Resolutions 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...
Read MoreTuesday, 3rd April, 2014 – Frank Wise School – Jill Head
Jill, for twenty years school nurse and currently chair of the Friends of the school, gave an interesting, inspiring and sometimes moving talk about the school, which is our charity for the year. The Frank Wise School, is a community school for children with special needs, between the ages of 2 to 19 years, described by Ofsted as “Outstanding and inspirational”. Beginning at Wood Green House with 30 pupils, the school has now been running for 50 years, currently catering for 107 children and young people. All classes spend some time in a main stream school each week, which also benefits children in those schools. Children take part in residential visits, sometimes abroad. Much is done with older pupils to give them life skills such as shopping and meal preparation. Some pupils are able to move on to college in Banbury and some to live in supported small groups. Jill described some of the recent projects achieved through fund-raising and explained the current one. The school plans to broaden the scope of the drama room by installing new technology, which could, for instance, provide virtual reality settings to stimulate pupils. Jill thanked members again for the opportunity to speak to them and concluded by saying “Our children can teach us a lot”. The president gave the vote of...
Read MoreAGM February 2014
Annual Report presented by Janet and accepted by the members. If you would like to read this report just follow the link on the top of the screen. Pauline presented the audited accounts, which were accepted by members. New Committee selected and Caroline agreed to be President for a second year.
Read MoreChristmas Party – December 5th 2013
We were virtually a full house for our December meeting and Christmas party, when our members were treated to a delicious supper provided by Carrol and the Catering Team, followed by a raffle. To finish off the evening we were entertained by The Shunters who performed a selection of folk, traditional and well known...
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