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.
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| 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.
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| WI stall of goodies |
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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.
 
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!
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