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.