ARFORD WI

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ARFORD WI

Arford is a very active institute and it is the committee's aim to encourage the interests of all our members.

President: Sue Barrett

Vice Presidents: Kath Walder & Carolyn Cromwell

Hon. Secretary : Sue Gamble

As well as the programme of monthly meetings we hold a fortnightly craft group where we chat and share ideas.
There is a walking group, a monthly lunch club (recent visits have been to the Grayshott Post Office, the Anchor at Liphook, the Links and Old Thorns was the venue for our enjoyable Christmas lunch).
We also have annual social skittles evenings with other local groups, annual garden parties and several scrabble meetings throughout the year.

There are various outings on offer: last year's included theatre trips.
We take part in the Federation quiz, scrabble and skittles competitions.
We have several members who get involved on an individual basis with other Federation
and Group competitions such as producing a lantern and entering photos for the Hampshire WI calendar.

Members have the opportunity to attend two local group meetings a year which are always most enjoyable.
There are also the two Federation Council Meetings and the National AGM on offer to members should they wish to get more involved in the WI.

There are workshops run by the Federation at WI House in Winchester and at Denman Collegenear Oxford, one has
the opportunity to increase skills and learn new ones in a helpful and very friendly atmosphere.

The president and all the committee members cordially invite possible new members to join us at our next meeting.

We are open to everyone, meeting at the Headley Church Centre at 8pm on the 4th Thursday each month, and would love to see you.

