We had a good turn-out for our July WI meeting, our last before the August summer break and, with a busy month of June behind us, there was much to talk about. Our Guest Speaker Mr. Brian Little found he was unable to attend which enabled more reportage from Diane and others.
In Matters Arising, Diane reported on our 2016 Calendar’s progress with final 48 photos present at Party in the Park and here tonight; Margaret’s report on WI GWS garden at KHH where Team Leader Colin Sykes’ generous support continues, first seedling flowering and stage 2 of Phase 2 garden development.; Christopher Rawlins school fete Tombola stall early clearance despite continual wet weather; Party in the Park wet weather attendance and resultant poor take-up of homemade cakes and tea sales; June and Robert’s glorious farm walk with supper and quiz in their ancient barn on a beautiful hot summer evening.
Diane reported on the NFWI Annual General Meeting in London’s Albert Hall recounting details of HM The Queen and Royal Party’s attendance, singing Jerusalem and The National Anthem and the morning’s business matters including discussion of this year’s Resolution on Failing to Care prompting much discussion from the floor, leading to a decision to temporally halt proceedings with this very unclear subject.
After lunch, a prize-winning Choir performance, a live broadcast from Anglesey where the first WI meeting took place, followed by a great talk from Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson’s; a live broadcast from Cheshire followed by Helen Morrissey’s presentation promoting women on to top 100 FTSE companies and her own company’s involvement furthering the interests of women in sport and elsewhere.
Diane attended on behalf of Bodicote WI, voting on the Resolution for them, presenting her Report at their June meeting, then sharing her Report at our meeting.
Committee report: discussion of proposed social evening for WI Centenary meeting on 17th September, open to everybody with musical entertainment plus optional costume/hat from last 100 years’ – “charladies” headscarf, 30s’ dress, 40s’ “New Look” up to and including contemporary dress style of today” – so huge variety of choice for those wishing to dress for the occasion. Christmas tree decorations for this year’s festival which we need to be thinking about now, WI activities for translating into easy design production and remembering the fun we had last year, making and decorating our dough shapes; discussion of our Tea Rota which will be emailed where possible to members, with Notice board and website listing. Diane read out listing for September – Audrey Brunton, Anne Neale and Tina St. John Stevens. Please call Laura if not available for any meeting.
Carrol Eaten reported on attendance at Buckingham Palace Centenary Garden Party where hats were Frisbee-like in their activity and of the amazing tea served very easily from a huge marquee.
There will be a Centenary Service at Christchurch Cathedral in Oxford on 15th September which Diane will attend with places for three other members for which a ballot was held with places going to Maureen Banks, Mary Walker and Margaret Halstead. Discussions will be held regarding the provision of a new banner for this event.
Confirmation of numbers for the Larkrise to Candleford walk on Monday, 6th July for Maureen Bank’s notification of those wishing to walk and enjoy a pub meal afterwards. We meet at 6pm prompt for car share and directions. Thank you to Maureen for this and for the suggested Northampton walk and an evening walk in August.
Last month‘s Reading group met for The Miniaturist and July’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, will be discussed on Wednesday, 8th July. Further details available from Bernice.
Following discussion, it was decided that Needlecraft group meetings should be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, beginning Wednesday 15th July at 7.30 at Bernice’s home; on Wednesday 16th September at Caroline’s home and a 14th October meeting at Maureen’s home will be arranged; this date does clash with Reading group meeting on the same evening. This is because reading group dates were fixed ages ago and date fixed for October for week forward to 14th October for some reason, making this doubly booked date a one-off event, happening long before the needlecraft dates were settled.
Members are to meet for a performance by The Mikron Theatre group on Thursday, 13th August at The Pig Place for “Raising Agents” . No booking required, food available on site or bring a picnic and cushions for hay bale seating. A 7pm start time is given and food is available from 6pm but do check the website for more details – mikron.org.uk/tour_dates
Diane provided a thank-you Raffle draw with a win prize of a box of chocolates, to wish members a nice summer, which was won by Pat Smith.
There are WI Centenary £1.00 raffle tickets available. The History Association holds its Open Day on Saturday 18th July at The Institute between 10am and 4pm to include “Who do you think you are?” sessions, answers to Adderbury’s past history, village walkabouts and much more. Further information available from Adderbury History Association. FOSMA “Jazz in the Garden” event on Sunday 5th July with tickets available at the door of £10.00 and the next Adderbury Community Food Market on Thursday, 9th July 6 – 8.15 pm
Denman Bursaries for attending Denman during 2015/16 are still available with a closing date of 17th July – apply directly to Denman with a short letter in sup[ort of your application to Therese Greenhalgh, Denman, Marcham, Oxon OX13 6NW or by email her at – [email protected] For details of Bursaries contact Diane or Bernice or view on WI website.
National Broadcast recording of highlights from the Royal Albert Hall of the NFWI Annual meeting visit – http://www.thewi.org.uk/am2015. Contact Diane or Bernice for further details.
Apologies for taking so long to do Reflections for July – Margaret Halstead