Christmas at Chatsworth – December 2019
On Tuesday 10th December 2019 four members attended the evening reception, tour of the North Wing and Christmas meal at Chatsworth House which was organised by DFWI. The journey along the A6 was horrendous with torrential rain causing hazardous driving conditions with flooded roads and poor visibility. Kath, our chauffeuse expertly negotiated these complications and we arrived safely.
The theme of the Chatsworth decorations “In a Land Far Far Away” provided an entrance-way adorned with drapes to represent the clouds and various models of air transport hung from the ceiling.
We were received into the Painted Hall by the Duchess of Devonshire who shook hands with all 150 members and spoke briefly to everyone. A glass of Prosecco set the evening off and we were invited to view the decorations in the North Wing. The library, dining room and corridor were very tastefully decorated, the fairy lights twinkling like stars in the dimly lit rooms
We then made our way to the Carriage House Restaurant where 15 round tables were set out beautifully to accommodate 10 members each. Wine purchased, we waited patiently for everyone to be seated and were served a delicious traditional Christmas meal followed by an individual Christmas pudding. We did not win anything in the Raffle but felt quite special in our posh frocks, in beautiful surroundings and in such good company. A lovely evening was had by all and the journey home was rain free
The theme of the Chatsworth decorations “In a Land Far Far Away” provided an entrance-way adorned with drapes to represent the clouds and various models of air transport hung from the ceiling.
We were received into the Painted Hall by the Duchess of Devonshire who shook hands with all 150 members and spoke briefly to everyone. A glass of Prosecco set the evening off and we were invited to view the decorations in the North Wing. The library, dining room and corridor were very tastefully decorated, the fairy lights twinkling like stars in the dimly lit rooms
We then made our way to the Carriage House Restaurant where 15 round tables were set out beautifully to accommodate 10 members each. Wine purchased, we waited patiently for everyone to be seated and were served a delicious traditional Christmas meal followed by an individual Christmas pudding. We did not win anything in the Raffle but felt quite special in our posh frocks, in beautiful surroundings and in such good company. A lovely evening was had by all and the journey home was rain free
WI December Meeting 2019
The Nelson Handbell Ringers entertained us for our Christmas meeting, with Carols and other delightful musical renditions, these ladies are amazing. They had a break and joined us for the faith supper, then played a few more Carols for a sing along. A great night to end the year.
Garden Group - December 2019
The ladies of Mickleover garden group, armed with bags full of foliage, acquired from foraging the local area, arrived on-mass to occupy Margaret Whyte’s conservatory. The annual wreath making began. Oasis and moss were the mainstay of most of the wreaths, however Kath Charlesworth produced a very different garland made from dried magnolia leaves, sprayed silver and expertly designed with the aid of a glue gun.
Everyone provided something for lunch, however, Margaret as well as providing the venue also made the delicious mushroom soup. Thank you, Margaret, and Alick for your hospitality. A brilliant day.
Everyone provided something for lunch, however, Margaret as well as providing the venue also made the delicious mushroom soup. Thank you, Margaret, and Alick for your hospitality. A brilliant day.
Garden Group - November 2019
The Garden Group enjoyed an end of season meal at the Munday Arms. They are hoping the rain clouds won’t be as abundant, and that the sun will shine just a little bit more next year (2020).
Garden Group Meeting - September 2019
At the beginning of the year, Lucille sourced young pine trees which provided this year’s competition. At the September meeting they were judged and Jenny’s conifer planted in ordinary compost was the winner having reached the dizzy heights of 20.5 inches high, on her heals was Kath who’s tree reached 20 inches; Linda’s 18 inches; Pat and Margaret were joint 4th - 16 inches; Lucille’s at 12”, but the loser by a huge margin was Lesley who’s sapling died (a cat was a suspect in the demise of the pine)!
Mickleover Garden Group goes to Prison - September 2019
The usual wet weather was ordered for our outing to Sudbury Prison, and although a few purchases were made from the garden shop, the main event was lunch at the Secret Diner, so it was bah humbug to the rain! Inmates run the restaurant, and were all very pleasant and entertaining. The food was substantial, tasty and filling; £2 for a starter; £3.80 for a main; £2.50 for desert and 50p for a coffee. Prisoners are training for qualifications and the price only covers the cost of ingredients, some of which come from their garden, so excellent value for money. Well worth a visit, don’t think any of us we will be eating for the rest of the day. What better way to spend a miserable soggy Monday!
Darley Park - August 2019
In true garden group style, after a fabulous sunny weekend, our trip to see the hydrangeas at Markeaton Park Wednesday evening was accompanied (as usual!) by rain. However, the hydrangeas were still beautiful and it was nice to see the displays, despite the weather. A little cold and wet we made our way to Kath’s for a welcome cup of tea and of course cake!
