Resolutions - Thursday 18 May 2006

The latest resolutions were hotly debated at Rushden on Thursday 18th May. The issues being discussed were Renewable Energy; members agreed on the importance of this but felt that the resolution was too poorly worded, and Sport for a Healthy Community which was accepted.
The next meeting will be on Thursday 15th June when Gen Bread will speak on Marine Ecology in the Philipines at Wallington.

History of Pins and Needles - Thursday 20 April 2006

On Thursday 20th April, members were able to enjoy a fascinating talk by Bridget Long on the history of pins and needles and other associated sewing artefacts. It is only in more recent times that sewing has become a female prerogative. Victorian children, both male and female were taught quite complicated sewing form a very young age. 

Our next meeting is Resolutions at Rushden on Thursday 18th May when all members are encouraged to bring along their own resolutions to help put our world to rights in addition to discussing those sent to us by National. 

Bookbinding - Thursday 16 March 2006

From papyrus to paper via vellum and parchment, Nigel Jury gave us an in depth history of the bookbinder’s craft. He told us that over the thousand or so years that books had been produced, one of the best inventions for the bookbinder was PVA glue. He also worries that the craft which requires a seven year apprenticeship is being lost.
At the meeting members signed a birthday card to Jessie Tasney, a former secretary, who is about to celebrate her 95th birthday. Bulb forms are now available to those who would like them and also tickets for the Spring Group meeting when the sculptor Paul Bainbridge will talk on from clay to wax.

Our next meeting is at Wallington on Thursday April 20th when Bridget Long will speak on Pins and Needles. Please bring along your own resolution for inclusion in the May Meeting. These can cover any issue locally or nationally that you feel needs addressing.

Ancient Baldock - Thursday 16th February 2006

Did you know that Baldock has the largest collection of burials, including the Baldock Giant, outside Ancient Egypt? Keith Matthews, North Herts resident archaeologist told us of this and many more interesting facts when he talked to the W.I. on the subject of Peoples of ancient Baldock. In a packed hall we learned of the “scrap metal” burial that turned out to be the grave of a local king and saw many examples of graves throughout the early periods of history, several with their own tragedies, now unknown, attached to them. Baldock has been settled since Mesolithic times and historically is very important. If you would like to know more about digs in Baldock look out for the shortly to be published book on the subject edited by Keith.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 16th March at Rushden when Nigel Jury will talk on bookbinding.  

Aids – the Future - Thursday 19 January 2006

Today, 1800 children will be born infected with Aids. These are some of the statistics that Sue Jagelman of Save the Children gave us in her talk entitled Aids – the Future on Thursday 19th January at Rushden Village Hall. At present there are 14 million children orphaned by Aids and this is expected to rise to 25 million by 2010. So what is the answer? Well, in the words of a well known politician, “Education. Education. Education.” Save the Children is helping workers acquire the skills to spread the message around the world , from Wales to Mozambique via Brazil. It is only by teaching the young that we can protect them from the disease as they reach adulthood.
If you want to know more about the work of the charity visit www.savethechildren.org.uk and learn how you can help.
Next month, Keith Matthews, a local archaeologist will talk on People of Ancient Baldock at Wallington Village Hall on Thursday 16th February at 8pm. This is an Open Evening and everyone is welcome. Cost is £3 to non members.

A Life in Thatching - Thursday 15 December 2005

For Malcolm Dodson tile is a four letter word or so he told us when he came to speak on A Life in Thatching. He blames the Romans. Not the least of his talk was concerned with problems with local authorities and the fight for decent roofing for his customers. He has been told that his thatch is of too high a quality and will last too long! Members were fascinated by his talk and questions continued well into our mulled wine and nibbles provided by members party time. It was a great way to start Christmas.
We also congratulated Ann Warner on coming second in the County Quiz.
Our January meeting is on 19th January at Rushden when Sue Jagelman will talk on Aids the Future! 

Rushden A Botswanan Safari Mike Thomas - Thursday 17 November 2005

Members of Wallington and Rushden were delighted to once again welcome Mike Thomas who talked on his latest Botswanan safari. He brought an amazing selection of slides of the wildlife of the area, including a real photo winner of a fish eagle sitting on the head of a hippo. He also told us about the problems hippos have when they get sunburnt. Presumably it takes a lot of after sun to soothe a hippo! Selective tourism is now an important part of Botswana’s industry and this means small groups only go on safari. Sadly, the wonderful lion pride we saw was decimated by predators and none of the youngsters have survived. Afterwards the Spender Cup was judged by members and Ann Warner won with her re-caned market chair. She says it’s her first win in thirty years of WI-ing! The Christmas lunch will be held at the Moon and Stars on Thursday 8th December. Please let Fiona Potts know as soon as possible if you wish to go.
Next meeting is at Wallington on 15th December when Malcolm Dodson will talk on Thatching and hopefully give us a demonstration of making countrymen’s favours. This is also the Christmas Party so will members please bring a plate of goodies. Mulled wine will be provided. Our January meeting is on 19th January at Rushden when Sue Jagelman will talk on Aids the Future