We may not have a meeting this month, but we have still got together as all our various groups have met during August.
However, our first gathering was right at the beginning of the month.
You need several ingredients to have a successful outing, first it needs to be popular to make it viable and then on the day good weather helps, a prompt coach arrival and passengers and not too much traffic.
Abbotts Ann WI were lucky to have all these elements in abundance when they travelled to Eltham Palace on 01 August. It is not possible to plan such a venture without the support of family, friends and other Institutes in the area to help fill the coach. On this occasion with a good contingent from Charlton WI we set off with 48 people. They were counted on and off the coach to ensure no-one was left behind.
Antiques Roadshow recently chose this venue for one of their locations which prompted one of our members to suggest it for their summer outing.
The venue had something for everyone. History, going back Centuries, sometimes used as a Royal residence then more recently taken on by Stephen & Virginia Courtauld in the 1930s. Surprisingly, apart from having to retain the magnificent medieval Great Hall commissioned by Edward IV, they were given a free rein. Despite having a long lease on the property, they vacated during the War. Subsequently, it was used by the Royal Army Education Corps before being taken on by English Heritage who have reproduced the Art Deco interior of the extension added by the Courtaulds. The beautiful craftmanship was much admired.
There were garden borders with colourful flowers, covered in bees and butterflies, an opportunity to walk right around the moat and then of course time to enjoy the refreshments available on site.
It was a lovely day and yes thankfully, the sun did shine for us.
Don’t forget to come and enjoy refreshments provided by our members at the Village Fete on 7th September. We are working hard behind the scenes to offer a selection of delicious cakes as we have for many years.
Our next meeting will be on 26th September and the speaker is Alice May who will be revealing all about “Surviving a House that Sat Down.”
Diary Dates
7th September – Village Fete: WI Refreshments
12th September – Supper Club
14th September – Walking Group
17th September – Reading Group
26th September – Monthly Meeting Village Hall 7.30 p.m.
28th September – Lunch Club
