PRINCESS POCAHONTAS - The ship (not the film or the Native American.

Northdowns District has 9 W.I's and from Time to Time we get together to enjoy ourselves.

In September 2011 we took a trip on the MV Pocahontas from Gravesend, via Greenwich to Westminster on the River Thames. (plus return to Gravesend)
The Ship seems bigger than it looks with seats for all on one of three levels. Food and drink can be bought on board or packed lunches can be taken on board to enjoy as the day goes on.

Gravesend town may seem all one way streets and hussle and bustle,

but on the river all was calm.

though the River Police were zooming around and in this case caught up with people using skidoos too fast and in the wrong area.

We passed ships of all kinds - here a small container ship

A New view of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge (The Dartford Crossing)

What appeard to be a 'Rust Bucket' but was in fact a working dredger.

Several Thames Barges in full sail.

and we passed through the Thames Flood barrier with the gates open. Take the opportunity on 9th October to see the barrier closed all the way across. There is a car park on the south side of the Thames with a visitor centre which will give an excellent view. 5.25am to 15.25pm.
We stopped at Greenwich for travellers to get on and off. As it was exactly 12 we were able to see the Time Ball on the top of the Greenwich Observatory rise and fall to indicate the time.(see the small church like building above the trees in the middle)

ABRAMOVICH' yacht - The small one apparently) was moored in sight of a new building.(see next picture)

For those of you who don't know, he is a Russian, and the Owner and Chairman of Chelsea Football Club
THE SHARD - to me it looks like a glass windmill without the sails to see.- But no doubt people will pay millions to live in it.
Passing The Tower of London, WI Members from Lenham & Bearsted Green

(Lenham Institute are not in the Northdowns District but we had invited them along as well)
Beneath the London Eye, A Bearsted and Thurnham husband enjoying the view.
Inge from Lenham, passing Big Ben and The Palace of Westminster. This was as far as we went, as it was a high tide, and there river level was also high due to previous rain, and we could not get under Westminster Bridge.
Throughout the journey upstream we had a constant commentary explaining the names of the places we passed - their history, who had or had not given the agreement for planning (and whether our man agreed with them or not), where the RSPB sites were etc etc. The names and ages of the ships, the creeks and docks and so much more. He was a mine of information having worked on the Thames from around 1960. When we passed vessels such as The Portway above, our 'hooter' was sounded and they responded.

It really is a day to remember. The season ends this month, but make sure you take the trip next year, you will not regret it. - So much to see and you don't have to stand up or walk - what ever your age you will be sure to enjoy it. 01732 353448

SAFARI 2011 - ALL KINDS OF WEATHER but the stoic British carry on.

With 44 stalls on the map, plus a few late comers, this year's Safari promised much!

The weather also provided much - sun, rain, cloud, more rain, sun, more rain, but finally it cleared up at 3pm.- our finishing time, but just right for the Meadows Garden Party which started at 3.

There were stalls that grew and grew.

Stalls with great PR, which were determined to make themselves known,

even if they were 50 yards back from the main road

There were those that catered for children with indepth knowledge of each game.- and also realised that at some time or another that a Tent would be essential before the day was out.

There were all kinds of fabulous tents - one was not enough

and two more

In the Cardwell Pavilion Joyce Walker was cooking up tasty filled rolls - sausage or bacon. She roped in her daughter and her granddaughter to help and our thanks go to them.

The tea-makers, Hilary, Joyce, Jane, Rita and Janice provided a much needed service.

This year we staged an Art Display/Sale with exhibits from village and

Institute Members. Sylvia Snowdon's husband George brought along

some lovely examples of his watercolours.

Madginford WI provided a mouthwatering display of cakes in a Gazebo on the field, but when the rain came down retreated to the Pavilion.

Leeds WI had not only cakes, but pickles, jam and vegetables. -

They again found shelter on the Pavilion's verandah.

This picture says it all! with the stall holders Barbara and Edre, at the same time happy and disgusted. To fully appreciate their expression you need to get this full size on your screens.

