WI News July 2018

Continuing the West Kent Federation of WIs celebration of 100 years we were happy to visit Aylesford Priory to enjoy the Art and Craft extravaganza. A wonderful setting to display three particular aspects of this important aspect of WI life. Mary submitted her ‘upcycled cushion’ made with off cuts of materials which her granddaughter had used during her degree course in stage design. A very glamorous contribution. Janice presented a photo collage showing the wide range of our activities throughout the year.   Our third contribution was a table top flower display reflecting the character of Hollingbourne; this was brilliantly interpreted by Penny. ‘A vibrant WI which thinks outside of the box’. We will show them on our blog.

At our July meeting members and guests were entertained by the Blackthorn Lyres in the village hall on one of the warmest evenings of the recent heatwave. In order to keep the hall temperature to a reasonable level all the doors and windows were wide open which meant that the noise of road, rail and Car Park spoilt the unusual calming and quiet music provided by the players who were seated in a tight inward facing circle. Their presentation would have been much more enjoyable under more peaceful conditions with the seating of the performers arranged so that most members of the audience were able to observe the playing of such unusual instruments.

On July 24th the WI Lunch Club met at a delightful new venue, The Wealden Golf Club, where we had an excellent choice of Menu and beautiful views across the river and Lakes.

Allington Castle was chosen for our annual August Outing. Members and friends were given a guided morning tour followed by tea and cakes.

Our next meeting is on September 18th when Katie Ellis the founder of the Able label will tell us about the beautiful clothes she designs to be easy to put on even if you are forgetful or have troublesome joints. I can assure you from personal experience that they really do make dressing and undressing easier as well as being very attractive. She will be bringing a range of clothes for you to see and will explain the arrangements buying her excellent clothes.

A very important date for your Diary! 11th October is the 93rd anniversary of the first Meeting of Hollingbourne WI. This historic meeting took place in The Institute which was in Eyhorne Street on the site now occupied by The Pavings next to the old Methodist Chapel, now known as Chapel House. On the 11th October 2018 we shall celebrate with a brief photo-call at 6.00pm at the Pavings, before continuing our celebrations with drinks and nibbles at the Sugar Loaves. (You may like to wear a costume illustrating an event during the past 93 years)

On Saturday 17th November the WI will be arranging a Barn Dance from 6.00pm-11.00pm in the Village Hall. The Caller will be John Sweeny. Tickets will be £8 including hot food, and can be booked by phoning 01622 880382/734370. Please bring your own drinks and glasses.

Jean Talboys
Hollingbourne WI

West Kent Centenary Celebrations

Six of us went to the West Kent Centenary Celebrations at The Friars Aylesford on 11th July. We had three exhibits.

Penny Smith produced a fantastic display of flowers. She had to depict our WI so she put these blooms exploding out of a box with a message "Hollingbourne WI, Vibrant, Busy and Always Thinking Outside the Box".

Mary Henderson made an up-cycled cushion that had to be made from material from something memorable to you.  She made her cushion from material left over from theatre costumes her Granddaughter made whilst at Uni.

Janice Butler selected lots of photos of events Hollingbourne WI had enjoyed and Malcolm Smith put them together into a collage. 

We were very proud of all our displays.