July 2024 65p SCFWI ANNUAL MEETING 26th October 2024 Millfield School Butleigh Road, Street BA16 0YD We are excited to have the opportunity to host our County Annual Meeting at Millfield School in the Johnson Hall. We look forward to seeing you! TICKETS £15 GREAT ACCESSIBLE VENUE SUPERB SPEAKERS DON'T MISS OUT - BOOK THE DELICIOUS LUNCH! ONLY £22 for a 3-course self - service buffet meal along with tea & coffee on arrival! Call 01278 496400 to book your tickets now! Please note, Millfield School is a no smoking or vaping Campus. Thank you for your understanding. YOUR SPEAKERS Captain Jessica Tyson, Sedgemoor District Council's Deputy Harbour Master, Craft House Chocolate and Rosie Hather from ARC, the homeless charity. £15 members £20 non members Includes tea and cake but please bring a packed lunch A BEGINNERS’ CLASS 16th August at WI House, Bridgwater 11.00am to 3.00pm Your teacher will be Pam Mitchell Limited number of places, so book early! This is a basic beginners’ class designed for ladies who have never done crochet before but want to learn. Please call the office to book.
2 July 2024 to Dunster WI ladies Pat Curling, Brenda Moore and Caroline Moore who helped to pack the June issue of County News. 200+ CLUB WINNERS JUNE 173, Joan Moore Pitney Lortie WI £15 109, Jill Scragg Chard WI £10 174, Linda Priestnall Sampford Arundel WI £5 FEDERATION OFFICE SCFWI, 344 Bristol Road Bridgwater TA6 4BU 01278 496400 COUNTY NEWS Editor Annie Makepeace Email [email protected] Advertising Assistant and Gallery Co-ordinator Laura Balkwill Email [email protected] Tel: 07860 531998 Editorial for COUNTY NEWS must be received by the 1st of the month preceding each issue, by Email if possible to the Editor or typewritten copy and printed photographs to the Federation Office address at top of this page Advertising and Gallery pictures Advertising and Gallery must reach the Advertising Assistant by the 1st of the month preceding each issue Lineage: Cost per word 18p for WI members 30p for non-members (or advertisements placed on behalf of non-members.) Display: Rates and sizes upon application to the Advertising Assistant SCFWI does not accept responsibility for goods or services advertised in COUNTY NEWS Tel: 07790 449529 Email: [email protected] www.thewi.org.uk/somerset OFFICE OPEN 9.30am - 3.30pm, Mon - Thurs The WI - Somerset wi_somerset Trustee Topics Well at long last the pandemic is behind us, and we are moving on with life. However, it affected our lives in so many ways. Some of us, sadly, lost people we loved, our health and wellbeing were affected, jobs were lost, our daily habits changed, some became isolated, our opportunities crumbled and our social lives stopped very abruptly! However, the WI, as usual, rallied round and throughout the county WI members kept in touch with each other through telephone calls, social media even delivering meetings in bags. Thankfully most of got through and are rebuilding our lives and returning to ‘normal’ whatever normal might be. For the Somerset County Federation, the most significant changes have been to our social activities and our funds. We have had to dig deep to cover some essential work at our County Office, the car park and the lovely trees and hedges around the garden. We are blessed with some beautiful mature trees in the garden some of which have needed the urgent attention of a tree surgeon this year. The garden is now looking lovely and the reduction of the conifer trees at the end of the garden is allowing the light in and making the space much more useable. It is the Trustees’ job to see to the day-to-day running of the federation and one of the most important aspects of this is raising funds, as the amount we receive from your membership fees only covers the cost of running the office. Fundraising is therefore essential. Before the pandemic we would all complain that the events were expensive but, as you all know, the cost of hospitality has gone through the roof. Somerset is a big county, and we understand that some of the venues we use are not always accessible. We are always looking for new places to use so if you know of a suitable hall near you, please let us know and we will have a look at holding an event there. Our teams work very hard to provide interesting and varied events for members and we understand that times are hard, but we do try our very best to keep the costs down. Our County News is a vital tool to let you all know what is happening in the county, so secretaries please encourage your members to gain access to a copy and make them aware of all the exciting things going on around the county. I hope you all have a lovely summer and that the weather is kind to us. Donna Cooper, County Treasurer [email protected] SCFWI AGM COMPETITION This year the competition will be A Gift Box in any medium, no bigger than 8 x 8 inches. Please drop off at the Creative Arts table by 11.00am on the day or to WI House no later than the 15th October.
