The Mitford Girls by Gillian Cane – October 2012
In October we were pleased to welcome back Gillian Cane who this time gave us a very interesting and lively talk about the Mitford girls. This then actually prompted our reading group to read Nancy Mitford’s Love in a Cold Climate and our walkers to walk around the Swinbrook area, finishing up, of course, at the Swan for lunch!
Read MoreSummer 2012
Summer 2012 saw a very active few weeks for Adderbury WI. Below are some short summaries of the things we got up to! Ditchley Park Firstly, a group of our members visited Ditchley Park for a most informative and thoroughly enjoyable guided tour. Ditchley Park, built in the 18th century, was donated to The Ditchley Foundation in the 1950s by Sir David Wills. Over the years Ditchley has expanded to become a major centre for informal meetings of key movers and shakers on the international stage. It is described as one of southern England’s finest country houses and we were certainly not disappointed. This magnificent house, completely hidden from the main road, greets you on its approach through beautiful parkland. You enter up a wide flight of steps with urns on the balustrade and then through formidably large double doors. Every room is so beautifully maintained and furnished – many still with their original features. Lord Leyster Hospital In August members visited the medieval architectural gem of Lord Leyster Hospital in Warwick following the very inspirational talk from the Master earlier this year. For over 400 years Lord Leyster Hospital has been home to a small community of retired ex-servicemen called the ‘brethren,’ with the ‘Master’ in charge. It is entirely self-funded from ticket sales and tours, and nowadays they also have a wedding licence. When the foundation was set up by Robert Dudley, in 1571, the residents slept in a dormitory in the old Guildhall. These days they each have their own self-contained flat. Every weekday morning the Master conducts a short service in the chapel to which the brethren are expected to attend. Behind the buildings are some beautiful tranquil gardens. It is hard to believe it is surrounded by a busy modern commercial centre. It is highly recommended as a place to visit and even has a café to provide refreshments for visitors. Oxford Magistrates Court Towards the end of August, eight of us spent an interesting morning at Oxford Magistrates Court. We were met by a Magistrate who explained the workings of the courts. He then accompanied us during the morning as we watched a number of varied cases. At the end of the morning the Magistrate debriefed us and answered questions related to the morning’s sessions. This was a fascinating visit and a real insight to the complicated but fair workings of a Magistrate Court. Country walks We have also managed to keep up our walking too! Walks around the local area as well the famous ‘Larksrise to Candleford’ walk have all been very well supported. These walks have been at various times and often included a pub lunch or supper. We will be continuing these walks throughout the year so please do come and join us, the more the merrier and it is a great way of meeting and making new friends. If you have a favourite walk and would like to show this to others we are always looking for new ideas and for other members to ‘lead’ the walk, please do get in...
Read MoreThe Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations – Over 65’s Tea Party – June 2012
A very enjoyable afternoon had by...
Read MoreSharp & Blunt at our AGM Resolutions Evening – May 2012
We all had a great time when the Ladies Morris Team, Sharp & Blunt, came along and danced for us and many of our members joined in!
Read MoreWI Cake stall at Adderbury’s Day of Dance – April 2012
At the Day of Dance this year, the WI had a stall selling tea, coffee and a vast selection of our cakes. The weather was freezing cold, windy and wet but despite this, it was a really fun day and we sold...
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