2010
DATE TOPIC SPEAKER
January 25th Colman's Mustard Mr. Steve Harris
February 25th English lavender Mr. Tim Butler
March 25th Toute Sweet, flower arranging with sweets. Demo and workshop. Mrs Liz Glover
April 22nd Open Wide - from the dental chair Mr. Wally Happy
May 27th Resolutions Meeting
June 24th Life's Like That - a look at notices that do not mean what they say. Mr. H. Paxton
July 22nd Garden Party
August 26th As Good As It Gets - How to grow old disgracefully Mrs. Gwen Appleton
September 23rd Insects and the Countryside Mr. Stephen Myles
October 28th A Talk on Books - Book Collection Mr. Paul Robinson
November 25th Annual Meeting
December 16th Christmas Party
OTHER MEETINGS THROUGH THE YEAR
Date Topic
March 24th The Spring Council Meeting at Portsmouth with Sir Bernard Ingham as the keynote speaker
April 29th Rudyard Kipling - his life and works. The Spring Group Meeting at Headley Church Centre, 7:30pm
June 2nd The AGM at Cardiff
October 20th The Autumn Council Meeting at Basingstoke
October 26th The Autumn Group meeting at Greatham Village Hall, 7:30pm
January Report
At the January meeting Arford W.I members were saddened to hear of the death of Helen Binns. She was one of the founder members and had always been actively involved throughout the years. Due to progressive ill health she had been unable to attend meetings for some time, but was still supportive. Helen was very knowledgeable, well travelled and talented, with many craft skills at her finger tips. A very caring, unassuming lady but with positive ideas, she was always willing to give advice and help. She will be greatly missed by all her many friends and sincere condolences have been sent to her family.
Mr. Steve Harris was our speaker that night and spoke of the history of Colman’s mustard. Formed in the 1800’s by the firm of Keen - hence the saying “Keen as mustard” - Jeremiah Colman bought him out and proceeded to enlarge this company. He was an excellent employer with the welfare of his workers very much at heart. He set up schools for members of his workforce charging 1d for the first child and ½d for all others. Colman's employed the first Occupational Health Nurse and made hostels available to women workers so that they did not have to make the long trek to work - the men often rose at 4:30 to leave their homes to walk to work and, after a 12 hour day, had to do the same to get home. The talk was excellent and gave a fascinating insight into the social history of the time and it also showed how clever advertising strategies and adapting to meet circumstances in a changing world can keep a product line to the fore even in modern times.
February Report
Lavender blue dilly, dilly came to mind when Mr. Tim Butler outlined the growth of the lavender farm at Hartley Park Farm nr Alton, to members of Arford W.I. at their February meeting.Using a power point presentation he explained that lavender had existed since Roman times and had been commercially grown in England since the 1700’s. He showed some of the varieties that are grown on the farm and described their many uses, which included relief of insomnia, insect bites and smelly feet! After this interesting and informative talk members were able to purchase lavender products which Mr. Butler had brought along.
March Report
Toute Sweet, Flower arranging with sweets. With a quick twist here and a neat twist there Arford W.I members learnt how to make sweets into flowers by covering the sweets with crepe paper, at their March meeting. In true Blue Peter fashion, Mrs. Liz Glover produced a display made earlier, and explained how it was made. It was a fun evening with everyone having a go.
There were bargains galore displayed at the Table Top Sale held in the Church Centre on the 27th March. The W.I committee had worked hard, producing home made biscuits to go with the refreshments on sale, and W.I. funds received a boost. It was disappointing that the public were rather thin on the ground, but thanks to all those who did come along to support this event.
On the 27th May we will hold our Resolutions Meeting and Mini Show. Members are encouraged to have a go and enter at least one of the four classes, preferably all! The classes are as follows - do try to have a go at one of them.
1. A novelty item knitted or crocheted (i.e. toy, bag, tea cosy etc)
2. A single flower stem from your garden.
3. A short poem no more than 3 verses entitled “My Favourite Sweet”. First line to read “As I look in through the window”.
4. A weird and wonderful vegetable creature (accessories can be used).
The Mini Show is always an interesting evening with plenty of time to socialise.
Unfortunately Mr. Wally Happy is unable to be with us on the 22nd April being misplaced due to volcanic action! So Mr Richard Burton has kindly stepped into the breach to give us a talk entitled 'Perfect, Perfect' - an insight into life in an old fashioned department store.
April Reort
At the April meeting of Arford W.I Richard Burton(not a reincarnation!), proved a worthy substitute for Mr. Wally Happy, who should have told members to "Open Wide from the dental chair"
Richard, who came at very short notice with his title "Tales of a Salesman" described how his desire to join this profession had developed since childhood, and of the various salesmen who had influenced his decision. He evoked many memories of the old fashioned stores where the customer was always treated with respect; of the seat placed by the counter for "Madam" to sit and how children's feet were measured yearly to ensure that shoes would be a perfect fit. His sense of humour and the many tales recounted resulted in an entertaining evening.
Group Meeting
On the29th April Arford W.I were hostesses to the group meeting in Headly Church Centre. Jonathan Jones took on the persona of Joseph Rudyard Kipling and delighted us all with the story of his life and works. Among the many poems he recited were "The Way through the Woods", "The Mugglers Song" and "The Glory of the Garden". He ended his tale by reciting the well known "If". After listening to Jonathan, who was a wonderful actor and kept the full hall enthralled, homemade cakes and coffee were provided.
The 24th June meeting will have Mr. H. Paxton telling us that "Life's Like That" an illustrated look at notices that do not mean what they say
May Report
The mini Show organised by Kath Walder for the May meeting, was well-supported, with several entries in each category.Jennifer Mitchell was the overall winner and was presented with the cup.
Sue Barrett was unable to be at the May meeting, so Carolyn Cromwell deputised. After the usual business, we discussed the resolution to be decided at the Women's Institute Annual meeting held this year in Cardiff. This read as follows "That there should be mandatory clear labelling of food with true country of origin". After debate the majority were in favour and the delegate from Blackmoor will take this with her on our behalf.
This was a friendly, social evening with time to chat to our friends.
The meeting on the 22nd July will be a local Tresaure Hunt. In order that members can start this at a few minute interval, they are asked to arrive at the Church Centre from 7 p.m. The Hunt will entail a short walk around Headley answering given clues and will be done in twos or threes. This of course will depend on the weather!! If wet, really wet, then please arrive at the normal time and there will be a wet weather programme organised. Members are also asked to bring a picnic, which will be eaten after the Hunt in the Centre. If in doubt please give Betty White a ring on 01428 713444.
June Report
The laptop presentation, given by Mr. Paxton to Arford W.I at their June meeting, illustrated the many ambiguities of the English language and gave cause for much amusement. He showed confusing and misinterpreted signs encountered on his travels, and rounded off his talk with a question given to a group of children, which said "Name a collective noun that covers the following - cabbages, sprouts, carrots"? Their reply - gravy! They say that laughter is the best tonic and all present would surely agree!
Jennifer Mitchell is encouraging members to participate in the W.I. Triatholon be it walking, swimming or cycling and is planning a group walk on the Village Green, for members to walk at their own pace.
The August meeting on the 26th, "As good as it gets - how to grow old disgracefully" by Mrs. Gwen Appleton, could give members ideas - so watch this space!!
July Garden Party
On yet another sunny summers evening, members of Arford W.I. enjoyed a Treasure Hunt at their July meeting. Setting off from the Church Centre, they followed a pre-set route finding answers to the given clues as they walked around the village. Ann Malcolm, Jackie Martin and Mary Nice found the most answers and were the winners. Once back at the Church Centre there were a couple of quizzes to further tax their brains and delicious puddings, made by the committee, to put back on the pounds they may have lost whilst walking!! All agreed that it was a fun evening and thanks were given to Jennifer Mitchell and Betty White for their organisation.
There is much to do as a member of Arford W.I. - monthly walks, a thriving lunch club which meets at a different venue each month, a craft group, a sales table (to unload unwanted gifts!), a speaker at the meetings, which are held on the fourth Thursday of each month, and the chance to meet both new and old friends.
Come along to our September meeting on the 23rd when Mr. Stephen Myles with tell us about "Insects and the Countryside". This could be an infectious evening!
For further information regarding Arford W.I. please ring the President, Mrs. Sue Barrett on 01420 473957, and she will be only too pleased to help you.

