Floral Art Workshop – December 2015
For our December meeting, Mickleover WI enjoyed a floral art workshop lead by Anita Butt. Ladies were provided with containers, oasis, green foliage and a candle, and brought items of flora with them. After a splendid demonstration by Anita, thirty three ladies set forth to complete the challenge. Some were very adapt indeed, and some of us, had little skill in the art of flower arranging but everyone achieved a fabulous result, enjoyed learning a new skill and another great evening with the WI. Merry Christmas everyone.
Wreath Making Workshop - November 2015
Several members of the garden group attended the Wreath-Making workshop at Kedleston Hall on Sunday 29th November. It was a wet cold blustery day and we huddled in the orangery being instructed by our floral expert. We moulded moss onto wire brackets twined securely by florist wire and continued to build up the wreath with a range of greenery, finishing with cinnamon, oranges, cones, berries and bows. None of us were experts but we were all proud of our achievements. Oh and the coffee and mince pies were jolly nice too
Flowers & Chocolates - October 2015
On Thursday 15th October several members of Mickleover WI arrived at Wyaston Village Hall, near Ashbourne for the Flowers and Chocolates day. On arrival the ladies of Osmaston & District WI provided us with tea, coffee and biscuits while the assembly settled down for the morning programme. The president introduced Anita Butt, who many years ago used to undertake competition exhibitions, but gave it up in favour of teaching, so we were very lucky to have her demonstrating seasonal flower arrangements. It was like poetry in motion, from a few stems in an oasis to beautiful arrangements; five in total ranging from small sprays, tall impressive bouquets, and arrangements to signify Halloween to Christmas. The Halloween spray, created in a pumpkin, was my favorite, and we were all disappointed that nobody from Mickleover won any of them in the raffle.
The ladies of Osmaston & District WI did us proud, the spread for lunch was delicious, obviously they had worked very hard to cater for so many with such scrumptious fare, so much so it was difficult to fit in the Thornton's chocolates provided by the staff of Thornton's, (although I am sure most managed to eat one or two). After an interesting talk by Linda the chocolates went flying off the shelves, and many people left with a Thornton's carrier bag (and no 5p charge!)
Another exceptional day, where could one go to enjoy such a great day for £13, what a wonderful organisation the WI is.
The ladies of Osmaston & District WI did us proud, the spread for lunch was delicious, obviously they had worked very hard to cater for so many with such scrumptious fare, so much so it was difficult to fit in the Thornton's chocolates provided by the staff of Thornton's, (although I am sure most managed to eat one or two). After an interesting talk by Linda the chocolates went flying off the shelves, and many people left with a Thornton's carrier bag (and no 5p charge!)
Another exceptional day, where could one go to enjoy such a great day for £13, what a wonderful organisation the WI is.
Centenary Project - September 2015 by Jill Edwards, President.
At a couple of recent monthly meetings Mickleover Women's Institute raised £100 from the sale of home-make cards, produce and plants in order to support the Namesake Charity Appeal. This organisation is run by Heather Ward and all the money raised goes to the Breast Cancer Scanner appeal at the Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It has so far raised £98,000 for this worthy cause.
By donating £100 to the charity a Trent Barton bus can be named. On W.I. Day, the 16th September 2015 - the 100th anniversary of the formation of the W.I. in Britain - seven members of the Mickleover W.I. waited in a draughty bus station for an unnamed bus to arrive. The very short naming ceremony involved a decal being placed behind the driver's cab proclaiming "This bus is named - The Women's Institute - celebrating 100 years". Five of us journeyed back to Mickleover on the bus entertaining the passengers with a hearty rendition of 'Jerusalem'. We were rewarded with a round of applause and a comment from a young passenger of "you've brightened up my day!" Long may our wonderful organisation continue!
By donating £100 to the charity a Trent Barton bus can be named. On W.I. Day, the 16th September 2015 - the 100th anniversary of the formation of the W.I. in Britain - seven members of the Mickleover W.I. waited in a draughty bus station for an unnamed bus to arrive. The very short naming ceremony involved a decal being placed behind the driver's cab proclaiming "This bus is named - The Women's Institute - celebrating 100 years". Five of us journeyed back to Mickleover on the bus entertaining the passengers with a hearty rendition of 'Jerusalem'. We were rewarded with a round of applause and a comment from a young passenger of "you've brightened up my day!" Long may our wonderful organisation continue!
Morleston Group Celebration - August 2015 by Jill Edwards, President.
Mickleover WI members joined the Morleston Group celebrations on 100 years of the WI at their Strawberries & Fizz afternoon. A raffle, tombola and bottle stall were well supported and the strawberries and fizz gave everyone an excuse to sit and enjoy each other's company with a chat and reminisce about our wonderful institution. A toast was made to our future and the continuing expansion, success and survival of the largest woman's organisation. Cheers!
