WI News December 2018

November 2018 was filled with so many worthwhile activities. Janice organised for a tableful of WI members to enjoy the ‘Only Remembered’ musical revue of 100 years ago. Thought provoking readings contrasted with the jolly songs of the day. Of course we loved the tributes to the suffragettes and the WI.

November 11th was a day to remember, with the service in the church and the poppy displays from so many village organisations. Then we walked down to the war memorial where poppy wreaths were laid.  The P100 project at The Meadows Trust was well documented in December’s magazine. We felt privileged to be asked to serve tea and cakes for the event where we met so many people. The lighting of the Beacon was memorable. We stayed until late to mull over the events of the day and watch the Beacon and the candles flickering in the dark.

The following evening we were on top form to beat The Farleighs in our second Darts Match, at The Sugar Loaves. However our next match, following a tortuous journey to Brenchley, was a close defeat.   We enjoyed afternoon tea with the team. Ian’s coaching is paying off because we start working out our finishing tactics much earlier in the game.

Saturday 17th was our Dance at the Village Hall. Mary organised for the excellent caller John Sweeney who had dancers on their feet from the start. It was so good to see such a range of ages all dancing and laughing together all night.   Karen, whose role is to encourage the faint hearted to join in, said how enthusiastic everybody was from the very beginning. No encouragement needed. We would like to thank all who came for making it such a friendly and fun evening. We do plan to run the event again, probably in October. 

The month rolled on with seven members taking a trip with Detling WI to the International Military Tattoo in Birmingham. ots of bands, displays, dogs, pipe bands  and the testosterone filled Gun Crews Competition between Army, Navy and Airforce.

The Meadows Trust AGM was truly inspiring as their plans for the future were rolled out. We can look forward to even more innovative ideas coming to fruition to enhance our lives in Hollingbourne.

Twenty members enjoyed the Christmas Broadway Show party at The Great Danes organised for us by Sue Woodhouse.   Four and a half hours of dancing, singing, dining and socialising in a very smart setting. We are proud to announce that Jane Orgill won the Best Dressed Broadway Character – she was a very convincing Cat with an extremely long tail.

We have collected greenery from around Hollingbourne and five of us spent an enjoyable afternoon making Christmas wreaths together.

We really enjoyed the School Christmas party with lots of cake and wonderful singing. We were met and greeted and waited on most courteously. Weren’t we lucky?

You are invited to join us for our January meeting at 8pm for 8.15pm, when Maureen Rainey from the Kent Wildlife Trust will help us to make our gardens friendly to birds with her talk ‘Wild About Birds’.

£3 on the door.   880433/382


Val Williams
Secretary Hollingbourne WI

West Kent Carols 2018

Nine members of Hollingbourne WI atttended All Saints Church in Maidstone for the West Kent Carols 2018.  We enjoyed several carols and readings plus being entertained by West Peckham Hand Bells.

Each WI was asked to make a wreath to hang at the end of the pews and Rosemary Pollock kindly made the beautiful Hollingbourne one (Pictured below).

Hollingbourne 2018 Christmas Party

Hollingbourne WI held their Christmas Party on Tuesday 11th December in their Village Hall.

Twenty five members attended and twenty seven guests.  The guests included members of other WIs, Ethel Hunt Executive Officer Jane Backshall and her husband, gentlemen in Hollingbourne who come to our aid when we need some muscles! our local Vicar and his wife, past members plus a few husbands who were allowed out on best behaviour.

 
The evening started with a delicious hot meal of either Edna's famous steak and kidney pudding, chicken casserole or fish pie, plus vegetables.  This was followed by a choice of several puddings.  Many thanks to our members for all the cooking.

A couple of husbands, Meadow Trust men and the Vicar were then frog marched into the kitchen to do all the washing up (bless them).

We were entertained by 'Mixed Blessings' (Click here for short video) who are a group of approximately 30 local singers who sang a selection of Christmas songs acappella, finishing with carols that we joined in with, which put us all in the wonderful Christmas spirit.

One person on each table was lucky enough to take home the beautiful table decoration created by our very clever flower arranger Penny Smith.  Each member and guest were given a present of a 100 years centenary WI pen.

