WI County News APRIL 2022 8pp for flip book

April 2022 40p

Jewellery Secrets Lunch

Is it a diamond, is it glass…
or is it something more interesting?

with Gemmologist, Jeweller and former Auctioneer
Richard Slater FGA DGA

Wednesday 15th June, 11.00am - 3.00pm

Long Sutton Golf Club, Long Road,
Langport, Somerset TA10 9JU
Two Course Lunch with Coffee

11.00 -12.15 Quizzes – coffee or a pre-dinner drink paid for at bar 22Member
2.15 - 12.45 Illustrated talk – Jewellery Secrets
1.00 - 1.45 £
2.00 - 2.30 25Non-Member
2 course lunch with coffee
Quiz answers followed by ‘Show & Tell’ – Your chance £

to be an Antiques Roadshow expert with the item on your table

2.30 - 2.35 Prize giving

2.35 - 3.00 Open market appraisals and values, £2 per item

If you have any jewellery you’re considering selling, Richard is also
happy to offer a no obligation appraisal and value. He may also offer to
purchase any unwanted jewellery, silver, watches and costume jewellery.

So if you have a few oddments lurking in your jewellery box AppilnybyttohWeC2eoad5fsftenihcyeesMdaayy
or dressing table drawer, please do feel free
to bring them along.

Trustee Topics

The sun is shining, the daffodils are standing proud in the
garden and the days are getting longer. It certainly feels that
spring has sprung. In fact, as I write this, the children are still
playing in the garden and it’s after 6.00pm!

FEDERATION OFFICE It’s great to see the photos in County News of WI's being back
together and meeting up again in person. What a difference a
SCFWI, 344 Bristol Road year makes. I hope you and your WI's are enjoying your time together. Please do
Bridgwater TA6 4BU share any photos you may have to the Federation Facebook page @somersetwi. It's
01278 496400 always lovely to see and, you never know, your idea or event may inspire another
WI to do the same!
Email: [email protected]
www.womens-institute.org.uk/somerset The Federation teams are all working hard to bring you an amazing schedule of
events, trips, training and taster sessions all around the county. It takes a lot of
OFFICE OPEN hard work to put events together and I would like to thank everyone working hard
on a team – remember our team members are all volunteers, so please do support
9.30am - 3.30pm, Mon - Thurs them (and if you can, join them!).
Closed Friday
Now is the time of new life and beginnings, the very essence of WI is to encourage
Federation Secretary new friends, experiences and life lessons, so please do take advantage of everything
Casey Worrall the federation has to offer.

Federation Administrator Jen Whitworth [email protected]
Judith Laughton
Hello everyone, We have unfortunately had to suspend
COUNTY NEWS another month some WI's, but the positive side is we have
has flown by, opened a second WI in Wells and another
Editor April is here, in Yeovil. There is also a possibility of a
Annie Makepeace Spring is in the new WI linked to the Army. We are always
air, the nights looking to open new WI's if there are any
Email have lengthened possibilities we could explore in your areas.
and I love bright
[email protected] early mornings. Not long until Easter, the ‘Public Affairs’ and ‘Events’ Teams are both
Tel: 01823 433393 shops are full of tempting goodies. looking for new members – would you like
to be part of a County Team or join the
Advertising Assistant Board of Trustees to help make a difference
and Gallery Co-ordinator for our members?

Laura Balkwill Thank you again to members who have
Email volunteered for the Bath & West Show. I
really appreciate you giving up your time
[email protected] and I'm sure we shall have an enjoyable but
Tel: 07860 531998 busy time.

Editorial for COUNTY NEWS I'm looking forward to going to the meetings
must be received by the 1st of the I have been invited to and I should be
pleased to join in yours – do let me know.
month preceding each issue,
by Email if possible to the Editor Happy Easter!

or typewritten copy and printed Teresa, SCFWI County Chairman
photographs to the Federation Office [email protected]

address at top of this page Singing Day

THERE IS NO ISSUE IN AUGUST On Wednesday 22nd of June
we shall be holding our long-
Advertising and awaited Singing Day, in
Gallery pictures St. Cuthbert’s Church, Wells.

