November Meeting

Our talk about bees was very informative, accompanied by photos and some video clips. What amazing creatures they are! Who would have believed that some are bad tempered and lazy?
We were able to buy some Somerset honey afterwards, and enjoy the fruits of their labours.

Topical Bees are the subject of tonight's talk

.... and what has just popped up on the Somerset WI Facebook page?

How up to the minute are we, at Leigh on Mendip WI?

I'm looking forward to hearing all about the bees and what we can do to help secure their future.

Denman College Craft Fair!

Is anyone free the last weekend of November? Would you fancy a day out to Denman College?

The books, kits, embroidery items, wools, fabrics and sewing notions I saw last weekend in the craft shop were at excellent prices and very, very plentiful! If you want to top up your stash, or if you have a project in hand this would definitely be the destination for you! Let me know if you are interested!
There is no Real Jam Festival or Christmas Fair this year.

Are you wondering what to donate to the Foodbank this month?

Here's an idea: (you will need to click on the picture to see the whole thing)

Committee members look at the blog!

(Three days later, President's note: 40% have done their homework. I must be losing my touch!)

After a relaxing, fun meeting, members embraced their techie side by taking a look at how to use the blog.

Certificates of Competence are in the post, don't hold your breath!

Can I have mine please?  Mary
Of course!

I've added the photos.  Can you spot where??  Jan
You have earned your Level II certificate, Jan!

Denman College - Somerset Fed. Weekend

The bedrooms have been decorated by the Federations, each adding their own regional touches.
 Ann stayed in the Guernsey room.

Denman is as welcoming as usual! Enhanced by the fabulous weather and beautiful autumn colours in the grounds. We've enjoyed a cup of tea and a bite of cake... What will this evening hold for us?
A lovely meal followed by an introduction to our chosen courses. Ann will be walking along the Thames Sue embarking on some delectable French cookery and I shall be trying to create some silk jewellery!

Sunday morning has come all too quickly! Yesterday was jam packed! After a tasty breakfast we all set off for our various courses. The silk dyeing and jewellery making had us all totally engrossed; no one really wanted to stop for a coffee break, and several of us came back early after lunch!
Ann enjoyed her walk in the balmy November (!) weather, and the interesting tour around a National Trust property. Sue cooked sea bream and salad for her lunch, and enjoyed a delectable endive, pear, walnut and Roquefort salad prepared by the tutor.
After our evening sessions we all gathered together for the very professional entertainment put on by our Somerset members. Paulet WI put on a short version of Cinderella, which had us all in stitches!

Denman College: waving at us is the Ukelele teacher!

We seemed to spend quite a lot of time enjoying the excellent food in the dining room!

Somerset Federation Annual Meeting

Seven of us attended the SCFWI Annual meeting in Yeovil on Saturday; luckily we arrived early as the hall was packed! There were more WI members present than I have ever seen at that event! The main speaker was Michael Portillo, and he gave a fascinating, humorous and self deprecating talk which had us enthralled! In the afternoon we were able to listen to the nurse who works with organ donors and their families in the south west; a very telling and emotional insight. We also heard from the founder of a charity which supports women who have reconstructive surgery following breast cancer.
It was a very informative, fun and interesting day, as usual an opportunity to catch up with many friends and to appreciate the work done on our behalf by our County Trustees.