Ellen Webster

Best wishes to the family and friends of Ellen Webster one of our members who sadly passed away this week.  She will be remembered fondly by us all.

God Bless you Ellen

International Day

The Consort Hotel, Thurcroft was the new venue for this years International Day with 'England' as the chosen country.    We all wondered what the speakers topics would be and what we'd have to eat - well we soon found out and we were not disappointed - it was a really good day.

Dorothy and Jean

After a welcoming cup of tea/coffee we had chance for a bit of retail therapy before getting our raffle tickets and chatting to old friends before the main business of the day started.

WI stall of goodies

Raffle ladies

Our first presentation was really informative on a section of a road we all know well - the A1.  It was entitled Footpads, Kings and Highwayman and we heard stories of how the road evolved from a simple track to a toll road and then in to the dual carriage way it is today.  The presentation covered the A1 from Newark through 'smelly' Tuxford to Retford.   We moan about the roads today but having been reminded what they were once like I think we've changed our minds.

Our second presentation on London street 'Whitehall' was given by an ex-policeman responsible for security who had a real passion for the history of this memorable part of central London.  Once again we learned how the street developed over the centuries into the one we recognise today on Remembrance Day parades and other Royal and Political events - we could see why this speaker was so popular at Denman.

 Whitehall as we know it today

Receiving a well-deserved vote of thanks from the organiser

After two excellent presentations we were soon tucking into our 'English' meal of Soup with lovely warm rolls, Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding with all the trimmings and then Apple Pie and Custard - well done the Consort for an excellent meal for so many of us.

Daphne and Jean from Norton WI near Doncaster with Mary

The afternoon session was a total contrast with a practical demonstration of English 'Step and Clog Dancing' by Toby Bennett accompanied by live accordion music.  We were soon toe-tapping as Toby performed a variety of 'old' English dances after he'd explained their origin.  Most dances had come from Cumbria and Northumberland and Durham and we enjoyed some video clips of dances over 100 years old.  The only problem was some of us wanted to join in - maybe next time!

Dancing clogs

A tired Toby and his accompanist

Well done to the South Yorkshire Federation Committee for their hard work in organising another very good event.

We wonder where we'll be going next year!

Elsecar Park - voted one of Britains Best parks

A lovely sunny May Day saw members Carolyn. Jayne, Pat and Sylvia enjoy all that Elsecar Park and Heritage centre had to offer.

                                           Admiring the WI Centenary bench and trees .....

...... before hitting the outdoor gym for a work-out!

There was no stopping Pat   -   Tour de Yorkshire here she comes!

After all that exercise we enjoyed a well earned lunch at the Heritage Centre.  We really recommend other WI's to arrange a visit to this beautifully kept local park.

We're going back soon for a game of mini-golf!

May Meeting - Resolutions/Scones/Flower Arranging

Our two hostesses for the evening along with the committee had the hall looking lovely as we arrived.  The business part of the meeting followed a quick 'fire drill' on a thankfully warm evening.  Mary gave out information ahead of a busy few months before we voted on the Resolutions we'd read about in the WI Life magazine.

Ann, Pat and Pat making sure we were well fed and watered

 Enjoying our tea and scones

After lovely home-made scones with jam and cream we then enjoyed a really professional demonstration of flower arranging by ex-member Michelle West.

Throughout the demonstration she explained what she was doing and why and answered our many questions without losing her cool.  The results were absolutely stunning.

Pretty as a picture!

After making a beautiful 'formal' display Michelle then went on to make two smaller displays and then some hand-held bouquets.  I think you'll agree with us the finished articles were stunning and yet she'd made it look so easy.

What a talented lady - many thanks Michelle

Each arrangement was then raffled off and the proceeds donated to Weston Park Hospital.

Our lucky winners

Whilst enjoying a chat we were also able to reminisce by looking at photo archives reflecting the life of Thorpe Hesley WI - so many wonderful memories.

The meeting finished with us looking forward to the Federation International Day (England) on May 15th.

Goodbye to Roger (Honorary WI Member!)

A large number of WI members supported Carolyn at the funeral of her beloved husband Roger at St Marys High Green.

Roger was well-known at WI meetings.  He entertained us at our WWII 70th Anniversary Celebrations ...... managing to judge our 'best dressed' competition won by Sue Delaney

despite being 'flashed' at by Jean (Knickerless Newbold) earlier in the evening!

We won't forget his Christmas 'Odes' .....

                                                 ..... or our Christmas gifts over the years.

Roger and Carolyn also supported our coffee mornings for Weston Park Hospital .....

     Thanks for so many lovely memories Roger ..... we'll continue to look after Carolyn for you.