The competition for the most visited stalls, was won by Ruby Jeffrey. Continuing the art theme, each stall had a picture of ' An Old Master' which the competitor had to note, and the prize was a JigSaw of THE MONA LISA.

A GREAT DAY WHAT EVER THE WEATHER

A Celebration of Mellow Fruitfulness

20th September 2011 - 8.15pm

Marianne Ball returns to give a demonstration of Seasonal Cooking, at our September Meeting, using easily sourced ingredients. These recipes can be used time and again and will become family favourites. This will be followed by tastings and recipe sheets will be available.

It is an OPEN MEETING so anyone can come along and enjoy the evening.

(£2 including refreshments) Contact number 01622880433

SAFARI MARKET

GARAGE SALES

SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Remember 2009 and 2010 What a great day we had.

Last year there were around 500 people in the village and

this year they will be back again.

TO SELL -

If you live in the Village and want to sell from your doorstep or garage use a Booking form from the village magazine or just put £4 in an envelope with your name and address, and put it through the letter box of 82 Eyhorne Street,( near Hasteds) and you will be on the MAP!

TO BUY -

Just come along between 9 and 3 -

use the free signed parking spots -

bring a large bag and buy, buy buy!

There will be hot and cold food, a craft stall and

Art Exhibition at the Cardwell Pavilion

See you there.

August 2011 - A Railway Rendezvous and a Local Lunch

We had all heard of the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, but most of us had never been on it, so off we set for a Toy train ride through the countryside from Hythe to Dungeness. We chose a carriage with no windows and certainly enjoyed the fresh air on the way, though the smuts from the steam engine boiler did get in the eyes. There were so many passengers that more coaches were added, and people jumped on and off at the various stations.At Dungeness there was the New Light House to see, and a walk out to the edge of the sea where people were fishing, and the sea was a lovely greeny blue with white heads on the waves, and the sun shone.
The Power station and Old Light house could be visited, but we had another agenda
A delicious lunch of Fish and Chips. - certain members also managed large portions of pudding of various kind. We just had time to view a local art exhibition and then we were back on the train. It is run on a 15 inch guague and there are lots of different engines that pull the trains, some steam and some diesel.

LOCAL LUNCH

Earlier the same week a member invited us to her private oasis, next to the Bourne, in Hollingbourne. We had a picnic lunch - it was idilic, and it was so good to have Sue Weightman with us after a long absence.

The cows, moorhens, cootes and fish leisurely went about their business and took no notice of us.

What more could you want on a summer's day.

Are we in Poland, Scotland or a Kentish Bog?

In June our DISTRICT WALK to us to HOTHFIELD HEATHLANDS NATURE RESERVE. It is one of the last ancient heathlands in England, and also contain's Kent's last 4 Valley bogs.

There are two herds of animals that help to keep the vegetation under control. First some beautiful Polish Konic Ponies, each with a black line down their spines, a velvety coat and a wonderful nature. Our leader was Mr Hall a warden who showed us the animals, insects and flora of the area.

Jean Talboys and Mr Hall with the Ponies

The second herd is of Highland Cattle - Jean Kelly getting in close

and the results from her camera.

The first of our flora was the bog cotton - you can see this part is rather wet but we had been warned to wear strong shoes

next was the yellow bog asphodel and the Heath Spotted Orchid

and the round-leaved sundew awaiting unsuspecting insects for it's prey

Southern Marsh Orchid
At this time of year it is the Orchids that draw people here-but it is such a different landscape - most of Kent seems to be cultivated or in private ownership -

here it is wild and open heath and bog.

Hothfield Heathand is owned by Ashford Borough Council and Kent Wildlife Trust - You will find it to the south side of the A20 between Charing and Ashford (on the right hand side after Charing) - There is a large layby, often a refreshment van, public toilets and a car park for the Reserve. There are display boards with maps and you can walk there at any time. Do try it , there are many unusual heathlands plants and flowers, birds, dragon flies, insect and small reptiles.

