Towcester Evening WI

The Journey of a Baton

2012-02-26T14:56:00.004Z

The Northamptonshire County Federation of the WI have an exciting venture for all WIs in the county to participate in to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

A special baton – an Indian silver scroll holder (how messages were passed from village to village in the “olden days”) is being passed from one WI to another, going round the county from 15 February – 21 June.

All the names of the WIs in Northamptonshire who pass the baton in 2012 will be inscribed and enclosed within the scroll holder at a special ceremony at Holdenby House on 21 June.

Towcester Evening WI was one of the first WI's to receive and pass on the baton. Hartwell WI passed the baton to us on Thursday at the top of Bury Mount, overseen by a Roman soldier!

Hartwell WI passing baton to TEWI

The following day, WI committee members were joined by the Chair of South Northamptonshire Council, Sally Townsend, and Towcester Mayor, Martin Johns, and Mick and Sue Holliday from the A5 Rangers Cycling Club to add their good wishes before the WI baton continued its journey around the county.

It was then taken to Yardley Gobion by our President, Eileen, in a Vintage Silver Shadow Rolls Royce car, courtesy of Dean’s Wedding Car Service of Brackley.

Eileen in Olympic mode!

Traveling in style, courtesy of Dean's

To see many photos from these events click here

Sue H

WI County Lunch

2012-02-26T14:32:00.000Z

This year I made it to the WI County Lunch where the guest speaker was Jane Robinson, the author of "A Force to Be Reckoned With: A History of the Women's Institute." I had been given a copy of this book as a Christmas present from my daughter, so I was interested in hearing from the author herself. In fact, Jane stayed very close to the contents of her book which I had found an engaging read, and she used various photographs from the book to illustrate her talk.

I can't sign off this post without mentioning the excellent 3 course lunch that we were served by the catering committee. We started with pate and Melba toast - delicious. Main course was cottage pie - hot and very tasty with crunchy veg. Dessert was green grape flan - a new pud to me and one I shall try and make myself as it was very yummy! All served with wine - what more could we want?

4 members from TEWI went this year. How about more of us going next year? I thoroughly recommend it.


Jane signing my book!

Sue H

START - Sustainable Living

2012-02-16T14:06:00.002Z

Take a look at START'S website, all about Sustainable Living. It was START who organised and led the Sustainable Living Day at Denman recently and they have loads of ideas and contacts on their website to help us all save money and look after our environment. You can even sign up for their newsletter. Well worth the effort!
Click here

The February 2012 Newsletter

2012-02-13T20:58:00.001Z

Click here to see the newsletter!

February Pudding Recipe

2012-02-13T12:23:00.000Z

Anniversary Mousse courtesy of Sue R

250g white chocolate, in piece
3 medium free-range eggs
3 tbsp caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
300ml double cream

Method

Melt the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water.
Remove from the heat, then stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.
Separate 2 eggs. Beat the egg yolks, the remaining whole egg and 2 tbsp of sugar with an electric hand whisk for about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Beat in the rest of the sugar. Fold into the egg mixture to just combine.
Lightly whip cream to a soft peak.
Then slowly fold the egg mixture into the cooled chocolate and finally fold in the whipped cream.
Place in a bowl to serve, then chill for 4-6 hours until set.

Make it and Mend it

2012-02-13T10:20:00.000Z

One of the interesting talks at our Sustainable Living day at Denman was given by the 'Make it and Mend' it team who have developed a website encouraging us all to make use of old or discarded things rather than just throwing them away.

There are loads of ideas, patterns etc on the website and it is well worth looking at. Just click here.

Where did they get those hats!

2012-02-09T00:05:00.002Z

...and is that a box of chocolates Sue's holding?

Four of our members had a great day at Denman College - find out what they were up to in a posting coming soon.

Library "Hug"

2012-02-05T14:31:00.004Z

The weather may have been decidedly a bit chilly on Saturday but the WI had a very warm response to their invitation for local residents to turn up and "hug" the local library!

Sue R shows the message!

Following the "hug", the many people who had turned out to support us took advantage of the warm drinks and delicious WI cake on sale in Towcester Library.

This gave members the opportunity to inform local residents of the WI campaign regarding the importance of libraries and discuss the NCC specific proposals for Towcester Library.

At the end of the morning Eileen, WI President, presented the money raised - £191 - to Anne W, Chairman Friends of Towcester Library, and Kate, Towcester Library Supervisor.

More photos to view are available here

Sue H

Action Morning at Towcester Library

2012-01-20T14:42:00.006Z

On Saturday 4th February from 10.30am - 12.30pm the WI will be campaigning for
the importance of libraries as an information and community service at both local and national levels.

We shall be "HUGGING" Towcester Library and manning a cake stall and providing refreshments. we are hoping to be joined by other local organisations and residents of Towcester and surrounding villages.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-20T14:12:00.006Z

Our January meeting found members and guests being “pampered” by various local businesses offering beauty treatments at reduced prices.

Members treated themselves to manicures, massages and eye-brow plucking – so that sorted out the January Blues! Jackie from Jackie’s Pre-loved Clothing shop also tempted members to purchase some of her fabulous clothes and jewellery.

Julie paying her subs.