Advertising and Gallery must reach the The day is open to members and
Advertising Assistant by the 1st of non-members alike so why not
the month preceding each issue bring a friend?

Lineage: Cost per word Teas/coffees will be available to
18p for WI members buy on the day but bring your
30p for non-members own lunch to eat in or book a
restaurant as you wish.
(or advertisements placed on behalf
of non-members.) More details in next month’s County News, meanwhile spread the word!

Display: Rates and sizes upon
application to the Advertising Assistant

SCFWI does not accept responsibility
for goods or services advertised in

COUNTY NEWS

2 April 2022

Food & Garden

Get your questions ready and Chair: Annie Makepeace

submit to Casey in the office
by email or phone by Friday
April 29th at the latest, when
questions will be selected.

GQauredsetinoenrsT’ime Don’t forget all our WI activities
planned for this special celebration!
Don’t miss this chance to solve your gardening problems FREE OF CHARGE! Look back to March County News for

the full details!

Tea-riffic

Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea
Tuesday 17th May

Platinum Jubilee Cards

Send your card to 344, Bristol
Road, Bridgwater TA6 4BU
to arrive by 5th May

Queen’s Jubilee Bunting

Have yours ready by 5th May

1. Turkey & Tinsel
2.
Holiday to Torquay
28th November
to 2nd December
2022

Price
£315 members

£345
Non-members

Full details in May
County News

200+ CLUB WINNERS
March

24, Carol Entwistle,
Taunton Deane Divas WI £15

86, Maura Kearney,
Taunton Deane Divas WI £10

173, Susan Heyes,
Westonzoyland WI £5

April 2022 3

We need pictures to fill our gallery - please send digital pictures to the Editor at [email protected]

After a short talk on the history of Sword Curry Rivel WI members enjoyed coffee at the Pitney Farm Cafe following their February walk.
Dancing by Brian Heston, expert in English
Country music and folk dance, members of
Bicknoller WI had a go at sword dancing
while Brian played the music and directed. A
thoroughly interesting and enjoyable evening.

Members past and present celebrated 101 Walton WI visited Treetop Ceramics in Upper
years of the WI in Lydeard St. Lawrence Coxley during their November 'Explore Your
at the Martlett Inn on 11th February 2022. Local Area' programme, spending three hours
exercising their artistic sides by painting
chosen ceramic items which were later glazed
and fired.

Horton and District WI had a really Bruton WI held their first full get together North Curry WI celebrated its 94th birthday
interesting talk from Neil Burgess about the since lockdown and are looking froward to on 2nd February, a great reason for a party!
SW German Shepherd Rescue Organisation. returning to their community hall in March. Entertainment was provided by Jan McNeill
He was joined by Jax and Maggie Mae, both with a selection of songs from the 50's and
rescue dogs who behaved beautifully and 60's. Bring and share refreshments and non-
managed to upstage him! alcoholic fizz completed the celebrations.

Cheddar WI skittles group at their regular Wookey Hole WI’s January meeting was one of music, pom pom dancing and plenty of smiles.
alley put in some much needed practice in With lots of laughter and five visitors who we hope to see again next time.
the hopes that County Skittles matches will
resume this Autumn.

4 April 2022

om or prints to SCFWI, 344 Bristol Road, Bridgwater TA6 4BU. We will print as many as we can each month!

Bishops Hull and District WI in the first part Woolavington WI and Teresa Hemms County Chair #BreaktheBias, see 'Public Affairs', page 8.
of their Queens Platinum Celebrations, tree
planting at their village hub on Saturday 5 Feb.

Wraxhill WI planted Rodney Stoke and Draycott WI enjoyed a Trull Trendles WI sponsored and planted a
their tree (a Rowan fascinating talk on the history of Lundy Island cherry tree at Trull green in celebration of the
- Joseph Rock) in the by Andre Coutanche, in the beautiful setting of Queen’s jubilee.
garden of Holy Trinity St Peter's Church.
Church on their Craft
Day and managed to
eat cake too!!