WI August Meeting 2019 - Super Summer Soirée
Although we don’t have to hold a meeting in August, Mickleover enjoyed a Super Summer Soirée for members. Our president, Linda Reid, welcomed everyone and we tucked into a delicious buffet supper, and it was nice to spend time chatting and catching up. We had a summer secret Santa and small gifts were exchanged. A special mention to the ladies who did the washing up, Margaret Whyte, Ann Salt and Liz Williamson, even with the help of a dishwasher there was a lot to do. Thank you, ladies.
Hopton Hall Gardens - July 2019
The great British summer, and despite the rain, the garden group visited Hopton Hall, Carsington for the roses. Well what a sorry sight, both roses and members, but we enjoyed the fresh air, the coffee and cake while sheltering, and also a very delicious lunch at the Miners Arms.
WI July Meeting 2019 – Bess Of Hardwick
Maureen Taylor introduced herself as a friend of Bess and told the story of Bess’s life, from her early years to her death on 13 February 1608. How from a humble beginning, she accumulated wealth by outliving her four husbands, and became the richest woman after Elizabeth I; no doubt an early entrepreneur.
Markeaton History Walk - July 2019
Our speaker in January was Linda Proud who enthralled us with the history of Markeaton Park. On Monday 8th July, Linda invited us to Markeaton Park and we embarked on the History Walk, starting right back to the days of Anglo Saxons; furrows – which can still be seen today; the manor house – sadly demolished; lords of the manor; right up to the days of Mundy’s, when it was finally willed to the people of Derby. It was a very enjoyable walk which finished in the walled garden which is cultivated by volunteers who sell produce to help fund the garden.
Dower House, Melbourne - June 2019
The Garden Group visited the Dower House, Melbourne, Derbyshire, which was part of the NGS garden scheme. The gardens were beautiful and Griselda Kerr who maintains the garden was chatting away to visitors and signing her new book “The Apprehensive Gardener: Managing Garden Plants”. We rested awhile to take in the ambiance of the garden and to eat cake and drink coffee! What would an WI outing be without delicious refreshments?
WI April Meeting 2019 - Barry Colenso
Our speaker for this month was Barry Colenso, Master Chocolatier, and although he did bring lots of chocolate for us to try, his talk was about making a wedding cake for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011. It was fascinating listening to all the hoops he had to jump through to make and deliver the cake, including making two identical ones in case something happened during transportation; indeed, the cakes took two different routes, before finally assembling the whole thing at the palace. A very enjoyable talk, with lots of purchases made, just in time for Easter.
Consall Hall Gardens – April 2019
The garden group visited Consall Hall Gardens, Plant Hunters Fair, but as usual the weather let us down, it was so bitterly cold. However, we battled on and numerous purchases were made. From July 2019 the new owners of Consall Gardens will be starting a new chapter, but unfortunately it will no longer be hosting public garden days. This meant the last chance to visit on a public open day would be the first Sunday of April, May and June this year. End of an Era!
Carsington Water - March 2019
The garden group are a hardy lot, they chose one of the worst days of spring to visit a plant fair at Carsington Water. To fortify the group, coffee and cake was the first order of the day. There was no putting off the inevitable, and being buffeted by winds and rain, purchases of plants were made, followed by a short walk to Stones Island. Having enjoyed the visit and the company we took our leave and headed for home.
WI March Meeting 2019 - Pam Keeling
The President, Linda Reid, and Assistant Secretary, Margaret Barefoot, welcomed everyone to the March meeting. Our programme this evening was “An Embroiderer’s Life” with Pam Keeling. She showed us many lovely items, not just embroidery, but a whole host of craft work from very early on in her life to latterly competition and tutored items. Our very own Kath Charlesworth was volunteered to model a unique cape and hood, (thank you Kath).
Walking Group “Don’t Jump” – January 2019
Our New Year Walk took us from Mercia Marina at Willington and along the Trent & Mersey canal on what started out as a drizzly day but turned into a bright, cold and windy one. Ducks were pairing up nicely along the way and a robin sang beautifully for us as we made our circular tour back to the Marina for lunch.
There was not much in the way of countryside sounds but those of the A50 and railway reminded us that we were not far from civilisation and we were always in the shadows of the redundant Willington Power station, its landmark cooling towers dominating the skyline. A short walk to start the year off gently with plenty for fresh air – just what the doctor ordered!!
There was not much in the way of countryside sounds but those of the A50 and railway reminded us that we were not far from civilisation and we were always in the shadows of the redundant Willington Power station, its landmark cooling towers dominating the skyline. A short walk to start the year off gently with plenty for fresh air – just what the doctor ordered!!
New Year Meal - January 2019
Members celebrated the New Year with a meal at Mickleover Golf Club. As usual the food was good, the venue excellent and most of all the company, fabulous.