Hollingbourne would like to wish all our WI friends in Kent a very Happy New Year and look forward to meeting up with you during 2019.

Report by Mary Henderson

Great Danes Christmas party

Our Christmas party at the Great Danes Hotel in Hollingbourne. This year the dress theme was “movies”.

 Guess who? Jane won the best dressed. Well done.

Barn Dance in the Village Hall

On Saturday 17th November Hollingbourne WI held a Barn Dance in the Village Hall.  John Sweeney and his wife Karen provided the music and put us through our steps.

Hot food was available and the whole evening was enjoyed by everyone, whether you were dancing or just watching.
 
People went home either clutching a pumpkin or a wonderful raffle prize. WI will be thinking of repeating this again next year.

 Ten of the twenty pumpkins donated to us to decorate the stage.  

Luckily some people took one home with them! 

Barbara Gibbs, Sue Woodhouse and Jenny Cox having a rest in the kitchen before the queues arrive for jacket potatoes with either chilli or baked bean topping and grated cheese.  These ladies did a fantastic job and everyone received a piping hot potato.  WI ladies had cooked over 80 potatoes plus four big pots of chilli.

Everyone enjoying themselves.

The Hollingbourne WI’s 93rd Anniversary

The 11th October 2018 was 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 (a three house development constructed in 1970) next to the old Methodist Chapel, now known as Chapel House.

To celebrate the occasion the WI met up as near to the original site as possible for a photo shoot, which culminated with WI’s anthem (Click here for video).

WI News October 2018

Our September meeting showcased a remarkable presentation by Katie Ellis of The Able Label.   She opened with the story of why she started her company.  When caring for her grandmother, Katie realized how difficult it was for her to find clothes which were easy to put on and to be fashionable.   Having worked as a buyer for the White Stuff she was well placed to design and source easy on clothes in up to the minute styles.   Jane Orgil volunteered to try on the sample range – wearing gardening gloves-to experience how difficult it is for some people to dress themselves. 

On 20^th September four members visited the District Art and Craft event in Bearsted.   Where they were shown how to make some delightful Christmas items.

The Lunch Club visited their favourite venue in September – The Fox and Goose in Weavering.   They are always made to feel so welcome and enjoy the home made meals which are always good value.

Five of our members plus two other sopranos from Hollingbourne presented the Hazlitt Choir Concert on 26^th September.   It was extremely well received, due no doubt to the extensive rehearsals and benefitting from the services of two conductors and a superb drummer.   It was great fun.

On 2^nd October 3 members and Alan joined eight District WIs for a visit to Bletchley Park.   It was almost overwhelming – so much information to take in.   Whilst I could understand how the Enigma machine worked, the deciphering process needs closer study.   An intriguing day out.

Mary attended a Driving Day at Rochester organised by National WI.    She took part in First Response on the Scene Training, a scene investigation workshop and a one to one driving session with an advanced motorist observer.   She is an even better driver now!   Well done Mary.

Ian Harmer is kindly continuing with the Darts Team training at the Sugar Loaves.   He advised playing 301 and 401 starting and of course ending with doubles (for the darts afficianados).   First  competition match will be  against Loose WI,  later on in October.

The last of our meetings which are open to the public will be on Tuesday 20^th November and we will finish on a high.   AROUND THE WORLD IN A DOUBLE DECKER BUS – Richard King will be telling us all about this saga which started in 1969.   He and his musical friends took to the road in a converted bus.   On their journey they became honorary citizens of Texas, they performed for the Shah of Iran….so many great stories!

Tickets are £3 on the door starting at 8pm.   Phone 880433/382 to book your place

_______ 

Another reminder of our Social Event for Hollingbourne on Saturday 17^th November at 7.30pm.   Although advertised as a Barn Dance, it will of course be taking place in our own Village Hall.   John Sweeney, the caller is good at getting people to join in the dances which are English Country and so varied that we will find something for everybody to enjoy.  An easy going social event to brighten up the start of winter with hot food served during the interval.   Bring your own drinks and glasses.   Tickets £8 from 880382/734370.

Val Williams

Secretary Hollingbourne WI

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.