Markeaton Park Community Gardens - August 2015 by Lucille Pope.
The opening of the re-established Victorian walled garden at Markeaton Park, was an opportunity for the garden group to see a fine display of flowers and vegetables, and talk to the volunteers who have been working towards this for months. Jonathan Moseley, international floral designer and judge of BBC Allotment Challenge opened the community garden and judged the Victorian nose gay and posy in a tea cup. With lottery funding, there have been many changes at Markeaton Park; there is plenty for children and adults to do with ambitious plans for the future. There is a requirement for volunteers if anyone is interested.
WI Centenary Banquet - August 2015 by Jenny Smith.
Mickleover WI took the opportunity to hold a "Posh Frock" banquet in August to celebrate the centenary of the WI. Members arrived dressed in their finest bedecked with jewellery and fascinators in readiness for their superb banquet. The evening commenced with a rousing rendition of Jerusalem. A small team of volunteers led by Lucille Pope laid out a wonderful spread including home cooked hams, salmon, salads, quiche, new potatoes etc. This was followed by sumptuous deserts including tiramisu, trifles, cheese cake, apple tart, meringues and fresh fruit, not forgetting cheese and biscuits coffee/tea and chocolates. The Craft group presented each member with a handmade lavender bag. After indulging in this wonderful meal, members relaxed over coffee and then took part in a quiz on the history if the WI. The crowning glory of the evening was the wonderful Crewe of WI husbands consisting of David, Clive, Phil and Mike who after partaking of the banquet and coaxed by the wonderful puds did all the washing up. The evening ended with the National Anthem and a very good time was had by all.
Consall Nature Reserve - June 2015
Mickleover Garden group visited Consall Nature Park, Staffordshire on Sunday 28th June. The group had visited the woods a few years ago in October and the weather wasn't good, we got a good soaking. June, also let us down, and although we didn't get drenched, the woods were damp and muddy underfoot, however, accompanied by our resident botanist, David Gibbons, it made for an interesting and educational walk. Sunday Lunch at the Black Lion, a relatively hidden treasure, rounded the day off nicely.
Gardeners World NEC - June 2015
June 2015 had been a wet and cold month and the visit to
Gardeners World on Saturday 13th June was no different. Waiting for the bus, wandering around the
NEC, the rain never stopped; we got a good soaking walking from the coach park
to the NEC. We viewed the indoor
displays, and kept peering out to see if the rain has eased, but no, so
eventually we braved the elements to look at the show gardens and outdoor stalls. Inevitably purchased where made both at Gardeners
World and the Good Food Show and despite the precipitation a good day was had
by all.
Kedleston Hall - June 2015
Mickleover Walking Group - Monday 1st June, the start of summer, the weather was dismal and cold; however the walking group set out on the long walk at Kedleston Hall. The woodland was very lush with many wild flowers, song birds, and a stoat. On the grasslands there were many sheep and lambs, and on the last leg of the walk dodging oodles amounts of sheep droppings made for interesting walking. Kedleston Hall is National Trust property.
Melbourne Hall Gardens - May 2015
The garden group accompanied by our honorary expert David Gibbons visited Melbourne Hall Gardens, home to Lord and Lady Ralph Kerr. Entering the gardens, you are struck by the extraordinary topiary hedges that are absolutely incredible; the candelabra primula were in full bloom, reds, pinks, yellows and variegated colours to brighten up another dull May day. The ironworks in the gardens, including the 'Bird Cage' was commissioned by Robert Bakewell, the same gentleman who provided the Bakewell Gates for Derby Cathedral. Tea and cake in the tea rooms rounded off another very pleasant day with the ladies and friends of the WI.
Craft Workshop - May 2015 by Jill Edwards, President.
Members of the Craft Group decided to organise their own workshop. One member is very proficient in beading and offered to teach the intricacies of creating a netted pearl necklace. Jennie Edwards sourced all the equipment necessary to our chosen colour schemes and after basic instruction a start was made. Some found it easier than others but soon everyone was in a set rhythm and the necklaces began to grow. A break for lunch at the local hostelry recharged the batteries and rested the eyes for a while. Fully refreshed, members returned to the job in hand. Finishing their masterpieces at home, all were more than pleased with the results which looked very professional.
Clumber Park Rhubarb Festival - May 2015
On Sunday 10th May several members of the garden group visited Clumber Park Rhubarb Festival. An unusual outing including the activity of bees explained by Clumber's Bee Keeper, Chris Edge; a single frame had been taken out the hive and revealed the secret world of bees, showing the activity of the queen and her drones. The rhubarb festival was extraordinary; Clumber grows 130 varieties of rhubarb, the largest collection in the UK, and many were available for tasting, and purchase. So the conundrum, is rhubarb a fruit or a vegetable, according to Chris Margrave, Head Gardener at Clumber, it's both, the fruit is the flower and the stalk is the vegetable.
