Blog

January 2024

Happy New Year! Six months have passed so quickly with so much going on among the members ofNorth Claines WI. Meetings have been varied with seated yoga in August that turned into mainly standing up yoga; learning about the life as a magistrate; presentation of paintings by Colin Ross Jack who became deaf through meningitis but described his paintings and technique with ease; a brilliant history lesson of the Monarch’s Way relating to Charles 11’s escape from Worcester ; our Chrismas party with incredible member participation drumming sessions provided by Glamba Samba and ourJanuary meeting of homemade soups followed by a frantic and hilariaous Beetle Drive. Phew! There is still much to come in February and March before the WI year recommences.

Our usual monthly or bimonthly social activities and events have continued namely; 10pin bowling; craft afternoons; card/games’ nights; cocktail evenings; social lunches; social walks and pop-up coffee at various venues.

We had a special afternoon tea at Holland House Cropthorne and in the same month supper at the Balti Mahal. In October many of us visited Envirosort on an evening that was absolutely pouring it down to update our knowledge on what we should or should not put in our green bin for recycling. In November we had a trip out on a Saturday to Kidderminster Carpet Museum which gave us an insight into the history of the carpet factories in Kidderminster. We also saw two large looms in operation. In December again on a Saturday we visited Greyfriars in Worcester and had a guided tour. The house was beautifully decorated for Christmas. On the 21 st December we brought 2023 to an end with our Christmas dinner at the Worcester Gold and Country Club.

The above is just a flavour of what we get up to. More information and photos are shown on our Facebook. Have a look on our programme page for details of future meetings. Visitors are always welcome unless the meetings are marked members only. Why not come along and see if you like us?

June 2023

The longest day has just passed and the sun is shining intensely; it is unbelievable that half of 2023 has nearly gone by. As usual the last three months have been busy for the members of North Claines WI.

In April, Margaret and Peter Preece presented Part 2 of their Wildlife photos; a wonderful, glorious selection. Our May meeting was both formal and informal! Formal as it was our Annual Meeting with reports and financial statements presented and the election of the committee and President together with a discussion on the proposed NFWI resolution about river water quality particularly relating to designated bathing sites. The latter was passed and our delegate from Hallow WI represented us at the NFWI AM a few weeks later. The resolution was passed at the NFWI AM to go forward for future lobbying and action. Informal with our celebration of the forthcoming Coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort Camilla. Six members had produced the most delicious selection of cakes (enough for two slices each!) and the King and Queen Consort were toasted with alcoholic and soft drinks. One of our members had produced questions based on Coronations and Royalty and the members, in groups, played a form of Millionaire Drop. Being the WI, we still had tea and coffee in the social time! Our June meeting, after all that cake, was exercise with both seated and standing yoga led by Mary Dunard. Luckily, it was not too hot an evening! 

We have continued with our usual monthly or bimonthly activities; lunches, walks, 10pin bowling, pop up coffee mornings, games/card nights and cocktail nights. Our monthly craft group has at long last recommenced after Covid and Lockdown. It is held in a member’s home and so far, we have made lavender heart bags and on one of the hottest days in June knitted neck warmers in anticipation of winter! Next month we are making beaded scarf necklaces. Members were invited to join a book group and this currently meets in a member’s home once a month. All the books are obtained from the local library. We have been to the Swan theatre to see “Bouncers” and are looking forward to seeing WODYS performance of “Carousel “in August.

So much going on at North Claines WI!

March 2023

The WI year is now coming to an end with the new year beginning on the 1 st April. The last year has encompassed many different speakers, events, activities, and outings which may be viewed by scrolling back over the previous blogs and our Facebook and Twitter posts. It has been a busy year culminating in March with our fantastic 70 th birthday.

In January we had a Beetle drive and homemade soup. The Beetle drive is always very popular and furiously competed to such an extent that a whistle is blown to start and stop proceedings. The winner going clockwise and the loser going anticlockwise proved quite

confusing at times but added to the laughter and fun. The homemade soup with a choice of three varieties was as delicious as usual and much enjoyed by the members. A great way to start 2023.

In February Adrian James gave a very informative presentation about folklore and legends associated with plants, seasons and traditions. All the members were intrigued and revealed some of their own family legends relating to plants. A very enjoyable evening.