July 2024 3 WANT TO ADVERTISE? Please contact Laura Balkwill countynews.somwi @gmail.com or telephone 07860 531998 Duty Adviser JULY [email protected] Marilyn Symonds 01643 821504 Duty Adviser AUGUST [email protected] Anne Chadwick 01823 452469 Join Emma for lunch and a truly fascinating insight into her work as a textile novelist. with Emma Mawston Former head of Design at Liberty Art Fabrics for 25 years Wednesday 18th September 11.00am for 11.30am – 3.30pm at The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster TA19 9AR Tickets £30, Non-members £33 Two course lunch with coffee Before Lunch: 25 years as Liberty Art Fabric Designer After lunch: working with Will Bee of Salcombe and the RNLI Textile Novelist Lunch Call the office to pay over the phone. Tickets are limited and will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis. No refunds but tickets are transferable to another event. Lots of Emma's design workings and fabrics will be on display Emma describes herself as a Textile Novelist, as her amazing designs tell a story, dominated by both flora and bees. 18th October at the 37 Club Puriton 10.30am - 3.30pm with 45 minute break at 12.30pm Thank you to all our volunteers who helped at this year's Bath & West Show. As I'm writing this I'm soaking my feet after another successful day! One more day ahead and then the big clean up. We will feature our work at the show in the next issue of County News but for now, I just wanted to say how grateful I am for all the hard work everyone has put in. Wondering how many cups of tea we served over the show? We'll tell you that and more in the next issue! Jodie Evans and the Bath & West Team Autumn Craft Day Bring a packed lunch (or if more than 15 want a hot lunch, a pre-ordered lunch will be served – menu to be advised nearer the time). £20 members £23 non members Participants can choose one craft for the morning and one for the afternoon. Donna Cooper Card Stamping Shirley Routley Christmas felt Robins or Elves Liz Brown Scandi Hearts Boots and Stars Andrea Davis Macrame Baskets Hazel Hillman Pastel Drawing
4 July 2024 We need pictures to fill our gallery - please send digital pictures to the Editor at [email protected] WI at Bridgwater Canal in May. Hazel Hillman (left) and Carol Curtis (right) of Chewton Mendip WI taking part in their D Day Remembrance. The soldier silhouette with poppy sash was made by the members. Husbands of the East Chinnock WI committee were entertained after their AGM with ‘Call my Bluff’, Somerset style! Members and guests of Rodney Stoke & Draycott WI had a very interesting visit to the decommissioned prison at Shepton Mallet. A small selection of bras collected by members of Taunton Deane Divas WI to donate to RAFT (Refugee Aid From Taunton). 40 were donated on this occasion. As you can see, very 'Classy' bras! Christine Wombwell, President, delivered twiddle muffs knitted by Alison Pain, (both of West Buckland WI) to Ambassador Hazel Hillman, together with knitted puppets from Sampford Arundel WI. Woolavington WI welcomed two lovely ladies from 'Owl Obsession UK', based in Yeovil, with four of their amazing owls. Marie Firth, President of Yeovil Wraxhill WI, recently received the Mayor’s Award for community service to Yeovil.
July 2024 5 om or prints to SCFWI, 344 Bristol Road, Bridgwater TA6 4BU. We will print as many as we can each month! Litton & Hinton Blewett WI sent poppies to Normandy for the D Day ‘Standing with Giants’ display, and made extra for the Litton Village soldier. Members are seen here with the soldier and his poppy decoration in time for D Day. Also present, James Orme, the local Poppy Appeal organiser. Lydeard St Lawrence WI took the opportunity to combine their Annual Meeting with a Garden Meeting on one of the warmest evenings of the year so far. Somerton WI celebrated the 100th birthday of a founder member, Margery Puddy in May. Margery cut her stunning cake with (l to r) President Ray Lovell, Secretary Sue Long and cake maker Jenny Gardener. Members enjoyed a delicious slice and a glass to toast Margery. Some of the ladies from Trull Trendles WI enjoying brunch together. Walton WI visited Stoberry Gardens in Wells. Wookey Hole WI celebrated their 77th birthday with a delicious lunch at Hartleys Kitchen, Binegar. Yeovil Bucklers Mead WI held a coffee morning in May. It was a very successful and well attended event.