Is that a plastic bag on your foot Carol?

Now we look forward to our February Meeting on Thursday 2nd February when Anne Townsend will be talking about her time in Nepal (2010/2011) - working in schools and trips to various remote places. The meeting will be held at Riverside Centre, Islington Road, Towcester from 7.30pm.

Visitors are welcome - a donation of £2.50 for the evening would be appreciated.

January Pudding Recipe

2012-01-18T17:25:00.001Z

Lemon Dream

Recipe supplied by Helma

2 ozes butter or marge
1 oz plain flour
4 ozes castor sugar
Juice and grated rind of 1 lemon
2 eggs
1/4 pint milk

Method
Cream the butter and add sugar.
Beat the egg yolks into the butter and sugar.
Stir in the flour and the juice and rind of the lemon.
Add the milk (the mixture will curdle at this stage).
Whisk the egg whites stiffly and fold in.
Pour the mixture into a well greased oven dish.
Stand in a shallow pan of warm water and bake at Mark4 / 375F / 190C for 30 - 35 minutes.
The finished result will be sponge-like top with a sauce formed at the bottom of the bowl.

Note
This can also be made with cocoa etc - yummy!

The January 2012 Newsletter

2012-01-11T22:26:00.001Z

Happy New Year to all our members!

Click here to see the newsletter.

Two more free courses at Denman College!

2012-01-10T23:43:00.001Z

Wednesday 8th February
Brilliant Ideas for Sustainable Living
Click here for more information
Click here for application form

Monday 20th February
Healthy Snacking and How to Manage a Busy Lifestyle with Karren Brady
Click here for more information
Click here for application form

Christmas Lunch at Denman College

2012-01-04T19:05:00.001Z

Cheers!

The Monday before Christmas five members of TEWI went to Denman College to have Christmas Lunch. As we entered the college we found a welcoming fire and then we were given a glass of mulled wine to get us in the party spirit! We had an excellent lunch - delicious food, excellent service and extra roast spuds (when Sue asked for more) and the opportunity to talk to other WI members from near and far.

Eileen, Ruth, Sue H, Pat T, Gwen

Sue H

Christmas Pudding Competition

2012-01-04T18:51:00.000Z

On Saturday 17th December nine of us travelled to The George, at Tiffield, to judge their Christmas pudding competition. We were warmly welcomed by the landlady of the George who also organised the competition.

The judges Gwen, Kirsten and Helen settled in to start the testing and tasting. Sue joined them to record the comments and scores. The rest of us sat chatting, playing darts and mixing with the locals. After about 45mins the decision was made and the winners announced.

Gwen tasting a pud and Sue filling in a comment card

The winning pud!

We were then all invited for a buffet supper plus pudding tasting. Not a bad way to spend an evening! Thanks to Jane and Russell for making us feel very welcome.

We will be back.

Pat T

Towcester Christmas Tree Festival 2011

2011-12-10T23:37:00.005Z

Well done to Maureen and Helma for our WI entry to the Towcester Christmas Tree Festival at the Methodist Church. The lovely silvery white tree went brilliantly with Maureen's very clever snowman poem that some of you will have heard her read. All the trees in the Church made a lovely display and represented the different things that Christmas can mean to us.

Eileen, our president also produced a beautiful display of a Victorian Christmas. What talent we have in our WI!

It was all in a good cause too as the proceeds of the event were shared between the Church and the Hearing Clinic at Northampton General Hospital.

If you would like to see some more photos of the Festival click here .

Lynne T

Downton Abbey Literary Lunch at Denman College

2011-12-09T12:12:00.000Z

Downton Abbey Literary Lunch – 112.460
at Denman College, Monday, 6 February 2012
£40 per person
Come and meet bestselling author Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the 8^th Countess. Downton Abbey is filmed at Highclere Castle, one of England’s most exquisite Victorian castles and the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
In her new book ‘Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey’, Lady Carnarvon tells the remarkable story behind her family home. This book spans the time period covered by the first two series of Downton Abbey. It is a story that is even more fascinating than the fiction. In 1894, Lady Almina, the nineteen year old illegitimate daughter of banking tycoon Alfred de Rothschild, married into the Carnarvon family bringing an enormous fortune with her. Lonely and miserable at first, she gradually won over society and her husband with her wit, brave spirit and fabulous dresses. She presided over a staff of over 90 people at Highclere. When the First World War came, life at Highclere changed forever and they lost many of the men whose families had worked there for generations. (The current Head Gamekeeper’s great great-grandfather was the Head Gamekeeper in Almina’s day). Lady Almina persuaded her husband to allow her to turn Highclere into a hospital for wounded soldiers and personally saw that they received the highest standard of care. She also funded and supported her husband the 5^th Earl of Carnarvon’s expeditions to Egypt. In 1922 he discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen.

Lady Carnarvon will provide a rich and fascinating insight into what life was really like at Highclere, both upstairs and downstairs. She will also answer questions about her work and her life. This will be followed by lunch, a book signing and afternoon tea. Tickets cost £40 per person. The event will start at 10.30am and finish at 3pm.

Those who would like to attend are asked to contact Denman College on 01865 391991.