WI News June 2018

The NFWI (that is the National Federation of WIs) from time to time launches a campaign to embrace all members in England and Wales.   In June this was a Healthy Living and Wellbeing week.   Mary and Jean worked together to produce a check list of healthy foods and a way of recording our activities for the week.   We also visited KIMS hospital, followed by a delightful walk around Mote Park. We played Petanque on the court on the Lance Memorial Field.

After this we felt less guilt when we attended the aptly named Madginford Pie Lunch – with salads – and desserts.

We enjoyed the Summer Concert in the Church given by Kathryn Norman and Brian White.

Our June meeting feature Annie Kemkaran-Smith talking about Lady Baillie’s role in the refurbishment of Leeds Castle.   Our many visitors enjoyed the opening video showing the changes to the castle throughout the ages and the question and answer session afterwards. We felt that this was a particularly smooth and informative presentation.

The next day we were off – cruising – down the Medway on the Kentish Lady to Teston Bridge and back.   A sunny, delightful, beautiful view of Kent, all well organised by Sue complete with a Fish and Chips lunch.

We went to the open air theatre productions by the LADS (Leeds Amateur Dramatic Society) in Rosemary’s garden.   Terrific views provided a backdrop to the two delightful plays.

Our Midsummer Celebration on the 23rd June was the best ever. With the help of the Meadows Trust we enjoyed our American Picnic (look on the blog to see Ben’s obvious delight), a walk around the dedicated trees, poetry reading and guitar playing, finishing by sitting around a firebowl and chatting into the night was a great end to a lovely evening. It was good to see so many people there.

The North Downs District group of WIs held their AGM at Stockbury – a scenic journey in June.The speaker, who talked about ‘Voices from Victorian London, made his presentation in costume and in character. He was so scary that we were quite pleased when he finished – the twilight contributing to the eeriness.

Holidays beckon so Jean will keep you up to date on the summer activities of our members for the September edition.

Val Williams
Secretary Hollingbourne WI

Mid-Summer Picnic in the Meadows

 This was the second Mid-Summer Picnic in the Meadows, and once again we were lucky with the weather.

Food glorious food. Janice admires the spread…

 And the picnic begins

Andrew Snowden with Bracken, who was behaving well until he knocked Andrew’s beer over!

 Ben tucks into his new diet...

 And shows off his new mug we presented to him in thanks for his help. 

 The Virgin balloon makes an appearance having taken off from The Great Danes Hotel.

 Jane Orgill recites her poem. If I remember correctly it was by Rudyard Kipling...

 And gets a well-deserved applause.

Jean Talboys recites her poem.

This was the first of the 114 trees visited. If the trees sponsor was present, and if willing, they read the plaque out loud and gave a short history as to why it was sponsored. As each tree concluded an electronic candle was laid at its base.

Tree number 49, a Whitebeam, and our tree. And yes we all sang Jerusalem.

ON 11 OCTOBER 2015

THIS TREE WAS DEDICATED 

TO CELEBRATE 90 YEARS

OF THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

IN HOLLINGBOURNE

AND 100 YEARS

OF THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

IN GREAT BRITAIN

As the sun set and dusk fell, the candle lights came into their own, giving an almost mystical appearance.

A picture of Adriana, at the very limit of my camera, with the lights disappearing into the distance.

WI News May 2018

Our May meeting was our Annual Meeting, when we discussed the Resolution ‘Mental Health Matters’ which will be put to the AGM of the National Federation of the WI, this year held in Cardiff..  Jane Orgill organized the lively debate amongst our members and we voted to back the resolution.

This was followed by our elections which was overseen by two Tellers from Leeds WI. Janice Butler was re-elected as President and has agreed to serve for another year with additional help from all the members. Nine committee members were elected and their roles will be decided at the next meeting.

Janice and I took the number 13 bus to Leeds to join a District walk led by Sadie, around Leeds footpaths, to admire the bluebells and the truly stunning views of Leeds Castle. A delicious cream tea at the George rounded off a great afternoon.

Our darts team attended the final of the Federation Darts Tournament at Tovil Working Mens’ Club.  Whilst we felt that our scoring was as good as the winning team from Catford we are seriously thinking about getting some coaching help!  It’s the doubles you know.

