theWI Adderbury & District – OFWI Centennial Celebration – Christ Church Cathedral – Tuesday 15 September 2015
Dear Ladies – those of us lucky enough to be at Oxford for OFWI Centennial Celebration Service at Christ Church Cathedral yesterday took part in an amazingly historic and memorable day for every WI member belonging to the Oxford Federation Women’s Institute. We lucky Banner holders made our way to Christ Church Meadows where we gathered loosely into a long drawn-out croccodile, chattering excitedly while we grappled with our poles and banners, and we were told we should be sent off in small portions of our number in due time. Our friends meanwhile made their way into the quadrangle in front of the Cathedral to make their way inside at the appropriate time. We were in the last portion to be sent on our way and we found our waiting band circling about the pathways intersecting the open space and it was all very jolly. Finally, as we waited just outside the entrance, two panting ladies with banner held a’loft, made their way hurriedly into the arena and quickly joined the queue. Ladies were madly taking photos all aware of the BBC cameraman before them. Finally WI Ladies marshalling us into the Cathedral made it known we were off, the chatter diminished and we walked into the brilliantly lit entrance, raised banners dipped carefully under the inner entrance arch, as with eyes raised, we found ourselves scrutinised by a host of beaming faces, great applause and smiling eyes. We slowly moved towards the high altar, to the Entrance Music “Chariots of Fire” by Vangelis and played by Organist Clive Driskill-Smith, turning to our left just past the pulpit, quickly catching a sighting of friends Diane, Gill, Maureen and Mary, before we too wheeled off to deposit our banner and take our seats, sitting just adjacent to a bowl of beautifully gold-tipped stamend pure white lillies, whose intoxicating perfume assailed our senses throughout the entirety of the Service. Now for the Cathedral Service to which we were welcomed by The Revd Canon Dr Edmund Newey, Sub Dean of Christ Church and here I give you the wording of the Programme for which I have sought permission of The Cathedral authorities, via Mrs. Eileen Head who is Cathedral Office Manager, to print in full our sung Hymns, as they hold copyright for their printing, which they kindly gave and then I also approached Virginia at OFWI Headquarters for permission, who kindly sent me online details to enable proficient copy and paste handling for this Reflection ….. Centennial Celebration at Christ Church Cathedral Tuesday 15th September 2015 1.30 pm Hosted by OXFORDSHIRE FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S INSTITUTES Entrance Music To accompany arrival of WI banners ‘Chariots of Fire’ – Vangelis Organist – Clive Driskill-Smith HYMN Jerusalem And did those feet in ancient time Walk upon England’s mountains green? And was the Holy Lamb of God On England’s pleasant pastures seen? And did the Countenance Divine Shine forth upon our clouded hills? And was Jerusalem builded here Among these dark satanic mills? Bring me my bow of burning gold Bring me my arrows of desire! Bring me my spear! O clouds unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, Till we have built Jerusalem In England’s green and pleasant land. Welcome The Revd Canon Dr Edmund Newey Sub Dean of Christ Church HYMN Lord of the Dance I danced in the morning when the world was begun, And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun, And I came down from heaven and I danced...
Read MoretheWI Adderbury & District WI Grow Wild Seed Garden at Katharine House Hospice – Friday, 4 September 2015
At the beginning of August, for week 13, Groundsel was our plant of the week as its presence was rather strong, determined to mount a rearguard action in our wild flower garden. Semecio vulgaris flowers almost all year round, thriving in gardens, crop fields and any piece of scrubby left-over waste land. A great plant but containing some toxic ingredients which could make you feel somewhat ill if ingested over a longish period; even animals may suffer in this way too. So getting rid of those plants onto the bonfire was a good thing, its smoke gently wafting over our poppies, corm chamomile and stinging nettles. Week 14 and the poppies are out in force with cultivated poppies too as garden escapees from the main gardens; our Solitary bee homes on the High Rise Trellis and the drive-by Bridge location are still waiting for their new owners. Week 15 and the Stinging Nettle – Urtica dioica – is plant of the week for its massed hold on our garden and Team WI are hurriedly weeding out these pesky perennial herbaceous plants with their hairy stem and brilliant root system. Butterflies and other insects, plus man too, for nettle tea, are attracted to it, so we are leaving some specimens at the back of the garden for those in need. We also remove chickweed, more groundsel and convolvulus. Our poppies kept us cheerful while we worked. Week 16 and the stinging nettle is still making its presence felt – ouch – so a few more plants simply had to go. Again our poppies and the purple cultivated variety kept us cheerful while we worked. The seedlings in our second garden are thriving. Now in Week 17 our poppies are still brilliantly with us and as such, are our plant of the week again, for the stunning staying power of this pretty plant and its glorious seed head. But alongside our poppies we have amassed an array of chickweed, stinging nettles, dock and various other tiny weeds I’m unable to name…. I’m afraid week 18 must begin with a fulsome attack on those weeds of ours and Team WI will have their work cut out dealing with those pesky weeds; but it didn’t because I was encouraged to transfer a few primroses from KHJH’s main gardens to the rear of our new phase 2 bed and ….. I have foxgloves seeds to plan thanks to one of KHH’s volunteer garden team…and then I’lll get down to that weeding. And hopefully we’ll be collecting seeds soon for future plantings. Margaret...
