Women's Institute

Newsletter

The following email and newsletter was received on 9th September:

'Hi Everyone

Here is a report on the August and September WI meetings.

Thank you
Barbara'

August and September Meetings

Our August meeting was held at the President’s house in Potterhanworth Booths as it was also our summer party.  The theme was “A Celebration of the United Kingdom’’.  We thought this would be the right time to have this theme, bearing in mind the vote which will take place in Scotland in a couple of weeks which may split the UK.  Everyone came dressed in red, white and blue and brought a plate of food with them.  It was a lovely opportunity to forget about the business part of our meetings and catch up on all the gossip.

On Monday, 1st September, the Witham Group organized a trip Hodsock Priory, near Worksop.  It didn’t bode well.  As we were driving to Washingborough to catch the coach it began to rain heavily.  Luckily, the by the time the coach came the rain eased and had completely disappeared by the time we arrived at Hodsock.  George Buchanan, whose family has owned the Priory since the 16th century, gave us a tour of the garden.  We then toured the house and a very delicious afternoon tea completed this fascinating visit.  George was very attentive to our needs and the teapots were constantly refilled!

September and we were back in the Village Hall.  We had advertised this meeting in Nocton and Potterhanworth as we wanted it to be a recruitment evening.  During the business section, we discussed the Witham Group Produce Show which would take place on the 13th September, when the eight Women’s Institutes which make up the Witham Group compete to win the Andrew Cup for the Institute with the most points.  Each category also has it’s own trophy or cup. The categories are Vegetables and Fruit, Flowers, Floral Art, Cooking, Preserves, Handicrafts and Photography.  Altogether there are 77 different classes under these categories.  We also discussed our stalls at the Potterhanworth Produce Show and Dunston Hub when we were going to continue our recruitment drive.

After the business part of the evening was over visitors, who had seen our recruitment posters and wanted to know more about the WI and also hear the talk given by Alan Dixon, of Special Edition Chocolate at Market Rasen, arrived.  He explained the history of chocolate and how its healing properties were being rediscovered by the scientists of today.  The Aztec’s who originally discovered chocolate used it mainly for healing purposes.   While Alan was talking to us we were able to sample some of the flavours that he and his wife sell in their shop.   All agreed that the talk had been enlightening.

October’s meeting will be held at the Lincoln Bowl, Washingborough, when we have our annual bowling competition followed by a meal.

If you missed our recruitment drives and want to find out more about the WI, you can find us by going to the Nocton blog or contact Barbara Nicholson 01522 797667 or Jacky Free 01526 321558.