December 2015

There is a lot going on in our WI  especially leading up to Christmas, and as individuals we cherry pick the particular events that suit each one of us. 

 Early in December  23 of us had a sumptuous lunch at the Sun in Bredgar

At our Christmas Party there was a choice of Shepherd's pie, Chicken casserole or quiche, all with vegetables, plus an amazing choice of delicious puds.

Our ' dance group' (ha ha) demonstrated the umbrella Dance we had done at the 'Centenary Follies' in Ditton in September, followed by circle social dancing for all.  To get our lungs working before carol singing, we sang a four part round - She'll be coming round the mountains (plus actions)

Lots of fun  - and all the washing up done by husbands!

 

The Nutcracker - 'beamed' direct from the Royal Opera House to  a Cinema in Ashford was amazing. The Principal dancers especially were wonderful, and the snowflake scene, with falling snow was out of this world. 

Two services of Lessons and Carols -
Firstly our District (9 WI's East of Maidstone) filled Holy Cross Church Bearsted.  Jean Talboys-  one of our members read a lesson on behalf of Hollingbourne.  Another of our members, Jane Orgill, is also a member of Detling WI and read the lesson for them. Finally a cup of tea and a mince pie  to finish of a lovely afternoon.

Finally West Kent Federation arranged an enormous service in Rochester Cathedral - it was packed.  A choir had been formed from around the county and sang several unusual carols beautifully.  The lessons were short, but to the point, and we all enjoyed joining in the carols.   This was a final celebration of 100 years of WI in UK.     Some of our members went First thing in the morning to take in the specialist shops and cafes and came away with last minute Christmas Presents.

Lets look forward to our next years programme starting with Roy Bilham and his Trumpet on 19th January.

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR.

90th Anniversary here at last.

Our 90th Birthday party was by invitation only to thank those who had aided and assisted us through the years, and also to welcome past Presidents.  First we enjoyed singing Jerusaem together.

We were to be entertained by the Pearly King and Queen, so Members had dressed suitably. 

The 'Top Table'  left to right - Sheila Fitzgerald (Northdowns District Treasurer)
Janice Butler  (President Hollingbourne WI)  Sheila Miles (West Kent County Chairman) Mary Henderson (Vice President) and Christine Graham (West Kent Executive committee)

Jenny Cox and Rosemary  Pollock - Hats and Pearls at the ready

Joyce Riggall had a stylish display of  flowers made from pearl buttons on her lapels and Betty Smith looked ready to party. 

Joyce Walker sported buttoned lapels and a Pork pie hat. 

Ralph Baldock, Hollingbourne School Headmaster had come straight from school in his School uniform,  but had added a decorated  pearly hat. 

celebratory wines and soft drinks were quaffed

and members and guests got to know one another better. 

Hilary Lucette had decorated her jacket with Hollingbourne 90

and Jane Orgill  had added the date

Mary Henderson's waistcoat and hat were a sight to be seen 

and Jane Orgill,  Val Williams and the County Chairman Sheila Miles caught up with the gossip

Small tables had a mix of members -  Jane Deaves, Penny Smith and Sue Woodhouse with guests Ben Williams who helped us with our 90th Tree in Hollingbourne Meadows, and Roger Graynoth who had in 1999. made and donated a case for our Wallhanging which is still on display in the village Hall.   As you can see all faces are smiling  in anticipation....HOWEVER

it seemed once the Fish and chips had arrived, it was down to the serious business oF EATING.

more guests -also very serious while eating. Guests Alan, Moray and Jim had helped us in the past.

but Inge Hack a Past president  was enjoying herself.

all remarked how good  the Fish and chips were, including Peter a past helper and  

Marjorie Noar a past president.

                           

Top table was no exception with Val Williams in her enormous hat really enjoying it. 

The Pearly King started his rounds chatting to all in turn

No one had realised that Alan Williams was a magnet for women of a certain age, so we were surprised when the Pearly Queen grabbed hold of him.  However it was because he knew the words of every song  - and not his handsome physique. 

the King and Queen  Royally entertained us

with a final chorus of LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY,  with much swaying and handwaving by all. 

We finished of with a piece of Cake and a glass of bubbly.

The two cakes had been made by Jean Talboys and Penny Smith, and fantastically iced, (tongue in cheek) with a pot of Jam on the left and a Jerusalem song sheet on the right. 

A wonderful evening to celebrate 90 years of Inspiring Women in Hollingbourne WI. 

Why don't you help us, to make it to 100years, by joining and swelling our numbers!

Our tree to celebrate 90 years of WI in Hollingbourne

 On Sunday Morning, 11th October we dedicated the tree we had bought to commemorate our 90 years in Hollingbourne.  Janice Butler our President reminded us that it had been in the Mission Hall, on a site now known as The Pavings, and also who and where the first President had lived.
Jean Talboys, cut the ribbon, and part two of our celebrations was now achieved.

The tree can be found in Hollingbourne Meadows - an area saved for the village where anyone can walk, sit, and just enjoy the countryside. The plaque  will now be permanently on display in front of our tree - a WHITEBEAM -, commemorating not only our WI, but the 100 years that the Women's Institute has been running in  Great Britain.

 Those members who could make it, joined together at the tree, and those not so able, found friends to propel them along.    Edna's additional help was from her dog, who dragged her along.

