| 2012 |
| On Saturday 14th January, members enjoyed a New Year Lunch at the Commodore Hotel Instow. This picture was taken in the Residents' Lounge after the meal. A lovely sunny day and we enjoyed looking across the River Torridge to Appledore. |
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PIPPA STAFFORD The President, opened the January meeting with the singing of Jerusalem . The votes for the NFWI Annual meeting were collected. Subscriptions are now due, the programmes giving the years speakers and events were distributed. The varied programme for 2012 ranges from walking the South West Coast Path and learning about the Taw and Torridge Estuary to Cookery and Flower arrangements. Suggestions for the annual summer outing were made. The remainder of the evening was a social time, firstly a Quiz when we were asked to answer all the questions with the name of a town or City This was won by Cathy Williams and team members Janet Tolman and Margaret Thomas. Then there followed Bingo. This was a relaxing start to what will undoubtably be a busy year with possible Diamond Jubilee events and many Group and DFWI events which many of our members support. The competition was for a Dressing Table Item. The winner was 1. Toni Buchan, 2. Jane Devlin; 3. Tied - Margaret Thomas and Ruth Verney. The Flower of the Month winner was Ruth Verney with a lovely Hellebore. |
| 2011 |
| During December members have attended the DFWI carol service at Exeter Cathedral, another at Kentisbury (North Devon) and gone on a shopping trip to Truro. |
| During the year there have been several patchwork workshops and some of the work is pictured here. |
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| Cake stall at Christmas Fayre |
| December Meeting The meeting was opened by the President, Pippa Stafford.After the business she introduced the Atlantic Accordion Players who entertained us with a lovely selection of pieces, we then all joined in singing some well known Carols.The refreshments marked the festive season when we all enjoyed Mulled wine and mince pies.
The competition was for an unusual musical Instrument, this brought forth a wide variety of instruments from all parts of the World. The winners were 1.Janet Tolman; 2. Toni Buchan; 3. Sheila Brash. Arrangements were made for members transport to the North Devon Carol Service at Kentisbury. The County Quiz dates were announced and hopefully a team will be entered. The short list of topics for next years resolutions are fully explained in the W.I.Life Magazine, we are asked to complete the form that accompanies the article. Bring it to the next meeting or post to the NFWI. HQ. Names were taken for the New Year Lunch which is at the Commodore Instow on January 14. There will be a Patchwork and Quilting workshop on Thursday, January 26 . in place of the usual Craft meeting. This will run from 9.30a.m. to 4p.m. at the Parish Hall. Several members have arranged a trip to the Ballet at the Queens Theatre, Barnstaple, on March 31 to watch a performance of Swan Lake. |
November The reports for the year described a very active year with a wide range of activates and speakers being very well supported There were organised walks, visits to the Ballet and to Craft Centres in addition to the annual Outings and Lunches. Speakers subjects ranged from The Dogs Trust to Women's Aid and from Sugar Craft to Nursing in Broadmoor.. Recently 22 Shoe Boxes have been filled with gifts for the needy children in less fortunate areas of the world. The Group events have been well supported and it is hoped that we may be able to join with Group members on a more regular basis. Craft meetings have been very industrious and beautiful examples of the work achieved have been brought to meetings to encourage more to take part. The officers elected are for the coming 18 months as the NFWI have decided that in future all Annual meeting should be held in the spring when the W.I. Advisors can travel to the remote villages without the risk of cancelling owing to snow or icy conditions. These are President - Pippa Stafford; Secretary Marguerite Holland; Treasurer- Di Pine; Committee members Jane Devlin, Nina Parry & Sue Robbins. The Auditor Eric Phillipson A variety of other posts were filled, this reflected the aim of including as many as possible in the running of the organisation. The Silver Vase for the highest points gained in the monthly competitions throughout the year was awarded to Jan Jones,2. Pippa Stafford, 3. Janet Tolman. The Flower of the Month Vase winner was Lydia Odell. We then enjoyed wine and nibbles followed by the traditional Birthday Cake. The winner of this months F.O.M. was Lynne Sinyard. |
 | We filled 22 boxes to be sent out on the Samritains Purse scheme to children who will have nothing at Christmas time |
| On October 20th, 12 members attended the Lundy Group Autumn Social hosted by Lee. We started with a quiz - which was very difficult - it consisted in part of identifying old tools - ranging from a spike for letting gastric juices out of a sheep or cow who had overindulged on new grass to a wooden truncheon like implement used for darning stockings. |
