The Olympic Flame July 2012

The WI nationally has an initiative called BIG WALK LITTLE SPLASH

they are trying to get us to be more active.  Hollingbourne is joining in, and one member decided to increase her mileage by a walk to the next village of Harrietsham, along the Pilgrims Way (Winchester to Canterbury) and back. 

The Olympic Flame was passing through Harrietsham

and the locals were out in force to enjoy it. 

 On the way back 14 small planes flew overhead

 heading for Leeds castle where the  flame continued and stayed overnight.  

more on Big Walk LITTLE SPLASH  coming soon.

ORIGAMI - JAPANESE PAPER FOLDING

In July we were lucky to have Mrs YOKO PAGE  to introduce us to the art of ORIGAMI.

A native of Japan she said she had not learned it in school, it was something that is picked up from the age of 3 or 4 from mothers and grandmothers and friends. 

She also finds charity shops a great place to discover Origami Books

Two local PCSO's called in  (you never know who is going to turn  up at our meetings)

and joined in the folding.  At one point all of us made a folded paper cup.  She filled hers with water to demonstrate its capabilities.  She also produced a Large cup, which quickly became the new uniform hat for the PCSO.

Although scissors are not  usually involved, this large shrimp would not have been perfect without his whiskers.

                               
Flat sheets of paper became storks, nuns, penguins, boxes, and flowers - just like magic in her hands.
Yoko is a member of the WI in the East Kent Federation and had given many talks before coming to us.  She says she always carries origami paper in her handbag - it is useful for diverting children when they are being difficult.  We hope we were not too difficult!

Winchelsea and Appledore - part 4 Romney Marsh Churches.

Sadie Curtis from Leeds WI who had arranged all the previous visits to the Romney Marsh Churches (see previous year's blogs)  had arranged  an 'extra' visit - this time and we were not dissappointed.  As usual our coach took us to The Royal Oak for coffee and biscuits where our guide joined us.  We continued to the Church of St Thomas the Martyr, mentioned in 1215 as being situated in Winchelsea which was a seaport on a shingle beach (which was completely demolished in 1280 in a dreadful storm)

 The new, and prestigeous church was built soon afterwards and was to be enormous.
This picture shows only the Chancel with two chapels each side.  A Transept was built which would have  been infront of the current building and extended from left to right of the picture, but it fell into disrepair and was demolished. Although there was originally a plan for a nave, it is not thought that this was ever built

 The stained glass windows are magnificent and by Dr Douglas Strachan around 1933
these pictures give no idea of how wonderful they are  - and are worth the trip alone

  a side altar

 one of the tombs, with the face of a Green Man in the top section

 lots to look at

Jane and Peter  viewing the Blue window - picture 2.

We followed this with a  walk around the  well laid out small town.   When the new town was built most of them were given cellars, probably used for the sale of imported wine.
Look out for adverts for 'Open garden weekends', and 'Open Cellar weekends' well worth a visit.

Returning to the Royal Oak at Broadlands we had a good Ploughman's lunch and then on to Appledore, which was also a port in the 13th Century until it became silted up.  Appledore was once a Viking stronghold, and later in 1380 the French burned the town, and the current church  - St Peter and St. Paul - built subsequently.   Again an unusual building.   Finally to Brenzett for a WI Tea. 

Unbelievably for 2012 -  a sunny day - A day satisfying all our senses including our stomachs!