Read MoretheWI Adderbury & District WI September Meeting – Thursday, 3rd September 2015
An excellent turn-out for September’s WI Adderbury meeting for the new 2015-2016 winter season when it was really super to see so many members plus new friends, also visitors from Australia presently staying in Adderbury whom we sincerely hope enjoyed their time with us tonight. Our splendid 2016 WI Calendar arrived today in time for good meeting sales with further sales available at next week’s Community Food Market. Also on sale tonight, tickets for our Centenary social event with fish and chip supper, musical entertainment, quizzes and a great evening’s celebration for all. We are very pleased to report that special advisor Stella Oaks has accepted our invitation to join us for this event. Centenary social event tickets are still available and may be purchased from Bernice if you will kindly call her via home ‘phone number 812125 – and we look forward to seeing all who can make it to this very special evening. Diane reported on the new Banner being made by Pat for our participation in the Centenary Christ Church Cathedral Service on Tuesday, 15th September and the tickets made available to us. Agenda business items were dealt with by Diane with regard to the matter of expenses policy which is being tightened up to make it all more secure. Caroline spoke about the need to get things moving for this year’s Christmas tree decorations which are to be themed on our 100 year anniversary, asking for interested members to speak to her at the end of the evening. Caroline held up her prototype decorations of wool and needles and a lovely slice of “sponge-cake” so good and ready for eating! Diane asked members to vote for this special Centenary year’s Christmas meal, on the sign-up sheet, at The Cartwright Arms, in their Apricot Room, for a very nice two-course meal plus tea or coffee, mince pies and crackers all for a maximum of £10.00 plus drinks with the WI being happy to pay the difference. Also, now that everyone has their own copy of News and Views with notice of all outings and events, would members speak to Gill about making reservations for events they wish to attend? Mary reported the weather had been good for the Cropredy Battlefield walk, and Brasenose Arms pub meal, she had organised, all of which had been much enjoyed by those who took part. Other walks dates will be organised when possible and Sheila is investigating the possibility of an Upton walk. The Book Group will now meet at Bernice’s home on Wednesday 9 September for The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and the Needlecraft Group will meet on Wednesday 16 September at Caroline’s home. A small collection of wool was go be found on our meeting table and we are thinking members may like to share unused wool, thread or fabric or make them available for WI projects like our proposed Christmas Tree decorations. Caroline very warmly thanked Diane for her wonderful inspiration, effort and hard work she has put into our WI Calendar for 2016, which has been such a wonderful and inclusive project for all those involved in its completion and Diane thanked Margaret for project managing our WI wild flower garden at Katharine House Hospice; see News and Views report and photo of our WI garden at Katharine House Hospice. Debbie invited all members to next week’s Community Food Market for which a numbered invitation has been given for the chance to “Win a Meal for Two” at Adderbury’s lively foodie gathering. Tea and coffee at the conclusion of business matters was...
Read MoretheWI Adderbury & District WI Agenda for Meeting – Thursday, 3rd September 2015 at The Institute at 7.30pm
The Institute, Adderbury, 3 September 2015 7.30 pm President’s welcome and opening remarks. Minutes of the meeting held on 2 July to be agreed and signed. Matters arising: WI calendar WI centenary: Adderbury and District banner, OFWI celebration event, our celebration evening on 17 September Committee report: Expenses policy, Christmas tree decorations, Christmas mealbcb Correspondence/communications Programme and activities: walks , book group, needlecraft group Any other business Community items After a break for refreshments Polly Smith will talk to us about Reflexology. Please remember to bring cheques or cash as the WI calendar for 2015/16 will be on sale for £7.50 as well as tickets for our celebration fish and chip supper at £10. Margaret Halstead ...
Read MoretheWI Adderbury & District – The Mikron Theatre “Raising Agents” Thursday 13th August 2015 at The Pig Place, Adderbury
A bright summer’s day with a forecast of evening rain kept eyes raised skywards in anticipation of the evening’s scheduled performance by The Mikron Theatre of “Raising Agents” their show about the Women’s Institute, outlining the history of the WI from its early beginnings in Canada in 1897, its start-up in 1915 Anglesey, Wales, to this their Centenary year of 2015, at The Pig Place by the canal at Adderbury, where their 1936 Grand Union Carrying Company barge, Tyseley, was moored-up during this summer’s touring season. The Mikron troupe of travelling players with their 44 year-history of theatrical presentation of plays which both entertain and inform, were bang-on-the mark with their fast-paced re-telling of the WI’s 100-year history of sisterhood, support, education and leadership of and for the nation’s female population from the isolated country woman in her state of rural poverty, the era of restricted female education and cultural domination, the terrible days of WW1 and WW2, the hardship and cultural inequality of a recovering nation and the emerging state of modernity and social change, right through to today’s modern womanhood, as a force for universal good, friendship and life-enhancing powerhouse activity. The plot revolves around fictional Bunnington WI which is in an unhappy state of low membership and funds, struggling to meet running costs and pay for good speakers. A new member presents herself who soon displays a zeal for renewal and reinvention by her promotion of the group as the Bunnington Bunnies, setting herself against traditionalist ideals, alarming the members and threatening their very existence. The newcomer is a PR guru, modern and outgoing but lonely and friendless and it is friendship and togetherness which save the day, holds the group together and gives them a future. The four-member troupe put on outstanding and highly entertaining performances for their Adderbury tour-date which the eventual rain fall during the interval, did nothing to impair either the actors’ presentation or the attention of the audience, who were completely engaged with this lively, very funny professional production. Margaret...
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