DENMAN COLLEGE West Kent WI September 2010

DENMAN COLLEGE is the W.I's own Residential College near Abingdon. It runs all kind of courses throughout the year using the best tutors available from around the country. The courses run from one day to five days, are intensive, and anyone -member or not, can book a course and receive, tuition, full meals, ensuite accomodation and friendship from others who are also there to learn. This can be done on an individual basis, or Counties can book the whole college for themselves for a period. This September West Kent were here for four days. We had a choice of 6 courses which we had to book in advance , and had Coach transport to and from Kent.


The House is a beautiful classical style set in lovely grounds.

Each course will have a volunteer Hostesses - in this case Chris Klempau and Mary Clarke from West Kent, who smoothed away any problems that might occur, and gave us our room pass keys, name tags and room destinations

Inside there is a wonderful staircase in this lovely country house

and outside across the grass is the state of the art teaching centre.

The grounds are well tended and a delight with flowers and trees which must have been here for many many years.

The entrance hall is big enough to sit and relax in.

This plant had us all spellbound, and the gardener was asked many times for its name

Those undertaking the Great British Baking Course must have thought they had gone to Kitchen Heaven. Not only did they have their own 'cook station' with, fridge, cooker, hob, microwave, knives, chopping boards etc, but - like a TV chef - the ingredients came ready measured! Admittedly sinks and washing up had to be shared one between two, but is not much of an imposition. There were hands on sessions for soups, meat dishes, desserts, cakes and pasties and there was also a freezing facility to freeze the cooked items to take home.

Sneaking in to take photographs, the Chelsea buns and scones were already in bags, and by the way, you are never to old to learn. The oldest lady on this course was 90! She said she did learn a lot, but might not do it all when she got home!

(see separate part 2)

Denman college continued

The other courses were -
HAND BELLS - by then end of the week ,it seemed to the rest of us that they had mastered their craft, and gave a fantastic performance
PHOTOSHOP - by the end of their week, they had learned how to enhance ancient pictures; made black and white pictures into coloured ones; made pictures more perfect by removing unwanted telegraph poles or even unwanted people. In fact, they will never believe any picture in future!



Two courses enable people to get out and about -
with Shakespeare Country the Tutor gave illustrated lectures on the countryside, history and architecture of this beautiful shire county with trips that included Stratford on Avon and Warwick Castle.

Those who chose 'Autumn Getaway' had exercise , healthy eating and stress management, as well as talks on posture, healthy management and stress management plus two rambles on the Ridgeway and alongside the Thames. Line and country dancing , relaxation and Massage completed the course.

Richard Box was the tutor for 'Picture it, in Collage and Stitch' , he was inspiring, enthusiastic, helpful, quite a philosopher and a good laugh. Other Members from our District were from Hollingbourne, Bearsted and Thurnham and a mother and daughter from Detling. None of us had done this kind of collage, but all were converted by the end of the course

We had plenty of space to work , and to spread the equipment we had brought with us. - Sewing machine, scissors, and as many scraps of different coloured fabrics as we could bring with us.

We started with a 'simple'project - Primroses. We were given the pattern, the fabrics, the glue, and any cottons we wanted.

We cut the first petals out tentatively, a) the cut petals , and other shapes were stuck with glue to the hessian.

b) these were zigzaged very roughly to the hessian.

c) we hand stitched(large needle, large stitches)

d) we machine stitched (without machine foot, with gold thread)

and all of a sudden we had finished.

2 people were still working theirs when this photo was taken - We were very pleased with the results, and with a mount and a frame they will be worth a small fortune!

This project continued throughout the course, but in addition on day two we started our own individual masterpieces.

We each chose our own design and worked away enthusiastically glueing, sticking, sewing and exchanging fabrics with one another to ensure we had done as much as possible before having to carry on the project at home

This one was started by a Bearsted and Thurnhan Member and may not look much like the picture on the left, but that is where the inspiration came from.

The Hollingbourne member chose seagulls on a beach.
The cut out shows the original plan.

Wavy strips of fabric in sand and water colours were stuck and sewn across the hessian. The hope is that the largest seagull is to be a gleaming bird in whites greys and silvers- we shall see.

In this lovely example by a member from Stockbury , the background is made up of small scraps of odd shaped fabrics which will be machine, and hand stitched. The Insect is still 'work in progress' and already gleams far more than is apparent from the picture.