Welcome Visitor Number

2010
DATE	TOPIC	SPEAKER
January 25th	Colman's Mustard	Mr. Steve Harris
February 25th	English lavender	Mr. Tim Butler
March 25th	Toute Sweet, flower arranging with sweets. Demo and workshop.	Mrs Liz Glover
April 22nd	Open Wide - from the dental chair	Mr. Wally Happy
May 27th	Resolutions Meeting
June 24th	Life's Like That - a look at notices that do not mean what they say.	Mr. H. Paxton
July 22nd	Garden Party
August 26th	As Good As It Gets - How to grow old disgracefully	Mrs. Gwen Appleton
September 23rd	Insects and the Countryside	Mr. Stephen Myles
October 28th	A Talk on Books - Book Collection	Mr. Paul Robinson
November 25th	Annual Meeting
December 16th	Christmas Party
	OTHER MEETINGS THROUGH THE YEAR
Date	Topic
March 24th	The Spring Council Meeting at Portsmouth with Sir Bernard Ingham as the keynote speaker
April 29th	Rudyard Kipling - his life and works. The Spring Group Meeting at Headley Church Centre, 7:30pm
June 2nd	The AGM at Cardiff
October 20th	The Autumn Council Meeting at Basingstoke
October 26th	The Autumn Group meeting at Greatham Village Hall, 7:30pm
January Report
	At the January meeting Arford W.I members were saddened to hear of the death of Helen Binns. She was one of the founder members and had always been actively involved throughout the years. Due to progressive ill health she had been unable to attend meetings for some time, but was still supportive. Helen was very knowledgeable, well travelled and talented, with many craft skills at her finger tips. A very caring, unassuming lady but with positive ideas, she was always willing to give advice and help. She will be greatly missed by all her many friends and sincere condolences have been sent to her family.
	Mr. Steve Harris was our speaker that night and spoke of the history of Colman’s mustard. Formed in the 1800’s by the firm of Keen - hence the saying “Keen as mustard” - Jeremiah Colman bought him out and proceeded to enlarge this company. He was an excellent employer with the welfare of his workers very much at heart. He set up schools for members of his workforce charging 1d for the first child and ½d for all others. Colman's employed the first Occupational Health Nurse and made hostels available to women workers so that they did not have to make the long trek to work - the men often rose at 4:30 to leave their homes to walk to work and, after a 12 hour day, had to do the same to get home. The talk was excellent and gave a fascinating insight into the social history of the time and it also showed how clever advertising strategies and adapting to meet circumstances in a changing world can keep a product line to the fore even in modern times.
February Report
	Lavender blue dilly, dilly came to mind when Mr. Tim Butler outlined the growth of the lavender farm at Hartley Park Farm nr Alton, to members of Arford W.I. at their February meeting.Using a power point presentation he explained that lavender had existed since Roman times and had been commercially grown in England since the 1700’s. He showed some of the varieties that are grown on the farm and described their many uses, which included relief of insomnia, insect bites and smelly feet! After this interesting and informative talk members were able to purchase lavender products which Mr. Butler had brought along.
March Report
	Toute Sweet, Flower arranging with sweets. With a quick twist here and a neat twist there Arford W.I members learnt how to make sweets into flowers by covering the sweets with crepe paper, at their March meeting. In true Blue Peter fashion, Mrs. Liz Glover produced a display made earlier, and explained how it was made. It was a fun evening with everyone having a go.
	There were bargains galore displayed at the Table Top Sale held in the Church Centre on the 27th March. The W.I committee had worked hard, producing home made biscuits to go with the refreshments on sale, and W.I. funds received a boost. It was disappointing that the public were rather thin on the ground, but thanks to all those who did come along to support this event.
	On the 27th May we will hold our Resolutions Meeting and Mini Show. Members are encouraged to have a go and enter at least one of the four classes, preferably all! The classes are as follows - do try to have a go at one of them.
	1. A novelty item knitted or crocheted (i.e. toy, bag, tea cosy etc)
	2. A single flower stem from your garden.
	3. A short poem no more than 3 verses entitled “My Favourite Sweet”. First line to read “As I look in through the window”.
	4. A weird and wonderful vegetable creature (accessories can be used).
	The Mini Show is always an interesting evening with plenty of time to socialise.
	Unfortunately Mr. Wally Happy is unable to be with us on the 22nd April being misplaced due to volcanic action! So Mr Richard Burton has kindly stepped into the breach to give us a talk entitled 'Perfect, Perfect' - an insight into life in an old fashioned department store.
