No formal meeting this month, but four members (and one other half) did travel to West Sussex early in the month and three of us met up to walk on the second Saturday.
Unfortunately, the proposed group outing to the Weald & Downland Museum on 5th August did not go quite as our hardworking member Aileen had planned. The group booking had to be cancelled in the end as numbers had fallen below the minimum needed. So those still going were asked to book their own tickets for the timed slots available. In the end this entailed only two cars.
However, despite being a large site, with each property/cluster of buildings being spread out, the two parties did keep bumping into each other. The morning was fine and dry, the guides in situ in each property were knowledgeable and keen to engage with their visitors. It was sobering to realise just how previous generations would have lived in very small houses, with no security of tenure or employment, and very primitive means of cooking and no modern conveniences. Obviously, there were examples of other larger properties where the occupiers would have owned their property as they had more wealth at their disposal.
The site is also home to the popular TV programme, The Repair Shop, and although we were told they were filming inside the barn they use, no familiar experts were spotted. Although, it is believed several of them may well have been attending the wedding of Will Kirk, the talented carpenter, which was reported to have taken place that day.
Whilst it did rain after lunch, it did not spoil a very enjoyable day for those who had ventured forth. Thank you, Aileen, for the suggestion and work you put into encouraging us to attend.
Yes, it was only three of us who put on our walking boots this month and we did an old favourite around Longparish, with an enjoyable lunch afterwards in the garden of The Cricketers.
At the end of last month several of our members had attended the funeral of Evelyn White a former member of the Institute and a minute’s silence was held in her memory at our July meeting. Evelyn was legendary for her cakes and hospitality.
Members are being contacted this month by Kate Bennett, our organiser of the WI refreshments at the fete. She is seeking help on the day and, of course, as many cakes as we can bake! Many hands make light work, so please do get in touch with her if you are able to assist.
Our meeting on 30th September will be in the Village Hall starting at 7.30 p.m. and will be our AGM – a little later in the year than usual. The plan is to have a fish and chip supper – if you haven’t already booked this then please contact Lynne Lucas to place your order and arrange payment with our Treasurer.