In the next year we are hoping to run a District Collage course using Richard Box's methods, packs of patterns and fabrics, and his DVD, if you might be interested please ring Margaret Weaver on 01622 880497

DENMAN is open all year , any one can take advantage of the numerous courses available and you don't even have to be a member( though non members will have to pay slightly more.) Husbands can join in some of the courses, and you will find information at http://www.thewi.org.uk/ click on Denman. - YOU WON'T BELIEVE THE VARIETY OF COURSES AVAILABLE - from one day to 5 days.

If you are reluctant to go on your own, it is hoped to arranged another West Kent study trip in two years time, and Mary Clarke of Stockbury WI is the West Kent Representative to contact.

Safari Competition winner Delia Roberts

The person who visited the most sales, and correctly wrote down the name of the 'picture' on each one, received the prize of a cake stand (donated by MollyBlog) - full of fairy cakes made by the WI.
Last Year's winner rode around on his bicycle - this years winner Delia Roberts walked all 53, including those out at Greenway - CONGRATULATIONS - don't eat the cakes all at once!

Tthe SUN SHONE on our SAFARI MARKET

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37 Garage sales last year- This year the sign says 45, but in the end

WE HAD 55 (Fiftyfive) What a day- the sun shone, around 500 people came into the village, and had a great time.

The NEARLY NEW BOUTIQUE with its Bridal Display was run by Janice Butler, Mary Henderson and Jean Kelly and had over 550 items on sale and was a great success.
The place was buzzing all day, the changing room and mirrors in great demand.
Three local WI's from Bearsted and Leeds sold delicious homemade cakes and craft from the Lance memorial Field and all cakes were sold out long before closing time.
Edna and Anna selling their well known Jams Preserves and Chutneys from Tanyard Green
Plenty of time to stop and stare at this hand worked wood, during this slow shopping day (also on Tanyard Green)

At Jack's Lane we found the Young entrepreneur of the year.Getting to know the neighbours and their bric a brac, in an area unknown to most residents.

In Hasteds Mary and Barbara, had punters finding their bargains underneath the stall.

Some sellers were lucky and some not so lucky,( but naming no names), we understand that one stall holder - sold a Piano and another her entire collection of 45's records - (for undisclosed sums) and made enough profit for a decent celebration.

Band of the Corps of the Royal Engineers

The WI West Kent Federation , presented a concert by the Band on 11 September at Mote Hall Maidstone. Members from all over the County enjoyed a wonderful evening of music conducted by the Director of Music Major Neil Morgan and Bandmaster Matt Speight.

A selection of marches, overtures and film scores including Pirates of the Caribbean comprised the first half, and then after the interval we had our own 'Last night of the proms' - with Hornpipe, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem, and the Pomp and Circumstance. We were encouraged to sing, and we did! (picture is of the correct Band, though not from this performance- instead I borrowed from the internet)

21st September 2010. 7.30pm

Mr Gerry Harris will give us a talk - FASHION IN PAINTING. He will use slides to illustrate his talk, and we will learn that there is a lot more to a' pretty picture' than we expect.

Each member should bring along their favourite fashion picture, - either from a book, postcard or magazine - or even a picture of themselves in sartorial elegance! See you there.

A summer day in Cliftonville

Each August instead of the usual WI Meeting we get out and about. Last year it was Hollingbourne Millenium Green for a lovely picnic, but this year we decided to go to Cliftonville to the Living Museum - The Walpole Bay Hotel.

Leaving Grey skies over Hollingbourne we stopped for a leisurely brunch in Birchington, and then followed the coast road round to Margate Harbour to inspect (from the car) the New Turner Centre, which is well on the way to completion. By the time we reached the Walpole Bay Hotel the sun was trying its best to shine. Two members who are also Bowlers notice the Indoor bowling centre and made enquiries regarding a future venue for a Hollingbourne Short Mat Bowls fixure .





The Hotel was built in 1914, and is being restored by the Bishop Family. - apart from the decor and architecture of the time and a ballroom with original 1920's sprung maple floor, the whole place is full of old memorabilia, and equipment. There is a lovely flower covered veranda and lots of events throughout the year. At the time we visited its programme included being part of the Burlesque on the Beach festival with ladies such as Sassy Sparkle and Jeu Jeu la Follies, and a Grand Ball on 21st August. It is a full time Hotel and can be contacted on 01843 221703 or its website is http://www.walpolebayhotel.co.uk/.

