FARNDON & DISTRICT W.I.
Meeting held at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, 29 November 2016
This was the first meeting lead by our new Presidents Kerry Evans and Carole Shaw.
We were treated to an evening of Floral Delights by Wendy Holland of Vivid Floral Design. Ably assisted by Val Fath she began by creating a tasteful door wreath which she demonstrated could also serve as a beautiful table centre. This was followed by a hand tied seasonal bouquet. Wendy made it all look so easy. An eye catching tall contemporary arrangement was very impressive and her small plant pot arrangements were so pretty. Wendy showed us many new ways of displaying flowers and shared many handy tips as she cut and prepared her flowers and foliage for her arrangements. Wendy donated her evening’s work for a raffle. Each member had received a raffle ticket when they arrived and the following lucky ladies took a piece home with them: Julie Carmichael, Alison Ludden, Carole Shaw, Angela Thornton, Gail Reece, Chris Bryne and Heather
Everyone agreed it was a great start to the Festive Season.
Meeting Tuesday 25th October 2016
Susan Ord - Forensic Handwriting
Susan gave a very interesting talk about her role in Forensic Handwriting and how her expertise is used by various people, including the Police and the Courts, as well as members of the public who need confirmation of a signature or a piece of writing.
Susan gave members pieces of paper to represent envelopes. We had to address one in our normal handwriting style and the other disguising our handwriting. Susan then pointed out similarities such as spacing and layout, which can identify the writer even if the handwriting is disguised.
Susan spoke about cases she had been involved with over the years and spoke about the intricacies of her work.
FARNDON & DISTRICT W.I.
Meeting held at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, 27 September 2016
We had the largest attendance of the year so far with 35 members and 7 guests.
Our speaker Andy Jones an ex-Steward on the Royal Yacht Britannia, entertained everyone with tales of his stewardship in the service of the Royal family. Andy, who is now a postman in Oswestry, spent 11 years of his Royal Navy service aboard her, serving almost every member of the Royal Family along with a host of world statesmen including the late South African President Nelson Mandela, whom he said that the most memorable guest he had looked after on Britannia.
Nicknamed “Jonah” by his navy mates he recalled how in 1983 he was inspired by the previous year’s Falklands War to join the navy, training at HMS Raleigh before serving aboard a warship as an officers’ valet. He joined the Royal Naval crew of Britannia in 1985 after answering an advert for stewards which was posted across the fleet. Andy spoke of the famous ship’s compact dimensions, which saw all 240 of the ship’s crew crowded into the front section while everything aft of the funnel was royal territory. He became one of a dozen stewards aboard and gradually progressed from serving senior crew members and royal staff to taking care of Royal Family and the Queen herself in the latter years of his time aboard Britannia before she was controversially withdrawn from service in 1997 to become a museum piece moored in Edinburgh. During his time as a crew member he estimates that he circumnavigated the globe four-and-a-half times calling at a huge numbers of foreign ports.
One of his duties was to wait on tables groaning not just with the best food but also priceless royal possessions including what he says was the Queen’s personal favourite piece, a table decoration consisting of two camels made from solid gold standing beneath a palm tree dripping with “dates” which are actually rubies. In fact, so valuable were all the pieces on the yacht that an expert from Sotheby’s would come aboard at the start of every royal trip to make fresh insurance valuations of them in case any should go missing. Andy said that like most crew members and members of the Royal Family he had been extremely upset to see the Britannia withdrawn from service after 43 years of loyal service and he recalled how at the paying-off ceremony the Queen had been spotted shedding a tear for the loss.
Meeting Tuesday August 30th
Skittles and Meal at The Bickerton Poacher
A very sociable and fun evening held at The Bickerton Poacher.
Members enjoyed an excellent Carvery Meal followed by games of Skittles.
A very well attended event, plenty of interaction between Members with teams allocated for the games of indoor Skittles.