April Reort
	At the April meeting of Arford W.I Richard Burton(not a reincarnation!), proved a worthy substitute for Mr. Wally Happy, who should have told members to "Open Wide from the dental chair"
	Richard, who came at very short notice with his title "Tales of a Salesman" described how his desire to join this profession had developed since childhood, and of the various salesmen who had influenced his decision. He evoked many memories of the old fashioned stores where the customer was always treated with respect; of the seat placed by the counter for "Madam" to sit and how children's feet were measured yearly to ensure that shoes would be a perfect fit. His sense of humour and the many tales recounted resulted in an entertaining evening.
Group Meeting
	On the29th April Arford W.I were hostesses to the group meeting in Headly Church Centre. Jonathan Jones took on the persona of Joseph Rudyard Kipling and delighted us all with the story of his life and works. Among the many poems he recited were "The Way through the Woods", "The Mugglers Song" and "The Glory of the Garden". He ended his tale by reciting the well known "If". After listening to Jonathan, who was a wonderful actor and kept the full hall enthralled, homemade cakes and coffee were provided.
	The 24th June meeting will have Mr. H. Paxton telling us that "Life's Like That" an illustrated look at notices that do not mean what they say
May Report
	The mini Show organised by Kath Walder for the May meeting, was well-supported, with several entries in each category.Jennifer Mitchell was the overall winner and was presented with the cup.
	Sue Barrett was unable to be at the May meeting, so Carolyn Cromwell deputised. After the usual business, we discussed the resolution to be decided at the Women's Institute Annual meeting held this year in Cardiff. This read as follows "That there should be mandatory clear labelling of food with true country of origin". After debate the majority were in favour and the delegate from Blackmoor will take this with her on our behalf.
	This was a friendly, social evening with time to chat to our friends.
	The meeting on the 22nd July will be a local Tresaure Hunt. In order that members can start this at a few minute interval, they are asked to arrive at the Church Centre from 7 p.m. The Hunt will entail a short walk around Headley answering given clues and will be done in twos or threes. This of course will depend on the weather!! If wet, really wet, then please arrive at the normal time and there will be a wet weather programme organised. Members are also asked to bring a picnic, which will be eaten after the Hunt in the Centre. If in doubt please give Betty White a ring on 01428 713444.
June Report
	The laptop presentation, given by Mr. Paxton to Arford W.I at their June meeting, illustrated the many ambiguities of the English language and gave cause for much amusement. He showed confusing and misinterpreted signs encountered on his travels, and rounded off his talk with a question given to a group of children, which said "Name a collective noun that covers the following - cabbages, sprouts, carrots"? Their reply - gravy! They say that laughter is the best tonic and all present would surely agree!
	Jennifer Mitchell is encouraging members to participate in the W.I. Triatholon be it walking, swimming or cycling and is planning a group walk on the Village Green, for members to walk at their own pace.
	The August meeting on the 26th, "As good as it gets - how to grow old disgracefully" by Mrs. Gwen Appleton, could give members ideas - so watch this space!!
July Garden Party
	On yet another sunny summers evening, members of Arford W.I. enjoyed a Treasure Hunt at their July meeting. Setting off from the Church Centre, they followed a pre-set route finding answers to the given clues as they walked around the village. Ann Malcolm, Jackie Martin and Mary Nice found the most answers and were the winners. Once back at the Church Centre there were a couple of quizzes to further tax their brains and delicious puddings, made by the committee, to put back on the pounds they may have lost whilst walking!! All agreed that it was a fun evening and thanks were given to Jennifer Mitchell and Betty White for their organisation.
	There is much to do as a member of Arford W.I. - monthly walks, a thriving lunch club which meets at a different venue each month, a craft group, a sales table (to unload unwanted gifts!), a speaker at the meetings, which are held on the fourth Thursday of each month, and the chance to meet both new and old friends.
	Come along to our September meeting on the 23rd when Mr. Stephen Myles with tell us about "Insects and the Countryside". This could be an infectious evening!
	For further information regarding Arford W.I. please ring the President, Mrs. Sue Barrett on 01420 473957, and she will be only too pleased to help you.