Bolsover Castle - April 2015
On Sunday 26th April the Garden group set out for bluebell wood at Felly Priory. Please note if anyone wishes to visit Felly Priory it is only open on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, the 26th was the fourth Sunday. So a hasty plan to visit Bolsover Castle was instigated and well worth the visit. Although they don't have extensive gardens, the castle and grounds were a delight, and to add to our enjoyment, the St George's day celebrations were in full swing. There was jousting on horseback, medieval players and George slaying the dragon. Lunch at Weatherspoon's Pillar of Rock, complimented the day nicely. The ladies of the WI are always resourceful.
Dorothy Clive Gardens - April 2015
A few members of the garden group visited Dorothy Clive Gardens, Willoughbridge, Shropshire, on Easter Monday. Initially the weather was misty and cool, however, by the afternoon we had a glorious day with the gardens bursting into life in the spring sunshine.
Trauma Teddies - Feb/March 2015 by Jill Edwards, President.
Morleston
Group Convenor, after a visit to Devon, decided that their Federation had a
good idea in that their members were knitting teddies to be given to children,
who had been involved in accidents, by police and air ambulance staff. This little gift given at a difficult and
traumatic time could provide some small comfort to a child who may be injured,
in a state of shock or parted from their parents. We have provided 34 of these lovely colourful
teddies, both male and female, for use in Derbyshire and we are still
knitting.
Chemistry Workshop - March 2015
Coming up Smelling of Roses: The Chemistry workshop was delivered by Natalie Fey, Research Fellow from Bristol University, assisted by 2 colleagues from Bristol and York universities at Derbyshire House. Several members of Mickleover WI attended the session along with ladies from all over the county.
The WI provides its members with educational opportunities, and this was one of those days, the little grey cells were rudely re-awakened, and somewhat overwhelmed by the science, we were glad there was no test to be taken. Molecules were the foundation of scent production including atoms, carbon, hydrogen and H20, to name those that can be remembered. However this wasn't a lecture and if the introductions left some bemused, the hands on workshops were extremely interesting and enjoyable. Once suitably attired in gloves and glasses we set about mixing concoctions of herbs and plants with water, oil and vodka, to identify which solutions best took on the scents. Later we mixed these with essential oils to produce perfumes, some were delightful and some were definitely not.
We were provided with refreshments throughout the day as well as a lovely buffet lunch, thank you to the team at Derbyshire House. Where else can a great day so different in every way be had (including lunch and refreshments) for £10, the WI is a wonderful institution.
The WI provides its members with educational opportunities, and this was one of those days, the little grey cells were rudely re-awakened, and somewhat overwhelmed by the science, we were glad there was no test to be taken. Molecules were the foundation of scent production including atoms, carbon, hydrogen and H20, to name those that can be remembered. However this wasn't a lecture and if the introductions left some bemused, the hands on workshops were extremely interesting and enjoyable. Once suitably attired in gloves and glasses we set about mixing concoctions of herbs and plants with water, oil and vodka, to identify which solutions best took on the scents. Later we mixed these with essential oils to produce perfumes, some were delightful and some were definitely not.
We were provided with refreshments throughout the day as well as a lovely buffet lunch, thank you to the team at Derbyshire House. Where else can a great day so different in every way be had (including lunch and refreshments) for £10, the WI is a wonderful institution.
Skittles Evening - March 2015
The Morleston group enjoyed an evening of skittles at the Royal Oak, Ockbrook on Friday 20th March. Mickleover WI fielded two teams, the "Half Chipless" and "Linda's Mates", and there were 6 teams in total. At the end of the first round, Linda's Mates were quite near the bottom of the league, while Half Chipless where in 2nd place. The second round saw Linda's Mates in much the same position, although Half Chipless had taken the lead. Linda's Mates, however, played their jokers in the last round and smashed the scores to take first place, Half Chipless came a respectable 2nd, well done Mickleover WI. During the evening we enjoyed a hot meal of a variety of pasties, peas and chips, followed by a very naughty but extremely nice slice of roulade. Another great evening out with the WI.
Staunton Harold & National Forest - March 2015
Mickleover Walking Group. The year was rushing by, we had just turned the calendar into March, however, the weather before we left Mickleover was four seasons in one, hail, snow, rain, sunshine all accompanied by an icy blast from the north. Forever stalwart, the group set forth to Staunton Harold, Ashby de la Zouch. Parking at the garden centre, firstly we walked down the drive and turned right along a muddy path for a short way to see a beautiful carpet of snowdrops. The path and steps were becoming increasing slippery so we retraced our steps and took the path into the National Forest and enjoyed an invigorating stroll around the walnut research trials plantations. As we ate lunch in the garden centre restaurant, the weather that had been exceeding kind to us during the walk, took a turn for the worse and hail battered the conservatory, but despite our intemperate climate it had been a good day out.