Christmas Party
14th December 2015
LFWI Craft and Produce Show 2015 (see below for more details)
2015 - the Archives
Christmas Party
14th December 2015
What a huge success!
The tables were beautifully decorated, food was absolutely delicious and plentiful (thanks once more to Pat's wonderful organisational skills), and our entertainers, the Vineyard Duo, knew exactly which songs to play to get us all up and dancing.
The tables were beautifully decorated, food was absolutely delicious and plentiful (thanks once more to Pat's wonderful organisational skills), and our entertainers, the Vineyard Duo, knew exactly which songs to play to get us all up and dancing.
Thanks go to all the committee members, volunteer helpers, providers of desserts - you all played your part in making the evening go so smoothly.
More photos in the gallery, courtesy of Pauline.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!
Book Club Christmas meeting
7th December 2015
Members of the AFWI reading group enjoyed a Christmas dinner at the Station Tavern after their monthly meeting.
Our reading list for 2016 has been chosen and can be found on the Book Club page. New members are always welcome.
More news on the Twiddlemuffs project
November 2015
At our November meeting we were joined by Anne Oliver, Age UK Lancashire’s Community Engagement Manager, who accepted our items on behalf of the charity.
In receiving the donation Anne Oliver thanked members and commented: ‘Well done everyone. You have made a huge effort on our behalf, and to exceed the target is quite phenomenal. We have ten different Daytime Support Centres throughout Lancashire and your muffs and blankets will be distributed amongst them. As we see these comforters in use we have come to appreciate more and more their huge value to people who suffer from dementia, as they provide stimulation and enhance a feeling of well being. Thank you so much for your very generous donation.”
The following day, Anne rang our Speaker Secretary Julie, who had co-ordinated the handover of the twiddlemuffs. She told Julie how excited and impressed her staff had been when she delivered the items to the office that day, and reported that photos had been posted on the Age UK Lancashire Facebook and Twitter feeds... Our fame is spreading! https://www.facebook.com/LancashireAgeUK/?fref=ts
Donation to Trinity Hospice
November 2015
AFWI recently donated £100 to Trinity Hospice to mark the occasion of the Centenary of the Women's Institute. The cheque was presented by WI members Pauline Mason and Patricia Kinsman.
The cheque was received by Trinity representative and fund raiser Janet Atkins who explained that the Hospice costs £7 million pounds a year to fund, of which £2.5million is provided by Primary Care Trust. Raising the remaining funds is entirely dependant upon the generosity of the local community, businesses and fund raising activities. Janet thanked the WI branch for their generosity, and provided Pauline and Patricia with a guided tour of the Hospice, which caters for both adults and children.
Pauline commented: “It was very moving to see the ways in which the Hospice supports people in need of care, both in the Hospice itself and also within the community. Janet showed us recently renovated areas which have helped to make the environment much brighter and better suited to patients, including those with complex conditions such as dementia. This support for dementia is relevant to our WI which, again as part of our Centenary celebrations, have made over one hundred “Twiddle Muffs” which will be donated to people suffering from dementia. Members of Ansdell and Fairhaven WI are truly delighted to support such a worthwhile cause as Trinity Hospice. ”
Patricia too was both moved and impressed by the excellent work undertaken by the Hospice. She said; “Having had a close friend who received palliative care here, I am only too aware of what a positive impact the Hospice has on enhancing the end of life care of the patient, and also of the invaluable support offered to family and friends. I am so pleased that our WI is able to make this donation, and would like, on behalf of our members, to thank the staff and volunteers at Trinity Hospice for all that they do.”
Patricia too was both moved and impressed by the excellent work undertaken by the Hospice. She said; “Having had a close friend who received palliative care here, I am only too aware of what a positive impact the Hospice has on enhancing the end of life care of the patient, and also of the invaluable support offered to family and friends. I am so pleased that our WI is able to make this donation, and would like, on behalf of our members, to thank the staff and volunteers at Trinity Hospice for all that they do.”
