Meeting Reports 2006-2005
Kingston Bagpuize and Southmoor Women's Institute
The Women's Institute at all levels is an organization for personal growth and community action.
14 November 2006
The November meeting was our own in-house auction, with our very own 'auctioneeress'. Members brought items that they hoped would be saleable. There were over 100 lots. These were displayed for a quick viewing. After the business part of the meeting the 'auctioneeress' Myra and her team started. After some lively bidding, cajoling, showing and demonstrating many lots, and tastefully modelling some of the clothes the auction came to a close. We had made over £100 for our funds, and had a most enjoyable evening.
Next year is the 60th Anniversary of the K.B. with S. Womens' Institute. We are trying to think of a suitable celebration, and/or memento for such an event.
Next month's meeting is a seasonal talk by Christine Bloxham 'Christmas Customs'. It is on Tuesday 12th December at 7.30 in the Village hall. All members should remember a plate of 'bring and Share' refreshments.
The competition: a homemade Christmas Cracker.
There is no meeting in January.
Kathy Fletcher
10 October 2006 - Members' Meeting
The October meeting was the Members' Evening when the committee has a night off. It was chaired by Joan Weaving, and her team were the secretary, treasurer, and tea hostesses.
She thanked members for the cakes that had been provided for the Sale in aid of Michael Sobell House held at Kingston Bagpuize House. The cake stall made £343.
The speaker was Professor Ronald Spiers.
He had been an examiner in physiology of dental and medical students. He explained that physiology, the study of normal working of the body, was one of the 3 basic areas of knowledge in which the students needed to be competent. He also examined post graduate students to make sure they could bring together their knowledge and the clinical problem. He told us stories of students whose nerves got the better of them, who thought that wearing low-cut blouses would help them pass, and those who had worked hard to pass at a re-sit. It was a very enjoyable and informative talk.
Next month 14th November at the Village Hall 7.30 will be the Auction for which we should bring an item or items.
New members are most welcome. Kathy Fletcher
12th September 2006
Our meeting in September was listed as a ' Surprise Evening ' so no one knew quite what to expect. However, we all enjoyed a most interesting and informative talk by Mary Storrs from Abingdon about the health benefits of the Alexander Technique
She informed us that the technique is a simple and practical method for self-improvement and self-help from which anyone can benefit. Pat Smith agreed to be Mary's patient for the evening so that we could be shown how the technique and movements work.
Hilary reported that 34 shoe boxes have now been filled and wrapped up for Operation Christmas Child and will be despatched in October. The W.I. made £55.80 for the funds by providing the refreshments at the Gardening Club Annual Show in August.
Sue Weaving and Pat Smith are running the cake stall for the Sobell House Gift Fair on 3rd October at Kingston House. Any contributions will be gratefully received by Sue and Pat.
The hand made card competition was won by Edwina Brown and Gita Glidden came second. The next meeting on 10th October is the Members meeting.
A committee lead by Joan Weaving has arranged a complete surprise. New members are always very welcome so do come along to find out more about what our W.I. has to offer. The meeting will be in Southmoor Village Hall at 7.30pm. Pat Dando
11th July 2006 - Beryl Maile
Our July speaker was an entertaining talented artist. Painting with acrylic paints she produced beautiful work. Two pictures came from doodles that our members produced; they were turned into pictures of 'Three Penguins', and 'Giraffe'. It was a great fun evening enjoyed by all. The Original Doodle competition was won by Pat Dando for her doodle on a 'Cock-a-Doodle-Doo'. Pat Smith was second.
Our stall at our Church Fete selling preserves, chutneys, and some plants made over £100. It was such a beautiful day for a fete, and was very well attended.
We were pleased with the New Banner, made by the Craft Group and hope we were more recognisable this year.
Congratulations to a number of our members who took part in the 'Race for Life', in some cases a walking race, raising funds for Breast Cancer Charity.
'Operation Christmas Child'.
It was a lovely sunny afternoon, and our profits were £90. We will be busy getting the boxes covered and filled for the autumn when they are collected for transportation.
Next month the talk is entitled 'Life and Times- Fabulous 40s to the Swinging 60s', by Kate Bradford.
Our stall at the Fete selling preserves, chutneys, and some plants made over £100. It was such a beautiful day for a fete, and was very well attended. We were pleased with the New Banner, and hope we were more recognisable this year. Congratulations to a number of our members who took part in the 'Race for Life', in some cases a walking race, raising funds for Breast Cancer Charity.
Kathy Fletcher
13th June 2006
Graham Wren gave us a talk on St. Kilda. The competition is any bird item. Our meeting in April was concerned with the Resolutions that are to be discussed at the A.G.M. at the Cardiff International Arena on the 7th June.
These resolutions are put forward by W.I. members who feel they are important matters of concern. This year the first resolution deals with micro generation' the technology of renewable energy.
The second resolution is concerned with the opportunities for sport, especially school sport. There should be an increase in time spent on sport and a reverse in the decline of sporting facilities. This resolution is particularly topical with the advent of the Olympic Games coming to London in 2012.
9th May 2006
We heard a most interesting talk, '35 Years on a Milk Round' by Sylvia Brown. It was fascinating to hear behind the scenes of a milk round, the canvassing for business when a new housing estate was built, learning a new round, selling other products as well as milk, and the special orders at Christmas. Sylvia had the highest sales total in the company 3 years running.
The competition winners were Margaret Christensen, and Kathy Fletcher. A walk to Buckland Warren was well supported and enjoyed by all. A walk in June will be a circular walk from Abingdon, through Sutton Courtenay and back to Abingdon, with a lunch stop along the way.
