Guarlford Women's Institute

News

29th November 2011

Back in the warmer days of summer (!) a team of four went to the first round of the County Quiz on July 4th and, although they didn't get through to the Final, they acquitted themselves well & had a pleasant evening in Hanley Swan Village Hall.

Then at our own meeting on July 12th Mr Alan Thornton, as he put it 'ironically named', gave an interesting talk on "The Cadbury Story" and told us about the philanthropy of the Cadbury family, who built Bournville village, with its houses, playing fields and many facilities. The workers were also encouraged to grow their own vegetables in the gardens provided on the estate. The talk was followed by a 1950's film showing the factory in production - it was interesting to see the long hair of some of the workers in those days, who were wearing just light scarves on their heads and no gloves on their hands. Two members recalled going with school parties to visit Cadburys in the 1960s and remembered particularly the noise and the smell of the chocolate.

The meeting on August 9th included an illuminating demonstration of "Ikebana", the Japanese art of flower arranging, by Dr Stewart. Firstly Dr Stewart told us a little about the history of Ikebana, which means "living plant material": Ikebana began with Buddhist priests placing branches in vases in front of statues of the Buddha and then developed into an organised art form, bringing composure and tranquillity to those who practise it. We were shown seven arrangements in different styles, with Dr Stewart using attractive pots and bowls, plus flowers and foliage from her own garden.

At the meeting on September 13th we welcomed back Mrs Tremellen who gave us an insight into the work of her charity "P.U.P.S.", which is involved in re-homing unwanted puppies. Mrs Tremellen takes puppies from as young as two days when they need round the clock feeding and care, quite an exhausting task, but she gets a tremendous satisfaction from seeing them thrive and go on to good homes. Most of her boarders are a little older, but they are also looked after until they are ready to move on. The RSPCA often call on her to help with new arrivals, and we were regaled with tales of the lengths that some people will go to, to try and excuse, or hide the condition of their animals. Patience and tact in large measure were often needed before animals could be secured and taken to safety. New arrivals have to be held in special quarantine pens to prevent the spread of kennel cough or parvo-virus before being given injections and allowed to mix with the other dogs. We were shown photographs of many adorable puppies, but however appealing the puppies look, every prospective owner is thoroughly checked for suitability and has to promise that if an animal proves to be unsuitable it will be returned to Mrs Tremellen. A very important service, delivered with great care and compassion by a very dedicated lady.

An exhibition of some of the tea cosies knitted in aid of Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings were displayed in the Village Hall at that meeting. The travelling exhibition will end at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre when the remaining cosies will be sold. There were some amazing pieces, and the overall standard was very high. Unfortunately, we didn't see our own member's award-winning teacosy as someone had already bought her masterpiece.

There was a change of programme for the October meeting, as the planned speaker was unable to come. Instead our Craft Leader organised a Card-making workshop, which people enjoyed - there was quite a sociable buzz as members became creative with card and glue!

The Craft Group continues to be busy. W I members have come along to the afternoon sessions to help make articles for the Christmas Fayre. Two ladies won several prizes with items that they had entered in the Hanley Swan Village Show on 27th August, and some members have made small pennants for "Quilts4London". The "Quilts4London Project" started in June 2009 with an idea to produce something as a gift for all the athletes taking part in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. The idea of pennants (traditionally exchanged at friendly sporting events) seemed perfect, and the concept was born.

Two members also accepted an invitation to take some craft items to an Arts & Craft Exhibition and Social afternoon on November 12th to celebrate the ninetieth birthday of our neighbouring Hanley Castle W I. Various speakers from the Severn Group of W Is talked briefly about their favourite crafts, which was very interesting - good to see enthusiasm. (And the tea & cakes were delicious too!)

Members and friends enjoyed tours of Madresfield Court during the summer, and the Garden Group continue to make their visits, including one to Spetchley Gardens and also a trip to Sudeley Castle, with a programme for next year being considered.

The Skittles team has begun its series of matches in the County Federation League, not always winning but having good social evenings with other W I s.

On Tuesday 8th November we held our Annual Meeting, when the members of the Committee were re-elected and various reports given by the President, Secretary, Treasurer, Craft Group Leader and Skittles Team Leader. It has been a good year with interesting meetings, both in our own Village Hall and countywide.

December 13th is our "Christmas Meeting", but in January 2012 there will be no meeting in the Village Hall. Instead, as usual at this time of year, we plan to take our spouses, partners and friends out to Sunday lunch. Meanwhile, W I members will be busy on December 3rd, helping with refreshments and many stalls at the village Christmas Fayre.

We are looking forward to our 2012 Programme of meetings, which will appear on the Village website in December. Visitors are very welcome at our meetings, so please do get in touch via the website if anything interests you in particular.