Christmas Party - December 2011

Sadly Wallington and Rushden WI has had to close. Our last meeting ended with a Christmas party to which old members were invited as well as present. The slogan quiz was won by Liz James. There is still a chance that the WI can reopen at a later date if enough interest is shown.

Felting - Thursday 15 September 2011

On Thursday 15th September Colman gave everyone a chance to try their hand at felting and they will be able to take home their own creation. Why not come and have a go?
Ideas are invited for a summer outing. Any suggestions are gratefully received.  

Greene King is Becoming Greener - 16 June 2011

Greene King is trying to become greener, thanks to the efforts of Ralph Wright who came to speak to Rushden and Wallington WI in June. He told us of the many initiatives the company is trying and also how they are looking to what they can do in the future. The floor also had its say!

Water for Zimbabwe - 17 June 2010

We will never be able to turn on a tap without being aware of what water means to our world again. Such was the feeling of WI members who watched Daphne Brown’s moving film on 17th June on Stones to Water about bringing water to the people of Zimbabwe. We take this precious commodity so much for granted. In Zimbabwe school without a water supply are summarily closed down. The government refuses to supply water and cholera is rife. In Harari the drainage system has broken down. It is thanks to people like Daphne, who has now caused 36 boreholes to be sunk that many people have schools, clinics and a link to life. If you would like to donate to her worthy cause visit stones to water on the net.

Next month Eva Whitton is speaking on the Embroidery of India at Rushden Village Hall on Thursday 15th July at 8pm. Eva is a wonderful embroiderer whose Christmas tree hanging was chosen for the Queen’s Christmas tree so do take this chance to come and hear her speak. Visitors are welcome.

The NFWI is encouraging members to take part in a group triathlon. This can be done in sections. We are hoping all members will take part. Ann Warner has suggested that an orwell walk around Wallington could be used to make up our mileage followed of course by a WI tea!

On September the 30th at Baldock Community Centre at 7.30pm, Rushden are hosts to the group meeting when Tom Doig will speak on Witchcraft in Hertfordshire. We will need to provide the tea so if you are able to help out would you please let our President know what you will be making.

WI Resolutions - 20 May 2010

At May’s WI Resolutions meeting, members were asked to vote on the Resolution “The meeting urges HM Government to introduce clear and mandatory labeling on all meat, poultry and fish products sold in this country.” 7 members voted for the resolution; 2 were against and there were 2 abstentions.

Next month, on Thursday 17th June, Daphne Brown comes to talk on Water for Zimbabwe and her work in that country.

On 30th September we are hostesses at the group meeting. Volunteers are needed to help with catering. The competition is for an item made from recycled materials.

Once again we will be decorating a tree for the Sandon Christmas Festival. The theme is a Christmas Carol.

My Time at the BBC - 15 April 2010

On Thursday 15^th April Anna Styles former BBC Wardrobe Mistress will be talking about her time with the BBC at Wallington Village hall at 8pm.

A Butcher's Life - 18 March 2010

Steve Wilde, a family butcher from Standon, gave a very interesting and informative talk to our members in March. He is both proprietor and oversees the buying of all the animals which are sent out to various farms before being taken to the local abattoir so that his meat can be followed right through the system. He discussed various cuts of meat and was asked many questions by members. He was also able to give advice on which cuts of meat were suitable for different recipes.

The Wartime History of Letchworth - 18 February 2010

If Josh Tidy’s talk is anything to go by, Letchworth must be one of the most generous towns in Britain. During the Second World war they raised well over £200,000 equivalent to over £30,000,000 in today’s terms. They also enjoyed themselves whilst raising the money with special events including putting the Squanderbug on trial before his ritual execution. Letchworth firms contributed a great deal to the war effort by producing munitions and parachutes and of course the bombes for the Enigma code breaker. If you want to find out more about this side of the War why not visit Letchworth Garden Museum from March 2010 to February 2011? The WI New Year lunch was enjoyed by everyone. Once again Neil and Anita at the Moon and Stars ensured everyone left feeling well fed and happy.
Our next meeting will be at Rushden Village Hall (please note error in programme) on Thursday 18th March at 8pm when Steve White will speak on A Butcher’s Life

"Women in the 1800s" - 21 January 2010

January’s speaker held members spellbound as they learned about the lives of country women of the early 1800s. From laundress to leech gatherers, their jobs were all back breaking and generally poorly rewarded. Fortunately they had the comfort of the lysergic acid present in the gleaned corn. It gives a whole new meaning to happy country folk. The WI lunch will now be held on Friday 12th February at 12.30 for 1pm at the Moon and Stars. The previous lunch was cancelled due to the snow.
The next meeting is an open meeting, so all may come including men! If you are interested in the wartime history of Letchworth which of course includes the making of the enigma machine come and listen to Josh Tidy of Letchworth Garden City Museum talk on Silks, Sirens and Spitfires at Wallington Village Hall on Thursday18th February at 8pm. Entry for non members is £3. 

Safe Driving by Eunan Mc Guiness - 17 December 2009

December's WI talk on Safe Driving by Eunan Mc Guinees proved an apt choice, though several members and the speaker were unable to put it in to practice after the evening as snow had fallen making egress from the village well nigh impossible but, as always happens in the villages, friendly angels in the form of four track owners arrived and ferried most people to their homes, whilst the angels of Wallington provided beds for others.

President Diane Tucker was presented with an orchid and a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her ten years in office and Joyce Hart made a wonderful cake to help celebrate the Institute's 60th year.

In January Tom Doig will talk on Women's Fashions of the 18th Century on Thursday 21st at Rushden Village Hall at 8pm.

