Women's Institute

01/12/2005

Paul Stafford, a Senior Scene of Crime Officer, spoke to us in October and told how he painstakingly gained information from minute details helped by DNA, which began to be used in 1987, and finger and footprints. However, all these are only of use if they match a record held on a data base. It was interesting to hear that although identical twins have the same DNA, their finger prints are different and that palm prints are how starting to be used for identification in Suffolk. It was not surprising to hear that it could take up to ten days to collect evidence from a murder scene.

November is our Annual meeting and we duly elected a new committee with our President, Liz Kimnell, willing to continue for another year. We had had a successful stall at the WI Christmas Fair in the Corn Exchange in Bury where we sold jams and preserves and next month we will be bringing Christmas gifts for the Salvation Army men’s hostel in Ipswich. To round off the evening wc were given a list of interesting facts about our fellow members and we had to find out who fitted what by moving round questioning everyone. One of the amazing things which one member had inadvertently done was to tow her wheelie bin behind her 4x4 for several miles!

Brenda Dyer

01/08/2005

01/02/2005

Our speaker in December was Helen Scott-Davies whose theme was the 'A-Z of Christmas Traditions, which it transpired are weird and wonderful and sometimes very funny. She had researched as far back as roman times, progressing through the ages. The evening concluded with a heart warmingly spiced wine and mince pies.

Then in January, we had a novice bee-keeper of only 25 years, Terry Bird to enlighten us about the life of the Honey Bee. He manages 40 hives between lavenham and Sudbury and he brought one along, without the bees, to show us the various compartments. We learned that 'bee space' is 3/8", the width of the brood chamber in the hive that the queen bee is the only true female. Amazingly, a bee travels the equivalent of six orbits of the earth to make one pot of honey.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 3rd February at 7.30pm at Cockfield Village Hall when Mal Offen will be talking about his life as a Farrier. On Thursday 3rd March we are having a talk by Martin Faher on 'What is Tai Chi?' Visitors are very welcome.

Brenda Dyer 

01/12/2004

Barry Gayton, Horiculturalist, Radio Norfolk Gardener and Head Gardener at the Public Gardens at Thetford attended our October meeting to talk about 'Winter garden colour'.

Barry's interest in horticulture became established when he asked for and received a greenhouse for Christmas when he was seven years old - a glasshouse he still utilizes.

'Desert World', the name of Barry's house gives us a clue to what he describes as his 'great love' - Cacti. These plants he grows from seed, as with all his plants. There are 13,500 species in his garden with some 50,000 plants over forty years old.

If keen gardeners, we could have 150 species of unprotected plants in our gardens at Christmas. Barry, last year, counted 57 species in flower on Christmas Day.

Barry loves the challenge of growing plants from seed and eventually plants them out into island beds (irregular shapes) in grass. This type of planting was pioneered at Bressingham and encourages each plant to support the other from the smallest to the tallest.

Although cacti are his favourite species, each year Barry chooses a different species of plant to study and expand his knowledge. His work and hobby are one and the same. His love and enthusiasm for horticulture shone through his illustrated presentation, which was enjoyed by all.

Dec 2nd 'A-Z of Christmas Traditions' with Helen Scott Davies.

The New Year session commences on Thursday January 6th at Cockfield Village Hall at 7.30pm. Meetings are held on the first Thursday evening of each month and all ladies are welcome to join us. We have a membership of over fifty - come along and add to the number. We would love to see you.

Janet Jacobs

01/06/2004

Judy Butler, an Image Consultant, attended our April meeting to advise (and entertain) with her talk and demonstration of Face Reading. The shape of your head and its features can reveal the hidden characteristics and personality type and traits. Judy illustrated this with members, which caused hilarity and confirmation of her skills.

We also celebrated Luanne Stockwell's 90th birthday with Buck's Fizz and slices of a gorgeous chocolate fondant cake decorated with fresh red roses and strawberries dipped in chocolate. Her surprise at this celebration gave pleasure to all.

Janet

01/04/2004

Due to circumstances beyond their control our host for the planned Greek Cooking Evening had to cancel the event. Sue Anderson, a Chef, kindly agreed to substitute. Sue prepared a three-course meal for a Dinner Party in a time that could beat the TV Chefs who cook against the clock. As usual Members could not resist tasting the prepared dishes, which were deceptively simple to prepare but looked and tasted as though there had been days in the planning and preparation - a bonus for busy hostesses.

April 1st Face Readings with Judy Butler

May 6th Resolutions for National AGM and 'Bring and Bite' Supper

June 3rd Hand Crafted Porcelain Jewellery with Sean Brady

Do join us

Janet

01/12/2003

We have a very tempting programme for 2004. A warm welcome to all ladies who would like to join us. We meet at 7.30pm in Cockfield Village Hall.

