Our final speaker of the year at the November meeting
delighted members and visitors alike. Simon Ginnaw’s superb presentation ‘A
year in the life of Mote Park' combined beautiful photographs with a soundtrack
of birdsong of the Park's resident birds.
He told us about the history of the
Park and its buildings, including long tunnels which open up in the estates
beyond its borders. Simon's knowledge and love of Mote Park were so well
communicated to us in this brilliant talk - making us realise what a gem we
have on our own doorstep.
As members of Hollingbourne WI we are entitled to join
workshops and themed days organized by our West Kent Federation; which is why
we could enjoy a Home Economics Day at Sevenoaks, featuring a very
sophisticated Floral Art demonstration, and 'Sloe Seduction' which used the
humble sloe combined with chocolate and gin to make delicious treats.
We visited Bearsted WI Hall to enjoy a Christmas Cookery
Demonstration (with samples) and we sang carols at All Saints Church, Bearsted,
where Jenny Cox read a John Betjeman poem.
Another early celebration of Christmas was enjoyed at The
Great Danes 'Mamma Mid party. Our varied interpretations of Abba outfits got us
into the mood to enjoy the singing and dancing. There was a Christmas dinner,
shopping and more dancing. Our thanks to Sue Woodhouse who organized for twenty
of us to have a great time together.
Not such good news on the Darts tournament. We lost to The
Farleighs 2 0 and then to Yalding by the same score. The consolation was that
we did spend some time with some old friends and we enjoyed two wonderful
suppers.
We hope that you all enjoyed the results of the leaflet
drop, jointly completed with the Meadows Trust, and that you will support our
local businesses and charities.
Six of us got together for our annual Christmas
wreath-making morning, using local greenery and all looking very different. As
I write we are in full preparation for our Christmas Party followed by a long
lie down.
The Pancake race is on Thursday 8th February 2018 - see
announcement.
Our first speaker of the year truly lives up to the WI motto
'Inspiring Women’. Philippa Joyner is a working mum of two who commutes from
Hollingbourne to her place of work in Mayfair. She uses her journey time to
write books for children, basing the protagonists loosely on her own family.
In
her illustrated talk, THE ANOUKA CHRONICLES - A CONTEMPORARY NARNIA, Philippa
will tell us how she became a published author and she will also read from her
books. Being read to is one of life's pleasures and we are looking forward to
our first treat of the year.
Tickets are £3 on the door. We start after 8pm when the
business part of our meeting is over. We hope to see you there.
Report by Val Williams
Secretary Hollingbourne WI
Secretary Hollingbourne WI