November meeting - a chocoholic's dream
9th November 2015
Seven new members have joined AFWI in the last two months, and we had eight visitors at tonight's meeting. We welcome Jean, Tracey, Carole, Susan, Linda, Diane and Anna as new members and hope that you will enjoy taking part in all our events and activities.
Our speaker tonight was Josie Morris, an artisan chocolatier who started her business after she was given a two day chocolate-making course as a Christmas present.
Josie gave us lots of background information on the production of cocoa, the manufacture of chocolate, and the differences between the varieties and brands which we all know and love. At intervals, samples were passed round for tasting... "Did we like this one?"... Mmmm... "and what did we think of that one?"... Mmmmmmm
Then Josie asked us where we stored our chocolate. Stored???? It seemed to be a strange concept to the vast majority of those present. But, for the record, if you're the sort of person who stores chocolate rather than eating it, then you shouldn't put it in the fridge but should keep it in a cool environment, between 12 and 20 degrees.
Josie gave us lots of background information on the production of cocoa, the manufacture of chocolate, and the differences between the varieties and brands which we all know and love. At intervals, samples were passed round for tasting... "Did we like this one?"... Mmmm... "and what did we think of that one?"... Mmmmmmm
Then Josie asked us where we stored our chocolate. Stored???? It seemed to be a strange concept to the vast majority of those present. But, for the record, if you're the sort of person who stores chocolate rather than eating it, then you shouldn't put it in the fridge but should keep it in a cool environment, between 12 and 20 degrees.
.The demonstration continued and we were shown how various shapes of chocolates and bars are made and wrapped, before the sales table opened and lots of our ladies made a dash to stock up on delicious goodies,
In the News...
29th October 2015
Babs took some of our completed twiddlemuffs and blankets to the launch of the Newfield Lodge Care Home, which is now a specialist dementia care facility.
Dream Cake - recommendation
23rd October 2015
Annual General Meeting - and our 10th Birthday Party
12th October 2015
The Annual General Meeting this year coincided with the 10th anniversary of the founding of Ansdell & Fairhaven WI.
President Jacqui commenced the meeting by welcoming Shirley Thornton, the Chairman of LFWI, and Stephanie Whitfield, our WI adviser. After a wonderful rendition of Jerusalem and a humorous round-up of the events of the last year, the serious business had to be faced. Jacqui had decided to stand down after seven years as president of AFWI, so members had to choose who would follow in her footsteps. After a very quick vote, Babs was elected and the silver President's badge was passed on.
President Jacqui commenced the meeting by welcoming Shirley Thornton, the Chairman of LFWI, and Stephanie Whitfield, our WI adviser. After a wonderful rendition of Jerusalem and a humorous round-up of the events of the last year, the serious business had to be faced. Jacqui had decided to stand down after seven years as president of AFWI, so members had to choose who would follow in her footsteps. After a very quick vote, Babs was elected and the silver President's badge was passed on.
And so our Birthday celebrations began. We were entertained by Murder Incorporated, a group of local actors who enacted the scenes leading up to a murder following a committee meeting of a rural Women's Institute. We were encouraged to question the suspects, and everyone was totally absorbed - though most of us didn't have a clue who "dunnit". One table accurately solved the mystery though, and they were rewarded with not only the glory of knowing they were cleverer than the rest of us, but also with a little bag of chocolates each.
During the interval between the two acts of the performance, our committee members served the Jacob's Join supper to all the tables. Our members had done a great job of providing a huge variety (and quantity) of sweet and savoury items, and everyone seemed to enjoy eating it all!
Jacqui had made and decorated a birthday cake (Delia Smith's recipe) which was officially cut by Lancashire Federation Chairman Shirley and WI Adviser Stephanie - then enjoyed by all our members.
The completed twiddlemuffs which our Knit and Natter group have made as one of our Centenary projects were on display for all to see and admire!