We had been looking forward to our cream tea, and we were not disappointed - it was delicious! The teapot, water and cream jugs were all original, enscribed 'Walpole Bay' and had been found hidden in the basement when the present owners took over.


By the time we left the hotel the sun was shining, and we were able to enjoy a walk along the Prom taking in the sea air - a great way to spend a day.


OUR JULY MEETING BROUGHT 10 VISITORS!



It was a great success, with Jane Marshall our speaker/singer enthusiastically testing our larynx, diaphragm and posture before encouraging us to sing. We tried individual notes, and sounds, and finally sung in three part harmony (At least that was what she said it was). We all felt much better for it.

Finally with our tea, we had three autumn cakes to taste. One was a cider cake, another with cinnamon icing, and a beautiful looking cake glazed with apple slices. C & H fabrics have a competiton for a cake that will be produced and sold in their tea room this Autumn - and we were choosing one to represent Hollingbourne WI. The winner by a short crumb, was the Cinnamon cake made by Joyce Riggall. As we had eaten them all up, Joyce will have to make another to submit to C & H Fabrics - well done Joyce.

SUGARCRAFT WORKSHOP JUNE 2010

Three of our Members - Joyce Riggall, Rita Moon and Joyce Walker joined the Sugarcraft Flower Workshop at West Kent WI Headquarters in Pembury for a Dayschool

These are the finished projects. A worthwhile result for enjoyable day of endeavour and these flowers are all for the eating!

A lot of time and hard work are involved so they are mainly used for a special occasion cakes - weddings, anniversaries etc, but perhaps we will be lucky and some will be served up at our next WI Meeting.

DISTRICT WALK JUNE 2010- LED BY HOLLINGBOURNE WI

On a wonderful, warm June evening we showed members of other Institutes, the well used footpaths 'around the houses'. A map of the route with the origin of the houses we passed added to the interest, and of course - the best part - a cool drink in the garden of The Sugar Loaves rounded the evening off.

NEXT MONTH'S DISTRICT WALK - 27th August 10.am.from the Ringleston Arms Car Park, Harrietsham led by Bearsted and Thurnham WI.

A circular walk with one hill,to be taken slowly.Ring Sara Gemmelli 01622734690 by 20th August if you want to book Lunch after the walk.

TRIATHLON- the Challenge set by WI NATIONAL

Val (our President) does look as if she has just swum the Channel, but the task is not so great!

Each WI has been set a challenge to Walk, Bicyle, and Swim to achieve (combined) triathlon miles and Hollingbourne is well on the way to its targets -

The Walkers and Riders have achieved their goals, but the Swimmers have a few more lengths to do. The Sebastian Coe Health Club have allowed the team free swims and Val Williams, Ann Stout and Margaret Weaver show how they enjoyed this one. Jean Kelly offered to do one swim and covered 100 lengths! - but even one length is enough to become part of the team.

A full report and more pictures will follow.

20th July Meeting. 8.15 Village Hall

Have Fun with your voice,

Learn how it works,

and SING !

Jane Marshall trained at the London College of Music will lead a vibrant 'have a go' singing session for All Hollingbourne voices - Female and Male - so why not come along?

A Cake tasting session will follow. Visitors - £2 for a light hearted summer's evening.

RECYCLING TALK AND 'HANDS ON' CRAFT EVENING

In June our recycling talk from mbc environmental services gave us all the facts, and we now understand that though most things can be recycled, a balance has to be struck between the environmental benefit and the cost involved. The Pick up lorries have two or three different compartments, so although it may appear that different types of rubbish are put in the same lorry, it is definitely split. (we were assured of this)

Following the talk, members used recycled items to make models of a lady or gentleman from a past age, to take home for their windowsill/grandchild/or just for themselves. Even those who were reluctant to start became enthusiastic by the end. We had a lot of fun, and all learned the benefits of double sided sellotape!

A FEW OF US JOINED LEEDS WI. TRIP TO THE ROMNEY MARSH CHURCHES

St Peter and St Paul, Newchurch

E Nesbitt's Grave at St Mary The Virgin, St Mary in the Marsh


St Clement, New Romney

St George, IvyChurch

On a beautiful Summer's Day in June our coach took us to Brooklands village for early coffee and biscuits, followed by a first rate historical tour of the first two churches, then a lovely Pub lunch and two more churches before finishing with a WI tea served by the members of Brenzett WI. We were full of food, and historical facts, and went home very happy and exhilarated. Having visited 4 churches last year we hope to complete the set (14) next year.