| The President, Pippa Stafford, opened the October meeting with the singing of Jerusalem. Our speaker was then introduced. Jill Collier, who had travelled from Crediton spoke on Sugar Craft. It was immediately apparent that she was an expert with much experience with many awards to her credit. The history of decorating cakes for weddings goes back to the time of the Romans. Their is evidence that some form of decorations have been used for thousands of years. We were shown various tools for making realistic flowers and leaves and demonstrated the making of a Poinsettia flower. This was followed by a 'hands on' session when some of the members were guided through the making of a rose. The flower made by Lydia Odell was voted best by the members. Jill had brought with her a display of sugar flowers arranged as window boxes, it was hard to believe they were not real, especially some exceptionally realistic Pansies. The competition for a decorated Cup Cake resulted 1Pippa Stafford, 2 Jan Jones. The F.O.M winner was Lydia Odell . The New Year Lunch was discussed and it was decided to return, after a break, to the Commodore Hotel at Instow, providing that dates and menus are acceptable. Members enjoyed the Autumn Council meeting held at the Queens Hall, Barnstaple. Speakers were from the National Farmers Union. Red Cross and British Legion. Members have arranged to attend the Lundy Group Autumn Social We will be decorating Shoe Boxes and filling them with gifts at the home of Toni Buchan at the end of the month. There was a display of beautiful Patchwork Cushions which have been made at the Craft sessions. |
| THE PRESIDENTPippa Stafford welcomed members and visitors to the September meeting. The meeting opened with Jerusalem . Several of the ladies were congratulated on having birthdays this month. Tributes were paid to Doris Dibble whose death was announced. She is remembered for her valuable work with the League of Friends. Many members knew her from the time when they took their turns on the Tea Bar rota at the North Devon Hospital. Our speaker was Sue Wallis from the North Devon Women's Aid. The work of the organisation was outlined then we were showed a short documentary film entitled "Leaving." This showed the difficulties faced by women trying to leave an abusive or violent relationship and the situation that children are left in. This was very moving and there were many questions following the presentation. The monthly Competition was for a floral arrangement. The winners were 1.Di Pine; 2. Janet Tolman; 3. Ruth Verney. The Flower of the Month winner was Jane Devlin with a lovely Cobaea which was much admired. The market stall was well filled with fresh Vegetables and preserves. All our allocation of tickets for the Autumn Group social have been booked. The proceeds from the Cream Tea held at the home of Violet Graham amounted to £96. This was a very enjoyable afternoon in beautiful surroundings. Samaritans purse shoe boxes will be covered and filled on Thursday October 27 at the Old Vicarage. Please bring items for these to the October meeting . Lists of suitable gifts are available. Several members will be attending the Spring Council meeting at Barnstaple on October 12. It was announced that next years subscription will be £31.50 and a further appeal was made for members willing to join the Committee. |
The president Pippa Stafford announced that the speaker planned for the evening had unfortunately had to cancel at the last minute.
We decided to have a good discussion on the various business items on the agenda. Names were takenfor a trip on September 1. to some Craft outlets at Launceseston and
surrounding area.
The Autumn Councilmeeting on October 12 and the Autumn Group Social were also announced and reservations made.
The highlight of the evening was an extended report given by Catherine Williams on the NFWI Annual meeting held at Liverpool's Echo Arena She gave an amusing account of the timeit took to be allocated their Hotel rooms. When she eventually reached her room
it was only to find another North Devon member already resting on her bed. This was eventually sorted and then delegates went on an enjoyable tour of Liverpool.
The meeting was a wonderful experience and Catherine recommended any member who has theopportunity not to miss the chance of being part of such an event. The singing of Jerusalem by so many voices made it clear that it still has a deep association with the movement even although some branches no longer sing it at their meetings.
21.000 new members have joined the W.I. during the year, this s a net increase of 2.000
compared with last year. The Chairman, Ruth Bond said she had had the privilege of representing the movement in prisons and royal palaces, the House of Lords and the European Parliament.
The resolution onthe campaign against the cuts to the Public Library Service was carried with almost 98% in favour.
Then followed theguest speaker, Erwin James, writer, Guardian, Columnist and former prison inmate. His talk was most interesting and very well received.
After lunch was theMega Farming resolution which was against large scale intensive farming , thisproved to be more controversial. No vote was taken. It was the first time in
more than a decade that members decided to move to" next business" on a resolution
tabled at an annual meeting. This followed the views of expert speakers - Peter Kendall from the Nation Farmers Union and Helen Browning from Soil Association. The Chairman said after, that the lack of a vote was disappointing and demonstrated the need for wider discussion on this issue.
