April 15 2005 had long been noted on our Calendar, as we were hosting an evening with Angela Baker which included catering for 170 guests. Having met Angela last year, we knew we were in for a fun evening, as she is very willing to share with an audience all the things that have happened to her since she first took her clothes off! All in a good cause of course. Angela and her fellow calendar girls have now raised in excess of £1 million for the Leukaemia Research Fund.
As usual, our Institute displayed great teamwork to produce a cold two-course buffet supper, for which we received many congratulations.
Our thanks go to all those who supported the evening and of course, to Angela in particular who came down from Yorkshire especially, fitting us into her very busy schedule, just days after announcing her engagement.
The following day, three of us made a start on our 90 miles for 90 years. To celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the first WI in the UK, each member is being challenged to walk 90 (extra) miles throughout 2005. Unfortunately, Abbotts Ann are a little late in starting, but nevertheless, Christine Fell, Shelia Lockhart and I walked about 3 miles of the Test Way, from Wherwell to Chilbolton. Despite the hard work of the previous evening, we felt it was just what we needed and plans are now in hand for the next section, when we hope a few more may join us.
Earlier in the month, nine of us had met for a second informal lunch in the Chinese Restaurant in Andover, as several members could not make the first get together here at the end of January.
Naturally, on the last Thursday of the month we were all in the Village Hall for our monthly meeting, which being April was organised by a non-Committee Member. Cecilia Cotton was doing the honours this year and she had enlisted the assistance of fellow member, Jill Liddell, who was our speaker.
Whilst living in Japan, because of her husband’s work, Jill decided to research the history of the kimono, this was a natural progression, as she already had a keen interest in textiles and sewing techniques. She became so engrossed in this subject that she decided to write a book, much to the surprise of her family. She was asked who would want to read it! Well somebody did, as Jill is a successful author.
Jill had brought along the various layers of the kimono and whilst using our secretary, Sheila Lockhart, as a model explained that normally nothing at all would be worn underneath. Poor Sheila was rather warm by the time Jill had finished as she was fully clothed underneath. Jill let us into the secret language of the kimono, explaining that a low neckline at the back and a red lining to the garment, all reveal that the wearer is feeling flirty, to say the least.
COMING UP IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS:
26 May – Resolutions and a “chance to chat” 7.30 p.m. Village Hall – see below
28 May – 90 miles for 90 years. A walk along part of the Test Way
08 June – A.G.M. at The Royal Albert Hall, London
13 June – Danebury Group round of Federation Quiz – Abbotts Ann
20 June – Visit to Denman College
30 June – Garden Meander, finishing at the Village Hall for refreshments etc at 8.30 p.m.
28 July – Desert Island Discs – 7.30 p.m. Village Hall
29 September – Chairman’s Challenge with Helen Creese – 7.30 p.m. Village Hall
01 October – Clarence House visit
On May 26, we are offering a free glass of wine and some nibbles to our members, and guests, whilst we discuss the resolutions to be debated at the AGM held in The Albert Hall on 08 June. We will also be asking for comments on some ideas obtained from a Workshop at W.I. House entitled Perk up your Programme – we do like to move with the times. So please do come along to the Village Hall for a 7.30 p.m. start – don’t hesitate to contact us first if you are a little hesitant – either call me on 01264 335630 or Sheila Lockhart our Secretary on 01264 710358. Hope to see you there.
Sharon King
