Heyfords W.I.

HEYFORDS W.I. ARCHIVE

This is a record of Heyfords W.I. activities for the year 2000.

MARCH 2000
The chilly and grim prospect of a typical February evening was greatly improved by a very informative and entertaining talk on Defensive Driving by Mr Clive Stayt. He told us about advanced driving courses and gave us a few tips on how to sharpen up our driving skills.

An incredibly spring-like and sunny March day put us in the right mood for our AGM. This went well, and our hardworking and dedicated president was persuaded to serve for a further term of office. Also, the same committee members were re-elected (from a cast of thousands).

In addition to our regular meeting, several outings are planned. The next one will be to Westonbirt Arboretum in late April-early May.

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!

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MAY 2000
As spring eased into an early and most welcome summer, the faithful ladies of the W.I. listened fascinated to such talks as The Forensics of some Unusual Cases. This contained a few surprises. In their Resolutions meeting, members also debated important issues such as the future of our rural post offices and cancer care. The results of our deliberations will be forwarded to National Government.

Westonbirt Arboretum proved to be so popular on our last visit, that another was arranged for late May. It was greatly enjoyed by all.

County events are also well supported by The Heyfords, the last being a very enjoyable visit to the London Docklands on May 11.

The craftwork of two of our members was deemed to be of such high standard, that both pieces won a place in the national Craft Spectacular at Tatton Park in May. Congratulations to Janet and Lynn.

On June 6 members will gather together for a Sponsored Knit-in for Sobell House. Some of us, who shall be nameless, whose knitting is not exactly a work of art, will make the tea.

Although enjoyable, monthly meetings are only one aspect of W.I. membership, our regular outings are enjoyed by all. Future outings planned are a visit to Kelmscott House (William Morris) in June, a canal boat trip, and in September, a visit to Upton House Gardens, famous for its Michaelmas daisies.

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!

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JULY 2000
As I write this, it appears that July has been cancelled and replaced by March! June, however seemed, for most of the time, to be in its right position. A talk by Mrs Ruth Orpen, on one rare summer evening, was a delight. Mrs Orpen introduced us to semi-precious birthstones, allowing us to handle them and teaching us about their structure and origin. She also had some beautiful homemade jewellery, which she sold afterwards.

The Sponsored Knit-In, for charity, was a great success and raised a considerable amount of money. The author of this, turned pale at the sight of so much knitting but went along to natter and eat the wonderful tea provided! A visit is planned in September, to Upton House Gardens, famous for its Michaelmas Daisies.

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!

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NOVEMBER 2000
Our November meeting this year was somewhat an experiment. We decided to 'do it ourselves' and demonstrate our various Christmas skills to each other. The meeting was a great success. We had the complete boning of a turkey (this was done by a husband because the wife of said husband has no skills whatsoever!), the making of Christmas crackers, making small decorative trees, and making Christmas tree balls out of old Christmas cards. We all enjoyed the evening immensely, surprising each other and ourselves with our expertise.

Our Christmas party was held at the home of Daphne Gill; thank you Daphne! We had a wonderful evening, delicious food, warmth and friendship, a perfect preparation for Christmas.

On a sad note, since my last report we have lost one of our members. Bertha Busby died in November; we will miss her quiet cheerfulness and humour. She was a faithful and much loved member, God bless you Bertha.

If you are interested in membership, or just coming along as a visitor, a list of committee members and their telephone numbers appear in the February edition of the Valley News. Please contact us for more details.

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!

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DECEMBER 2000
Our membership this year is only 15, with the same committee of eight led by Janet Lawrance entering her fourth year as president. We may be few, but we make the most of our time together. Janet chose some good speakers again this year, these being Bronley Soaps, History of Child Rearing, Village Architecture, Defensive Driving, Forensics of Unusual Cases, Mineralogy, Other People's Gardens and Aromatherapy. I can only think of one of these, which was boring, but I won't mention names.

Last October started with a visit to Westonbirt Arboretum for the autumn colours, also a walk and lunch at Weston-on-the-Green, which was excellent. Next came the craft show at Exeter Hall, with four members entering. Janet and Lynn had their crafts chosen for the big show at Tatton Park, and eventually received certificates. This was quite an accolade considering the high standards at Exeter Hall, with superb workmanship on show. Our WI hosted the 1999 Autumn Group meeting - this was an enjoyable evening and a good time was had by all.

Besides the Arboretum, we've organised trips to the wig-making factory at Banbury, the Christmas shop at Lechlade, a boat trip to Blisworth and a visit to Kelmscott Manor, the one-time home of William Morris, with a call at Woodstock Town Hall to see their wonderful wall-hangings and the beautiful kneelers in the nearby church (this is somewhere you should all visit). We went on an OFWI tour of London Docklands and on a paddle-steamer at Henley, Stoke Lyne's 40th birthday party, Bucknell's millennium party and the inter-WI quiz. We made cakes for the group walk, Larkrise to Candleford, where Lynn Humberstone did a rush-seating demonstration. Rita hosted a knit-in in aid of Holidays For The Disabled and raised £250, and we had a car boot sale to boost our own funds.

In July we laid on a supper for Chipping Norton WI, as they had a mystery trip that month and needed a supper venue. We had a meeting to arrange it at Mollie's house and her husband, the Rector, overhead and volunteered to do all the cooking himself. He made two hot dishes plus a vegetarian dish, followed by a choice of sweets. All we had to do was dish up and wash up. Having served our visitors, we eventually sat down at 10.30pm to enjoy chicken curry and rice. It was a superb evening, well attended and very much appreciated by our guests and helpers. In fact everyone wants to come back next year. Once again we have had a happy and rewarding year.

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