WI Life THE UNITED KINGDOM
SOCIETY OF CELEBRANTS
Members should submit items
themselves that they would like to April 2022 5
see included in WI Life. Follow the
guidelines below.

1. Type NFWI into search engine

2. Choose ‘nfwi’ option

3. Choose ‘Contact us’ option

4. Fill in online form

5. Under ‘Who do you wish to contact?’ Choose last option ‘WI Life’.

State your request briefly in the ‘Your Query’ box below and click on the ‘Submit’
box. A member of the Editorial Team will get back to you via email. They will then
tell you that they require only a brief summary of the item and they will write the
article themselves.

However, it is stated that submitting is not a guarantee that your item will appear as
this is at the discretion of the magazine.

Annie Makepeace, County News Editor

2022

SUMMER COUNTY

Chair: Annie Makepeace

This year the County Seeds are amazing things: dust-like primrose) so leave on the surface but cover
Quiz will be held on foxglove seed sown when ripe in late the pot with film or place in a plastic bag.
Wednesday 29th June summer will give you 5 ft spires of flowers
by next May. But …. only if the conditions Many seeds require some warmth to
7.00pm start for germination and growth are just germinate (typically 18℃ to 20℃) but will
right. Many gardeners have a love-hate then grow on at lower temperatures. So,
Held at venues near you relationship with seeds. We love being able place your seed trays or pots in a heated
across the county! to grow lots of plants cheaply, including propagator, next to the Aga or in the airing
many not often available in garden centres, cupboard until germination occurs. Then
£9.50 Booking forms but hate the fact that success with seeds make sure the seedlings get good even
are with your is not guaranteed and even experienced light. A windowsill can be OK especially in
per team Secretary gardeners can expect failures. Spring but later in the year direct sunlight
member might be too strong and some shading will
(Quiz open to To improve the chances of good germination be needed. Watering the seedlings at this
(includes a WI members only!) and seedling survival we need to remember stage is critical and the most common error
light supper) that most seeds need water, warmth and a is over watering leading to fatal ‘damping-
suitable growing medium. The latter can be off’.
Venues multipurpose compost but it’s often best,
especially for small seeds, to sieve it to a A few seeds are very prone to rotting in over-
The Lamb & Lion Pub, Hambridge fine texture and add 10% to 15% vermiculite wet compost and these include courgettes
The Bird in Hand Pub, Henstridge to improve aeration. Water the compost and cucumber. We always ‘chit’ our seed by
Lydeard St Lawrence Village Hall, Nr Taunton before sowing to avoid washing the seed too placing them on damp paper towel in the
deep. Space the seed as evenly as possible warm until a tiny root is visible. These are
The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster and not too thickly. Cover with more sieved then, very carefully, planted individually
The Windmill Inn, Williton compost or just vermiculite to the depth into pots of compost. If you want to sow
recommended on the packet (or approx. 4 directly, placing the seeds on their edge
West Bagborough Village Hall, Nr Taunton times the size of the seed) and press down rather than flat reduces the risk of rotting
West Buckland Village Hall, Nr Wellington lightly to ensure the seed is in contact and sowing 2 seeds in each pot and then
with the moist compost. Some seeds need discarding one if both germinate is usually
Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil light to germinate (for example evening recommended.
Kingston St Mary Village Hall, Nr Taunton
Despite all the above, growing from seed is
Witham Friary Village Hall very rewarding and provides a cheap way
Balliol Hall, West Huntspill, Highbridge to fill your flower beds and provide lovely
The Waldegrave Arms, Chewton Mendip fresh vegetables. Seeds want to germinate
and grow, all you have to do is give them
37 Club, Puriton the best chance.