We agreed thatCatherine's report had compensated for the lack of a speaker and gave us an insight into the influence the movement can have in the country
The competition was for a Pin Cushion and resulted - 1. Janet Tolman, 2. Lydia Odell, 3. Pippa Stafford. The F.O.M. winner was a tie between Pippa Stafford, Lydia Odell and
Sue Robbins.
There has been a decision made that all annual meetings will move to the Spring each year. This is to enable the W.I. Advisors to avoid so many journeys during the wintery
weather. Our meeting will after this year be held in May, The meeting already planned for Nov. will elect officers and committee to serve for 18 months..There was an appeal for new committee members to put their names forward asthere will be several members retiring.
Summer Outing A relaxing trip by horse drawn barge on the Tiverton Canal followed by a visut to Bickly Mill |
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 Beatrice makes a friend |
May meeting Acting as President Di Pine stood in for Pippa Stafford who was away. The report on the Spring Council meeting prepared by Jane Hayes was read by Muriel Hookway in Jane's absence.The meeting at Torquay has been extremely well attended. It was reported that six new W.I. branches have been formed in the County. Toni Buchan outlined the two resolutions to be discussed at the NFWI Annual meeting to be held in Blackpool in June. The first to be discussed was on the possibility of cuts to the Public Library service. This was thought to be a valuable service and should be spared from any cutback. It is used by all ages. A member told us how she relied on the Audio Books available from the mobile Library van. Details for the local mobile service were available and everyone urged to "use it or lose it." A resolution which has already attracted attention in the press was then read, this is that that "The W.I. abhors the practice of factory farming or Mega Farms particularly for large animals such as Cows and Pigs. An excerpt from an article in a local newspaper was commented upon; this suggested that there was a possibility that milk produced from housed cattle will be seen as second rate.There was a comment from a member that we would need the extra food in the future but it was carried by a large majority to ask the delegate to support both the resolutions. We then enjoyed a Buffet supper and took part in a Quiz entitled "The Name is the Game". The winner was Sue Robbins The Flower of the Month was won by Di Pine. |
April Meeting.
The President, Pippa Stafford welcomed members and the speakers for the evening
The subject of the talk was the National Trust property Tyntesfield which is at Wraxall near Bristol. This is an Estate of some 550 acres and has been an on going work of restoration and conservation.
The spectacular Victorian house and garden was saved for the Nation by the National Trust in 2002. It had been created by the Gibbs family. We were shown photographs of all aspects of the House and grounds. It has now become a very popular place to visit for not only the house but for woodland walks, kitchen gardens, Farm shop. Plant centre and many family visitor attractions.
The Competition was for an old Black and White photograph. This brought forward a lot of very interesting photos of family and rural life as it was in bye-gone days.
Winners were 1. Mary Gingell; 2. Ruth Verney; 3. Jan Jones
The flower of the month winner was Margaret Thomas, there was a great variety of spring flowers showing the beauties of Spring we have in our gardens.
MARCH
PIPPA STAFFORD, the president welcomed everyone and opened the proceedings with the singing of Jerusalem.
The speaker was Geoff Green from Bideford who works with the Library service, he started by reciting a very amusing poem on the problems of old age , then showed slides of the 1940's and 50's. This showed a picture of life as it was at that period, dominated by World War Two.
These showed the very different way of life that existed then, this brought back memories to some and was generally of great interest to us all. Workers in factories and Land Army girls were all depicted doing their bit for the war effort.
This period covered a variety of events including VE Day and the achievement of running the first recorded 4 minute mile by Roger Bannister. Another achiever at that time was Stirling Moss.
We also realised the changes in fashion that have occurred particularly noted from some of the scenes of holiday makers on the beach. T
he competition was well supported and was for items from the 50's. The winner was a charming Jigsaw puzzle from that period , 1.Ruth Verney, 2 Jan Jones 3. Margarite Holland.
The F.O.M. winner was Jan Jones.
Our County Quiz team qualified at the primilary round held at Braunton and now are preparing for the Final . This event is to be held at Uplowman on Friday, March 25. Our team comprises Paddy Knowles, Pippa Stafford, Janet Tolman, and Pat Williams.
The Craft meetings are working on a patchwork project using the Dresden Plate design, several examples of the work done were on show. Members are encouraged to bring fabric and ideas to the next regular Craft afternoon.
A choice of locations for our annual outing in June was circulated. The most popular destinations was for a trip on the Tiverton Canal Boat. Arrangements will be finalised at the next meeting.
