Amparo Jewellery - Women in Conservation

Sue Dixon welcomed everyone back after the summer break and thanked members once again for the success of the Rockley Ralley - as such the committee had provided the nights refreshments of Cheese and Crackers, Pate and French Bread plus cakes and other 'goodies' for us to look forward to.  Lots of September 'babies' received their birthday cards and Jean Alcock received a round of applause in her absence for her nomination by the South Yorkshire Federation for the Lady Denman Cup - we wish her well. 

Elizabeth Salaman then gave us an inspirational presentation about her business which supports the poor of Columbia by offering women the chance to earn a living by exploiting the natural products in the area where they live.  Women for Conservation which uses an image of Elizabeth's mother Maria Amparo Hernandez as its logo was founded in 2008.  The Jewellery  is made from the sustainable material Tagua - also known as vegetable ivory - which is the fruit of a palm tree which is polished and cut into the many items which were on display for us to admire and buy.

We really enjoyed looking at the hand-made items, each one of which was labelled with the name of the person who had made it and many of us treated ourselves to a bit of early 'Christmas shopping'.

Rita Hewitt with Elizabeth and her display

Once again, we'd had another really enjoyable evening thanks to our hard-working committee.  We were reminded about next weeks luncheon club at the Masons and the AGM next month plus lots of other trips and items of interest to look forward to.

Summer Outing to Winthrop

Once again Sybil excelled herself by picking a wonderful summers evening for our outing to Winthrop Park in Wickersley - 'South Yorkshires Hidden Jewel.'

After a short presentation by David who set up the park from a former sewage treatment works after a period of ill-health we were able to enjoy the park at leisure in glorious sunshine.

Wall hanging in the Atrium Resource Centre

It is due to the vision and determination of David and his wife Carol that Winthrop Park has been opened to the public.  It is run as a charity by volunteers and trustees, providing a beautiful garden for relaxation and respite.

Exploring the garden

Anyone know what this is called?

Glass Sculptures

Jill with owner David

Enjoying our Cream Tea

The park has received the prestigious Queens Award for voluntary Service and we all agreed it was a very special place.   After a lovely tea, we enjoyed a visit to the 'Curiosity Shop' and treated ourselves to a range of plants, pictures, cards, and jewellery.  

Silk Painting Workshop

Ten members attended a really enjoyable evening with Elayne Wears-Taylor,  making individually painted Silk Painted Cards.  Many thanks also to Sue Dixon for her help as well, as well as making the Tea!!

Pat and Margaret ready for the off!

Pattern attached

Ready for Painting

Ready to Mount on to Card

The finished article

Don't they look good!

Rockley Rally

Many thanks to all WI members who helped in any way to make the Rally such a HUGE success - we have had great comments and feedback.

Heritage Walk - High Green

This years team of Sue Dixon, Peggy Calland, Pat Shaw and Jayne Spaven set off from St Mary's Church Hall , High Green on a lovely summers evening.  

 Most of the early clues centred on the beautiful St Saviours Church where we admired the Millenium Quilt displayed in the entrance porch.

Although the team took a few 'detours' whilst following the clues we were pleased to find out that we hadn't finished last!! (and we got back before the rain started!)

Results time!

After completing the walk we joined members from other WI's for a really enjoyable tea provided by the members of hosts high Green.  Next year we might try and get more teams from Thorpe Hesley WI to join in the fun.

Thorpe Hesley and Gawber teams

Silk Painting with Elayne Wears-Taylor

Many members were really glad they'd made the effort to brave a wet miserable evening as they enjoyed a really interesting practical demonstration of Silk Painting by Elayne.

After introducing us to the basic techniques involved, we were soon 'gutta-ing' and painting away!  We couldn't believe how easy it was to obtain such effective results.

Sue and Jean enjoying a chance to paint on Silk

Enjoying the display of Elayne's work

Silk framed Paintings and Cards

After Elayne's demonstration,  refreshments provided by Diane and Sheila were enjoyed followed by the business part of the meeting.  Joan gave out birthday cards to June 'babies' and final arrangements were made for the Rockley Rally.

Centenary Baton Celebrations - Grenoside

Centenary celebrations began on the1st January 2014 for WI members everywhere as the specially designed centenary baton officially began its journey around the UK.  The baton, launched in Anglesey where the first WI meeting was held in the UK in 1915, will travel throughout the 69 federations in England, Wales and the Islands to celebrate the links of friendship and community developed through the WI, and will finish its trip at the Annual General Meeting in June 2015 at the Royal Albert Hall.

The South Yorkshire Federation Chairman introducing the Baton

Chapeltown members Irene, Norma, Brenda and Hilary
receiving the Baton

The Centenary Baton

St Marks Church Hall Grenoside where WI members enjoyed a wonderful Cream tea provided by the Grenoside hosts.

      It really was a good afternoon in which members from all WI groups in the area could mix socially - as well as be part of the National baton Celebrations.

Quiz winner!