Planting Bulbs in Witch Wood
8th October 2015
With the guidance and encouragement of the Lytham Civic Society, a group of AFWI members met at the Ansdell end of Witch Wood to plant 250 daffodils and 250 wood anemones to mark the centenary of the Women's Institute. The weather was kind to us, and the task was quickly accomplished to the accompaniment of creaks and groans from some of our knees and hips. We were very surprised to realise that wood anemone 'bulbs' look like little sticks!
A local press photographer arrived to record the event for the LSA Express and Blackpool Gazette. We look forward to seeing his report next week, and also to walking through the woods next Spring and seeing all the flowers.
Several of our group had also brought their cameras – thank you Jacqui, Diana and Julie for the photos on this page.
Several of our group had also brought their cameras – thank you Jacqui, Diana and Julie for the photos on this page.
Visit to the Grand Theatre, Blackpool
1st October 2015
Peter and Linda Tolson, who spoke at one of our meetings earlier this year, conducted a guided tour of the Grand Theatre, Blackpool for a large group of Ansdell and Fairhaven WI members. We were taken to the top of the building and told all about the history of the theatre. Pam took lots of photos, which are shown below, together with her captions.
Ladies who Lunch
24th September 2015
Lunch at the Italian Orchard at Broughton was enjoyed by seventeen of our members on Thursday 24th September. Thanks go to Pat, our Social Secretary, for organising this lovely event.
LFWI Craft and Produce Show 2015
22nd September 2015
Four of our members attended the Preview Dinner at the LFWI Craft and Produce Show, held at the Best Western Hotel near Garstang.
The theme of the show was “Much more than Jam and Jerusalem” and there were wonderful entries in all the categories from WIs from all over the county. Maybe next year Ansdell and Fairhaven will be represented.
Knit and Natter Group Centenary Project
22nd September 2015
We are delighted to report that the Knit and Natter sub group has exceeded its target of making 100 Twiddle Muffs/Blankets for Dementia patients. We will be presenting them to an Age UK representative at the November meeting.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
16th September 2015
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On Wednesday, 16th September, AFWI hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning at Ansdell Unitarian Church Hall.
Members donated lots of wonderful home-made cakes, which were appreciated and enjoyed by all who attended. The total amount raised was £524.16 - well done to everyone who took part. |
[ Thanks to Jacqui for the photos ]
From Muck & Music to Stones & Roses
14th September 2015
The
speaker at our September meeting was Raymond Smith, of The Stones and Roses Garden at White Coppice, near Chorley, who gave an amusing illustrated talk on how he
decided to give up the family farm and, using stones from a locally
demolished mill, he set about building a new home in a former barn
and then converted the grounds to create a spectacular rose garden.
Some of the roses used had been passed down from generation to
generation of his family.
Raymond
told us that he had played the organ since the age of 14, eventually
playing for local churches, and he had the privilege once to play the
organ in the House of Commons for a friend's wedding, a rare treat.
Amongst his other talents he has also written four musicals and been
involved in several choirs. All this whilst working as a full time
farmer.
Raymond and his wife open their beautiful gardens occasionally to the public, offering cream teas and entertainment by Raymond himself, playing an organ recital. Over the years, they have raised enormous sums for charity.
The talk and slideshow was greatly enjoyed by all our members and our visitors.
Raymond and his wife open their beautiful gardens occasionally to the public, offering cream teas and entertainment by Raymond himself, playing an organ recital. Over the years, they have raised enormous sums for charity.
The talk and slideshow was greatly enjoyed by all our members and our visitors.
[ Thanks to June and Julie for reporting on this meeting ]
Ansdell Library's Bake Off Party
22nd August 2015
Three of our members, Julie, Val and Dorothy, acted as judges for the cake competition at the Great Ansdell Bake Off Party. Their efforts and professional approach, awarding points to each cake in five different categories ranging from appearance and complexity to taste, were much appreciated by the library staff. After the judging, slices of the cakes were offered for sale and several more of our ladies tested the goodies on offer.
'Larkspur' - Songs and Laughter
10th August 2015
10th August 2015
Three new members joined AFWI at last night's meeting and we welcomed several other visitors and potential new members. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves!
