DOWN YOUR WAY
QUEENS OF THE MOORLANDS WI
OUR January meeting was a chance to welcome back everyone after the Christmas break and to work on making some art.
Our member Ceri gave a short talk about her experiences in art, and how sad it is that people are put off making art during their school careers.
She likened this to peoples experience of driving, where people are encouraged to keep learning and practising even if they don’t start with much natural aptitude.
Ceri encouraged members who want to improve their drawing skills to practice daily, and not to be discouraged if they feel the pictures are not good, as every drawing improves skills.
She also encouraged members to draw whatever they see, and not to worry about all pictures being deeply meaningful.
For the session, Ceri passed round a range of pictures and encouraged members to create a collage based on their favourite and much fun was had by all.
During the business of the meeting, subs for the coming year were collected and there was a vote on the WI resolutions for the coming year.
There was a reminder of a trip to see the replica Bayeux Tapestry, an upcoming denim bag-making workshop and a trip to the SFWI Centenary Homes and Gardens Day and there was a discussion of the categories for the Leek show which members may enter.
Libby confirmed that the list of topics for coming meetings will be posted electronically for members to access.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, February 14, at the community fire station on Springfield Road, arriving at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
The presentation for the evening will be Derek Hilyer speaking on “The charity boat Beatrice”.
Anyone who would like further information on the Queens of the Moorlands WI can access our Facebook page, or contact us via Instagram.
LEEK FLOWER CLUB
WHAT a fantastic couple of months we have had.
In December, Mark Entwistle, wowed us with his spectacular displays in ‘Snow is Glistening’.
His is a lovely person and so inspirational – there were a lot of lucky ladies who took home fabulous arrangements that they won in the raffle.
Our practise class was ‘Centre Stage’ and there were some amazing arrangements created by our own members.
We have said goodbye to 2018 and we are now looking forward to an action packed 2019.
We had a lovely relaxed evening with friends at our annual meal at Leek Golf Club in January – food and company excellent and in February our chair, Lorraine Simcox, will be demonstrating ‘Once upon a Time’.
Lorraine has a flair for floral art and we can’t wait to see her in action.
Our vice chair, Suzanne, is organising an event to celebrate International Women’s Day.
On Friday, March 8, at Hotel Rudyard, there will be a two-course meal, with tea and coffee, followed by a presentation by Kath Houghton, who is DA Practitioner at The Lighthouse, Cheadle, a refuge that supports women suffering from domestic violence.
On March 27 we are hosting a fashion show at Leek Golf Club, Birchall, Leek.
Tickets are £5, including a glass of wine or soft drink, and we will be able to relax with friends and watch lovely models, from Leek Flower Club, parade around the room wearing samples of what is on offer to buy – no obligation but we can assure you there will be lots of bargains – so don’t miss out. Everyone is welcome to attend this event. If you would like to join us please contact Suzanne on the number below.
Suzanne is also organising a workshop with Mark Entwistle and this promises to be a wonderful experience. Keep your eyes open for more details.
As you can see, we are much more than a club – we are an extended family that enjoys the benefits of ‘friendship through flowers’.
If you are interested in joining us we would be really excited to welcome you.
Don’t forget that we hold a practise class before the meeting where Lorraine shares her expertise and we have a sales table where you can buy all sorts of floral sundries.
February’s class is ‘Supermarket Sweep’ – an arrangement in a container using a mixed bunch of market flowers incorporating fruit, veg or sweets – whatever you prefer.
Come and see what we are all about on Wednesday, February 13, 7.30pm at St Edwards Cofe Academy, Westwood Road, Leek.
Admission for visitors is £6. Full details can be obtained from Suzanne Sheldon on 07518 074185 or suzsheldon@btinternet. com.
BRADNOP WI
ON JANUARY 10, 16 members and friends met in the Village Hall. Jackie Poole read the minutes and June Walker duly signed them.
Matters arising a big thank you from the food bank they were so grateful for the food toiletries and gifts our members gave, the response was very generous. In February, we are meeting a week earlier than usual on February 7, when we have our own chocolate supremes coming along, Sheila Knott and Diane Richardson showing us all things chocolate.
We are all very grateful for their contribution to our speakers. Please bring along any recipes you may have for the 50year recipe book.
On February 15, we have our pig race, this is our only fund raiser in the year, everyone welcome. 7.30pm start.
Bacon bap and cake, please bring your own drink.
June then welcomed Cath Walton, always a favourite of ours. She spoke on unsung heroes of Leek – there are too many to mention here, but just a few that most of us remember were Roy Fowler, Tiny Bostock, Joan Levitt who began U3A along its other things, Pat Wood, Ray Poole who wrote many books and of course Anna Watkins, nee Bebbington, as well as mentioning other more familiar names such as Arthur Nicholson, although wealthy he had no reason to leave such landmarks as the Monument and the Nicholson Hall, we are pleased that he did. Thomas Wardle, who wrote music as well as being creative with William Morris.
One more thing, along with others that Cath said, was it was not the town that sold the Bayaux tapestry but the embroiderers Guild, and William Billings died aged 112 years old.
June Walker gave the vote of thanks.
Tea hostesses were Dot Shepherd and Gwenneth Turnock. The competition was won by Diane Richardson, picture of the chimneys on the alms houses.
The fellowship cake tea games and chat will be in the Village Hall on February 1 and the film Stan and Ollie on February 14.