There are W.I. leaflets in the post office and hairdressers. If you are interested in becoming a member pick up a leaflet, or come along to a meeting. We shall be very glad to meet you.
Kathy Fletcher
11th April 2006
We were entertained to an evening of odd odes entitled 'A light-hearted look at life'. Titles included 'Ode to a Diabetic', 'The Night Shift', (about the milk man delivering milk), 'National Trust Statue', 'Handbags and their contents'. Pam Harman kept us laughing at her extraordinary way of looking at life.
The walking group walked at Buckland Warren on Wednesday 26th April. This replaced a walk that was cancelled due to bad weather. This time the weather was perfect.
The sewing group are meeting in May to start work on the banner to decorate the W.I. stall at the church fête. New members are welcome at any meeting, do come along to see and hear what the W.I is all about.
Kathy Fletcher
March 14th 2006
The Annual General Meeting was held on and new officers and committee were elected. We heard the report from our secretary telling of the activities of the last 12 months, and the various groups within our organization that had started. There was an average attendance of 31 to each of our meetings.
We had had a pleasant outing to Hinton Parva. After a walk around the village we were entertained by the local W.I. to an enjoyable meal.
The walking group had the last organized walk cancelled because of the weather. We hope to continue these during the coming year.
The handicraft group has a project for the next year to make a banner for our stall to be used at the various fetes. This is still in the design stage but we hope to have it ready for the Church fete in June.
14th February 2006 - The Great Train Robbery
The Great Train Robbery was brought to life by our speaker. He had been newly promoted to be constable in sole charge of Brill Police Station.. He had been off duty when the robbery took place but he was the first to enter Leatherslade Farm House. He realized this was the hideout of the robbers. Luckily for him they had gone by the time of his entry. To hear about the investigation from the police-side was thrilling. Why had they gone to Leatherslade Farm? A tip-off from another farmer who knew the farm was empty, but was concerned about the activity he had noticed around it. In August 1963 the system did work.
John Woolley was an entertaining speaker with many original artefacts, including balaclava masks, and a good story to tell.
The decorated heart was won by Jill Banks. Second was Carol Pascoe. Next month is the all important Annual Meeting. Thoughts of prospective committee members must be in our minds.
This will be held on Tuesday 14th March at 7.30 in the Village Hall. Please attend and make your vote count.
The competition is to bring an item beginning with the letter 'C'.
Kathy Fletcher
2005
January - no meeting.
The meeting on 14th February 2006 is a talk entitled 'The Great Train Robbery' given by John Woolley in the village Hall at 7.30pm. The competition is to bring 'A Decorated Heart'.
Our December meeting was the Christmas party. We enjoyed festive food and drinks, interspersed with seasonal games. A good evening was had by all. Our meeting in March is the Annual Meeting. It is time to think of committee members. Whether you know someone who would be suitable, or would you like to become a Committee member yourself. It is important for an organisation to have different points of view on the committee.
We welcome new members at any meeting or get in touch with a member. Do come and enjoy the evening. For more information go to www.kbsonline.org.uk
(click on social clubs - WI).Kathy Fletcher
The Christmas Party is our next meeting. As usual it will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 13th December at 7.30. Come in festive mood.
New members are very welcome. Do come and enjoy the evening.
Kathy Fletcher
13 December 2005 - Xmas party - see above
8th November 2005
So you Want to be in Film and TV? - Actor Gerald Hayling [ David Howe]
How to make a career of being an extra in film was explained to us by Gerald Haying our speaker for November. He had been made redundant from a long career in the world of finance. After seeing an episode of Morse being made outside his office and watching the 'action' he tried his hand at being an extra. He explained how the profession worked; the role of agents; the importance of having a set of good photos, known in the trade as 10x8s; auditions; and the necessity of the mobile phone. Then once he was chosen for a job the make-up, and costume that was required. Having been an extra in many films and TV. and voice overs for advertisements the pinnacle of his 'acting' career came as the vicar in 'Last of the Summer Wine'.
A very enjoyable, interesting talk. Seems that we could all have a go at it!
Our craft group will be meeting on 24th November to plan the design of a banner.
The walking group will do a circular walk round Sunningwell, including a lunch at the Fox.
No Report for 09th Aug 2005
12th July 2005 - Emma Westlake - Tai-Chi
The speaker for the July meeting, Emma Westlake, informed and instructed us in the martial art of Tai Chi. It originated in China, and went through a period of development in the 18th century. The philosophy that it is built on deals with the understanding of the yin and yang within the body. Emma instructed us in a series of movements which were used to 'oil the joints', following which she told us there was an old Chinese saying 'A used hinge never rusts'.
It was an active and most interesting evening. The competition - the most colourful scarf - was won by Elaine Manning.
The walking, and craft group have had their first meeting.
The walking group, about 7, walked to The Rose Revived, via Longworth, using footpaths, which were dry. They stopped for a little lunch at the pub, and then returned to the village. The next walk will be in early August.
The craft group met in the Methodist church hall where many and varied crafts: lace making, cross stitch, crocheting, knitting, and threading beads for bracelets, were being enjoyed. Chatting and the afternoon tea were also on the menu. They are hoping to produce some items that will be sold at the Bazaar in October.
The August meeting is Tuesday 9th August at 7.30. in the village Hall.
Peter Cresswell will speak about Antiques.
The competition 'An Antique'.
Kathy Fletcher.