Tuesday, 26 April 2016

SYFWI International Day - Italy

 
As usual the SYFWI's International Day was a sell-out so unfortunately some members were disappointed when they heard that each WI was limited to 5 tickets each.  The 5 lucky Thorpe  ladies who went had a really good day - learning lots they didn't know about Italy, enjoying a wonderful Italian meal and sharing tales of their own 'Italian Experiences' with other WI members.
 
 
 
The day started with Coffee and biscuits followed by a bit of retail therapy at the WI pop-up store.
The first presentation was excellent, explaining why so many Italians were forced to emigrate in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and how they created 'little Italys' in many cities world-wide.  So many stories were relevant to todays situations as regards reasons for emigration.
 
 
 
 
We were then treated to a tour of photos from Venice and Rome - two wonderful Italian cities many of us had enjoyed as holiday destinations over the years.
Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain
Enjoying lunch with High Green and Grenoside members

Carolyn and Sue comparing purchases

After our 3-course meal and Coffee and biscuits our third speaker spoke about his personal family story of leaving Italy in the 1880's and settling in Doncaster and establishing a successful Ice cream business - a story which has turned full-circle with him recently buying a house in the area his Great-Grandparents left.

Another really good WI Day - well done to the Federation Organisers!!

 
 

Saturday, 23 April 2016

The Queens 90th Birthday Celebrations

Many members enjoyed the 'Street Party' held at the Trinity Centre to celebrate the 90th birthday of  Queen Elizabeth II.  Although she was unable to join us, Queen Sheila did a good job as her deputy!!


Ann and Queen Sheila!!


Jayne, Sybil and Jean


Cakes fit for a Queen!!

Guess who won the Raffle!


Happy 90th Birthday Tea

We can't wait for her 100th birthday!!
 
 

Trip to Bury Market

 
 
Bury Market - Britains Finest Market
 
Well done to Sybil for organising this wonderful visit to Bury Market.  Everyone who went agreed it really was a great day out and the weather was fantastic as well.

Sunday, 17 April 2016

Coffee Morning for Weston Park Hospital

A wonderful fundraising effort - well done to all members involved whether as bakers, eaters and drinkers or helpers.  We raised a massive £420 and with Gift Aid over £460.  Amazing!!
 
An early start saw Jean blowing up balloons, Jayne hanging up bunting, Jean and Sybil sorting out the raffle, Sheila and Iris sorting out the kitchen and Ann and Pat marshalling the troops as regards the wonderful array of cakes.  Holy Trinity looked fantastic as our visitors arrived.
 
President Jean gets a hand blowing balloons from Peter

Ann making sure the cakes are organised

Jean checking the scones are up to standard!
 Kitchen's all ready .......

 ..... as is Sybil

                                                              Doesn't the new banner look great!!
 
 
The sun came out to welcome Rotherhams' Mayor Maggi Clark and her Consort Peter
as we enjoyed a wonderful morning of friendship and chat, amazing refreshments (of course!), as well as fantastic musical entertainment.  WI members, many with their husbands and family members, as well as Church members of Holy Trinity and visitors from the local community mixed together in what proved to be a wonderful community event. 
 
Mayor of Rotherham Maggi Clark opens the Coffee Morning
Our wonderful musicians

 
Our generous visitors .......
 



 
 


 
As Jean thanked the Mayor for her support ......

 
....... it was time for the raffle ......

 
and the counting up of money before we tidied up and of course had another well-earned cuppa before going home for a rest!!
 
Revd Lynn Broadhead blessed our new banner and the prayers written on our prayer tree at Sundays morning service and thanked the WI for all they do for the Community of Thorpe Hesley.
 
We also received a massive thank you from Weston Park.
 
 
 

Thursday, 7 April 2016

Barn Dance with Jean Hopkinson

April's meeting saw members 'putting on their dancing shoes' and 'strutting their stuff' as they 'danced the night away'.  As experienced dance teacher Jean Hopkinson from Heartsease Country Dancers encouragingly called out instructions everyone was soon enjoying themselves - as were the audience!! 

Ready .......

 Steady ........

Go!!





Sylvia and Pam enjoying the display!

A final Bow

 
We were certainly ready for the wonderful refreshments provided by Carolyn and Jill after all our efforts.
 
Jean Philip then led the business part of the meeting and we got to see the new table cloth and 'name banner' made to celebrate the Centenary of the WI.  Thanks were given to Dorothy and Alison for all their hard work in co-ordinating the project. 

 
Admiring the finished article.

 
We were all reminded of the forthcoming fundraising coffee morning for Weston Park Hospital
and next months 'Silent Auction'.
 
An excellent evening.