W.I. Newsletter August 2025

All our activities this month were squeezed into the first two weeks of the month, as traditionally we don’t have a meeting in August.

However, be rest assured we have still been busy.  Our Book Club discussed Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers which was set in the 1960s – this brought back memories of a different time to our members.   Our walking group met at Bury Hill Ring and Meadows for an earlier, shorter stroll before adjourning to Dobbies Garden Centre for a coffee and chat.  Our coffee morning attracted a good attendance for more coffee and chat this month.

Our summer outing this year was to Sherborne Castle in Dorset.  Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 it has been the family home of the Wingfield Digby Family since 1617.  Extended by Sir Walter from an original Hunting Lodge sited opposite the original castle, once occupied by the Bishop of Salisbury, it still has many historic features as well as housing collections of paintings, furniture and porcelain.   The excellent guides took us around the property bringing its history to life.

The grounds are an oasis of calm encompassing rolling countryside, a landscaped garden by Capability Brown and a deer park. 

Located next to the Castle is a garden centre and a Walled Garden Restaurant which is a popular venue for delicious refreshments.   Some also took the opportunity to take a short stroll into the nearby town of Sherborne.

The importance of Sherborne Castle came as a surprise to many of us, but all agreed it was an excellent day out.  Some may yet return to that Garden Centre and Restaurant!

These outings rely on the support of family, friends and others from the village and beyond helping us to fill the coach.  So, thank you.  Our next trip is on Thursday November 06 to Bletchley Park.  Please keep an eye out for further information.  

Apart from the above, there has been a frenzy of activity in connection with our WI Refreshments at the forthcoming annual village fete.  There are meetings, lots of lists, emails, messages, phone calls and leaflet drops pleading for help and not forgetting baking of course.

Our next meeting is on September 25^th in The Village Hall in Abbotts Ann, starting at 7.30 p.m.  Sandra Simmonds is making a return visit to give us another glimpse into “A Day in Iran as a Housewife”.   We have heard previously how she came to marry an Iranian.

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