Leigh-on-Mendip WI

 

Yay!  74 years young this year – WI started in Leigh on Mendip in January 1949.  We celebrated on Saturday 28 January with an afternoon of film, "Mrs Harris Goes to Paris" and tea & cake in our lovely warm village hall. 

Good fun and good company.  Enjoyed by about 20 of our members.  Great team effort – thank you to everyone who helped.

And if you got a taste for "Fashion" in the above film do come along to our meeting on Monday 13 February.  Our Speaker will be Keith Lodwick who is a writer and film & theatre historian.  He is the former Curator of Theatre & Screen Arts at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.  At the V&A, Keith curated Vivien Leigh: Public Faces, Privates Lives and was the V&A curator for the 2012 major exhibition Hollywood Costume.  I could say more but will leave him to tell you the rest of his story - and maybe share some celebrity gossip!

At our meeting on 9 January, Martin Horler from Kilmersdon, gave us a very enlightening talk on "Bygone Days.  It's not all Beer & Skittles". 

He spoke of his deep, local knowledge of the community and its various Drinking Houses, Pubs and Inns.  He explained how they were the general hub and centre of Village Life and how traditions such as Wassailing kept communities together. 

It was a very enjoyable evening, including being entertained with a song or two.

Members were reminded to make their choice on the 4 Resolutions being put forward this year.  A wide variety from "Save our water – every drop matters", "Women to women – turning over a new leaf in the lives of women tea workers", "Online gambling harm – time for action" and "Clean rivers for people and wildlife".  Plenty to think about. 

The subgroups have restarted – wide range to choose from, with hopefully something for everyone.  "Craft", "Line Dancing", "Tai Chi", "Book Club" and later in the year when the weather is more settled "Walking".  If you have an interest that is not covered by these why not speak to one of the Committee and set up a group.  We also meet for lunch in The Bell on the third Wednesday of the month – 5 ladies came in January.  Maybe you would just like to join for a drink or pud!

A date for your diaries (not just WI members!!).  Village Litter Pick on Saturday 11 March, 2-4pm.  Meet at the Village Hall.  Refreshments provided afterwards.

The Programme for the year ahead has been put together with a good mix of interesting and varied speakers and outings arranged to keep us entertained and informed.  If you would like to find out more please come along to the Village Hall on the second Monday of the month at 7.30pm or contact Caroline Harris on 01373 812889.