Rockley Rally 2017

This years Rockley Rally was hosted by Chapeltown WI and held at Grenoside Community Centre.  Over 20 Thorpe Hesley members and friends enjoyed a really good afternoon.

After a welcome by Kath Gray, President of Chapeltown WI, our President Mary took to the stage to announce the awarding of an MBE in the Queens Birthday Honours list to 'Peggy' who then received a well deserved round of applause from all the WI members of the Rockley group.

Kath. Peggy and Mary

We then enjoyed an excellent presentation from Howard Middleton about his time on 'Great British Bake Off' and the impact on his life since followed by a 'sing-a-long' of 'golden oldies' by local entertainer Susan St-Nicholas.

Howard Middleton

Susan St Nicholas

We then had the chance to visit the wonderful stalls on offer from our own stall of household products .... where we soon sold out ......

........ to  Wentworth's wonderful cake stall

Sybil treating her friends to cup cakes

........ to Chapeltowns' Raffle and Treasure Hunt.

Howard then joined us for a really lovely ploughman's lunch plus tea and cake (of course!)  It was our turn to entertain him before he judged the Victoria Sandwich Cake Competition.

Ingrid House from Wath WI won 'best' cake

A fantastic afternoon - well done Chapeltown WI.

MBE for Peggy in Queens Birthday Honours List

Many congratulations to long-serving member Peggy Calland who has been awarded an MBE for services to the local community of Thorpe Hesley.  Peggy was responsible for establishing the Village Brownie Pack over fifty years ago and at one time was Brown Owl for two packs.  Indeed she still helps now every Thursday.

So many Thorpe Hesley 'girls' have enjoyed many hours of fun and friendship as a result of her dedicated service - so on behalf of them Peggy a massive THANKS.

We look forward to seeing the photos from Buckingham Palace.

Congratulations from us all Peggy.

Ten Pin Bowling success

After so much sadness in recent weeks it was lovely to have some fun and we think Jean would have approved.  Members of the WI joined with members from Holy Trinity at the Superbowl, Kimberworth for an afternoon of bowling.

Ann, Pat Shaw, Jean Phillips and Pat Henderson in action

Our Captain Elsie leading by example ...

As well the WI team finishing winners of the 3-team competition, Pat Henderson finished equal-first with Richard Pilley in the individual competition.

More importantly a good time was had by all.

What a team!

Any other WI's fancy a game?

Celebrating Jean's Life

Holy Trinity Thorpe Hesley was absolutely full as many WI members, plus family and friends came to celebrate the life of our wonderful WI Secretary for many years Jean Newbold.  Revd Lynn Broadhead gave us a picture of Jean's varied and vibrant life whilst our President Mary spoke about her massive contribution to the WI over many years.

Jean is from the Hebrew meaning 'graceful, merciful, full of the exuberance of life'. 'She is passionate by nature and compassionate by inclination. Caring, kind and considerate, she spreads happiness wherever she goes'  - How very true about our Jean.

In tribute to all Jean contributed to Thorpe Hesley WI it was our absolute privilege to be able to provide the refreshments after the service - I think Jean would have approved.

It also gave us the opportunity to chat about a truly remarkable lady.

Jean Newbold

We can't believe you've left us Jean - but you've left us with so many lovely memories ..... what a lady!!

'The White Tornado'

'The Baroness of Brook Hill'

Thorpe Hesley WI has been blessed by you Jean over many, many years - Thank you for your many and varied contributions but most importantly thank you for being YOU and may you Rest in Peace.