W.I. Newsletter October 2015

WI Logo2

It has certainly been an historical month and may be at times hysterical.

We were given a detailed explanation of the Battle of Waterloo by Dan & Peter Snow at the Autumn Meeting of the Hampshire Federation in Basingstoke. Both are passionate about history and certainly brought their subject to life. They have obviously enjoyed collaborating on this project during this bi-centenary anniversary year. Earlier in the day, we had been given the opportunity to have a wriggle to ABBA – you don’t need me to tell which soundtrack was used.

Andy Rhind-Tutt made a return visit to Abbotts Ann for this month’s meeting and gave us an update on the archaeological finds in the grounds of Amesbury Abbey. There has been another dig since he came last year and he was able to reveal more information, not that it can be repeated here, as it has yet to be released to the press, but it is very exciting. Andy is so busy; he keeps us guessing until the last minute as to whether he will turn up on the night.

At least one of our members was verging on hysteria as she tried to come to grips with the technique of weaving at our Jewellery Workshop this month. However, thanks to Louise Simmonds’ endless patience and kindness we all got there in the end. It is always amazing that with the same method the end results are so different. The most difficult decision is which beads to use; there are so many colours and sizes to choose from.

We actually managed a walk this month, around Wherwell, our Supper Club met at the Weyhill Fair and some of our members attended the Anton Danebury Group Meeting, where they heard about the ancient craft of basket making.

Our next meeting is on 26th November and as usual is in the Village Hall, starting at 7.30 p.m. and Penny Aikenhead will be whisking us off to Outer Mongolia, metaphorically, not literally. Members have been asked to bring along an item from the Orient for the Exhibition.

Diary Dates:

03 November – Reading Group
04 November – Cinema – Spectre (James Bond)
10 November – Coffee Morning
12 November – Supper Club
14 November – Walking Group
26 November – Monthly Meeting 7.30 p.m. in The Village Hall – Outer Mongolia with Penny Aikenhead