Please return forms Martin Jones
by Wednesday 15th June

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

EVENT DATES VENUE CLOSING CN ISSUE
29 April Page 3
Gardeners’ Question Time 4 May on Zoom 20 April Page 3

Craft Taster Day 4 May Ash Priors Village Hall 5 May Page 3
29 April Page 3
Platinum Jubilee Cards 5 May Sent to H.M.Queen Elizabeth II 5 May Page 3
25 May Page 1
Tea-riffic Jubilee Tea 17 May Old Oak Farm, Curry Rivel TBA Page 2
15 June Page 6
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bunting May/June Displayed at all Celebrations 21 June Page 3
TBA Page 3
Jewellery Secrets Lunch 15 June Long Road, Langport TA10 9JU

Singing Day 22 June St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells

Summer County Quiz 29 June Various Venues

Craft Taster Day 5 July Horton Village Hall

Turkey & Tinsel 28 Nov - 2 Dec Torquay

PLEASE COMPLETE BOOKING FORM (available from your secretary) AND RETURN TO 344, BRISTOL ROAD

6 April 2022

Community Projects

Chair: Jo Stewart

Ambassador: Hazel Hillman SHOEBOXES!

Litton & Hinton Avalon Dementia Care at I realise it seems a little early to be writing
Blewett WI with Bridgwater about Christmas Shoeboxes…BUT we
oncology cushions wanted to share with you the positive
just finished. I have been going there for several years feedback we have had from the recipients
with all the lovely things you have made of the boxes we provided last year.
They have made 673 and, with help from Carolyn and Angela,
and counting. Thanks to your generosity and ingenuity we
I have held workshops collectively managed to deliver 453 boxes,
Eva Stanley our with some of the which means that in the time since Lydeard
Twiddle Muff residents. St. Lawrence WI has been involved with
‘QUEEN’ from this scheme we have delivered over 1500
Woolavington This is Inga with boxes. That is fantastic!!
WI. blankets and twiddle
muffs I took in just In this period you have supported the
Eva joined WI before Christmas. YMCA, The Women’s Refuge, ARC, the
in 1987 and Village Agent in West Somerset, The Nelson
soon became Received and thank you to: Trust and Sparkle (providing Christmas
a member of the committee, being Shoeboxes for children).
Secretary for nearly 6 years. Eva loves to Oncology:
knit, starting with knee blankets being Chewton Mendip, Looking forward to Christmas 2022.. here
sent abroad for another charity. Litton & Hinton Blewett, are some suggestions for what can be put
Westbury sub Mendip in boxes, or bags. Toiletries, flannels, nail
She has made an enormous and fantastic Ash Priors & Halse brushes, gloves, scarves, socks, notebooks,
contribution to our Twiddle Muff project diaries, pens/pencils. Brush/comb. Small
– her total is at least 223, and counting! Blankets: torch, mug + tea/coffee/chocolate/cup-
a-soup. Savoury snacks and chocolate/
Eva says a big ‘Thank You’ to ‘Wolly’ Litton & Hinton Blewett sweet treats are very popular. The Nelson
(Woolavington WI members) initially for Trust have a demand for female toiletries
the welcome and friendship over the years Twiddle Muffs: throughout the year.
and more recently during lockdown.
Ash Priors & Halse Last Christmas we found that there was a
A special thank you to her daughter, greater call for boxes for men and children.
friends and members for all the left-over Hand Puppets:
wool which has kept her knitting needles Sadly the economic climate means that
clicking. But now we say a big ‘Thank Litton & Hinton Blewett more families, and those in work are
You’ from us for all she has done for our struggling to get through the week, for
Somerset WI projects. Delivery to: some, including families, the Shoebox is
the only gift they have at Christmas time.
RUH Bath
If you know of a charitable organisation
What can I say ladies? I have only been able to deliver to those in need because of your that would welcome Shoeboxes, please let
continued help in creating so many lovely articles to take. My thanks and good wishes us know. The Community Projects Team is
on the look out for new projects to support.
to you all. Hazel

Christmas Shoeboxes “It was lovely to open the box and “So many sparkly and pretty
feedback realise it was full of so many lovely things, I am a proper girlie, so was
items, I was over the moon” pleased with my nail varnish and
Dear All at the WI, nail file. Nice hair bands too”

I hope my letter finds you well. “Anything chocolate

I just wanted to express from all at is good, that is me
YMCA our huge thanks for the wonderful
Christmas shoeboxes, as always, just happy” “Loved my hat, put it on to go out that day
amazing and so full of love. It is very special
to think that everyone at the YMCA in our as so cold. Love the goodies, my favourite
area receives a box, it really is something
for all of your ladies to be proud of. “I so needed some gloves, was to be honest, love chocolate – thank you”