6 July 2024 Forthcoming Events for your Diary EVENT DATES VENUE CLOSING CN ISSUE Golf Croquet Pairs Tournament 5 July Taunton Deane Sports Centre 1 July May Hampton Court Castle Trip 7 July Hereford First come, first served April Speakers Preview 10 July West Monkton Village Hall First come, first served June The Historic Knit 15 July The 37 Club, Puriton 1 July February Mandala Clocks and Macrame Gonks 3 Aug 344 Bristol Road Bridgwater First come, first served P8 Learn to Crochet 16 Aug 344 Bristol Road Bridgwater First come, first served P1 Textile Novelist Lunch (Emma Mawston) 18 Sept The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster To be advised P3 Autumn Craft Day 18 Oct 37 Club, Puriton First come, first served P3 SCFWI Annual Meeting 26 Oct Millfield School, Street To be advised P1 Thursford Christmas Spectacular 9-11 Nov Thursford First come, first served January A day at the Races 14 Nov Taunton Race Course First come, first served P6 The Manor at Okehampton trip 14 Mar '25 Okehampton First come, first served P6 PLEASE COMPLETE BOOKING FORM (available from your secretary) AND RETURN TO 344, BRISTOL ROAD We're returning to the Manor 14th - 16th March 2025 Non-member, two sharing a twin room £225 per person WI member single room £285 Non member single room £300 WI member, two sharing a twin room £195 per person A 50% non-refundable deposit will be required by Wednesday 31st October Our 2024 trip was such a success we booked for 2025 straight away! Due to popularity we've increased the number of spaces to 60. Please contact the County Office at WI House to secure your space. The event was very popular and will be offered on a first come, first served basis so make sure you don't delay! We’re off to Taunton Races again! We all had such a fabulous time in April we are going again to the next race meeting which is Thursday 14th November Starts 11.30am – last race 4.55pm Tickets are £90 but everything is included and it’s a great day, even if it’s wet! We stay dry as we don’t have to leave the Orchard Restaurant. The 3-course lunch is really good and the afternoon tea delicious. There is a talk from a professional with race tips. Bets of a few pounds can be placed in the room and the races are shown on large TV screens which members can watch from their tables. Tickets are limited and available from the office on a first come, first served basis Tickets £90
July 2024 7 Community Projects Ambassador: Hazel Hillman Summer is fast approaching and as there isn’t an issue of County News in August, our thoughts have turned to Christmas and Shoeboxes. For 2024 the Christmas Shoeboxes can be delivered to the following locations or if necessary collected and taken to WI House in Bridgwater. Judy Glossop - Somerton WI 01458 270265 or 07469 829359 [email protected] Audrey Cooksley - Horton & District WI 01460 54204 [email protected] Marilyn Symonds - Alcombers WI 01643 821504 or 07833 924741 [email protected] (covering West Somerset) Jo Stewart - Lydeard St. Lawrence WI 01984 636538 or 07790 260112 [email protected] For those in the Taunton/Wellington area, Lesley Porter (Taunton Deane Divas) is happy to collect boxes if necessary. If you are attending the SCFWI Annual Meeting at Millfield School on 26th October, please bring your Shoeboxes there and we will transfer them to WI House for checking and distribution. We will happily accept Shoeboxes up to Saturday 16th November 2024. A reminder that the majority of recipients are aged between 16 and 25, although we do try and support some families with young children. Thank you – without your generosity this project wouldn’t be possible. Any questions? What to get more involved? Please contact Jo Stewart. Jo Stewart, Community Projects Team Chair: Jo Stewart Hello Ladies It's half way through the year and just to say THANK YOU so much for all your lovely donations for those in need. What a lovely blanket made by Kristin, who regularly makes so many different items. I am also pleased to say that the new £50 million