Thursday, 5th June 2014 – William French – Working with the Royals
William French took us on an lively journey through his life from new Royal Navy recruit to the polished, professional “Top” London Butler who spoke at our June WI meeting at The Institute yesterday evening. A highly amusing, fascinating and intensely interesting insight into his life on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, working with Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip, and his tour of duty with them to China. His time with the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York. His Falklands experience on board HMS Battleaxe and HMS Broadsword and his demanding schedule with top business magnates and international actors. Photographs and memorabilia of an exciting and passionate career, added greatly to our enjoyment of his talk, which all members thoroughly appreciated. Caroline gave an enthusiastic vote of thanks on behalf of the Meeting. Reading group book for June is Instructions for Heatwave by Maggie O’Farrell and the book for July is Thomas Hardy’s Under the Greenwood Tree. A short demonstration of the workings of the WI website, the usual business news, events, dates and future happenings for the Adderbury and District WI, plus a “photos of Adderbury” collage, showing possible photo-shots for the proposed joint Community Market / WI calendar, rounded up a cheerful summer’s evening WI June meeting. ...
Read MoreOpen Garages Day – Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May 2014
Inspite of the cold, the grey skies and the rain, map-toting visitors were much in evidence about Adderbury today for the WI Open Garages Day, to raise funds for Banbury Young Homeless People, Adderbury and District WI 2014 charity, whom we continue to support. A tremendous amount of enthusiasm, inspiration and hard work by Virginia and Mary and other WI members, put together a wonderful Village event, brilliantly organised and well manned. Pottering about the village lanes, nooks and crannies, glimpsing views of hidden gardens and chatting to garage owners was great fun for all, including your intrepid and enthusiastic photographer who, once she’d discovered her misplaced iPad safely locked away, endeavoured to reach all sites before the end of the day. Unfortunately, too much chatting and buying rather ate up the time and then it was too late to get round to everybody…. I’m already looking forward to next year – and chattering visitors laden down with treasures found….. ...
Read MoreResolutions Evening for Organ Donation – Thursday, 1st May 2014
Our WI meeting on Thursday, 1st May 2014, for Resolutions Evening, was very well attended and members were able to enjoy a glass of wine, a “Guess the weight of the Cake” competition, for a delicious looking heart-shaped cake made by Caroline and won by Lilian Bryan, and scrumptious home-made cakes with tea and coffee for our regular refreshment break, all of which made for a highly enjoyable evening for all members. Members produced some brightly wrapped jam jars for the school Fete for Saturday, 14th June 2014, and more are promised for our next WI Meeting on Thursday, 5th June 2014, when our speaker, William French, will be describing “Working with the Royals”. Past, present and future WI and Community events were discussed and noted – please see Page details for Community events for May – and May Diary information. Pauline read out list of National events and reminded members that these events must be paid for in advance with monies being returned for non-place availability After the business of the meeting, there was a discussion and quiz for the WI Resolution for 2014 concerning organ donation. Caroline had found the NHS Blood and Transplant website and discovered a quiz, plus answers, which was found to be both challenging and informative. In fact, all members were up-to-speed on general facts and most members easily answered all of the questions. The ensuing lively table-group discussion encompassed general and particular shared experience which all members appreciated. Members received the new WI Inspiring Women Programme for 2014/15 – a bright orange-coloured production to inspire a new year of exciting events and happenings. Our next WI Meeting will be Thursday, 5th June 2014, at The Institute and our speaker will be William French on Working with the...
Read MoreApril 2014 WI Events and Happenings
Treasurer’s report: Due to the Treasurer’s absence from April’s Committee Meeting, this item has been postponed until the Committee Meeting in May. North Cherwell Group meeting: Six members attended an enjoyable evening hosted by Barford St. Michael WI. Following the AGM, Simeon Courtie gave a very interesting and entertaining talk on his recent travels with his family. Sheila Auster to report to May WI Meeting on Thursday, 1st May 2014. Harrow Trust visitors: The group have made alternative arrangements and the WI will not now need to provide refreshments for this event. Morning Circular walk on Tuesday, 15th April 2014 from Manor Road, with coffee at Cotefield: an enjoyable walk for all members. Fair Trade Fiesta, Saturday, on 26th April 2014: The WI refreshment stall provided home-made cakes and biscuits, with squash, to accompany Fair Trade coffee and tea during the morning between 10.00 am to lunch time approximately. Open Garages Day, May Bank Holiday 26th May 2014: Sign-up sheet for helpers needed, to be available at May WI Meeting on Thursday, 1st May 2014. School and Church Fete: sign-up sheets available at April’s WI Meeting and also to be at our WI Meeting on 1st May 2014. First Aid courses: proposed event with sign-up sheets available at April’s WI Meeting and also at WI Meeting on 1st May 2014. The winner of the Denman Dip was Hilary Sarin....
Read MoreThursday, 2nd January 2014 – The History and Memories of Witney Blanket Making by Valerie Burton
Valerie gave a most interesting and informative account of this Oxfordshire business which, lasting for 300 years, made Witney famous, worldwide, for its wool and blankets. Sadly, the last blanket mill closed in 2002 yet the story lives on in the words, which became part of our everyday language, and memories woven into the Witney Blanket story. Valerie recounted this story of the people, the weaving and the blankets sold and sent all over the world, all without notes and with great enthusiasm for her subject. It was a highly interesting and compelling story of endeavour and achievement A warm vote of thanks was given to Valerie for her lively account of the Witney Blanket Making...
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