Denman College

Caroline went to Denman College at the weekend to do a course on Flower Arranging.  She had a really wonderful time and I'm sure you will all agree that she made some stunning arrangements.

She had fun trying out different and new styles of displays.





And also a lovely corsage.

If any WI Ladies would like to attend a course please look at the Denman College e-mails that come through from time to time.  There are lots of people to chat to and work with so don't be put off going on your own.  We have a Bursary for our members so please apply if there is something you would like to do.  Or go with a friend - you can do different courses and perhaps share the Bursary.

http://denmancollege.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Denman-Brochure-June-2017.pdf

President's Evening

A change of date from our normal Monday evening but it was lovely to see so many of our members at the President's Evening on Thursday 10 August.  Many thanks to Shelagh for opening her house for this event.  Sue Rodford, our new President, welcomed everyone.  There was a wonderful array of food & drinks and soon everyone was eating and chatting, catching up on all the latest news.  The evening came to an end all too soon.

Sorry there are no photos!

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting in the Memorial Hall on Monday 11 September for a talk on the 'History of the Mill on the Brue'.

The meeting starts at 7.30pm and if anyone in the Village (or surrounding area) would like to come along and find out more about us please phone one of the committee or just turn up.  You will be very welcome.

Visit to Waitrose

On Monday 24 July a group of ladies went for a very interesting visit to Waitrose in Wells.  We arrived at 6.30pm and were made to feel very welcome.  We were given a drink and some nibbles whilst we listened to a short talk on the history of John Lewis and Waitrose.  We then divided into two groups.  One stayed to have tasters of different foods & drinks and were asked various questions as to what we thought about each one. Whilst enjoying this the other group had a tour of the 'behind scenes' and learnt about re-stocking, etc.  The two groups then swapped over and we finished the evening at Waitrose with a general chat.  Many thanks to the 2 members of Staff and also to Barbara for organising the event.  Then several of us went on for a Greek meal at a local Taverna.  A great end to a lovely evening.

Looking forward to the next outing!

July Monthly Meeting

At our July meeting we were all captivated by an inspirational talk by Desi Fradgeley about the charity Horseshoes and Handprints. It is based at her home, a former farm, at Stocklinch, near Ilminster. The centre provides horse-centred therapy for children with special needs. This includes a wide range of disorders and health problems. The therapy offers each child sensory activities and close interaction with the ponies and horses. The staff attend accredited courses to work with the horses and families. They see the children become relaxed, calmer and happier around the animals. This has far-reaching benefits for the child’s whole family.

www.horseshoesandhandprints.org

Business items included a thank you to all members who helped at the Village Fair in June; a report from Barbara about the County Open Gardens she had visited, one in Wells and another in Binegar; and two lists were compiled: of those who were going on a visit ‘behind the shelves’ at Waitrose in Wells on 24^th July, and those who were able to attend President’s Evening on 10^th August at Mary’s home. Events in the Autumn included a Jumble Sale on 7^th October in the Memorial Hall.

Leigh on Mendip Summer Fair 2017

What Fantastic Weather!

Ice-creams sold out.  And the cakes that didn't sell in the afternoon went quite quickly with the youngsters at the Evening Entertainment.

Thank You to Everyone who baked cakes, made jams, etc and helped set up and sell on the Day.

Enjoy the Sunshine whilst it lasts!

12 June - Monthly Meeting

In June our meeting was chaired for the first time by Sue Rodford in her role as our new President. Many of the business matters, such as the outing to Waitrose on the 24^th July, the President’s evening at Mary’s house on 10^th August and the jumble sale on 7^th October had already been touched on at previous meetings but it gave us a chance to firm up on these dates in our diaries.

Caroline gave us a report on the AGM in Liverpool which had included some inspirational speakers. The resolution about loneliness had received mixed responses partly due to the wording with some delegates feeling it was not a matter for the Government to act on. However it was still passed. A more resounding approval was given to the resolution about plastic soup. It was encouraging to hear that there are currently two products being developed which could be put in washing machines to combat the problem of micro plastic fibres getting into our waterways.

Sue made an appeal for more members to join the committee and also told us that the programme planning meeting for next year would take place at Caroline’s house on Tuesday 17^th October. Do see what ideas you can come up with and give a committee member the details if you are unable to go along yourself.

Our talk on the Great Barrier Reef included pictures of many of the myriad of organisms which form the coral and live in it. We were encouraged to go and see for ourselves if we ever get the chance.

The talk at our meeting on the 10^th of July will be on Horseshoes and Handprints, come along and find out what it’s all about!

May Meeting & AGM - Monday 8 May 2017

Our May meeting was mainly concerned with two topics. Firstly there were the Resolutions to consider. Barbara talked us through the presentation on action for “Alleviating Loneliness” which we came to realise had a variety of sources, not just being elderly.  It could be caused by lack of employment, being at home with young children or lack of transport just to give a few examples. The members were mainly in favour but decided to leave the decision on which way to vote to Caroline who is attending the AGM in Liverpool.

Jan Pattison then took us through a lot of information on the second Resolution which was about tackling the problem of micro fibres getting in to our waterways and the sea. This is increasingly affecting fish which we of course eat. Many of us had no idea that the problem came from washing items made from synthetic fibres and agreed the issue needed highlighting with the hope that manufacturers and government could come up with solutions to the problem. Members again were mainly in favour of this resolution.

We then turned to our AGM with reports from the officers of the committee. Barbara appealed for more members to join the committee but none at the meeting volunteered. Barbara was standing down as President and so we needed to vote for a replacement. We were very pleased that Sue Rodford agreed to stand as our  new President.

Refreshments were in the form of tasters of recipes various members had brought along with some surprises including - Who would have thought of putting kidney beans in a chocolate cake instead of flour? Delicious!

Our meeting on the 12^th of June will include a talk on the Great Barrier Reef.