Meeting Tuesday 26 July 2016,
'Accentuate'
We welcomed Fiona Fraser-Bell who along with her brother devised the increasingly popular card game Accentuate. She told how they started their business and successfully applied to appear on BBC’s Dragons Den: recounting their experience, from preparing for and putting across their pitch to the Dragons, through to the process following their acceptance of Peter Jones’ investment offer. A very interesting and at times amusing insight into the world of games and business. Fiona asked for a volunteer to demonstrate and play this fun packed game. Mary ably took up the challenge and was rewarded with a gift of the game Accentuate to take home. A fun game which is on sale in John Lewis and
Argos. Check it out at http://www.accentuategames.com
Accentuate @AccentuateGame
Fabulous evening with the ladies of @WomensInstitute in Farndon. They are certainly a game-loving group!
Meeting Tuesday June 28th 2016
'Hidden Treasures of Chester'
A wonderful evening of hidden treasures. A virtual tour of Chester given by Stephen Shakeshaft, Chester tour Guide highlighted many historical and fascinating little known facts about Chester.
Many of these 'treasures' often overlooked and hidden from our normal visits to Chester and not clearly identified in many tourist guides. A great tour to show your visitors to the area.
Many of us now know about the Secret Tea Garden and I am sure many of us will be visiting in the future.
Meeting Tuesday May 31st 2016
The Vice Squad
A fascinating insight by Francis Illing of life in the Vice Squad. Francis related his experiences of working as an undercover police officer in London in the Vice Section. His anecdotal stories although disturbing and sad at times were delivered with sensitivity and humour. We were all intrigued by his experiences and fascinated by the inner workings of the Vice Squad.
Meeting Tuesday 26 April 2016
Social Evening...Beetle Drive
This meeting comprised of 2 parts in order that Members had an opportunity to discuss the forthcoming WI Resolutions, followed by a relaxed Beetle Drive.
Business over the fun began as we started our Beetle Drive. Once again there was much fun and laughter by all taking part: Over excitement brought a few false calls of Beetle but that added to the fun of the light hearted evening. The winner with the most points was Chris Bryne who took home a glass and small bottle of wine as her prize whilst the booby prize for the least points, a shoe of wine, went to Jane Edwards Smith.
.
Meeting Tuesday 29 March 2016
Social Evening..Try your hand at Kurling
A fun evening was had by all when we hired the Kurling Set from WI House for our branch meeting. Ably led by Di Buchanen our Kurling expert there was much gaiety and laughter. As the evening wore on many seemed to improve, whether it was practise or the wine maybe I wouldn’t like to say. Definitely an activity to be repeated.
Meeting Tuesday 23rd February 2016
Hosting Children of Cernobyl
June Bamford from the charity Chernobyl Children’s Life Line spoke about the many children who have been given a month’s break from Belarus/Ukraine where the disaster took place on 26th April 1986.
The children, who only get one opportunity to visit the U.K., spend a month with a family. They often arrive with just a carrier bag of possessions. Welcome packs are given which include the essentials that the child does not own. They are brought over at an approximate cost of £350 each. Local dentists and opticians give their services free to help the children. One of the problems, June pointed out, is that they are reluctant to drink water as it is still contaminated at home. This then causes kidney problems. They are often very tired both from their various illnesses and the journey but a programme of events is organized for them. Some children come from remote villages, one little girl had never encountered electricity before.
A thought provoking talk which illustrated the problems that still exist, 30 years after the disaster and will continue for many years to come.
June would be delighted to hear from anyone who may have a further interest in the project or who would like to help in some way.
Meeting Tuesday 26 January 2016,
Life in the White House
Sue Leicester President of Middle Wyches WI came to give a talk on Life in the White House. Dressed the part from head to toe, in red white and blue stars and stripes, she proceeded to give a powerful rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. This led into her presentation which was delivered with gusto in her unique and inimitable style. We learned her son in law works in the White House which has given her access to snippets of “inside information” and special invitations to places and events which she shared with us. There was much fun and laughter by all. Whose spirits couldn’t help but be lifted by this lady.
