Bess of Hardwick

June's meeting began with Secretary Jean Newbold giving a warm summary of Ann Simpson's many contributions to the life of  Thorpe Hesley WI,  following her recent death.  Ann's lovely smile as she greeted members each month will be sadly missed.  Many members attended her funeral, and the order of service was made available for others to look at as they came in to the Trinity Centre.  A few moments of silence was held followed by the Lords Prayer and the singing of Jerusalem.  All agreed Ann was a much loved member who will be remembered with great affection.

Order of Service


Then followed an eagerly awaited talk on Bess of Hardwick by academic  historian  Maureen Taylor - and we were not disappointed.  In full costume of  the day,  Maureen gave us a superbly illustrated account of Bess and her long and eventful life, as well as describing other important characters of the time.

The talk reinforced many members intention to revisit Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House and see them

through the eyes of Bess herself.

Pat and Jean with Maureen

Many thanks to 'Hostesses' Caroline Scaife and Sylvia Attwood for providing refreshments and Margaret Howard for the raffle.

Rhododendron Walk - Wentworth Castle

After a really enjoyable tour of Wentworth Woodhouse last month,  members were looking forward to seeing the renovated gardens of his cousin the first Earl of Strafford who created a landscape of high fashion, dramatic beauty and diversity at nearby Wentworth Castle - the result of fierce rivalry!

Peggy outside the Corinthian Temple

The weather improved throughout the afternoon, and we were able to enjoy a leisurely  walk through the gardens  without any rain.

The Rhododendrons looked superb and we found out that there are no fewer than 300 different forms represented in the gardens - although we're not sure if we saw them all!

Stainborough Castle

We enjoyed our stroll past the Earl's Seat, Archer's Hill Gate, the Sun Monument to Stainborough Castle which was built as a playground for Thomas Wentworth's children and must be one of the most delightful garden follies in the country.  As it was half-term children were enjoying playing on the grass inside the bailey - just as they would have done almost 300 years earlier.

The Azalea Garden opposite the Conservatory was a riot of colours and we enjoyed a sit down and well earned rest before sauntering back for a cup of tea and piece of cake.

The Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Heritage Trust really have done a fantastic restoration job ........ and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

Sleeping Beauty

Sheffield's Lyceum Theatre

Many thanks to Sue Dixon for organising tickets to see Matthew Bourne's superb  performance of  Sleeping Beauty  for  WI members and friends.  The newly refurbished Lyceum was a fantastic setting for the Ballet.

          Everyone agreed the Dancers deserved their tumultuous ovation at the end of the performance.

WI Resolutions/Scones, Cream and Jam

Despite the committee being 'thin on the ground' superb refreshments were provided with a range of scones and assorted jams being thoroughly enjoyed.  Diane Marshall and her team of helpers served tea and coffee whilst members enjoyed a good 'natter' in lieu of the scheduled Beetle Drive postponed due to Sybils illness.

Ready to tuck in!!

Mmm!!

We weren't greedy though - spare Scones and jam were donated to Shiloh - the homeless shelter in Rotherham.

Get well soon Sybil - you were missed tonight.

Our visit to Wentworth Woodhouse

Our ladies had a very enjoyable morning on a tour around Wentworth Woodhouse.  It is very exciting to finally be allowed to have a look around this gorgeous grand house after years of walking past and wishing we could have a nosey!

 It is a thrill to be able to enter through the front door.

 Sadly, no photos are allowed in the house itself, but we were allowed to take photos in the newly opened Vintage Tea Room (which was gorgeous).  Currently it is just coffee, tea and cake, but the cake is homemade and superb, the tea is served in a silver tea pot, and the coffee is beautiful.

 Our appetites were well and truly whetted and we all talked of returning for the Full Monty tour.

Many thanks too to David our exceptional tour guide - we really enjoyed  our morning.

Sarnies and Stories and Silent Auction

April's meeting was a really enjoyable and entertaining one.  Refreshments were provided by members taking  'sarnies' and other 'goodies' with the committee providing Wine and Juice.

Jean and Pat organising the buffet

 President, Sue Dixon, started the evening off with the first of many personal 'entertaining' stories with other members following suit. The 'stories' were varied - personal as well as read from books, but all proved very interesting and were well received.

Sue and Jean in 'full flow' .......

After the entertainment Jean Alcock then superbly managed the 'Silent Auction' with some fantastic items up for grabs.  Many members went home happy with the bargains they'd snapped up and a considerable amount was raised for W.I. funds.

'Eyeing Up' the Bargains

Jean - Master of Ceremonies

The evening finished with Sheila receiving her birthday flowers and  Carolyn winning the raffle and all agreeing  what a 'good' night we'd had.

Carolyn

Sheila with her birthday flowers

March Meeting - Peru by Geoff Carr

Sue Dixon with Geoff

For our meeting in March the committee had arranged for local Ecologist Geoff Carr to come and give us an illustrated talk on one of his visits to Peru.

Maccu Picchu

A typical tour led by Geoff starts in Lima, the 'Spanish' capital of Peru followed by a few days on the coastal plain where we saw pictures of the many amazing birds of the area.  The world heritage site of Maccu Picchu is then visited followed by a stay in an eco-lodge in the Amazonas region.

Images from the Amazonas Region

We all found the presentation interesting and informative, and really enjoyed Geoffs' relaxed yet knowledgeable style,  and a lot of members said they would like him to visit again and talk about another area of the world he has visited (Africa) - fingers crossed!

Jill Bartrop gave the vote of thanks and then welcome refreshments were provided by Pauline Coe and Cynthia Valantine.  The raffle was won by Jayne Spaven - a beautiful china tea mug and coaster set (much appreciated.)

Members were then reminded  to sign up for next months 'Sarnies and Stories' evening.