Fancy some Physics?

Earlier this year all WI's in the Country were invited to conduct a Physics experiment and make a cartoon of it so that others could understand physics experiments more easily and more women would be interested in taking up Science as a career.

Hollingbourne felt up to the task and two members conducted an experiment that involved a table, a newspaper, a ruler and Rita Moon. Val Williams took photos which were redrawn as a cartoon and we proved that 'THE DOWNWARDS FORCE OF THE ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE COUNTERED THE UPWARD FORCE FROM THE RULER'!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rita, plus table, newspaper and ruler

Rita giving the ruler a hefty wack.

The entry was sent off with little hope of winning - but we were wrong, back came a letter

Lo and behold we were runners up (or at least Val and Rita were.)

Val and Rita Cutching their certificate and prize.

They accepted the invitation to go to 'Stars in their Eyes' in London this June where the lectures were -

1. The Science and Beauty of Nebulae - given by Dr Carolin Crawford, Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge

2 Careering through Astronomy - Dame Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnett, Dept of Astrophysics, Oxford University. Her work at Cambridge involved her in the discovery of pulsars, opening up a new branch of astrophysics - work which was recognised by the award of a Nobel Prize for her supervisor.

Val and Rita said the Photos were extraordinary and introduced them to a world they had never ventured into.

Val and Rita with Dame Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnett.

A local man was recently heard to say in Hollingbourne - " WI - they just chat and drink tea"

TAKE NOTE PLEASE - we do far more that that and we have your name and number!

A Japanese lady and midsummer's night with the fairies.

Lesley Gould's talk on the life of a Japanese woman was fascinating at the June Meeting. She had brought along bells, kimonos, prayer purses, shoes, pictures and nodding animals. Her 6 years in japan were brought back vividly to us and we were sorry when it was time for her to stop.

After WI had ended we were invited to ......

.... a fairy glen that exists in Hollingbourne where we walked through gardens by torchlight, and found fairies and toadstools, and wild flower gardens. Finally we were served sandwiches (without crusts) of Prawn, Smoked salmon and Ham, and to finish off there were bowls of strawberries and cream. This kind of treat comes only once a year what a pity you missed it!

JUNE MEETING - AN INVITATION - 21st June

We have a very good speaker this month - Lesley Gould who has lived in Japan for 6 years and will explain the life of a Japanese woman, her home and customs.

Please join us for this fascinating talk in Hollingbourne Village Hall, on 21st June, at 8.15, or come for the whole meeting at 7.30pm. £2 including refreshments.

Contact number 01622880497

HOLLINGBOURNE FETE JUNE 2011

Fete day dawned bright and WINDY - the main action of the day seemed to be to stop the Gazebos from blowing away. There were stalls selling flowers, cakes, plants, bags, glass etc, stands for beer, burgers, soft drinks - games to play - Competitions for Dogs (waggiest tail etc), classic cars, Odd methods of transport, and Display tents such as the WI.
Mary & Jim Henderson provided the large Gazabo and display boards, Hilary Lucette the Scapbooks, Members provided the craft work and items for display and Margaret Weaver collated all we had and so that our visitors could see exactly what the WI has been doing for the last 85 years.
Our Unique Pennant has been newly made and will be given to an 2012 Olympic Athlete, under a scheme found on www.quilts4london.org.uk

The Painting done by Miss Fotheringham in 1963 to extol villagers to

join in the effort for the best kept village competition, which

HOLLINGBOURNE THEN WENT ON TO WIN -

Have a look on the small Green when you enter the village -

There is a plaque to commemorate the win on the refuse bin

The races organised by our President Val Williams and her husband Alan

were hotly contended by Children and

Adults

The Tug of War, won in the last two years by the Ladies, was this time won by the men -

a) Take the strain

b) Disaster

Finally a picture from the WI Tent where two young ladies used the Teaching Apron to great effect, swiftly working from 'Once upon a time' to a story containing princes, witches, ghosts, castles, mice and everything else they could get their hands - it was fantastic.