Elizabeth Poston and Forster Country - 19 November 2009

November's WI on November 19th. saw Margaret Ashby giving a riveting talk on Elizabeth Poston and the Forster Country. As a founder of the Forster Country group, she was well qualified to speak on the subject.
Jenny Barlow won the Spender Cup with her advert for the WI.

Next month on 17th December Eunan MacGuiness will speak on Safety in the Festive Season at Wallington when it is also the Christmas party so please remember to bring a plate of food. There will be a Secret Santa so also bring a wrapped present costing £5 max.

On 21st January Tom Doig will speak on Women in the 1800s at Rushden.

Our New Year meal is at the Moon and Stars on Friday 8th January noon for 12.30pm. If you want to join us please get in touch with Jenny Barlow.

Flower Arranging under Constance Spry - 17 September 2009

Anna Warner- Smith produced some astoundingly beautiful and deceptively simple arrangements for September's WI meeting. Originally trained at Constance Spry's, she continued to work for her for several years, work that included flower arranging for top department stores, hotels and also cathedrals.

Next month is the AGM on Thursday 15th October at Wallington when there will also be a cheese and wine and a quiz.

The Autumn Council Meeting is being held at Broxbourne on 21st October when the talk will be on Whores, Rakes and Crashing China with Lars Thorp.

A Load of Compost

Gary Strickland spoke on A Load of Compost.

An Irish Childhood - 16 April 2009

Our own WI meeting will be at Rushden on Thursday 16^th April, 8pm, when Anne Cottam will talk us through “An Irish Childhood”. Lady visitors are, as always, very welcome and we will welcome gentlemen back later in the year! We meet on the third Thursday of every month, except August, at alternating village halls of Wallington and Rushden .

The Buntingford Railway - 19 March 2009

Members and visitors have had a trip down memory lane on the now non existent Buntingford Branch railway line this month, visiting several stations and villages on the way. The speaker Stephen Ruff belongs to the Buntingford Railway and Historical Society and has lived much of this trip himself, being born and bred in Much Hadham.
 
Members and visitors (including menfolk) are invited to our Spring Group Meeting on Wednesday 22nd April at Hinxworth Village hall, when the speaker will be the Rev Richard Winslade “From Chef to Clergy”. Tickets will be available at next months meeting or directly from Diane Tucker 01763 288209.  
Our own meeting will be at Rushden on Thursday 16th April, 8pm, when Anne Cottam will talk us through “An Irish Childhood”. Lady visitors are, as always, very welcome and we will welcome gentlemen back later in the year! We meet on the third Thursday of every month, except August, at alternating village halls of Wallington and Rushden . 

Time for You - 19 February 2009

A lucky member was able to undergo the delights of a neck and back massage when they were chosen for a demonstration by Helen Bardell at February's WI meeting and another was able to win one on the raffle. Time for Me was a wonderful way to learn to make time for ourselves in this increasingly frenetic world.

The next meeting is an open meeting when Steve Ruff will speak on The Buntingford Railway at Wallington Village Hall on Thursday 19th March. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Ringing the Changes

The January WI talk will be at Wallington on Thursday 15th January at 8pm when Geoff Horritt will talk on ringing the changes.

Flower Demonstration and Christmas Party - 18 December 2008

Thursday 18th December 2008 - The WI Christmas party at Rushden on 18 December was a most enjoyable evening for flower arrangers and non flower arrangers alike when Julie Troupe came to show off her skills and later offered her creations as raffle prizes. Everyone one was keen to win them. Mulled wine and delicious nibbles followed provided by members.

The January WI talk will be at Wallington on Thursday 15th January at 8pm when Geoff Horritt will talk on ringing the changes.

Places are still available for the New Year lunch at the Moon and Stars on Friday January 9th at 12.30pm. If you would like to join us please let Sue Austin know. Tickets are £10. 

Trip to Antarctica - 20 November 2008

Thursday 20th November 2008 - saw a packed Village Hall in Wallington, when Sue Hutchinson spoke on her trips to Antarctica. John had taken the slides which gave a wonderful picture of this cold but beautiful region and its fascinating wildlife. We were also entertained to see the amount of clothing needed!
The Spender Cup for a homemade greeting card was judged by members and won by Joan Hoefkens.
Next month, Thursday 18th December, is our Christmas party at Rushden, when we ask everyone to bring a tray of nibbles. Mulled wine and non alcoholic punch will be provided. Julie Troupe will be giving a Christmas Flower demonstration.
Our New Year lunch is being held at the Moon and Stars on January 9th. Cost is £10. if you would like to come please let Sue Austin know.
2009 sees the 90th anniversary of HFWI and the 60th anniversary of Wallington and Rushden. We would like to celebrate these events by creating and Institute tablecloth. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
On January 22nd Geoff Horritt will speak on Ringing the Changes at Wallington. 

AGM and Apple Social - 16 October 2008

Our October AGM, which featured an apple social, proved great fun for all. After a quick career through the business, which included the decoration of the WI Christmas tree for Sandon Church organised by Anna Warner- Smith and a report on the Food and Farming day by Ann Cottam, a new committee was appointed with Diane Tucker once again taking the Chair, The social side of the evening began with a tasting of apple juice and cider provided by Charles Paget-Wilkes and delicious apple pie and apple cake. 

Next month is an open meeting when all are welcome (including men!) Sue Hutchinson will speak on Cruising the Antarctic at Wallington Village Hall on Thursday 20th November at 8pm. Visitors entry is £3.
Entries are invited for the Spender Cup competition of a hand made greeting card.