8th January 'Here we are again'. History and Traditions of English Pantomime - Donald Walker

5th February 'Greek Cookery Event' - Barretts and Stainers

4th March 'Sudbury Common Lands History and Management' - Adrian Walters (Ranger)

1st April 'It's written all over our face'- Face Reading - Judy Butler

6th May 'Resolution for National AGM' and 'Bring and Bite'

3rd June 'Hand crafted Porcelain Jewelry' with demonstration and sale - Sean Brady

1st July 'History through old Newspapers' - Pip Wright

5th August Garden Meeting: BBQ with 'Old Pastimes and Sedate Sports'

2nd September 'The Greek Silk Route - How China discovered the West' John Pirie

7th October 'Winter Colour' with the Radio Norfolk Gardener - Barry Gayton

4th November AGM and Panel games

2nd December A - Z Christmas Traditions - Helen Scott-Davies

Janet Jacobs

01/06/2003

Following a successful Autumn Fashion Show in 2000, Carla Auger, our Treasurer, once again kindly organised a Spring Fashion Show for our March Meeting.

Carla is the manager of "Jumpers" in Bury and Sudbury, and since the event in the millennium year she has organised many similar events for groups in West Suffolk. The models were our own members and the evening was relaxing and fun. A discount for members for shopping at "Jumpers" was greatly appreciated.

In April, Mr. J.T. Snell talked to us about his skill and demonstrated his ability to carve walking sticks. Either wood or horn is used and the sticks and crooks are carved either by hand or by machine. Various woods are used such as holly, ash, rosewood, chestnut, walnut and even Canadian maple. The horn can be from ram, ox, deer, cow, antelope or buffalo! Items from all these products were displayed and every process illustrated. The carved heads of the sticks ranged from the beautiful to the amusing, from graceful dolphins to skulls! No wood or horn is wasted. Small items such as pencil holders, fashion accessories and even buttons can be carved from surplus material.

 A business meeting in May was followed by a recipe session. Members were invited to bring a prepared recipe and samples were prepared for tasters. Members voted for their favourite recipe and also purchased copies of the various recipes in aid of funds. Our President, Brenda Cantley, won this event with a courgette and ginger cake.

Future Meetings:

June 5th History and traditions of Punch and Judy

July 3rd 7pm East European Friendship Dances

August 7th Putting a National Trust House to bed.

Janet Jacobs.

11/02/2003

Our December Meeting was a festive evening by candlelight. Lesley Bancroft of 'Buy the Light' in Bury educated and entertained us. We didn't realise there was so much to know about candle wax, fragrance oils and wicks! Lesley gave us a demonstration of the correct way to snuff a candle - Who would have thought that there is an art to such a simple task! The history of candle making and candle uses was illustrated and we then discussed the merits of 'quality' candles and knowing how to burn them. Lesley even offers a 'candle rescue' service for her candles at her shop. Lesley has been pleased with the genuine interest shown in her subject and her products that her evening with us generated. The festive season was a brighter one for her visit in more ways than one.

Our planned speaker was unable to visit our New Year meeting so Ken Norrie of the Podiatry Place in Sudbury kindle accepted an invitation to speak at short notice. We left the meeting well informed. Ken, a Chiropodist and Podiatrist explained that Podiatry takes chiropody a step further ( no pun intended! ) by aiming to see what the cause of a problem is and then prescribing treatment to help correct the cause as well as the symptoms. A Biomechanical assessment i.e.: positioning of bones, joints, standing or resting posture and mobility can identify the root of leg, back or foot problems. Ken also specialises in Pediatric (children's) care and sports injuries.

Future Meetings:

February 6th "Medieval Tapestry Wall Hangings" Linda O'Halloran

March 6th Spring Fashion Show by "Jumpers" Carla Auger

April 3rd  "Carved Walking Sticks" J. T. Snell

May 1st Resolutions ( for the National WI AGM ) and Recipes. Everyone to bring a buffet dish to taste.

June 5th "History and Traditions of Punch and Judy" (with Show) Peter Battey

All ladies are welcome. We aim to have 'something for everyone'.

Janet Jacobs

01/12/2002

In September, Trevor Anderson, Market Development Manager from Bayer Plc, attended our meeting. The Chemical Industries Association provides a service called "speak out! and listen". This service is to keep the public informed and aware, to hear their views and help the public make balance judgements about what we buy, eat and what we read in our newspapers. Trevor's topic was "Pyramids to Penicillin". The earliest chemical processes invented by man produced soap, leather and fabric dyes. The talk traced the evolution of the industry from the pots and pans of ancient Egyptians through serendipitous discoveries to modern automated factories. Trevor answered our multiple questions in plain language and free from the jargon that so often causes fear and confusion. This was a talk with a difference that raised our awareness and illustrated where science is taking us in the future. It reassured us that the chemical industries' processes were well regulated and aware of its responsibilities toward society and the environment.

