entertained with some fascinating stories. It reminded us to book a group tour of the castle in the near future if people are interested.
We ended the evening with our bring and share supper and invited Peter to join us.
Our speaker for the evening was Dr. Peter Ford a local author who kindly stepped in for Mari Fforde and gave us an illustrated talk on Matilda de Braose, an interesting character from the Herefordshire/Welsh border history and sometimes known as ‘The Lady of Hay’. Legend tells us she built Hay Castle in a day and single handed and although this may not be true, the original Norman Keep of the castle was indeed built during her family’s reign in the late 12th C. She was married at the time to the mighty William de Braose, a wealthy and powerful baron who was renowned for murdering his enemies in a Game of Thrones style, so we were
entertained with some fascinating stories. It reminded us to book a group tour of the castle in the near future if people are interested. We ended the evening with our bring and share supper and invited Peter to join us. 76th anniversary garden party ! Debbie thanked Claire for hosting our garden party and arranging the fabulous weather. We then enjoyed a short quiz organised by Debbie to stretch our knowledge on WI facts! Needless to say Alison was way ahead on points followed closely by Debbie Weaver with her beautiful and word perfect rendition of the second verse of ‘God save the King’. Claire had very kindly set out croquet on her lawn and Debbie also organised Smite and patiently explained the rules & re-set the blocks of wood that we endeavoured to knock down! This was followed by Pimms and our bring and share supper on the patio.
We were fortunate to have glorious sunshine for the whole evening and finished around 9pm Our business meeting was followed by a very interesting presentation by Cin Lewis from the Wye and Usk Foundation, which gave us an insight into the work they do communicating with farmers, land owners and the general public for the long term welfare of our rivers in Herefordshire. We then invited her along with Sandra Walker, visitor as a HFWI trustee, to toast the new king with a glass of prosecco and join our very sociable bring and share supper.
Due to the awful weather in March the postponed Annual Meeting was held this month instead. A new committee was voted in and Debbie Stokes has been elected to be our President for another year.
Our Speaker was Katie Eastaugh from the Cart Shed charity who gave us a very interesting talk about the function of the charity and how it helps people with mental health issues by working and living outside in the woods. Staunton on Arrow WI volunteered to run the coffee spot this month. Thanks very much to the team.The morning made £102 on the raffle for the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Disaster Fund and £160.50 from sales of coffee and cake which goes towards the running costs of our lovely village hall.
Thanks to all who donated, served, washed up and sorted the hall out, and especially thanks to everyone for coming. Due to a late season fall of snow, the March meeting which was to be the Annual Meeting, was cancelled. The Annual Meeting business will take place next month instead.
35 members and friends enjoyed a tasty lunch at the Burton Hotel for our post Christmas celebration.
We had a very interesting and educational evening with Ben Cooper, an antiques dealer based in Leominster and also an expert on the BBC TV programme 'Bargain Hunt'. He told us of his life and some titbits about being on the show, and looked at some treasured items members and friends had brought along. It was a packed hall with members and quite a few visitors. Thank you Debbie Weaver for arranging it.
We had a most interesting and fun evening playing games organised by Debbie and Annette. A smelling game which had everyone flummoxed and a guess who you are which was thoroughly enjoyed by all member and guests. Wendy brought along a memory game that probably needed a bit more concentration than we could give it, but fun anyway, I think!
This was followed by our bring and share supper. Our talented member Pam Bufton led us all in making beautiful Christmas wreaths. We were warmed up on a very cold evening with mulled wine courtesy of the committee, and the wreath making was followed by Secret Santa and an egg cosy for everyone knitted by Debbie Denton. Another jolly evening in the village hall!
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