I have some feedback as promised and really pleased and they fitted
would like to share it with you.
perfect, also really nice mug “Just having something is nice, its
As always, all really pleased and lovely with a nice picture – thanks” not knowing what you are going
feedback. We love the boxes! Thank you!
to find and then opening the box
Carol Plenty
Adult Services Manager “I am keeping my box to store things to see all your nice things”

in as really nice, loved all my goodies

– especially the chocolate”

April 2022 7

KNITTED BABIES 2022 BULB SCHEME Public Affairs

One gloomy day a few weeks ago, I was We are pleased to announce that Chair: Lynda Norton
contacted by Casey, SCFWI Secretary, to the 2022 Bulb scheme is officially
ask if I was able to knit 20 babies. launched! Bulb catalogues and order How things have changed since last month
She explained that this was not as forms have been emailed out to WIs and unfortunately, not for the better.
odd as it seemed and intended for a and hard copies have been sent to your Though many are rejoicing in the lifting of
Community Nurse to use as teaching Secretaries. Covid restrictions, many have gone back to
aids for pre-school children, ‘How to living in fear. If you are one of those that
look after a Baby’. This is a wonderful opportunity this applies to, please reach out for help,
to raise funds for our no one should feel they cannot go out and
I did not need to knit clothes as they were Federation! For every bulb remain trapped within their four walls.
to be non-gender specific. I suggested order received, Walkers Help is out there, either by chatting to a
also that I would make some that were pays us 20% commission, friend, other members of the WI or if needs
not pink, as we are a truly multicultural which last year raised just must, your GP.
society! over £1400 – amazing
I have attached a photo, as this turned considering we were By the time you read this, International
out to be a rather interesting project. It still in the midst of Women’s Day will have passed but I
took me around 8 weeks to complete, the pandemic! So you trust that most of you have been able to
thoroughly enjoyable however. can see that it is a very celebrate as much as possible. Hopefully
Gill Betty, worthwhile scheme. next year marches will resume in the
Secretary, Combe Florey WI capital so that we can show our solidarity
Orders should be placed with your with other women across the country and
Secretary by 1st June. If you need the world. There are lots of Zoom events
further copies of the catalogue please taking place, many which are free and have
contact the office fedsec@somerset- interesting topics. You can access these via
wi.org.uk www.eventbrite.co.uk. If you share
anything on social media, please use the
Your bulbs will be dispatched directly hash tag #breakthebias.
to your Secretary during September
for distribution. Now something I still find difficult to
comprehend, the horror facing the
Thank you for your continued support. Ukrainian people due to one man! The
world is still reeling from Covid 19 and yet
Margaret Lomax, this man feels it’s now time to start a war.
Bulb Scheme Co-ordinator I won’t go into the politics of this but I will
ask if there is any way that your WI can
NEW WIs JUST OPENED! help these women and children who are
having to leave their homes, say ‘goodbye’
The Wells Monday WI will have its first meeting on Monday 21st March to their husbands, fathers and sons, not
at 7.00pm at Wells City Football Club, Rowdens Road, Wells BA5 1TU. knowing if they will see them again. There
are collection points throughout the
Contact Sharon Dawkins on 07917 678022. county taking in any items which so many
displaced families will need. If your WI sets
The Wyvern WI, Yeovil, will meet on Wednesday 16th March 3.00pm up any sort of fundraising or appeals of any
at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Westbourne Close, Yeovil BA20 2DD. kind, please let me know or contact Head
Office. Whilst on this subject, if you decide
Contact Cheryl Cook on 01935 671808. that you wish to give financial aid, please
ensure that it is a viable charity i.e. The Red
Cross, as there are, of course, those who do
not care how they make money even if it is
illegal.

Finally, I should like to just say the people
of the Ukraine are in my thoughts and if
you have friends or relatives involved in
this war, my thoughts go out to you also.

Take care and stay safe all.

Let’s get
Please phone: going again!

David Andrews – 01935 814288

8 April 2022