Monday's craft day... More people!

We spent a very productive day on Monday after the community coffee morning, working away on our crafts. It's growing now; two of us concentrating on sorting out those old photographs, there is a lovely rag rug appearing before our very eyes, some bunting and a simply gorgeous little mouse being knitted! I've laid down a challenge to see a hand sewn patchwork bedspread at a future event, and I know there are at least two more people keen to come along if they are free! Next date set for a month's time, after the community coffee morning, starting at 11 o'clock and finishing at 4. Bring your own craft and lunch, tea and coffee provided! Monday 18 June. We share the cost of hiring the hall between us. Call in for a cup of tea if you would like to see what goes on!

Resolutions meeting, May.

Last night's meeting was very thought provoking and a lot of fun!

Are you interested in attending any of the following events? We need to know immediately!
Monday evening 2 July visit to Milton Lodge gardens, partners or friends welcome. £9.
Thursday evening 5 July 'Antiques Supper' two course supper and talk at Standerwick, £19.50.
Day trip to Denman College in the Autumn.


The discussion we had about the proposed 'More Midwives' campaign was very thought provoking and, frankly, extremely difficult to decide. Several people abstained but in the end the majority vote was against the motion. This was based on the evidence we see everyday on the lack of funding in every aspect of the health service. If we put the might of the NFWI into pressing for more midwives, which other health areas will suffer? The elderly? Those with diabetes? People who have suffered a stroke? The list is endless, and we all agreed that we would not like to have to make those decisions. It will be interesting to hear the results of the discussion at the AGM at the Albert Hall, where health professionals and campaigners will be putting their cases.


A spot of light relief was found after refreshments when we listened to the stories about the beautiful items members had brought to show. We had 2 gorgeous family photos, a patchwork quilt, some gold work embroidery, a coil pot, a handmade box, a knitted patterned sweater (I almost feel the need to say 'a cuddly toy' here!) a photograph album and a 'proddy' rag rug cushion. I'm sorry that I forgot to take any photos, the display was stunning. The conversations about them all were very interesting too, showing another side of each speaker. Thank you everyone for showing us - I really enjoyed it!

Pub meal very enjoyable!

Seven of us met at The Duke of Cumberland in Holcombe for a very tasty and sociable lunch. We thought that perhaps next time we would walk over there.... And maybe get a lift back afterwards if someone else has driven over! Weather permitting, of course! How about 8th June? Then, if the walk and lunch works well, we could walk around Mells in July and lunch in one of the cafes there. This will also add to our Big Walk Little Splash miles.

Our visit to "Cook" in Wells

All of the freezers had a very smart jacket on, as you can see behind Mary & Jean!

This was when we tasted the moroccan spicy lamb tagine!

Brett, who runs the shop - clearing away lots of empty dishes!

Seven of us went over to visit the Cook shop in Wells this evening. We were treated to some really gorgeous tastes of a range of their dishes, accompanied by a couple of delicious soft drinks. First we tried a couple of their galettes, then two moroccan tagines: spiced lamb and vegetable & chick pea. Finally, a slice of rich lemon tart, which was divine and a square of milionnaire's shortcake. All of the dishes are cooked from fresh, local ingredients in the kitchens in Cook's Kent head office. There are no additives or preservatives, everything is as if it was home made. It's really worth a visit to have a good look through the choices, or have a look on line at www.cookfood.net. They will deliver - so we thought we might let each other know when we're going over, or placing an order, to see if anyone else wants something. Saturday 19th May is a tasting day - put it in your diary! Thank you Sandra for organising it!

Intrepid Women of Leigh on Mendip WI Walk the World!

Today, despite the inclement weather, we took part in the world wide event organised by the Association of Country Women Worldwide. Walks took place in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, North America and .... Leigh on Mendip. To show solidarity with other women across the world and to raise some funds for the projects undertaken by the Association. Currently we are assisting the Water for All campaign. (which was very appropriate today, considering that one of the footpaths was blocked by a flood!). We ended our walk, perhaps somewhat curtailed thanks to the incessant rain, at the Memorial Hall with a lovely cup of tea and some gorgeous cake! Thank you Mary & Gill and to Caroline, Jan and Sue. A lovely afternoon! It was a good day to have begun our Big Walk Little Splash challenge, too, when you think about it!

Here we are, all ready to walk!

The first stile... still smiling!

.....and back at the Hall, a bit wet around the edges!

Have a look at the ACWW website for more information: http://www.acww.org.uk/  or look at their Facebook group which shows many photos of the women taking part!

April walk at Evercreech

Barbara joined about 25 other WI members for a  walk last Thursday. Here's her account:

It was disappointing that I was on my own but guessed I would chat to someone and in true WI friendship style, that was the case. 

I dressed up warm because it was a cold day. I thought 'I can easily take something off if I get hot'. I hadn't expected a route march where you don't stop! It spoilt it a bit because it was hard to find time to photograph the lovely views and stop for a drink or take a jumper off. 

The instructions said 5 stiles but it was more like 10-15  I lost count. 1 stile was really tricky and members had trouble getting over. 

However we got back to the pub in time for lunch where we had very good food. Then 12 members set off for another 3 mile walk. I went home and collapsed on the settee with a cup of tea!

Spring Roadshow at Henton! Lots of fun!

Chris Sperring and Beau, a beautiful (and aptly named!) barn owl.

We were very interested in Chris's talk about his conservation work in Somerset, but Beau slept through most of it!

In the morning Carole Smith, County Chair, told us all about the wide variety of activities and events available to us as members of Somerset Federation. Each committee gave a brief and amusing description of the work they do for us.