Meeting held at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, 29 November 2016
This was the first meeting lead by our new Presidents Kerry Evans and Carole Shaw.
We were treated to an evening of Floral Delights by Wendy Holland of Vivid Floral Design. Ably assisted by Val Fath she began by creating a tasteful door wreath which she demonstrated could also serve as a beautiful table centre. This was followed by a hand tied seasonal bouquet. Wendy made it all look so easy. An eye catching tall contemporary arrangement was very impressive and her small plant pot arrangements were so pretty. Wendy showed us many new ways of displaying flowers and shared many handy tips as she cut and prepared her flowers and foliage for her arrangements. Wendy donated her evening’s work for a raffle. Each member had received a raffle ticket when they arrived and the following lucky ladies took a piece home with them: Julie Carmichael, Alison Ludden, Carole Shaw, Angela Thornton, Gail Reece, Chris Bryne and Heather
Everyone agreed it was a great start to the Festive Season.
Meeting Tuesday 25th October 2016
Susan Ord - Forensic Handwriting
Susan gave a very interesting talk about her role in Forensic Handwriting and how her expertise is used by various people, including the Police and the Courts, as well as members of the public who need confirmation of a signature or a piece of writing.
Susan gave members pieces of paper to represent envelopes. We had to address one in our normal handwriting style and the other disguising our handwriting. Susan then pointed out similarities such as spacing and layout, which can identify the writer even if the handwriting is disguised.
Susan spoke about cases she had been involved with over the years and spoke about the intricacies of her work.
FARNDON & DISTRICT W.I.
Meeting held at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, 27 September 2016
We had the largest attendance of the year so far with 35 members and 7 guests.
Our speaker Andy Jones an ex-Steward on the Royal Yacht Britannia, entertained everyone with tales of his stewardship in the service of the Royal family. Andy, who is now a postman in Oswestry, spent 11 years of his Royal Navy service aboard her, serving almost every member of the Royal Family along with a host of world statesmen including the late South African President Nelson Mandela, whom he said that the most memorable guest he had looked after on Britannia.
Nicknamed “Jonah” by his navy mates he recalled how in 1983 he was inspired by the previous year’s Falklands War to join the navy, training at HMS Raleigh before serving aboard a warship as an officers’ valet. He joined the Royal Naval crew of Britannia in 1985 after answering an advert for stewards which was posted across the fleet. Andy spoke of the famous ship’s compact dimensions, which saw all 240 of the ship’s crew crowded into the front section while everything aft of the funnel was royal territory. He became one of a dozen stewards aboard and gradually progressed from serving senior crew members and royal staff to taking care of Royal Family and the Queen herself in the latter years of his time aboard Britannia before she was controversially withdrawn from service in 1997 to become a museum piece moored in Edinburgh. During his time as a crew member he estimates that he circumnavigated the globe four-and-a-half times calling at a huge numbers of foreign ports.
One of his duties was to wait on tables groaning not just with the best food but also priceless royal possessions including what he says was the Queen’s personal favourite piece, a table decoration consisting of two camels made from solid gold standing beneath a palm tree dripping with “dates” which are actually rubies. In fact, so valuable were all the pieces on the yacht that an expert from Sotheby’s would come aboard at the start of every royal trip to make fresh insurance valuations of them in case any should go missing. Andy said that like most crew members and members of the Royal Family he had been extremely upset to see the Britannia withdrawn from service after 43 years of loyal service and he recalled how at the paying-off ceremony the Queen had been spotted shedding a tear for the loss.
Meeting Tuesday August 30th
Skittles and Meal at The Bickerton Poacher
A very sociable and fun evening held at The Bickerton Poacher.
Members enjoyed an excellent Carvery Meal followed by games of Skittles.
A very well attended event, plenty of interaction between Members with teams allocated for the games of indoor Skittles.