You will find the Meadows either by turning down Culpepper Close, opposite the school, and turning right through the railway arch; or taking the wide footpath on the left of Hasteds.   A circular walk of the Meadows taking in Culpeper Close and Hasteds will only take about half an hour, but if you are enjoying it, please take much longer.  Many thanks to the Members of the Meadows Trust for arranging the Tree, its plaque and its ribbons!

Part 3 of our Celebration takes place in 10 days time, in the Village Hall.  - more to follow.

VICTORIAN MUSIC HALL - THE CRITERION - AT BLUE TOWN SHEERNESS.

We took a short car trip up to the Isle of Sheppey this week, for a good old fashioned Musical Hall. 

Before we took our seats there was a very interesting Museum covering the history of 'Blue Town', and its links to the sea, and also the cradle of aviation in UK.

 Singers, dancers, comedians and a Master of Ceremonies-

Halftime -  a cream tea,  with Bone china cups and saucers.

Second half was just as good. The 5 members of the cast, plus a fantastic pianist Carol Anne Wells whom moved the whole thing along at great pace.   It is well worth trying to see one of the shows which run 22nd September 2015 - 29th October 2015, and 5 April 2016 to 12 March 2016

Criterion Victorian Music Hall -telephone 01795662981

Northdowns District afternoon to celebrate 100 years of WI in the UK

It seems that a good tea at any WI event is essential

and we were moving with the times 

- interesting and tasty filled wraps

A two tiered cake stand with a good choice of fairy cakes. -

Jean,  Penny and Jane enjoying the fare.

There was a welcome visit from Mary (Ex President of Stockbury WI, and ex County Chairman,) now living in Wales with her children's family. - and she was wearing a HAT as many others were.

There were two interesting quiz sheets, which Hollingbourne Members 

managed to complete (Oh, well nearly ).   Memorabilia, and a view of  the box pictures each institute had made earlier this year were on display. 

It was good to get together with members from the other 8 institutes in our District once again. 

- next time will be at the Carol service in December (doesn't time fly) 

Finally there was a cake,  and a drink of Brut Cava to toast the 100 years. 

2015 SAFARI MARKET - our 7th year.

It was a gloomy start to Saturday, but we were full of hope for a fine day. 

Jim and Derek had been working hard  putting  up the Gazebos for those on the field-

NOT WI members but Jim at least, is a WISH -  'WI Supportive Husband.' 

The £1 Pavilion was full of all kinds of bargains - including two sets of Golf Clubs!

Also there, the Hot Bacon and Sausage filled rolls filled the air with fantastic smells. and brought people in to sample them, with a nice cup of tea on the side. 

                            

Our cake stall provided delicious cakes to eat on site, and also large cakes to buy,

take home and eat in comfort.  

 It was publishing day for our New 90 year RECIPE BOOK  and many took the chance to discover lovely recipes and details of our history and  our members.  It is now available on a daily basis in Christopher's village shop £4 a copy - good for Christmas presents and a momentoe of Hollingbourne.

The Sun came out and it was soon on with the show, buyers were buzzing up and down the road

Three stalls in Tilefields.

Edna had a good selection of Jams, picked and chutneys to suit all tastes. 

Muskett Green, was a grassy spot with two stalls to enjoy.  It was good to see our old friends from previous years, enjoying the village and the day - and we hope to see them again next time.

Thanks to all our Members who did all the necessary jobs with a smile on their faces.

Centenary Follies = West Kent Federation celebrating 100 years of WI in Britain.

All WI's in West Kent were asked to  'do a turn' for this event held in the large hall at Ditton Kent. As usual Hollingbourne decided to put forward an 'Act'

Ably choreographed and coached over many months by our Mary Henderson - this was our team

plus of course many umbrellas  - and  our music was 'Singing in the Rain'

We practiced in the village hall, with a good line up

This is the finale.

Of course the actual event in Ditton saw us on the stage - and again - Don't we look good!

We were the opening Act.  - Umbrellas up- left and right

to the side, with a partner

Splashing in puddles

We all remembered the sequence of events - except Margaret's umbrella, which refused to close at 

a crucial moment. In the end she had to squash it closed with both hands, and kept it firmly under control in the closed position for the rest of the dance.

this was followed by sketches, poems, reminiscences,  etc ; LINE DANCING - Nashenden

The Swinging Sisters- Matfield - as you can see the bald heads were not WI Members, but WI husbands who had come along and really enjoyed the evening. 

Horsmonden -Four girls bright and beautiful looking for a Man-

One of these 4  very different 'girls' would appeal to any man surely?

At the end the  The Farleighs choir sang and we all joined in and sang Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory (coincidently it was the Last Night of the Proms) and we waved flags and the committee did a 'walk down' in a cross over pattern.

SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING - 

this was the event of the night.  The Farleighs - 4 ample ladies dressed in colourful victorian swimming costumes entertained us with crawl, backstroke, legs in the air, (one nearly drowned) 

It was so good and so funny that unfortunately I forgot to take pictures.

However - trolling the Internet I came across the photo below of 3 WI Presidents who took part in a Dry Synchronised swimming event earlier this month of 100 ladies, to celebrate the 100 years of WI

Jag Picknett of Bingley, Fiz Pimperton of Saltaire and Sara Mogford of Baildon.

Now you know NOT ALL WI LADIES have passed retirement age!

see www.Thetelegraphandargus.co.uk  13632529 28.8.15