Hunston WI

Our president Mrs Dawn Sudbury welcomed members, guest speaker Mrs Lynne Friel and her friend and then Jerusalem was sung.

A few members had sent apologies due to illness.

Mrs Di Redford was warmly thanked for the beautiful table flowers and then the record of last months meeting was read by Mrs

Joan Duberley. A dozen people had been able to attend an enjoyable gathering for coffee and cake at Manor Nurseries.

Items in the West Sussex News drawn to members attention included WSFWI Centenary events, the Calendar Competition and the walking netball opportunities.

We were reminded to make our choices for the National Federation’s Board of Trustees, and there was also a thank you card from Mrs Betty Pennicott for her gift marking 60 years as a member of Hunston WI.

Mrs Joan Foster then spoke about The Hunston village tea on April 7 and asked if members would be kind enough to prepare a plate of savouries. Cakes would be provided by the bake-off competition, with the theme this year being the Chichester Canal.

Future plans, including a coffee and croissants morning, were listed in the Hunston WI newsletter.

Mrs Lynne Friel then proceeded to delight everyone with her slides and knowledge of artists’ pigments. Starting from the cave paintings and the powdered rocks and soils used then, continuing with a description of how cattle urine was boiled, strained and formed into balls for the first use of white in the paintings. She spoke about the introduction of the first blue pigments which were very expensive, and even the taxing of people who wore purple.

Red Ochre originated in Spain and Verdigris was acquired from copper. We learnt how some pigments were dangerous and that Mummy Brown is no longer available.

It was a very interesting and informative talk.

During refreshment time, served by Mrs Mickey Janman, Mrs Chris Harrison and Mrs Gay Stacey, one or two members had a go at grinding and mixing their own pigments with egg yoke.

Details of next months meeting were given and we were asked how many would be interested in making up a party of at least 20 for skittles and lunch at The Spur.

Flower of the Month resulted in 1st tied Mrs Ann Green and Mrs Di Redford, 2nd Mrs Shirley Cobden and 3rd Mrs Irene Newbold. The Raffle was drawn and a special gift of flowers given to Mrs Di Redford who is celebrating a special birthday this month.