After the business part of our meeting was concluded we were introduced to 'Larkspur', four very talented singers and musicians, who entertained us with a variety of folk songs, anecdotes and amusing poems. They had us in fits of giggles as we were transported back to our childhood to sing 'The Grand Old Duke of York' - made more difficult when we weren't allowed to sing the words 'up' or 'down'. The poems of Les Barker, read to us by Larkspur's male vocalist Roger, also raised a lot of laughter.
The competition this month was for the most interesting old photo, and Kath was the winner with her fantastic photographic river scene from the 1800s which included several Victorian ladies in their finery.
News from the Happy House project in Kenya
9th August 2015
9th August 2015
Members
will recall that, at our January Meeting, Elizabeth Gomm spoke to us
about the Watamu Happy House project in Kenya. As well as sending a
cash donation, raised from a collection after the meeting, we donated
the pencils which had been brought in for our table competition that
month. Elizabeth has forwarded a thank you note from 'Uncle Ronald',
the assistant social worker at Happy House:-
Thank
you for the gift of pencils that you sent to Happy House. Our
kids were
happy to receive them. They will help them with their school
work when
they open their school as they are currently in holiday.Things
are going on well here.
Once more thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Uncle Ronald & the Happy House.
Once more thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Uncle Ronald & the Happy House.
Elizabeth
also adds -
“We
are now on a big fundraising push to raise the money we need to
complete the second phase of our secondary school which we must have
ready to open in January, when the new school year starts. I don't
know if you would be able to share the link to our JustGiving page.
Your members were so generous.” The link is here:-
https://www.justgiving.com/childrenofwatamu/Donate/
The Brontes behind closed doors
13th July 2015
The speaker at our July meeting was Pat Osborne, whose talk, entitled 'The Brontës behind Closed Doors – All the Scandal' both intrigued and entertained her audience. Lots of details about the literary family were revealed to us – starting with the fact that their father's surname had originally been the more ordinary sounding Brunty and he'd changed it in order to disguise his humble Irish roots. We then listened to lesser-known tales of life in the Brontë household. Despite the title of the talk, many of us had expected to hear that the family passed their days in the Haworth Parsonage in a fairly quiet and refined manner, but instead we listened to tales of gambling, drinking, drugs, disease, affairs and suspected murder!
The competition tonight was for 'Something from Yorkshire'. Our speaker chose Val's bowl of Pontefract cakes as the winning entry.
Port Sunlight
23rd June 2015
23rd June 2015
On Tuesday 23rd June six ladies from Ansdell & Fairhaven WI joined with the Lancashire Federation for a trip to Port Sunlight. The weather was excellent and the trip really interesting.
Port Sunlight is a model village built around 1888 by Lever Brothers to accommodate their workers. There are 900 Grade II listed buildings plus an art gallery and a museum. The ladies were taken on a guided tour of the site and learned a lot more of the history and stories behind the concept of the village.
Everyone agreed it had been an enjoyable day and we look forward to more day trips away.
[Thanks to Julie for this report and photos]
[Thanks to Julie for this report and photos]
Knit and Natter Group
16th June 2015
16th June 2015
About ten of us met at the Station Tavern this afternoon and managed to do some knitting, nattering and crochet despite the distractions of a very full pub - on one side of us we had the Senior Citizens' Social Afternoon with Quiz and Sing-along favourites, and on the other side a very well attended funeral party! New members to this group are always welcome, see here for further details.
Who Really Killed President Kennedy?
8th June 2015
8th June 2015
At our June meeting the ladies of Ansdell & Fairhaven WI welcomed Neil Hendrie and friends to give the talk entitled "Who Killed Kennedy?". Neil was assisted by Carla Clark, Susan Schofield and Ann Kelly. Neil set the scene of the assassination and the ladies read out various statements from witnesses who had given evidence at the actual trial of Lee Harvey Oswald. Neil then summarised and gave us a convincing case why Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the murder of President Kennedy.