Meeting Tuesday 26 July 2016,
'Accentuate'
We welcomed Fiona Fraser-Bell who along with her brother devised the increasingly popular card game Accentuate. She told how they started their business and successfully applied to appear on BBC’s Dragons Den: recounting their experience, from preparing for and putting across their pitch to the Dragons, through to the process following their acceptance of Peter Jones’ investment offer. A very interesting and at times amusing insight into the world of games and business. Fiona asked for a volunteer to demonstrate and play this fun packed game. Mary ably took up the challenge and was rewarded with a gift of the game Accentuate to take home. A fun game which is on sale in John Lewis and
Argos. Check it out at http://www.accentuategames.com
Accentuate @AccentuateGame
Fabulous evening with the ladies of @WomensInstitute in Farndon. They are certainly a game-loving group!
Meeting Tuesday June 28th 2016
'Hidden Treasures of Chester'
A wonderful evening of hidden treasures. A virtual tour of Chester given by Stephen Shakeshaft, Chester tour Guide highlighted many historical and fascinating little known facts about Chester.
Many of these 'treasures' often overlooked and hidden from our normal visits to Chester and not clearly identified in many tourist guides. A great tour to show your visitors to the area.
Many of us now know about the Secret Tea Garden and I am sure many of us will be visiting in the future.
Meeting Tuesday May 31st 2016
The Vice Squad
A fascinating insight by Francis Illing of life in the Vice Squad. Francis related his experiences of working as an undercover police officer in London in the Vice Section. His anecdotal stories although disturbing and sad at times were delivered with sensitivity and humour. We were all intrigued by his experiences and fascinated by the inner workings of the Vice Squad.
Meeting Tuesday 26 April 2016
Social Evening...Beetle Drive
This meeting comprised of 2 parts in order that Members had an opportunity to discuss the forthcoming WI Resolutions, followed by a relaxed Beetle Drive.
Business over the fun began as we started our Beetle Drive. Once again there was much fun and laughter by all taking part: Over excitement brought a few false calls of Beetle but that added to the fun of the light hearted evening. The winner with the most points was Chris Bryne who took home a glass and small bottle of wine as her prize whilst the booby prize for the least points, a shoe of wine, went to Jane Edwards Smith.
.
Meeting Tuesday 29 March 2016
Social Evening..Try your hand at Kurling
A fun evening was had by all when we hired the Kurling Set from WI House for our branch meeting. Ably led by Di Buchanen our Kurling expert there was much gaiety and laughter. As the evening wore on many seemed to improve, whether it was practise or the wine maybe I wouldn’t like to say. Definitely an activity to be repeated.
Meeting Tuesday 23rd February 2016
Hosting Children of Cernobyl
June Bamford from the charity Chernobyl Children’s Life Line spoke about the many children who have been given a month’s break from Belarus/Ukraine where the disaster took place on 26th April 1986.
The children, who only get one opportunity to visit the U.K., spend a month with a family. They often arrive with just a carrier bag of possessions. Welcome packs are given which include the essentials that the child does not own. They are brought over at an approximate cost of £350 each. Local dentists and opticians give their services free to help the children. One of the problems, June pointed out, is that they are reluctant to drink water as it is still contaminated at home. This then causes kidney problems. They are often very tired both from their various illnesses and the journey but a programme of events is organized for them. Some children come from remote villages, one little girl had never encountered electricity before.
A thought provoking talk which illustrated the problems that still exist, 30 years after the disaster and will continue for many years to come.
June would be delighted to hear from anyone who may have a further interest in the project or who would like to help in some way.
Meeting Tuesday 26 January 2016,
Life in the White House
Sue Leicester President of Middle Wyches WI came to give a talk on Life in the White House. Dressed the part from head to toe, in red white and blue stars and stripes, she proceeded to give a powerful rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. This led into her presentation which was delivered with gusto in her unique and inimitable style. We learned her son in law works in the White House which has given her access to snippets of “inside information” and special invitations to places and events which she shared with us. There was much fun and laughter by all. Whose spirits couldn’t help but be lifted by this lady.