Time for Tea for Weston Park

Holy Trinity Church was the venue once again for our third 'Time for Tea' party in aid of our local cancer hospital, Weston Park in Sheffield.

Members arrived heavily laden with the most wonderful array of pastries and cakes and the tables looked fantastic.

A quick photo outside the church and we were soon welcoming the first of over 100 visitors to the church - a response beyond our wildest dreams.

Ready to go!

Our wonderful tea-ladies did a fantastic job ....... well done Pat, Sue, Ann and Sheila           

                                   

Pat Shaw did a great job keeping the table stocked up  ....

                  ...... but she still managed to sneak a well-earned cuppa with her husband as well!

Sybil ran a stall selling jewellery, scarves and bags which proved very popular ...

                                           .... as was the raffle run by Dorothy and Peggy

                    Thanks to all members who donated prizes and to Lucy Greensmith for helping

                                                                   Mary with the draw.

The Escafeld Players provided wonderful musical entertainment in the main body of the church and our visitors commented on how much they enjoyed their playing as did WI members.

                        Pat and Cynthia with Chris, Mabel and Margaret enjoying the music.

Joint Presidents Mary and Jean were kept busy throughout the morning chatting to as many visitors as they could ....

After a really busy but enjoyable morning we all enjoyed a cuppa with some cake whilst we counted up our donations -

Tracey, Maggi and Joan

An amazing £700!!

(plus an extra £50 with Gift Aid)

a fantastic achievement

Well done to all and especially Jean and Ann our directors of operations.

Rockley Groups Centenary Trees

Its eighteen months since the Rockley Group of WI's planted their trees at Elsecar Park to Celebrate the Centenary of the WI.

Tree planting in 2015

Trees now

I'm pleased to report the trees have grown and are looking fantastic.  I can also recommend a visit to the park to see them.

Easter EGGtravaganza!

Our March meeting started with Linda leading a very eggciting 'Easter' related Quiz - just what was needed to get the old grey-matter stirring.  Our number allotted as we entered the hall was our quiz partner which was a good way to get us mixing.

Easter Quiz Time

Linda presenting the Quiz winners Pat and Pat with their prizes

After the quiz we then had the business part of the meeting with so much to look forward to.  Our birthday girls received their cards and Jennifer received flowers for celebrating her Golden Wedding Anniversary.

We then had a parade  of ladies in their Easter Bonnets before having the daunting task of picking a winner - after a secret vote Sheila emerged the winner.

Don't they look great!

Elsie, Rita, Ann and Pat displaying their hats

The well deserved winning hat - well done Sheila

Well earned refreshments were enjoyed whilst the Easter Egg-rolling competition was carried out - who knew egg rolling could be so technical!  After a great deal of fun the winner turned out to be Jean.  We also had the chance to buy some of Margaret's beautiful hand-made charity cards and sign up for the many activities on offer.

Our busy tea ladies at work

Egg Rolling time ... go Angela ....

......... then June

........... but the well deserved winner was Jean

Pat admiring Margaret's cards

Mary presenting the raffle prize

Thanks Linda for a great evening

Remember our coffee morning for Weston Park on April 22nd and bring your friends and neighbours.

Spring Meeting

The many WI members who attended the Spring meeting enjoyed a thoroughly good day, mixing with friends from other WI's as well as being entertained by the excellent speakers.

Federation business ....

Linda, Pat, Angela, Peggy and Jean

Christine Robinson who's family had worked on the Chatsworth Estate for over 200 years gave a very interesting talk entitled "The Housekeeper's Tale" and we heard about life in the 'big house' as well as the surrounding villages where the staff live as well as their many annual events.

Members had all visited Chatsworth at various times and enjoyed hearing Christine's stories.

We then had the opportunity to buy a signed copy of her book plus other Chatsworth souvenirs.

Although there was disappointment when it was known that Ashley Jackson was not well enough to come and speak, we enjoyed listening to the heart warming, 'namedropping' talk given by actor John Stirling.  After a varied stage career appearing with many famous actors he now runs "The Actors  Donkey Sanctuary" in Derbyshire which is also used to help support disadvantaged children.

John (above) plus Dot ... one of his famous friends visiting his donkeys.

All agreed it was a thoroughly good day out ....

....... now for our Easter Eggstravaganza!