Considering August is supposed to be the quiet month on the W.I. Calendar, we seem to have been just as busy, with plenty of opportunities to meet up.
Although our crowded diaries meant we weren’t able to walk this month, the Book Club carried on reading, the coffee morning was hosted by Sue George and members of the Supper Club travelled to The Cricketers at Longparish. As there were 12 of us, we experimented by having two tables of six, with three from each swapping at “half time”. This makes conversation more inclusive and easier. The new proprietors had only been in residence for three weeks, but the food was lovely, however, we did feel the coffee was expensive, although there were individual cafetieres, but no chocolate!
One date highlighted on our calendars was our summer outing and for this we were joined by family, friends and members of neighbouring Institutes. This was so popular we had a full coach. There was a little worry about whether there may be more people than seats, but apart from a very brief scare at the second pick-up, we were soon sorted and reassured that we had counted correctly.
Our first stop was the Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre located on a 36 acre site in the South Downs National Park. To make the most of our time, to travel around the site we had the choice of travelling on the narrow-gauge railway or the vintage bus service. We were truly taken back in time by the many exhibits, from early washing machines, cookers, telephones when we dialled instead of pressing keypads, t.v. sets, radios, and so much else, including traditional crafts – pure nostalgia. There was just time for lunch before we were back on the coach to travel to Parham House – just a few minutes away.
This is a delight; a lovely jewel of an Estate set amidst the Sussex countryside. The gardens were a riot of colour with an amazing amount of butterflies enjoying the wide variety of plants, the house itself was inviting, we all felt we could live there quite happily, and the long gallery was particularly admired. There was a lot to see, including a small Church set in the grounds and apparently a delightful Wendy House, although some of us missed it. Nevertheless, there was just time to squeeze in a refreshing cup of tea and slice of cake before the journey home.
We were back on duty on the 31st August, as once again we organised the teas and cake for the village fete. As always there is the worry that we won’t have enough cakes, but our members always come up trumps, with contributions from our friends from the village as well. Many hands make light work and our army of helpers had us set up and ready to serve on time. We were kept very busy all afternoon, the lovely sunny weather helped of course, and thank you to everyone who helped make the afternoon such a success.
Our next monthly meeting is 26th September – 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall – for Love Yarn with Fiona Bennett.
Diary Dates
12 September – Supper Club
14 September – Walking Group
24 September – Book Club
26 September – Monthly Meeting – 7.30 p.m. in The Village Hall – Love Yarn with Fiona Bennett
28 September – Lunch Club
Sharon King