Our December Meeting

2011-12-05T19:02:00.002Z

After a memorable week for TEWI our year ended on a nostalgic note.

As we entered Riverside we all received a warm welcome from our 'meeters and greeters' followed by a glass of Bucks Fizz. Eileen,our President, welcomed members,visitors and new members. After a short amount of business and birthday greetings Eileen introduced us to our speaker Amanda Pickard.

Amanda captivated us with what life was like at Christmas in the early 1940's. Several members were very aware of the times with some also having been evacuees, whilst others were but babes in arms and the remainder were and are, I'm sure, all far too young to remember! Amanda had brought lots of memorabilia with her which we were able to browse or buy later in the evening.

Following this we all enjoyed Christmas refreshments and social time.

There was a quiz"Can you guess who it is?" by identifying members from their "70's" photos. After this Eileen called us all to order [very difficult!] Barbara L won the quiz and received a small prize.


Gwen reflecting on the 1970s!

Before the meeting was closed there was much hilarity as the Secret Santa "pass the parcel" was commenced. Phew ---- thank goodness there were enough presents to go round!!

Secret Santa fun

The committee then delivered a pretty good rendition of "We wish you a Merry Christmas" with members joining in towards the end. Christmas wishes were exchanged and members slowly drifted home chattering and laughing as they went.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

A very happy evening had by all. Many thanks to our hard working committee and the hostesses for all they did to make our evening go with a swing.

To see some more photos just click here

Happy Christmas everyone and A Very Happy New Year.

Pat T

West Riding Pudding

2011-12-05T11:48:00.001Z

Here is the first of our pudding recipes following on from the Puddings Evening we enjoyed. There will be one recipe published each month. If you have difficulty with any of them, do contact the original contributer.

West Riding Pudding
(Pat H)

4ozes shortcrust pastry
A little jam
4 ozes butter or margerine
4 ozes sugar
2 eggs
4 ozes flour
1/2 tsp baking powder

Roll the pastry and line the sides of a pie dish.
Spread the jam over the pastry.
Beat the butter and sugar together.
Add the eggs one at a time and beat until the mixture is stiff and uniform.
Stir in the sifted flour and baking powder.
Turn the sponge mixture into the prepared pie dish.
Cook for approx. 45 mins at 180c / Gas mark 4 until the sponge is cooked through.

New Sponsors for WI Floral Planters

2011-12-04T10:33:00.000Z

Towcester Evening WI is pleased to announce that it has new sponsors for its existing floral planters in Towcester. Payne’s Nurseries are to sponsor the planter at the northern entrance to the town and John White, Funeral Directors, will sponsor the planter at the southern entrance to Towcester.

Planting for both floral planters is to be carried out by Ian Morgan from Payne’s Nurseries and some members from the WI Planters sub-committee met with Ian on Thursday 1^st December to mark the hand-over.

Ian Morgan from Paynes Nurseries with Barbara T, Sue H and Ruth H

Towcester Evening WI would like to take this opportunity to thank these local businesses for their support in maintaining these planters for the enjoyment of local residents and visitors to the town. The WI is now working with other local businesses towards providing further floral planters in the town centre.

Sue H

Adam Henson comes to entertain the WI

2011-12-02T19:07:00.003Z

On the 30th November eight people from our WI attended Spinney Hill in Northampton to hear Adam Henson, from BBC TV's Countryfile programme. He came across very well
( he's got theatrical blood running in his veins, but that's another story ) and was very interesting. He started off the evening by telling us about his family life as a young boy and then progressing through to the current day; his life on the farm and television. And believe it or not, he talks even quicker on stage than he does on the box!

But what made mine and Sue's evening was as he entered the venue and passed the bar where Sue and I stood, he had to go directly in front of us ( swoon, swoon and where was Pat when we needed our photo taken?): he'd got us hooked!

Adam with Shirley and Lynda

Lynne, Val, Sue and Pat before the main event!

And here he is signing his book!

This was yet again another evening run by our County Federation - you should all try and go to some of the events the federation organize - they are well worth it.

Val A

BBC Radio Northampton broadcasts with the WI!

2011-12-02T18:48:00.002Z

On Wednesday 30th November, away from the public sector strike and the hustle and bustle of Christmas shoppers, was a haven of peace at Towcester Leisure Centre. Tables were laden with sandwiches and cakes, ladies were milling about chatting to one another, whilst others were busy making Christmas cards and blankets. Then at 12 noon promptly the show was on the road: BBC Radio Northampton was broadcasting a Lunchtime Special show live from the centre with Towcester Evening WI!

Stuart Linnell was our host and took his listeners and our members through the topic of the day- the public sector strike - and spoke to members about the values and activities of the WI through his 2 hour show. Stuart informed his listeners that he was surrounded by a "bevy of beauties" and discovered that many of the "beauties" held strong views on local issues and the topics of the day..

It certainly was a fascinating experience. The radio car was parked outside the centre and Stuart had only an ipad, on which he had his schedule for the programme which he had emailed to himself, and his microphone. Probably the most important person in the room was Sarah Jane whose job was to hold up a clock at regular times to prepare Stuart for the new items etc.

Carol talks about the WI Library campaign

Eilleen talks about the Bus campaign

There are 5 days left to access the programme via the BBC iplayer so click here.


