary of The WI, we placed a display in Ashbourne Library, featuring some of the campaigns that The WI have been involved in.
Members enjoyed a celebratory tea at Betty's Sewing Box on the 100th "birthday" - Wednesday 16th September.
Members enjoyed a celebratory tea at Betty's Sewing Box on the 100th "birthday" - Wednesday 16th September.
Boarding Schools - Victorian and earlier in Derbyshire
meeting on 10th September 2015
There was a lot to do at our September meeting as we planned our next
activities.
Then the business part was followed by an enlightening talk on the education of girls in the Victorian era and earlier.
We learnt that there were over 500 schools for girls in Derbyshire in Victorian times, but that education (for girls) only consisted of reading, writing and arithmatic. If girls were lucky, their parents would pay extra for them to learn to dance or play a musical instrument. They were not allowed to learn sciences or play any sport as this was considered too much for them. Girls boarding schools were usually small and in houses - several in Ashbourne were on St John's Street with Erasmus Darwins daughters' running a boarding school on one side and the Misses Pidcocks running one on the other side.
We were left feeling grateful that times have changed.
Then the business part was followed by an enlightening talk on the education of girls in the Victorian era and earlier.
We learnt that there were over 500 schools for girls in Derbyshire in Victorian times, but that education (for girls) only consisted of reading, writing and arithmatic. If girls were lucky, their parents would pay extra for them to learn to dance or play a musical instrument. They were not allowed to learn sciences or play any sport as this was considered too much for them. Girls boarding schools were usually small and in houses - several in Ashbourne were on St John's Street with Erasmus Darwins daughters' running a boarding school on one side and the Misses Pidcocks running one on the other side.
We were left feeling grateful that times have changed.
WI Centennial Fair
3rd to 6th September 2015
What a time we had at the WI Centenary Fair, joining with thousands of other members to celebrate 100 years of the WI. There was a stall exhibiting just about anything you could think of and we walked miles round the halls looking at them all and sampling some wonderful food. The displays were fantastic, the NFWI-Kingston University knitware project fascinating to see close up, and Kate Adie's talk was inspiring. A great day.