Amazing Foundations

Janet in 'full flow'

Marchs' meeting really was one to remember!  Janet Steyn entertained us for an hour with a superb presentation on 'Undergarments through the Ages'.  With a suitcase full of 'goodies' , we were given a history lesson to remember - unfortunately a lot of us hadn't  forgotten in the first place!!
Ably assisted by her mannequin dummy,  Janet led us through a wonderful array of undergarments whilst we decided whether we were 'straight-laced'  or 'loose' women!
At the end of the talk all members were agreed  how lucky we were with the choice of underwear currently on offer - with none of the health risks associated with trying to achieve a 12" waist.

Margaret and Janet

After Margaret Atter gave the vote of thanks Janet kindly offered to judge our 'monthly' competition.

    Sue demonstrating competition items     ........

........ whilst Margaret and Diane model them!!

Sue Dixon then led the admin part of the evening and reminded us to wear our Easter Bonnets to the next meeting as well as bring our unusual Easter momentoes  for the next competition.  Refreshments were provided  by Sue Delaney and Pauline Paviour and Sue Dunigan was this months lucky raffle winner.

Raffle winner - Sue Dunigan

Evening Meal at the Wharncliffe

Many thanks to Sybil for once again organising a wonderful evening out at the Wharncliffe in Rotherham.  The evening was very well attended with 24 ladies donning their finery in order to sample the students culinary efforts and we were not disappointed.

We really enjoyed our choice of starter, main and sweet courses followed by tea and coffee and the service the students provided was really welcoming.

Mixed Salad Starter

Pigeon Starter

Chicken  -Main Course

Sybil gives her seal of approval!

A lovely meal and a raffle prize as well!

February Meeting - "Ingenuity" Maurice Dobson Museum

The 'business' part of the evening proved very busy with members returning their 'bunting' samples before collecting a range of others to make-up ready for the Rockley Rally in June.

Jean Alcock then reminded us of our chosen 'Christmas Shoebox Appeal' donation box as well as our Silent Auction Items needed for May.

Sue Dixon then introduced our visitors from the nearby Maurice Dobson Museum and Heritage Centre in nearby Darfield.  The presentation was on 'Some of Man's Attempts to be Useful' or 'Ingenuity'.  

                                                                                     

Geoffrey Hutchinson then introduced us to a range of photographic images of items from the museum, which had been invented from Victorian times onwards - some of which we guessed correctly as to what they were whilst others proved completely unrecognisable although highly amusing at times .  (The Garden Bench on Wheels proved very popular.)

We then had the chance to look at some interesting objects from the Museum such as a range of tin openers, an 'early' toaster, a pie steamer, an eye-sight tester, electric-shock kit (very useful for teachers!!) and a wallet we did recognise from our milkman of 'yesteryears'.   We really enjoyed Geoffrey and Bob's presentation and a number of us discussed arranging a return visit to the museum.  Jill Bartrop gave the well-deserved vote of thanks.

After refreshments provided by Cynthia and Pauline,  we were reminded of next months meeting on 'Amazing Foundations' by Janet Steyn and asked to bring with us 'An Unusual Undergarment' to be judged as part of a Year-Long Competition.

Everyone left after an enjoyable evening, looking forward to February's evening meal at the Wharncliffe restaurant organised once again by our resident 'Hostess' Sybil.

Happy New Year

Unfortunately the first meeting of 2014 'clashed' with the Village Choir as regards the venue - but no problem  ...... our resourceful committee prepared refreshments and quiz for us in Holy Trinity Church.  The meeting started with a minutes silence in remembrance of members who were sadly no longer with us before Jean Newbold read out  'Thank You' letters from charities we had supported throughout 2013.  Jean Alcock then explained the arrangements for collecting items monthly for 'Operation Christmas Child's' shoe box appeal and Sybil let us know about forthcoming trips and visits.  Sue Dixon then gave a brief summary of each WI resolution so we could make an informed choice.  Tea and  Coffee and lovely biscuits were then enjoyed as we caught up on each others Christmas and New Year news.  All agreed the change of venue (and 'posh' cups!) had not affected the enjoyment of our evening.

Rockley Carol Service - Holy Trinity Thorpe Hesley

It was our turn to host this years' Rockley Carol Service.  Members chose their favourite carols in member of a loved one and each WI group chose a representative to read.  Holy Trinity looked beautiful with all the trees from their festival still up in church.  

All members and guests from other WI's agreed how lovely the service had been as they enjoyed refreshments afterwards.  Thanks were given to the Rev Jan Hardy, Sara Parish the organist and the church Choir for their contributions to a lovely service.

Christmas Tree Festival and Victorian Fair

Well done to Mary Wilman and her team of 'crafters' who helped the WI to a third consecutive 'win' in this years Christmas tree Festival at Holy Trinity.  The tree was beautifully decorated as usual by Sylvia Attwood and Carolyn Scaife and really depicted the words of the Carol 'Good King Wenceslas'.  However all members agreed that all the trees looked wonderful and the real winner was the church itself.

Pauline Pavior and Husband with the WI tree

Many members then donned Victorian costumes to help at the very successful Christmas Fair held in the Trinity Centre

Marjorie Law - Cake Stall

                                                                                 

Jayne Spaven - Books Stall

 

Christmas Party

                   Many thanks to the committee for a fantastic evening of entertainment .....

.... first we enjoyed the singing by 'Steps' .....

                                          ...... followed by a wonderful buffet ......

....... a drink ......

Cheers!! 

                                     ........ and then a visit from Father Christmas .......                            

                                                                               

            A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Thorpe Hesley WI members.