It's Sarah Jane with the clock!

Stuart and his "bevy of beauties" plus the surprise visitor!

Sue H

The December 2011 newsletter

2011-12-01T12:43:00.001Z

Click here to see the newsletter!

December Meeting

2011-11-14T20:13:00.002Z

“Wartime Christmas”

Thursday 1^st December

7.30pm at Riverside Centre

Islington Road, Towcester

Visitors are welcome - a donation of £2.50 for the evening would be appreciated

Contact Eileen 01327 323180 or Barbara 01327 352266

40th Anniversary Party

2011-11-11T13:54:00.000Z

Wow! What a 'fab' time we had at the Conservative Club on 3rd November for our 40th Anniversary celebration. Everyone made a huge effort to come dressed up in 70's gear with some people even wearing original items that they still had in their wardrobe!

It all started with a welcome Bucks Fizz as everyone arrived and then found their seats at the tables which were decorated with lovely Autumn flower displays. Most people had brought along a picture of themselves from the 70's and these caused great amusement as everyone tried to recognise who was who.

The buffet was as typically 70's as possible with the usual cheese and pineapple on sticks, sausage rolls and quiche with typical Black Forest gateau amongst others for dessert. Everyone tucked in and then it was time for the entertainer!

Flossie was quite a character and very flamboyant in her many outfits. She sang, danced and changed outfits making as all laugh along the way.

And so ended another fun evening. Many thanks to Flossie, the staff at the Conservative Club and to all those who organised the evening.

And if you would like to see more pictures from the evening, just click here.

Federation's Annual Council Meeting October 2011

2011-11-03T14:58:00.003Z

Some highlights of the ACM:

Firstly bumping into Rev Roger Royle when we disembarked from the coach and headed towards the toilets: he was just coming out of the men’s and said it was empty and why didn’t we use it so we did!

Secondly was seeing our very own TEWI photos on the power point presentation above the stage in the theatre.

Thirdly was seeing “our Gwen” take her place on top table – especially when she smiled!

And then finally, was hearing Eileen’s name when the winner of the Margaret Aspinal Draw for Denman College was announced. (Triumph for Eileen yet again - I hear you cry!)

In fact Towcester was mentioned quite a bit during the evening – for taking part in the Community Challenge – won jointly by Earls Barton and Yardley Gobion WIs – then in passing by Roger (something about the last bus to Towcester - probably a derogatory remark as he was full of them) and the introduction of Gwen who gave the vote of thanks to our County Chairman, Lynda Beck.

The key-note of Lynda Beck’s address was that WI members need to embrace change and to ensure that each WI has their own website, as young women today access most things on-line. This was also the subject of a presentation given by CAB (Citizen’s Advice Bureau) who is looking for WI members to become volunteer Digital Champions and join their “Go-on Give an Hour” campaign, helping getting folk started on the internet.

Good financial news was reported from the Treasurer as the County Federation has made a surplus this year and are beginning to build up a reserve.

As to Rev Roger – what can I say? He was very un-PC! He referred to us all as geriatrics, and after asking the photographer if she could do a “wide-screen” for a photo shot of 3 lovely ladies, he then kept referring to us all as fatties and referred to the executive committee (who had been sitting at the back of the stage before his talk) as “the backing group in last year’s colours!”

Roger has had a very diverse career and early on he was Chaplain at Eton College and declared he had 2 Earls and a Viscount in his 1^st class there. And he declared that the only reason he wasn’t made Archbishop of Canterbury was because his initials had got confused with Robert Runcie’s!

This is only a snippet about the enjoyable evening Pat and I spent with our WI friends from Northamptonshire. The County Chairman concluded the evening with the message that the WI should aim “to make the world a better place.”

Sue H

The November Newsletter

2011-10-31T20:23:00.000Z

Click here to see the newsletter!

County Trip to Chatham

2011-10-26T15:39:00.002+01:00

At the end of September WI House did a trip to Chatham Historic Dockyard which 5 members plus 3 husbands went on. This turned out to be a very interesting day, weather beautiful if rather a long journey. You could actually go on the submarine, also the Navy warship and you could see the hard conditions the service men had to work in. The Victorian Ropery was also open for guided tours and I don't think I would have liked to work there back then. Kent Police had a museum on the site and Joan, Mary and myself had our photos taken outside Dr Who's Tardis. Most enjoyable day , you really want to follow up on some of these trips.

Val

TEWI Exhibition in Library

2011-10-21T16:29:00.004+01:00

If you haven't popped into Towcester Library yet to check out the TEWI Exhibition then you have only 5 more days to get there! Please tell your friends and neighbours too as it tells the story of our very own WI along with the national and county element of our organisation. It's a great lead up to our 1970s party in November!

For more pictures of the Library display click here.

TEWI President Eileen and Secretary Barbara

Chutney, pickles and preserves

2011-10-21T16:11:00.001+01:00

On Friday 10 members went to Bay Tree Cottage in Farthingstone to take part in a chutney workshop. We started with tea and cake (always a good sign) and soon learnt a great deal about using and preserving the harvest in our gardens, allotments and hedgerows.

