Meeting Monday 10 September 2018

At the September meeting members reported having enjoyed our recent social events such as the First Friday lunch in the Bell and the President’s Evening Social. Those who came to the latter had a very good evening of food and chat, the “speed chatting” being particularly successful. We were now looking forward to the Group Social in Leigh on the 26^th of September and names and payment were taken of those volunteering to help or just joining in.

Mary had details of the Somerset County weekend at Denman which offers the choice of several activities with the possibility of a bursary from our WI to help with the cost. If you think you may be interested let Mary or any other committee member know.

Looking ahead to Christmas we had some news about the annual shoe box collection. This is now being accepted at our local YMCA rather than collated by the County WI so we will have a little longer before Christmas to get our donations together. The members were happy to continue with this.

Our speaker Derek March gave us a potted history of England with relation to how cheese making started and continued about many of the types made. He had an enthusiastic style with lots of extra little bits of non-cheese information added in including the basics of his recipe for a game pie! We then had the chance to taste some of the cheese he had brought along.

Our next meeting on Monday 8^th October at 7.30pm will include a talk about the Save The Children charity.

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!