Treasure Hunt - Todwick WI

On a beautiful Summers' Evening, the Thorpe Hesley 'team' ably led by Chairwoman Sue Dixon, wandered around the streets, recreation ground, churchyard and play parks of Todwick looking for answers to some quite 'testing' clues.  After 2 hours (although it didn't seem anywhere near that long) we arrived back at the Village Hall to be greeted by Todwick WI members and a most wonderful tea.

Jayne, Sue, Beryl and Pat

What a tea!!

We finished in a creditable 3rd position and so didn't disgrace ourselves - but more importantly we'd had a lot of fun as we 'attempted' to answer the clues.  Well done to Whiston who won, and will host next years competition.  We would encourage other members to join in next year.

Around the Swingin' 60's

After hearing the news that Andy Murray was safely through to the Wimbledon semi-final,  we were thoroughly entertained by the Thorpe Hesley Village Choir with a wide range of familiar songs from the 60's.

The Village Choir

We were soon all singing along - although our harmonies were not quite up to the same standard!  Even the churchyard resident Blackbirds joined in!

WI Choir Members - Pam, Pat and Mary

After an hour of  wonderful singing, well-earned refreshments were provided by hostesses Diane and Jill.  The raffle was won by Margaret Atter and birthday cards and flowers  received by all the July 'babies'.
Jean Philip gave the 'Vote of Thanks' to the choir who then received an enthusiastic round of applause in recognition of a fantastic evenings' entertainment.  Everyone agreed how lucky we were to have such a talented group of individuals on our 'doorstep'.

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.