Jenny proved to be a very professional and inspiring teacher and she got some of our members helping with the prep for some of the demonstrations before we sampled numerous chutneys, whilst she provided us with many hints and tips.

Carol and Barbara get to work!

Gathering the horse radish

What a lovely way to spend a Friday morning -in a cosy and comfortable kitchen with good friends, looking out over beautiful countryside, eating and drinking, learning new skills. This was WI at its best! Thanks to Margaret W for organising this event.

Sue H

Didn't we do well!

2011-10-21T15:45:00.001+01:00

On Monday evening some of our members joined the Watling Friends at Whittlebury Reading Rooms for a wonderful evening. Matthew Collins proved to be a very entertaining speaker and besides telling us about his travel exploits with the BBC Travel Show and his travels across America and Canada with two small boys as a single-dad, he gave us some money-saving tips re gathering bargains at our local supermarkets. (We might share these tips with you!)


Val and Joan take their seat for the evening

Matthew was very amusing and I wish I could remember all his tales. This is the joy of Watling Friends - that we can book a more expensive speaker of a very high calibre.

Matthew and Ruth

Then on top of that we finished the evening with a delicious supper and discovered that TEWI had won the competition thanks to Ruth!

Denman College Rocks!

2011-10-21T15:04:00.001+01:00

Barbara L, Maureen P, Barbara T and myself attended the recent free event at Denman College sponsored by Dove with Rosemary Conley CBE. Over coffee and danish pastries we met many other WI members; some of whom had traveled all the way from Wales!

Denman College in spring time

We then made our way over to the classrooms, across the lawns, to the other side of the main house and we started the session with Alyson Walsh, ex fashion editor of Good Housekeeping, talking about using Dove under-arm deodorant with extensive advice on our "bingo arms" and upper arms.

We had 2 large TV screens showing different fashion help for all our sizes - Alyson was very good advising us as to where to buy items, including on-line. At coffee break we went outside to enjoy the sunshine and chat again with other WI ladies.

The next session was specifically about Dove deodorants which (we were informed) include a quarter moisturising formula enriched with vitamins E and F to help the skin repair itself after showering. The result is visably softer and smoother underarms in just 7 days.

Just before we stopped for lunch, Rosemary Conley made her entrance and talked about care and pampering: plenty of moisturising, massaging arms every day, focusing on triceps and biceps to help circulation and skin tone - always drinking plenty of water through the day.

Rosemary looks amazing for her age (65) thanks to exercise and a good diet - including 5 a day. She has done this for so long but it has paid off as we could see! After a great lunch in the main house Rosemary put us through various exercises for our "bingo wing" arms. We sat on the edge of our chairs, lowering ourselves off the chair with control with our arms and a lot of pushing.. Followed by press ups and stretch exercises with stretch bands which led to fits of laughter! Rosemary then talked us through her Facial Flex gadget and her latest book Secrets of Staying Young.

We finished the day with yet more tea plus cake! We were given a goody bag to bring home and we all agreed that we had had a great time and had met so many lovely WI members.

Cheers for Denman - thanks you for a great day out!

Your member of TEWI

Ann S

ps It was Barbara T's 1st visit to Denman and she was very impressed with the house, grounds and facilities.

Puddings Evening

2011-10-17T09:54:00.001+01:00

What fun we had at our October meeting with lots of members bringing along puddings to share! From trifles to a Manchester tart, we must have had at least 25 scrumptious puddings to eat between us. The pudding contributors also brought along the recipes for their puddings so we are hoping to collate these into a little booklet for members to try out their favourites at home. We all voted for our favourite pudding on the night (a very difficult task!) and congratulations go to Sue R. who won the Members Cup for her delicious pudding!

It certainly helped to lighten the formal business of the Annual Meeting which was well managed as usual by Eileen, our President, who was also elected as President once again. Jenny B. agreed to join the committee which now stands again at 6 members after Margaret decided to stand down due to other commitments.

We all went home a few pounds heavier but looking forward to another fun year ahead!

Quiz

2011-10-15T16:29:00.000+01:00

Thanks to all who made our WI Quiz such a success last night. All agreed that the fish and chips were delicious and John was a superb Quiz Master. Here is a picture of the winning team which was led by our member Margaret K.

The winning team!

Whittlebury Hall

2011-10-15T16:25:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Margaret W for organising such a relaxing evening recently at Whittlebury Hall Leisure Club. We swam in the lovely warm pool, we sweated in the sauna and steam rooms and then pampered ourselves in all the bubbles in the jacuzzi before finishing with coffee and pastries!

Margaret relaxing!

Pat on the other side of the camera for a change with Linda and Deirdre!

2011-10-09T19:00:00.002+01:00

Talk on Flora Thompson by Christine Bloxham

at Greens Norton on 23^rd September 2011

I was delighted to know that NFWI (Northamptonshire Federation WI) had arranged a second visit by Christine Bloxham, her first talk having been fully booked, with many disappointed WI members throughout the county, including myself and Margaret Knowlton and friends. We were lucky this second time and joined a ‘full house’ of members from all over the county in Greens Norton Community Centre for a very enjoyable afternoon.