THE FEBRUARY MEETING of the West Down W.I. commenced with the President, Pippa Stafford welcoming a large attendance of members and visitors. This was followed by the singing of Jerusalem.
Our speaker was George Williams on his experiences when on the Nursing staff at Broadmoor. Situated in Crowthorne near Bracknell in Berkshire, Broadmoor is a high security Psychiatric Hospital. The site covers a large area with gardens which occupy the time for some of the patients . Amongst the better known inmates has included Peter Sutcliffe, perhaps we know him better as the Yorkshire Ripper.
There is a very high security wall around the premises, even so there have been several notable escapes over the years, this led to an alert system being installed. This is a World War 11 type siren and is to alert the surrounding area which includes Sandhurst, Bracknell and Bagshot..
The day to day running of the establishment was described and the routine that keeps the patients occupied in a structured manner. This helps them on the road to rehabilitation and enable them to return to the outside world which many will eventually achieve.
The competition was for a Victorian Remedy . This brought forward a variety of old recipe books, bottles and hand written directions on making and taking remedies. The winners were- 1.Margaret Thomas, 2. Mary Gingell, 3. Jan Jones. The Flower of the Month winner was Lydia Odell.
Several members will be travelling to Woolacombe to the annual Knit-In on February 19.
The next Craft meeting will be on Friday, February 25 at Buttercombe, the home of the President. This will commence at 2 p.m. The subject will be to organise the making of a Quilt which as many as possible can take a part or perhaps make a number of Cushions. Either of these articles could then be sold at the next Dickensian Fayre. Or similar event. Ideas and suggestions and fabric samples all welcome.
The Spring Council meeting is at the Riviera Centre, Torquay on April 13, The speaker will be the well known "Countryfile" presenter Adam Henson. This will prove to be a great attraction so names were taken from those wishing to attend. Jane Hayes will be our official delegate.
It had been the custom to commence the W.I. monthly meetings with the singing of "Jerusalem". Recently there have been suggestions amongst the membership that we discontinue this. A secret vote was taken and the result showed a majority were in favour of continuing to sing it at our meetings.
PIPPA STAFFORD, the President welcomed members and guests to the opening meeting of 2011. There was a good attendance despite flooded roads and competing events.
Our speaker was Sarah from "The Dogs Trust" accompanied by her own dog Honey. She gave us a history of the organisation which started as long ago as 1891. It used to be known as the Canine Defence League until it was decided that this was not giving the image that was intended. There are now eighteen centres throughtout the UK. These do a valuable job in enabling dogs to be found new homes .
There are various circumstances that arise which lead to having to find a new owner, this can be when owners have to move and perhaps have to have rented accommodation where dogs are not allowed or when their owners have become unable to give them the exercise they require. Dogs on average only stay with the Dogs Trust a few weeks, if a home is not forthcoming it is sometimes moved to another centre where different breeds are popular. There is a special sanctuary at Salisbury for dogs that have "people problems" and no dog is destroyed unless it is considered necessary by for health reasons and agreed with the Veterinary in charge .
The competition for a Decorated Dog Collar resulted 1. Jan Jones; 2. Toni Buchan. The Flower of the Month winner was Toni Buchan.
The monthly Craft meeting will be a Knit-in at the Old Vicarage. This will be a trial run for the annual Annual Knit-in at Woolacombe in February, this will aid the Hospice and other Charities.
A team had been arranged for the County Quiz, the local round is to be held at Braunton.
A list of Resoulutions was circulated and then discussed. After a vote it showed that the greated interest was in opposition to Factory style Milk production and to support the plea to keep Libraries open.
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Our New Year Lunch was at Patchole Manor. We ate soup or smoked salmon, duck or fish and wonderful puddings.
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| 2010 |
December 2010 - Really Moorish Eastern Dancing |
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| Summer Outing By popular request we repeated an outing of some year's previously. We travelled on the West Somerset Steam Railway from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster and then spent the afternoon in Dunster. Some shopped, others visited the Church and the castle and all of us had some nice food. It was voted a very relaxing day out.
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| THE MARCH W.I.meeting was a very glamorous occasion, this was apparent when on entering the Hall we were surrounded by hats suitable for all occasions with Weddings ,Ascot and Royal garden parties all catered for in many styles and colours. Our speaker was Hilary Hammond who runs Hilary's Hat Hire. She gave a talk on the history of hats. Members then had the chance to try on the many styles and a few were looking for ideas for forthcoming events and others looked back on the era when the hat was of everyday fashion item, worn with pride on everyday occasions. |