We were delighted in October to welcome Jane Gosling, Curator of the Guildhall, Lavenham. Her talk about the timber framed buildings of Lavenham was fascinating. Jan's expert knowledge enthralled her audience - we could have listened for hours, the allotted time just flew by! It seems that below ground there is as much to marvel at as the buildings above ground. Apparently there is a network of Tudor tunnels below the village which supplied water to the cloth making industry. Because Lavenham was well supplied with water from natural sources, the industry was able to develop and flourish. To see slides of familiar and 'hidden' buildings and to have features highlighted has encouraged and tempted us to revisit this local place of interest with new eyes.

Future Meetings:

December 5th 2002

'By the Light'  A candles compilation. Lesley Bancroft

January 9th 2003

'A Walk on the Wall (of China). Mrs J. Hayes

6th February 2003

'Medieval Tapestry Wall Hangings'. Linda O'Halloran

6th March 2003

'Spring Fashion Show by Jumpers'. Carla Auger

Please note that due to the close proximity of the Bank Holiday the January Meeting is the second Thursday in the month.

Janet Jacobs

Autumn Programme

October 3rd Timber Framed Building, Jane Gosling.

November 7th AGM, Coffee, Cake and Conversation. An informal time together.

December 5th By the Light, A candle compilation, Lesley Bancroft.

May 1st 2002

Our February Meeting was dramatic and delectable. Richard Stainer and Trevor Barrett with their wives Christine and Margaret ( Members of our WI) presented a “Mexican Evening”.

 We expected “tasters” but received a feast of scrumptious food. Whilst munching (the only way to describe eating filled tacos) we were delightfully entertained with appropriate poetry, pros comedy, music and song. The finale being a passionate Mexican drama which had the ladies’ hearts fluttering, pulses racing - and a desire for the evening never to end!

 Due to sickness our March speaker was unable to attend to talk of Medieval Tapestries so we were so pleased to welcome at very short notice volunteers on behalf of Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Yvonne and David Leonard.

 The illustrated talk on the “Protection of Suffolk’s Verges Wild Flora & Fauna” was fascinating. I for one will now make a special effort to stop and look carefully at those verges that are marked with the white posts designating a protected area.

 At our April session the Fred Olsen Company presented “Travel Temptations”. We do not need too much tempting to take or enjoy our holidays but it was good to be advised of the unusual holiday packages available.

Future Meetings

June 6th “Glass Paperweights, Ancient & Modern”

July 4th Meeting in Nowton Park. A “Victorian Landscape Walk" with a Ranger  followed by a picnic in the grounds.

Now the lighter evenings have returned can I encourage you to join us, a warm welcome is assured.

Janet Jacobs  

March 1st 2002

We were delighted in January to welcome our speakers Jan Spackman and Margaret Ansell, Pet Dog Trainers and their dogs Sadie and Gyp.

Jan and Margaret of the Sudbury Pet Dog Club demonstrated their dog handling and training skills and discussed behaviour management problems and the responsibilities of dog ownership. Sadie a black cross Labrador and Gyp a Golden Retriever endeared themselves to all as they moved freely amongst the audience having been given permission to do so. Laughter and smiles punctuated the whole evening as our four-legged friends explored their environment and befriended members who responded by petting and talking to these delightful dogs. It was a pleasure to share our evening with our speakers and their pets.

Future Meetings

March 7th “Medieval World of Tapestry Wall Hangings” Linda O’Halloran

April 4th “Travel Temptations” Fred Olsen Company

May 2nd Resolutions for National WI A.G.M and “Miscellany of Melodies in May” Trinity Singers

June 6th “Glass Paperweights: Ancient and Modern” Anne Anderson

Ladies:      Come and enjoy an evening with a thriving WI. You are assured of a warm welcome.

Meetings are held in Cockfield Village Hall at 7.3Opm

Janet Jacobs Programme Secretary  

February 1st 2001

After the busy festive season, we were soothed into January with an automated slide and sound show that Paul Mothersole had promised would "warm a Winter's Evening".

Paul, a gifted photographer, allowed us to share his love of his art and the beauty of nature with a presentation that lifted our hearts and re-focused our minds on the beautiful world in which we live. We live in an area of natural beauty but it is so easy to take this for granted. How long has it been since you stopped and gazed at the morning dew on a spiders web, the intricate patterns of snow and frost or appreciated the glory of the setting sun? Flower buds opened before our eyes and the sun rose and set as the slides, by the method in which they were presented, allowed the workings of the day in nature to be seen in a few moments of time.

After a relaxing and reflective meeting in January, the tables were turned in February when some WI members, led by Beryl Gibson, demonstrated the art of stencilling. This was a "hands on" session. After a demonstration on fabric, paper, walls and placemats, we had the opportunity to try this craft at various workstations. It was a successful "do it yourself" meeting when once again it was proved how enjoyable an evening can be when talents of the organisations own members are utilised.

Future Meetings

1st March 2001 at 7.30pm at Cockfield Village Hall -   Razzamatazz and all that Jazz.

5th April 2001 at 7.30pm at Cockfield Village Hall -   Mrs Felicity Hurst. Chief Immigration Officer

                                                                               for Stanstead and Norwich Airports.