Christine Bloxham spoke with great knowledge and admiration, and even fondness, of Flora Thompson, who is famous for her book ‘Lark Rise to Candleford’ which is a wonderful record of social history of the late 19^th and early 20^th Century in the villages around Brackley, Bicester and Buckingham and her talk was enhanced by showing slides of some of the pictures in her book ‘The World of Flora Thompson’. Juniper Hill and Cottisford are the real names of ‘Lark Rise’ and ‘Fordlow’ (the ‘Mother Village’) and I have enjoyed visiting them in recent years, particularly as I have discovered that my maternal grandmother and Flora Thompson were first cousins. My grandmother was married in Cottisford Church.

County Chair, Lynda Beck with Christine Bloxham

The afternoon came to an end with delicious cakes and cups of tea being served to everyone very efficiently by members of Towcester Evening WI. Well done, girls!

Helen W

A Beautiful Garden

2011-10-06T16:30:00.005+01:00

On our way to visit daughter and grandaughter in Kent we stopped off to visit Painshill garden in Surrey. We can recommend it, especially on a lovely sunny day such as we've had recently. It has an interesting history, beautiful trees and views as well as a walled garden and various follies. The follies include what they call a gothic temple but as you can see in the photo its rather a different style from the one at Stowe!

Has anyone else got a garden recommendation?

Lynne T

If you would like to see some more photos of Painshill garden click here .

The October Newsletter

2011-10-06T16:08:00.003+01:00

Click here to see the newsletter!

Coming Soon - FREE Health Events at Denman College

2011-10-05T22:52:00.008+01:00

Monday 31st October

Solgar Vitamin and Herb UK have organised an informative succession of talks each performed by an expert including Lowri Turner, the television presenter. The presentations will identify key topics in the areas of health and wellbeing.

To find out more click here

For the application form click here

Tuesday 29th November

TV’s Dr Sarah Jarvis and Green Goddess Diana Moran host an extended coffee morning with a twist!

Interactive seminars with an overview of dietary and lifestyle advice and the role that moderate coffee can play in a healthy diet. Also Diana will be running an EasiFit exercise classes from her latest DVD.

To find out more click here

For the application form click here

What is the WI Moodle?

2011-09-26T16:07:00.001+01:00

The WI Moodle is a training site for members of WI and it has free, open source software which has been designed for educational purposes. Copies of NFWI news can also be downloaded from the NFWI news area on the WI Moodle.

To find out more about the WI Moodle click here! (For future reference it's now one of our links on the right hand side of the blog.)

Lynne

Community Challenge

2011-09-25T15:17:00.000+01:00

The sub-committee looking after the WI planters recently met and discussed ideas, put forward by members, on how to spend the remaining funds in the community challenge pot. Following this meeting, Sue H and Thelma went out with their cameras to take some shots of the current floral displays and possible new locations for planters in the centre of town.

The sun was shining and we met the mayor and his family and various other friends and acquaintances and stopped for a chat with all of them but then we were stopped by an American who wanted to know why we were taking photos and he insisted on taking our photograph!

No - we were not selling!

If you have further thoughts re floral displays in Towcester then it is not too late to share your ideas with the sub-committee - in fact this is a good opportunity to thank them all publically for doing such a good job over the last few months in ensuring our WI planters have given visitors and residents of Towcester such pleasure this summer.

Thanks to Ann S, Barbara T, Deirdre, Ruth and Thelma.

Sue H

What have you been doing recently?

2011-09-18T22:46:00.002+01:00

Following Pat's suggestion you can now tell other members what you've been doing under the new label 'Members news'!
My own piece of news is that I went to Kew last week to a dinner held in the Orangery and unexpectedly I found myself sitting next to the journalist Matthew Parris! He was very charming and a great conversationalist. The meal was also very good!

Lynne T

Towcester Tidy Up!

2011-09-18T15:18:00.000+01:00

It was the Towcester Tidy Up project this weekend. TEWI had taken part in the initial campaign 6 months ago and so it was gratifying to find that when we litter picked along the same location this weekend - the path from Northampton Road through to the Tesco store - that the rubbish wasn't as copious as on the previous occasion.


Sue H on cans and plastic duty!

However, it is probably best not to mention the full bottles of drink I found: I was a bit naive about the waste of cider until I found a milk carton with the same colour liquid in! There is a very real problem with the volume of rubbish by the waste depot unit where I found these bottles of liquid, probably from the lorry drivers that park up there, and I propose to write to the councils to see if any action can be taken to help resolve this issue.

If all the community groups in Towcester continue to support this project (there will be another Tidy Up in 6 months time) then Towcester will be a much pleasanter place to live and work in.

Sue H

Harvest Supper

2011-09-12T20:50:00.002+01:00

This year's Harvest Supper at our Annual Meeting on Thursday 6th October is nothing but puddings!

Yes, you heard right - we are skipping starters and main courses to concentrate on the all important stuff- PUDS!

A Denman Cookery School pud!

Please bring along a pud of your choice (or partner up with a pal) - it can be homemade or bought. A bowl and a spoon would be very useful too.

Hopefully, this will get you all in the mood to sign up for the committee!

