Medicinal Herbalist Open Garden Walk – Thursday, 24th July 2014
Off to Hadsham House, Horley, to be guided around Fiona Taylor’s wonderfully lush and sweet smelling herb garden and to listen to Fiona’s excellent introduction to the medicinal plants many of us have growing in our own gardens. Achillea, Salvia, Valerian, Angelica, Elecampane, Hyssop, Berberis, Lobelia, Calendula, Thyme, Sage. Garlic, Sorrel, Borage, Mallow, Wood Betony, St. John’s Wort, Rhubarb, Echinacea, Ginkgo Biloboa, Horsetail, Hops, Raspberry, Ginger, Mint, Feverfew, Trillium, Rosemary, Comfrey……her knowledgeable and easy manner of delivering the vast store of accumulated herbal information carried us through her verdant garden; we listened attentively and left feeling much enriched. We even had an “on-the-spot” demonstration of the medicinal herbalists’ skills when your reporter was attacked by a bee settling onto her neck, and angrily leaving its sting in situ, and upon its removal by another member, Fiona applied Lavender Oil to the red and angry wound, to soothe and calm the skin. By next morning, the pain had gone, only a slight redness remained, and your reporter was recovered. Here are a few photos of the evening to whet your appetite for future events….. Fiona is proposing to open an own-product sales opportunity in the autumn …. Too many wonderful views to include! Go see the garden for yourself and enjoy the glorious green and gorgeous herb garden and delight in the sumptuous scents and amazing powers of Fiona’s medicinal herbal...
Read MoreBall Colegrave Open Day 23rd July 2014
A beautiful summer day for Ball Colegrave’s “mini Chelsea” Open Day event. The grounds, flower displays and exhibits were absolutely magnificent and the weather simply perfect. Here are a few photographs to remind you of this brilliant event. Can’t wait for next summer’s event… ...
Read MoreThrupp Walk (Kidlington) and pub meal – Tuesday, 17th June 2014
Maureen’s report on our June 17th walk about Thrupp, followed by a pub meal afterwards, gave much enjoyment to members at the July WU meeting, when it was revealed that some of our walkers “disappeared” during the walk, becoming separated from those walkers “up-a-head!” Eventually, everybody got together again and a “really lovely walk, a nice stroll and a good chat” was enjoyed by all walkers. Here are Diane’s photos of the event… ...
Read MoreAdderbury Village Community Event – Open Gardens for Katharine House Sunday, 6th July 2014
Two of Adderbury’s lovely gardens were opened today for Katharine House, at Placketts, in the High Street and at 17 Twyford Gardens, by kind permission of their owners – Dr. David White and Jane and David Fletcher, respectively. The afternoon began with bright sunshine and clear skies and both gardens were well visited by keen and enthusiastic plant lovers and gardeners, alike. Refreshments and a plant sale at Twyford Gardens added to the afternoon’s visitor pleasure and the rain which fell during the last hour of the afternoon, did very little to dampen the high spirits engendered by the glory and attractive features of these two gardens… ...
Read MoreNOTICES from the NFWI
Get up-to-date with NFWI Key Campaigns: More Midwives: The NFWI launched a campaign for more midwives to be employed following a resolution at the 2012 AGM, which passed with a 96% majority. We need more midwives now, for there is a shortage of midwives, resulting in rushed maternity care; mothers are attended by a variety of different midwives, are left feeling let down and lacking information. Read about this important campaign and latest information in the June 2014 report. SOS for Honeybees: This campaign launched after a resolution was passed at the 2009 AGM, calling for increased research into the health of our honeybees. See NFWI Bee Action Plan for the National Pollinator Strategy. Download the Campaign Action Pack, Campaign Poster and the Bee Action Plan Postcard for signing and sending to the Minister for Bees, Lord de Mauley. Read Martha Kearney’s new bee blog on the NFWI website – 9th June 2014 – A Bee in My Bonnet! – and view BBC 4 Series “The Wonder of Bees”. Also follow the Friends of the Earth latest campaign – Help Save the bees. Love Your Libraries: 2011 NFWI AGM adopted a mandate launching this campaign. Our libraries provide “cherished spaces” for all national and local communities, vital resources which are at risk today in our ongoing difficult economic times, and future problems for the availability of such resources for our nation’s libraries. Read the report “On Permanent Loan? Community Managed Libraries: The Volunteer Perspective. January...
Read MoreThursday, 3rd July 2014 – Treasures of the Ashmolean by Alice Foster – Adderbury & District WI Meeting
Alice Foster presented a fascinating introduction to the collection of wonderful treasures to be found in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, urging members to allow a twenty-minute time-slot during their next visit to Oxford, to view one or two of these treasures which we in Oxfordshire, so fortunately, have on our doorstep. The Ashmolean Museum, the earliest public collection of viewable items in Europe, and possibly the world, and begun in 1683 with the donation by Elias Ashmole of a wide range of books and artefacts, including “his rarities collection” a collection actually discovered, saved and cared for by the John Tradescants, botanist father and son duo, from their extensive travels in Europe – John senior and America – John junior. Alice Foster’s slide show began with portraits of Elias Ashmole and John Tradescant, senior, then proceeded via Bicci de Lorenzo’s depiction of the Angel Gabriel “Rebuking the Storm”; Uccello’s “Hunt in the Forest” – with its umbrella pines; William van Aelst “Still Life with Flowers” – a beautiful depiction of the life of a pink rose; the Pre-Raphaelite collection; William Holman Hunt of the Oxford Movement; Gubbio Majolica to Boudin, who encouraged the young Monet to work outdoors, then on to the many other wonderful objects included in her slide collection. A highly informative and interesting talk and slide show, given by an expert in her particular field, Alice presented a well researched and knowledgeable talk to WI Members on the evening of the hottest day of the year, for the very well attended July evening event; the last meeting of the summer season before the August break. On behalf of all members, Pauline gave a most enthusiastic vote of thanks to our speaker, Alice Foster, for her excellent presentation promising she would certainly be making time for a twenty-minute visit to Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum on her next visit to the city. Our WI Meeting opened with the usual business matters and ensuing discussions for future programme events and activities and forthcoming community events, with members supplying details. Pauline gave a half-yearly treasurers report on WI finances, Maureen reported on the Thrupp walk she had organised, all of us laughing at her account of the missing stragglers, eventually recovered, and of the enjoyable walk all experienced and Bernice reported on June’s book group meeting at which Maggie O’Farrell’s book Instructions for a Heatwave was discussed. Community Events mentioned – 2 Lovely Open Gardens to visit for Katharine House on Sunday, 6th July – at Placketts, Adderbury High Street by kind permission of Dr. David White and at – 17 Twyford Gardens, by kind permission of Jane and David Fletcher with refreshments and a plant sale; opening hours for both gardens 2-6pm and entry tickets for Placketts at £4.00 to include admission to 17 Twyford Gardens. Adderbury History Association meeting on 3rd Monday of July, for sale of latest History Association publication; copies at £3.00. Pimms in the Garden at the invitation of FOSMA at The Old Vicarage by kind permission of Sir Peter and Lady Job on Friday, 1st August 6.30pm-9.00pm for a complimentary glass of Pimms or soft drink, canapés, a garden quiz and a tour of the garden. Tickets will be available soon at £10.00 each. Adderbury Community Food Market on Thursday, 10th July 6-8.30pm at The Institute with Guest Stallholders – Chillies 2 U for their delicious items – as well as the usual great food stalls and a delicious supper cooked and presented by Smart Cookies. During a delicious break for tea and coffee and homemade cakes, members were asked to list ideas for future...
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