CHRISTMAS PARTY 2018
Wonderful food, wonderful company. Here are some images from our Christmas party, together with a picture of the winning decorated bag, created by Mel Gibson. This was a freehand, watercolour painting, which was just so skilled. We couldn't let it go without recognition, so held it back from the Goodwill Fest to raffle among ourselves at our party. She has also been given the prestigious title of "Holder of the Rose Bowl" for the ensuing year. The supreme acolade!
Wonderful food, wonderful company. Here are some images from our Christmas party, together with a picture of the winning decorated bag, created by Mel Gibson. This was a freehand, watercolour painting, which was just so skilled. We couldn't let it go without recognition, so held it back from the Goodwill Fest to raffle among ourselves at our party. She has also been given the prestigious title of "Holder of the Rose Bowl" for the ensuing year. The supreme acolade!
Stonehouse Goodwill Fest 2018
This year there was Santa in his Grotto, children's entertainment in the Town Hall, real reindeer to see (and feed) along with a Lantern procession. Our presence was taking part as one of the many stallholders in the street and, for the second year running we ran a gift bag tombola. We had over 140 bags on our tabletop and what a great sight to behold they were!
It's such a lovely social event and we have good fun taking part. Not only that, our proceeds from the day was a wonderful £219 for our funds.
REMEMBRANCE DAY - 11/11/2018
We always lay a wreath at the Stonehouse Memorial but this year was extra special because it was the 100th Anniversary of the end of WW1. It is with pride that ours was one of 28 wreaths laid during the service that day. The ceremony was reported in the Stroud News & Journal the following week and it included a photo capturing the moment that Marlene lays our wreath. We were also very pleased to receive a letter from the Royal British Legion after the event thanking us for our participation, although their acknowledgement was not needed really; it was an honour just to take part. Further photos and reports can be followed on this link:
https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/17218102.watch-the-remembrance-parade-through-stonehouse
Our 50th Birthday Celebrations - April 2018
2018 marks our 50th birthday and there was no way we were going to let this milestone pass without a celebration, so we invited along our friends from Hardwicke WI to join in the fun. We've had links with them for many years, ever since they joined us in our visit to the BBC studios in Bristol, so it seemed natural to have them with us to mark our special occasion. They certainly didn't let us down as nearly all their members came along, which was great! They have a good sense of humour and brought us a card and a gift that turned out to be an official WI tea towel for use in the kitchen at future meetings (very droll).
There have been such a lot of changes since our WI formed in April 1968, especially for women and as such our lives are extremely busy in this day and age. This is something which can be detrimental to community groups such our WI, so we are very proud to still have a healthy membership 50 years on. We are a friendly, like-minded bunch of ladies who take pleasure in each other's company and we are happy to get behind any community projects that need a bit of support. We also like to broaden our minds and our varied, monthly speakers or WI county events that are on offer give us the chance to learn something different, or learn a new skill. (Read more about the fab speakers we have enjoyed already this year by clicking here)
As you can see from the photos below, we entered into the spirit of the occasion very well; we decorated the room with bunting and balloons, raised a glass of sparkle and enjoyed a chocolate & cream cake - all this with a smattering of laughter thrown in for good measure. Definitely a birthday to remember.
STALL ON THE GREEN - FUNDRAISING FOR THE GROUP
Twice a year we run a stall on The Green in Stonehouse to raise funds; one in the Spring and the other in the Autumn. Between 9 am and 12 noon we sell home made cakes, preserves, home grown plants and more.
A big thank you to everyone who has dropped by and bought something from us on these occasions - your support is very much appreciated - we rely on the proceeds from this stall to give our funds a boost
As well as paying for the rent and the wonderful speakers we enjoy at our monthly meetings, the extra cash we raise goes towards special treats for our members to enjoy. For example in the past this money has been used towards funding visits to Hidcote Manor, the Bristol Old Vic theatre and a trip to the BBC in Bristol to tour their studios.
