WI News June 2019

At our May meeting we first of all discussed the two resolutions which the National Federation of WI’s would put forward to the Government. Sue Roberts guided our consideration of 'Don't Fear the Smear', which was passed unanimously. Hilary gave us an inspiring presentation for the call against the decline in local bus services. She cited the social and independence benefits of using our Number 13 Bus. Again, a unanimous vote which Jane D, as our delegate, took to the NFWI ACM at Bournemouth.

The annual elections for the committee saw Barbara and Sue returned as Joint Presidents (can be seen on the PC website at our stall at the fete). Janice, Mary and Jane O have stepped down, but will be on hand to help with all the projects in which they have previously been involved.

Six of us sang our hearts out with the Hazlitt Choir at the Proms in the Park on 25th May. Rumour has it - the best ever performance yet.

The North Downs District AGM was held in Leeds Village Hall. Eight WIs, and a new WI which has started at 'This Art of Mine' at Hucking, enjoyed hearing about other groups' events and speakers. We are very proud that Penny's flower arrangement, 'A Storm in a Teacup' won the competition. It came complete with lightening and rain!

And the winning continued with Best Dressed Stall at the Fete. Appropriately, given the weather, the 'Hook a Duck' game enjoyed great success. The winner's prize was another Penny special —a 'Hook a Duck' cake, complete with dabbling ducks and waterlilies. Our thanks to the Parish Council for not giving up with the weather.

Latest TV Appearance — you may have seen Mary, Janice, Jane O and me tasting tea on Channel 5's 'Shop Smart Save Money'. Yorkshire tea came out as the most popular, but my money always goes on Pluckley Tea, available at Christopher’s!

Never short of dining opportunities with Hollingbourne WI… Jane Deaves organised five members to enjoy the annual Stockbury WI Lunch with Rickwood's famous pies, salads and desserts, followed by some farm shop retail therapy. Sue W took the members to Spadework near Offham, a garden centre run by disabled staff, which also serves great lunches.

Our July meeting is for members only, when we will welcome 2 new members, recruited at the Fete. Was it that hat, Sue?

Diary note: Tuesday 17 September 'Working in Monet's Garden'

Val Williams
Secretary, Hollingbourne WI

A Midsummer Night's Picnic (In the Meadows)

A huge thank you to everyone involved in the WI picnic for making it such a brilliant evening. As usual the food was fantastic and even the weather was kind.

It was lovely walking to the WI Tree with Mixed Blessings joining in with Jerusalem, it was very moving.

Thanks to the Meadows Trust for all their hard work in setting up the Marquees, fire pit etc. 

Thanks to Andrew for his bird walks and thanks to the talented “Mixed Blessings” for a lovely end to the evening.

 Allan Smedley checks out the bar

Jane Deaves

 Penny Smith and Sue Woodhouse

Janice Butler

Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” for Jenny Cox (Far right)

Ben Williams (Meadows Trust Director) 

and 

Shellina Prendergast (Kent County Councillor)

The Speakers

Shaun Cardwell (Meadows Trust Director)

Barbara Gibbs

Jo Horton

Alan Williams

Keith Pockett

The WI Tree

 Singing Jerusalem around the WI's tree

Mixed Blessings

Medway River Cruise

Sue Woodhouse organised our trip on the Kentish Lady on Wednesday 12th June. Unfortunately, typical of this June, another rainy day! We enjoyed fish and chips and a cup of tea on board while travelling to East Farleigh through the locks. 

We just managed to get under the bridge, due to the high level of the river.  As we were not going to get under any further bridges the boat turned around and travelled back to Maidstone and along to Allington Lock.

Despite the weather it was a very enjoyable afternoon with good company and commentary from the Captain.  We saw Kingfishers, swans and their signets.

Thank you Sue for another lovely day out.

Jenny Cox, Jane Deaves and Penny Smith

 Just managed to get under East Farleigh bridge

 Val Williams, Janice Butler and Jill Wills braving the weather and sitting outside.

Hollingbourne W.I. At The 2019 Fete. “The Hook A Duck Stall”

 Busy decorating the stall.

 Our new Joint Presidents, Sue Roberts with her decorated 'Duck' hat!

 The actual Duck Hat.

The wonderful Duck cake presented to the highest scorer of the day and made by our Treasurer Penny Smith (note the duck, bottoms up!!). Despite the frequent downpours on the day we managed to break even with a small profit!!  The ducks didn't mind getting wet and we all got wet with them.

Tea Tasting Session for Channel 5

On 20th February 20 members of West Kent W.I.’s were invited to a Tea Tasting session to be filmed for Channel 5's "Shop Smart: Save Money" presented by Gaby Roslin and Alexis Conran.  Janice Butler, Val Williams, Jane Orgill and Mary Henderson represented Hollingbourne.

We were given the task of choosing between well-known brands and supermarket own brands, without knowing which ones we were tasting.  

The result was Tetley (4 votes) v Tesco Original (16 votes), Yorkshire Tea (14 votes) v Sainsbury Red Label (6 votes), PG Tips (10 votes) v Co-Op (10 votes).  It was filmed on Thursday 6th June.

Mary and Janice

Mary, Janice and Jane (with the West Kent President Annette Smith on the right)