The team then totally switched allegiance and presented an equally convincing theory to support the proposal that Lee Harvey Oswald was merely a pawn in the murder. They presented facts that gave credible evidence that the murder was committed by trained assassins acting on behalf of and supported by the Mafia. Again Neil summarised why it was a plausible case that the Mafia were behind the assassination and Lee Harvey Oswald was not in fact the murderer.
Both cases were presented professionally and both were totally convincing. The ladies from the WI asked lots of questions and they then were asked to decide by a vote which version they felt was the most convincing.
[Ed: Thanks to Julie for this report]
The team then totally switched allegiance and presented an equally convincing theory to support the proposal that Lee Harvey Oswald was merely a pawn in the murder. They presented facts that gave credible evidence that the murder was committed by trained assassins acting on behalf of and supported by the Mafia. Again Neil summarised why it was a plausible case that the Mafia were behind the assassination and Lee Harvey Oswald was not in fact the murderer.
Both cases were presented professionally and both were totally convincing. The ladies from the WI asked lots of questions and they then were asked to decide by a vote which version they felt was the most convincing.
[Ed: Thanks to Julie for this report]
Annual Meeting at the Royal Albert Hall
4th June 2015
4th June 2015
Some of our members went to Lowther Pavilion to watch the live screening of the WI Annual Meeting at the Royal Albert Hall, and others watched the proceedings at home on the Internet. The speakers were Lucy Worsley, Helena Morrissey and Tanni Grey-Thompson, all of whom were truly inspirational
HM The Queen addressed the meeting and was joined by the Princess Royal and the Countess of Wessex. The royal guests presented competition prizes, the Queen also receiving the centenary link baton and cutting the centenary cake. They actually seemed to be enjoying themselves!
Some of you may be interested in the outcome of the 2015 Annual Meeting resolution. The WI website reports ...
"Following shortlisting by members a resolution, 'Failing to Care,' from North Duffield WI, North Yorkshire East federation, was taken to the Annual Meeting for further debate. On the day a motion to 'move the business on' to the next agenda item was tabled and agreed by delegates. Voting on the resolution did not take place. "
- See more at: http://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/resolutions-and-mandates#sthash.x8EeCjYO.dpuf
"Following shortlisting by members a resolution, 'Failing to Care,' from North Duffield WI, North Yorkshire East federation, was taken to the Annual Meeting for further debate. On the day a motion to 'move the business on' to the next agenda item was tabled and agreed by delegates. Voting on the resolution did not take place. "
- See more at: http://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/resolutions-and-mandates#sthash.x8EeCjYO.dpuf
WI Centenary Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
2nd June 2015
2nd June 2015
About 8,000 WI members from England and Wales attended the Centenary Garden Party which was held at Buckingham Palace and hosted by The Duchess of Cornwall. Also present were the Countess of Wessex, Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Gloucester. We were lucky to be allocated two tickets which were won by Jill and our President Jacqui.
Afternoon Tea at The Villa
21st May 2015
21st May 2015
Pat, our Social Secretary, organised afternoon tea at The Villa, Wrea Green, for 25 of our members.
The Pendle Witches
13th April 2015
13th April 2015
Simon Entwistle was the speaker at our April meeting. He told us about the witches of East Lancashire in a very dramatic and amusing manner.
He also impressed us all by leading the singing of Jerusalem!
He also impressed us all by leading the singing of Jerusalem!
The competition this month for an item relating to witchcraft was won by June, who brought along a wonderful black cat decoration which she'd made for her daughter at Halloween many years ago.
Fired 4U Pottery Painting Demonstration
9th March 2015
9th March 2015
At our monthly meeting in March we were entertained by Jane Fox, who told us how she had founded her 'Fired 4U' pottery decorating business in Penwortham. She had brought many examples of her work to the meeting and explained how each was made. The talk was very inspiring and left many of us wanting to reach for the paintbrushes!
Jane concluded by demonstrating some techniques on this vase, which she donated to our group once it had been fired.
The competition table was full of pots which members had brought from home. Our speaker was asked to choose the one she liked the most. Treasurer Pam was the winner this month.