The Lunch Club really enjoyed their visit to the Pepperbox at Ulcome, thanks to Sue’s organization.
We spent a great morning at the Sugar Loaves watching the Royal Wedding – brilliant audience participation followed with a nice Barbeque in the evening.

Jenny, Janice and Leslie represented Hollingbourne WI at the West Kent Federation Centenary Garden Party. Dressed to the nines they enjoyed the gardens of Marlborough House School at Hawkhurst. There was a craft and produce display, an exhibition of memorial books with hand painted pictures representing all the Federation WIs (including Rosemary Pollock’s page for Hollingbourne). They were entertained by the Lindy Hop Dancers and a talented soprano singing well known classics

Four of us sang at the Proms in the Park in Maidstone on a sunny Saturday in May as part of the Hazlitt Choir.

We enjoyed Hollingbourne’s Fete in June, dressed as Suffragettes, following the Heroes theme! Our Hook a Duck was really popular again and the highest score was hooked by Hadley, who won Penny Smith’s Duck Cake to share with her family! Thank you to everybody who had a go.

On Tuesday 17th July at 8.15 The Blackthorn Lyres will be demonstrating their modern handmade instruments in a programme of short pieces. The lyre is a chamber instrument which lends itself to quiet listening – soothing the soul, beautiful and therapeutic. We would love to share with you this rare opportunity to enjoy a unique musical experience. We advise that you phone 880433/382 to secure a seat.

Report by Val Williams

Secretary Hollingbourne WI

Games afternoon in the Sugar Loaves

On 8th of May we held a games afternoon in the Sugar Loaves.

There were six ladies and the games played were Ludo, Othello, as well as Tiddlywinks which Jane cheated at. 

A lovely afternoon with of course cake and biscuits.

WI News April 2018

Mary Henderson organized an evening at the Hazlitt Theatre to see Maidstone's Amateur Operatic Society's production of ‘Guys and Dolls'. Nothing amateur about this production. 'Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat! was rendered with so much gusto - terrific!

Our March meeting was a lively two-hander — a presentation by Shaun Cardwell and Ben Williams about the history and daily work of the Meadows Trust. We realised how lucky we are in Hollingbourne to have such an enterprising and forward-thinking organization looking after our green spaces.

Janice, Jane Deaves and Jane Orgill went to the Federation's ACM in Tunbridge Wells. There was the usual rigorously-presented 'business' report of the year followed by the exciting speaker, Baroness Floella Benjamin - actress, presenter, broadcaster and parliamentarian. So inspiring.

Our quiz in March was a jolly affair. The Quiz Master, Cat Brown, suffered a nasty attack of laryngitis on the day, but her parents, Jackie and Chris, came to the rescue. From setting up the technology to presenting the questions, the whole event ran very smoothly - including the newspaper, foil and sellotape creative round. A good time was had by all.

Lunch Club ventured to the Fish on the Square in Lenham; an attractive restaurant with wonderful murals! The charms of Lenham include an antique shop, and a bakery, which seem to have a licence to cook the biggest buns in Britain.

Having caught the Quiz Bug we sent a team to the Loose W.I. to try our luck. We have close associations with the Loose ladies, born of the W.I. Darts' competition.

Sue Woodhouse and I attended a Home Economics Day at Ditton, We heard Craig Brown, of Fare Share who distribute supermarket goods to charity, Gillian Waines Perry who told us the fascinating history of Afternoon Tea, and a talk about Sustainable Fish, with a fish filleting and cookery demonstration.

As I write, we have heard the bad news that The Blackthorn Lyres have cancelled their appearance with us due to illness, so we are organizing a members-only social event.

Our meeting in May is a members' only affair when we elect our committee and President. We discuss the annual Resolution — Mental Health Matters - which will be voted on by The National Federation of W.I.’s at the ACM in Cardiff.

We look forward to seeing you all at our Hook-a-Duck Stall at the Hollingbourne Fete. It is a test of skill for all ages, with lovely badges, and of course - if you are really lucky - you could win a family cake to share, designed and baked by Penny Smith.

Report by Val Williams

Secretary Hollingbourne WI

Centenary Show

Hollingbourne ladies appeared in the show. They were " The Jazz Scarves"

A most enjoyable show and evening.