Many of these churches are open for you to visit, especially in the summer. The secretary of the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust, Elizabeth Marshall will be pleased to help you on 01580 241529

WI MEETING 15th June 2010 7.30 pm.

RECYCLING
The talk at this meeting will be by Maidstone Borough Council Environmental Services
They will tell us about their modern methods of dealing with our rubbish and we can take the opportunity to ask them - ARE THEY DOING ENOUGH?

Following on we shall have a 'hands on' session - Craft for all - making something special out of nothing important- wait for pictures!

THE DISTRICT WALK FOR JUNE -
21st June from Leeds Church Car Park. 6.30 pm To Otham Green and Stoneacre -
4 Miles with a stop for a drink and a chat at the George Pub at the end.

HOLLINGBOURNE VILLAGE FETE 5th June 2010 Caribbean Carnival Theme

Margaret Weaver in CARIBBEAN Costume on the WI Stall
A float in the Carnival Procession

A Two Young Pirates of the Caribbean!
This year's fete was better and bigger than ever with Caribbean Sunshine all the way.

NFWI AGM CARDIFF ARENA 2 JUNE 2010

Each year the WI AGM is held in several venues through England and Wales. This year it was in Cardiff, and West Kent's members travelled in two buses. There were over 6000 members present most single members representing 3 or 4 Institutes, though some members were there as observers.

WE WERE TREATED TO A WHISTLESTOP TOUR OF CARDIFF

The Millenium Stadium for fans of Rugby

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING & THE WALES MILLENIUM CENTRE

CARDIFF BAY

A VIEWING OF THE ENTRIES FOR THE MAKOWER PATCHWORK CHALLENGE

There were some exciting patchwork wall hangings from this year's competition.

THE WI NATIONAL CHAIRMAN LED THE MEETING

Ruth Bond introduced herself to us,she is a very nice person - capable, hardworking and knowledgeable, but she seems to be 'one of us' and is not in any way a 'toff'
She told us that the Membership had risen to 207,000. with an increase of 18,641 in the last year.She said that the WI was an itch which would not go away - ENJOY IT.
We heard from the National Treasurer, with the good news that the VAT Office had refunded £1.4 million to the WI being part of the VAT on subscriptions over the last 37 years(with interest)

THE RESOLUTION. - This meeting urges HM Govenment to introduced Clear and Mandatory labelling of food with true country of origin.
The Institute moving this resolution said that this was a resolution about Truth or Lack of Truth. At present producers can legally mis-inform us, and this must be changed, so that where the animal originated was clearly marked,and Not the place it was last processed.After interesting comment from the floor, the voting was
6273 Institutes For,---55 Institutes against.and it was therefore carried, and the work necessary to present this to the Government will be carried out.
We were brought up to date on the progress of previous resolutions, current Campaigns and Denman College.

OUR EXTERNAL SPEAKERS WERE -

JOHN BERCOW - THE 157TH Speaker of the House of Commons, who spoke to us by Video Link. He told us 7 of his predecessors had been executed and one murdered and hoped he would fare better. We shall see!

AN INSPIRING MAN

TIM SMIT -
A Rock Musician, Founder of the Eden Project,and the Lost Gardens of Helligan. What a busy and interesting man. He is arranging the BIG LUNCH again this year and wants us all to join in.

AN INSPIRING WOMAN

GWEN PARRY JONES.
Believe it or not, she is the Station Director for Heysham Nuclear Power Station with a staff of 500. Among other things she told us that Nuclear Power and Wind Power both have the same carbon footprint!

ONLY MEN ALOUD ENTERTAINED US

We were lucky to hear and see this very popular Male Voice Choir from Wales and they brought the house down They sung a medley of English and Welsh songs, and several Tom Jones Numbers. They overran their allotted time, but there were no complaints - many members were calling for more. Finally we (including Only Men Aloud) sang Jerusalem, The National Anthem and Land of my fathers in Welsh) What a really good event -If YOU have the opportunity to go next year - TAKE IT! you will not be disappointed