Sue H

Scrapbook Afternoon Tea

2011-09-12T20:31:00.003+01:00

Many thanks to Barbara G for hosting such a delightful afternoon tea at her house last week. She made us all very welcome and kept the tea flowing and tempted us with scrumptious biccies and flapjack. Members spent most of the afternoon looking through our scrapbooks chronicling the 40 years of our WI and I could hear many a chuckle as members reminisced over events and escapades!

Helen and Eileen

Helma and Thelma!

Sue's in charge of the laptop!

With the use of Barbara's laptop I was able to share our recent radio interview broadcast on BBC Radio Northampton and show off our brand new WI Blog to members who do not have access to the internet. Money raised from the tea will be shared between TEWI and the Denman College Appeal.

For those of you that could not make this event, the scrapbooks will be on display again at our November party.

Special thanks go to Ruth H, Lynne T, and of course Barbara G for helping me bring the scrapbooks up to date. (I'm sure you all appreciate their witty comments!)

Thank you girls!

Sue H

A Free Course at Denman College!

2011-09-09T21:57:00.001+01:00

Tuesday 18th October

Villeroy and Boch 'Table Styling and Framing Food Day'

Click here for further details.

Click here for an application form.

The September Newsletter

2011-09-01T10:40:00.002+01:00

Click here to see the newsletter!

Pimms and Canapes evening

2011-08-31T15:26:00.003+01:00

As part of our 40th Anniversary celebrations we all dressed up and enjoyed a Pimms and Canapes party at Highcroft House in Towcester on 4th August.

We had invited many important guests including past Presidents and inaugural members; the Towcester Town Mayor, Councillor Martin Johns; and the Northampton Federation Chairman, Lynda Beck along with the Treasurer, Anne Robson.

Our President, Eileen, welcomed everyone as they arrived, directing them in the direction of the Pimms which was being served up by the very friendly and helpful staff at Highcroft. This was followed by freshly made canapes which were delicious. We were able to spill out into the garden as well as make use of the lovely lounge and dining areas. Our scrapbooks were available for all to see, documenting the life of the WI in Towcester from 1971 and Eileen made one of her gorgeous celebration cakes.

We enjoyed a lively evening with plenty of chat and catching up!

Welford County Walk

2011-08-22T12:15:00.003+01:00

Ruth, Sue and Thelma gathering for the walk

I have beeen on several WI County Walks and found them to be very enjoyable - good exercise, new scenery and meeting new WI ladies from other groups across the county and also walking with our own members and getting to know them better.

We viewed 3 counties on this walk!

This was an evening walk on the edge of the county at Welford and ended up at the pub after the walk with members of Greens Norton WI for a scrumptious plate of fish and chips!

The walks add to the richness of life in the WI!

Ruth H

Afternoon Tea at 1 Orchard Close

2011-08-06T13:55:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday 7th Sept come along to 1 Orchard Close at 2 30 pm, all are welcome.

On display will be all the WI scrapbooks starting with the first dating from 1971 and including the up to date books which have just been finished. Also avaible tea and biscuits hopefully in the garden if the weather is warm and dry.We are charging £2 - half proceeds to Denman College and the other half to go towards our WI.

Hope you all can come and see how many books your photo appears in.

Barbara G.

BBC Radio Northampton interview

2011-08-03T21:44:00.003+01:00

Jane, Eileen and Sue
with BBC Radio Northampton DJ

President Eileen was accompanied by Jane and Sue in a radio interview on BBC Radio Northampton on 3rd August. Members who missed the programme will have a chance to hear what they had to say at Barbara's Afternoon Tea on 7th September when we shall be able to listen to the recording along with looking at our scrapbooks that span the last 40 years!

County Show triumph!

2011-08-03T21:34:00.004+01:00

A snap taken on Pat's travels
secured her a 2nd place in the
black & white category

Many of our members entered the July WI Northamptonshire County Show and were very successful. Pat T fared really well in the phtotography section and came away with the silver plate as the over-all winner of the Photography Class. We will have her photographs on show at the September Meeting along with some other members' entries from the show. Unfortunately, Carol and Gwen have eaten their cakes that gained them prizes! And the co-operative entry submitted by our WI alas was not placed but all involved had fun!

A waterfall shot taken by Pat

Barbara's great shot of ladybirds
won 2nd prize

Pat's winning photo in
the Flora & Fauna section

New bus timetable Service 88

2011-08-03T21:28:00.013+01:00

TEWI bus campaigners waiting for
that Silverstone connection!

Lots of new developments on the local bus services. The 88 service has now become service 8 and the new timetable comes into effect this week. Our campaign over the change over of bus services at Silverstone has been successful!

To get all your up to date information on Towcester bus services then click here.

Sue

Style Day at Denman College

2011-08-03T21:25:00.006+01:00

The "before" picture

Some photos taken at the Style Day at Denman, the WI Adult Education College, on 30th July 2011.

On Saturday 30th July Sue H and myself, Pat T, attended the first "Style Day at Denman". The presenters Liz Prest and Jacqui Greer used their expertise in fashion, makeup and hair styling

The "after" shot!

A great surprise to the Northamptonshire WI ladies attending was the appearance of our Denman Representative, Christine Farmer, who was our "model" for the day!

Brilliant day and our thanks to our "star", the model, who was transformed before our very eyes.

Pat T

Scrapbooks

2011-08-03T21:11:00.003+01:00

Get out those Glue Sticks!