Dyson Cancer Centre is now open. I took a photo on my last visit to this new state-of-the-art centre (see photos of both opposite). Don't hesitate to get in touch if you know of someone in need of our help. I look forward to seeing you before too long, keep fit and well and enjoy whatever you are up to. Best wishes Hazel [email protected] Thank you to the following WI's for the wonderful contributions ONCOLOGY Lydeard St Lawrence North Petherton TWIDDLE MUFFS Burnham on Sea Bickenhall & District HAND PUPPETS Creech St Michael Burnham on Sea Litton & Hinton Blewett BLANKETS Chewton Mendip North Petherton Bickenhall & District Litton & Hinton Blewett TOYS Chewton Mendip Litton & Hinton Blewett QUILTS Combe Florey CHILDRENS Chewton Mendip Litton & Hinton Blewett Bickenhall & District DELIVERED TO UH, Breast Care, Head and Neck, Neo Natal Oldfield School, Bath We always have requests for more boxes for men. Dyson Cancer Centre at the RUH in Bath Above: blanket by Kristin, Litton & Hinton Blewett WI The RUH are so pleased to receive our gifts. Erin from Head & Neck has sent another thank you to you all: “Hello Hazel - all collected and delivered to the older persons unit who were very grateful. Thank you and best wishes from Erin.”
8 July 2024 MANDALA CLOCKS & MACRAME GONKS Saturday 3rd August 10.30am to 3.00pm at SCFWI HQ 344 Bristol Road Bridgwater Macrame Gonk £15.00 members £17.50 Non Members Please bring a packed lunch Contact the office to secure your place www.craft4crafters.co.uk Doors Open 10am - 5pm every day or email: [email protected] Concession: £10 Under 16’s go free with an accompanying adult. Group booking rates available. Call 0117 370 3342 Thursday 19th - Saturday 21st September 2024 The Bath & West Showground Shepton Mallet, Somerset. BA4 6NS Tickets - Scan Me Door Admission: £11 Explore a vast selection of Quilt & Textile essentials. Discover textile displays, a Fashion Show, Quilt Hall, and Embroidery & Felting masterpieces. With over 100 exhibitors and 80+ daily workshops, find the best in yarns, fabrics, beads, and sewing supplies. Make, do & mend, Up-cycling, sewing machines, patterns, haberdashery & sewing kits, ‘Make & Takes’ Talks, Live Demos and so much more. Buy in Advance and SAVE £2 off all tickets Keep your eyes peeled! Hello! If you’re planning to join us this year to sing with the choir at the Carol Festival in Wells Cathedral, then please look out for all the rehearsal details of place and time which will be in the September issue of County News. Mandala Clock £22.00 members £25.00 Non Members SCFWI Charity Stand Whether you’ve been singing with us for years or are wondering whether to give it a try for the first time, then do come – we have a great time singing some lovely music and the more of us there are the merrier! Non-WI friends are also welcome to come along and sing with us, so do bring your friends and let them find out what a thrill it is to sing in such a beautiful place! Keep a look out for full details in September’s issue [email protected] Running craft sessions Sewing with Machines. Morning 11.00am to 12.00 noon or Afternoon 1.00pm - 2.00pm or 3.00pm - 4.00pm. We will need 2 people each session to help the tutor (either Shirley or Liz) each day, machine sewing experience desirable. SCFWI will this year have a charity stand at the Craft4Crafters show at the Bath & West showground for 3 days from the 19th to 21st September. We will be running workshops, selling our Somerset raffle and promoting the WI and will need volunteers. All interested parties please contact Shirley at [email protected] Promoting the WI (A good knowledge of WI helpful) Raffle and promotion either from 10.00am -12.30pm or 12.30pm - 4.00pm. Selling the Somerset Raffle either from 10.00am - 12.30pm or 12.30pm - 4.00pm SCFWI Part-time Vacancy Office Administrator (paid role) Monday to Friday 9.30am - 3.00pm Computer literacy essential Knowledge of bookkeeping advantageous Apply to: Shirley Routley, County Vice Chair [email protected] or call 07739 611383