MBE for Peggy in Queens Birthday Honours List

Many congratulations to long-serving member Peggy Calland who has been awarded an MBE for services to the local community of Thorpe Hesley.  Peggy was responsible for establishing the Village Brownie Pack over fifty years ago and at one time was Brown Owl for two packs.  Indeed she still helps now every Thursday.

So many Thorpe Hesley 'girls' have enjoyed many hours of fun and friendship as a result of her dedicated service - so on behalf of them Peggy a massive THANKS.

We look forward to seeing the photos from Buckingham Palace.

Congratulations from us all Peggy.

Ten Pin Bowling success

After so much sadness in recent weeks it was lovely to have some fun and we think Jean would have approved.  Members of the WI joined with members from Holy Trinity at the Superbowl, Kimberworth for an afternoon of bowling.

Ann, Pat Shaw, Jean Phillips and Pat Henderson in action

Our Captain Elsie leading by example ...

As well the WI team finishing winners of the 3-team competition, Pat Henderson finished equal-first with Richard Pilley in the individual competition.

More importantly a good time was had by all.

What a team!

Any other WI's fancy a game?

Celebrating Jean's Life

Holy Trinity Thorpe Hesley was absolutely full as many WI members, plus family and friends came to celebrate the life of our wonderful WI Secretary for many years Jean Newbold.  Revd Lynn Broadhead gave us a picture of Jean's varied and vibrant life whilst our President Mary spoke about her massive contribution to the WI over many years.

Jean is from the Hebrew meaning 'graceful, merciful, full of the exuberance of life'. 'She is passionate by nature and compassionate by inclination. Caring, kind and considerate, she spreads happiness wherever she goes'  - How very true about our Jean.

In tribute to all Jean contributed to Thorpe Hesley WI it was our absolute privilege to be able to provide the refreshments after the service - I think Jean would have approved.

It also gave us the opportunity to chat about a truly remarkable lady.

Jean Newbold

We can't believe you've left us Jean - but you've left us with so many lovely memories ..... what a lady!!

'The White Tornado'

'The Baroness of Brook Hill'

Thorpe Hesley WI has been blessed by you Jean over many, many years - Thank you for your many and varied contributions but most importantly thank you for being YOU and may you Rest in Peace.

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!