A Photo from the 2010 scrapbook

Barbara G, Sue H, Ruth and Lynne had great fun recently looking through old photos and cuttings, bringing back lots of memories of different events and different hair styles!

In fact there was a serious aim to all our fun as we were actually meeting as the ‘Scrapbook Sub-Committee’, organising all these items ready to put them into scrapbooks to add to our other archives. Now for the glue sticks!

Lynne

WI Planters

2011-08-02T19:04:00.001+01:00

Planting in April

The WI Planters at the northern and southern entrances to Towcester are looking very colourful at the moment.

We have a dedicated team that are currently maintaining the floral displays through dead heading, cleaning the planters and looking for slugs!

August 2011

Walks

2011-08-02T11:04:00.001+01:00

Some members recently went on a lovely evening walk in Blisworth.

Water Survey requested by the NFWI

2011-05-03T15:10:00.000+01:00

Dear Federation Secretaries,

Please find attached a survey asking for members’ views on issues around water use. Please do pass on the survey to WIs in your federation.

In the autumn the NFWI will be building on our environmental work with the launch of a new campaign focused on water.

Water is essential for life but globally one in eight of the world’s population does not have access to clean drinking water.

In the UK, concern about the environmental impact of water extraction from rivers, as well as climate change, are leading to calls for us to rethink the way we value this precious resource.

The first stage of the campaign is a survey to find out members’ views on a whole range of water issues.

The results of the survey will help us feed into the Government’s work on the future of water charging and particularly the new mechanisms proposed to help those who find paying their water bills difficult.

Please do complete and return the survey to Water Survey, .

104 New Kings Road, London, SW6 4LY

by 1^st June 2011. Survey responses will be kept completely anonymous

Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like more information.

Best wishes,

Emma Lindsay

Research and Campaigns Officer
National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI)

PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO OPEN SURVEY DOCUMENT:

Water Survey

Kate Morton Literary Lunch – at Denman College, Friday 17 June 2011

2011-05-03T15:01:00.001+01:00

Kate Morton Literary Lunch – 101.831 at Denman College, Friday 17 June 2011 £50 per person

Come and meet bestselling author Kate Morton. Kate’s books are published in 36 countries; The House at Riverton was the overall winner of the Richard & Judy Book Club Summer Reads in 2007 and was a Sunday Times number one bestseller in the UK. Her second book, The Forgotten Garden, reached number one in the Sunday Times chart in 2008. Kate grew up in the mountains of southeast Queensland, Australia, she is fascinated by England, setting all her novels in English villages around castles and manor houses, steeped in a very English tradition of mystery and storytelling.

Kate will talk about her latest book ‘The Distant Hours’ the paperback of her top ten bestselling hardback which will be published on 12^th May. She will also discuss her experiences of writing best selling novels and answer questions about her work and her life. This will be followed by lunch, a book signing and afternoon tea. Tickets cost £50 per person. The event will start at 10.30am and finish at 3pm.

We would be grateful if you would inform your Federation members of this event. Those who would like to attend are asked to contact Denman College on 01865 391991.

Pork Pie Competion

2011-04-20T15:01:00.000+01:00

As every year, Towcester Wi Members will be judging Tiffields Annual Pork Pie Competition on St. George’s Day at The George in Tiffield.
For more info please visit : http://www.thegeorgeattiffield.co.uk/index.php?id=events

Paulerspury Players

2011-04-07T09:45:00.001+01:00

Here a message from Andrea L:

Hi All,

Paulerspury Players is putting on a play about a very famous local man - William Carey.

We are recruiting actors for the parts - so if you know anyone who has thespian ambitions and may be interested in joining in then please see details below about audition date and info about the play.

Any questions they have can be addressed to myself 01327 ****** ( please get phone number from towcesterwi@gmail.com) or Ed Bloomfield - Tel: 01327 ****** ( please get phone number from towcesterwi@gmail.com)

A casting session for the play is taking place on Saturday 16th April 2011 in the URC Chapel, Paulerspury 10:00am - 12:00pm

The play will be performed in August so I'll let you have dates nearer the time incase you'd like to see it!

Andrea

War Horse Theatre Trip London

2011-04-04T14:07:00.000+01:00

Dear All

I have rec'd these details re the new Theatre Club in Towcester subsidised by SNC (via WI President) & have been asked to pass them on via email as closing date is before our next WI meeting. I am also sending info on to all my local friends as this production has had rave reviews & is on my current list of top shows still to see! Please can you contact Ann directly re payment but of course let me know if you can join me to see:

TOWCESTER THEATRE CLUB

WAR HORSE at the New London Theatre, Drury Lane…

Tuesday, 28 June 2011

7.00 p.m.

(leaving Towcester at about 4pm)

THEATRE including COACH TRAVEL FROM TOWCESTER

£64.00
A limited number of best stalls seats have been booked to see this show, with luxury coach travel by SMS from Towcester direct to the theatre. The cost covers your theatre ticket in the stalls, return coach travel Towcester to London, tip for the driver plus a small administration charge. Payment must be made in full by WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2011. If you are interested (or would like to go on our mailing list for future trips) please contact towcesterwi@gmail.com