Visit to Wells Cathedral

What a fabulous opportunity to do a High Tour Visit at Wells Cathedral.   

A really interesting and informative trip around the Cathedral.  We learnt so much from our two Guides.

It is not usual to be able to see Jack Blandifers, who hits a bell with a hammer held in his right hand, so close up.

And a close-up view of the Clock.  We went behind the scenes and saw where the choristers used to sing out and the trumpeters blew their horns to the people congregating on what is now the Green.

Would certainly recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind heights and climbing up some narrow spiral staircases.

President's Evening

What a good evening we had in the Village Hall on Monday 13 August.  This year there were just too many members to host this event in the President's house.  As you can see there was an amazing selection of food.  Thank you to everyone who came and brought a dish for us all to share.

However, before the eating we all had a drink and then sat down to play a game where everyone got the chance to chat and find out something new about our fellow members.  It was like "speed dating" and thank you to Caroline for the idea and to you all for joining in the fun!

A great team effort - many hands make light work (putting out and taking down tables & chairs and work "behind the scenes" in the kitchen with washing & drying up).

It was so lovely to hear our new members comment on the great evening and "do you do this every year?".  Roll on 2019!!

County Fun Quiz

This was held at a number of different venues on Wednesday 25 July.

A team of 6 from Leigh on Mendip put their brains to the test - and were very pleased to come third out of eight teams.

Thank you to Frome WI for hosting this event and providing a delicious quiche supper.

Visit to Stoberry Gardens

A Group Event was arranged at Stoberry Gardens in Wells on 19 June.  A number of the WI ladies from Leigh on Mendip really enjoyed their evening here.  The gardens are wonderful with stunning views.

After a talk and walk around the grounds we had refreshments and it was lovely to meet up with members from other locals WIs.

A big Thank You from Leigh on Mendip to the organisers.

Summer Events

Leigh On Mendip Summer Fair

Thank you to everyone who supported our efforts at the 2018 Summer Fair.  Pity about the weather.  With the sunshine now I am sure we would have sold more ice-creams and Pimms!!

The Tombola Stall was a great success. We are very grateful to those WI members and other people in the Village who donated bottles, gifts, etc. etc.

Our share of the pay-out will help pay  the Speakers for our 2019 Programme.

Meeting Monday 9 July 2018

In July it was confirmed that several people had agreed to help with some of the tasks Mary Mears had been carrying out and that this meant she was able to take on the President’s job as hoped.

The business matters included the cancellation of the Group business meeting on the 25^th of July and some more detail on the Group Social meeting on the 26^th of September. There would be a light supper and a speaker for £3.50 a head and members were asked to think about whether they were able to help or just attend.

The recent lunch in the Bell had been well attended and Mary reminded members this was a first Friday regular occasion which people could just drop in to if they were free. It was noted the monthly coffee morning would not take place in August but the lunch would. We were also looking ahead to the President’s evening social in the Hall on August 13^th, most had signed up to say what they were bringing, if you still need to, please let Mary or Barbara know before the 13^th.

The programme planning meeting had been arranged for Monday 15^th of October. If you have any ideas for speakers etc. do either go along to the meeting or let a committee member know beforehand.

We then had a talk from ex-nurse Lottie Dale who has been selling Aloe Vera products for several years. She explained all about the types and formats available and about many of the uses they have. We were able to sample both the cream, which can help aching joints and the liquids which can help with all sorts of situations including improving your immune and digestive systems.

Our next meeting will be Monday 10^th September at 7.30pm with a talk about English Country Cheeses, including a tasting!

Meeting Monday 11 June 2018

At our June meeting, following a vote by members, Mary Mears was elected and agreed to stand as our new President. She explained this meant other people needed to take over her current role and two members agreed to help where they could, one attending committee meetings, the other assisting when she had time.

Various arrangements were finalised including pick up for the Stoberry Garden trip, help with the Group business meeting on 25^th July and for the Group social on 26^th September. Everyone going to the President’s evening in the Hall on August 13^th was asked to tick a box to say what sort of food they would be bringing, this to make sure of more variety than last year. Barbara then went through several items in the County News and let us know we could suggest a Resolution for 2019 if we had an idea we would like put forward. She also reminded us that, in addition to our own bursary for Denman, they issue a substantial one themselves for first time attendees, meaning very low outlay for the member applying.  Finally Barbara suggested looking at “My WI” on the internet where they were currently promoting a Healthy Eating Week and evidently run many other campaigns.

Our speaker, Sandy Bateman, came to talk to us about the Minack Theatre in Cornwall. She told us a lot about how Rowena Cade came to build it and also about her own experiences of acting there. She brought some lovely photographs of the theatre with its spectacular position on the coast and many programmes from productions held there over the years.

Our next meeting will be Monday 9^th July at 7.30pm when we will find out all about Aloe Vera.