A big thank you to everyone who has dropped by and bought something from us on these occasions - your support is very much appreciated - we rely on the proceeds from this stall to give our funds a boost
As well as paying for the rent and the wonderful speakers we enjoy at our monthly meetings, the extra cash we raise goes towards special treats for our members to enjoy. For example in the past this money has been used towards funding visits to Hidcote Manor, the Bristol Old Vic theatre and a trip to the BBC in Bristol to tour their studios.
WEAVERS GROUP MEETING 2016
2016 was the year that Stonehouse take a turn to host the annual social gathering of the Weavers Group. On the evening of April 6th, along with members from Frocester, Leonard Stanley, Stroud Shambles, Randwick and Cainscross, we met in the splendid hall belonging to St. Matthews Church, Cainscross to listen to each of the Secretaries reporting on the past year; be entertained by the duo “The Young Ones” before enjoying a hot drink together with a piece (or two) of some of the delicious cake on offer. The individual competition was to follow a pattern provided by Stonehouse Town Council to knit a seaman’s hat and the entries provided were a sight to behold. There was every colour imaginable and a total of 57 in all. Lesley Williams who champions this cause was absolutely delighted to be able to take away so many to donate to the Seaman’s Mission. The records will note that the Weavers Group Meeting 2016 was a huge success.
MOSAIC WORKSHOP
Seven of our members signed up to be creative when the opportunity to create a piece of mosaic was put forward so, Sunday, 29th June 2015 Janice very kindly allowed us to hold the event at her home, which she had transformed into a suitable venue where we could meet, chat, eat and create our mosaic masterpieces.
When planning ahead for the occasion, it was decided that a house number would be a good project to attempt in the few hours we had available and would be something we could take home and make good use of – if not for ourselves, then as a gift maybe for family and friends.
So, in theory, we were all doing the same design, but we could all put our own spin on it by choosing different background colours – which is exactly what we achieved. Look at the photos of our completed numbers; we were chuffed with the finished articles.
The whole experience was excellent; not only did we make our house numbers, we also enjoyed each other’s company immensely, with the topics of conversation ranging from teapots, Glastonbury music festival and garden design to name just a few! We really had a great time.
Thank you to Janice for hosting and to David Bowers our tutor. David runs his own business and has a website www.mosaic –madness.co.uk where you can view his portfolio; find his contact details and get more information on his work.
When planning ahead for the occasion, it was decided that a house number would be a good project to attempt in the few hours we had available and would be something we could take home and make good use of – if not for ourselves, then as a gift maybe for family and friends.
So, in theory, we were all doing the same design, but we could all put our own spin on it by choosing different background colours – which is exactly what we achieved. Look at the photos of our completed numbers; we were chuffed with the finished articles.
The whole experience was excellent; not only did we make our house numbers, we also enjoyed each other’s company immensely, with the topics of conversation ranging from teapots, Glastonbury music festival and garden design to name just a few! We really had a great time.
Thank you to Janice for hosting and to David Bowers our tutor. David runs his own business and has a website www.mosaic –madness.co.uk where you can view his portfolio; find his contact details and get more information on his work.
WI Centenary Baton Exchange
In 2015 the WI celebrates the landmark achievement of 100 years of inspiring women and one way of involving all members in this momentous occasion was to pass a specially made baton between all the 69 Federations in Wales, England & the Channel Islands. It started its journey in Anglesey on 1st January 2014 in Llanfawrpwll, where the first WI was formed in 1915, and it will finish travelling on 4th June 2015 at the Royal Albert Hall, London where the Centenary AGM is being held.
The WI Federation Centenary Link Baton is a real athletics baton made especially in WI green by the same company who make relay batons for all major UK meetings including the London 2012 Olympics. It had to be practical because it would pass through literally thousands of hands and taken to hundreds of different places in all weathers. It had to be able to withstand the possibility of getting wet or muddy or being dropped and also be able to be posted in the event of problems in the original plans or bad weather. Finally it had to be easy to pass between Federations without the fear of breaking it!
It entered the county of Gloucestershire on 17th March 2015 and it was the turn of the Weavers Group (consisting of five WI’s including Stonehouse, Leonard Stanley, Frocester, Randwick and Stroud Shambles) to take part in the handover. We met on Sunday, 23rd March at Ebley Mill and hailed its arrival on a trailer and vintage tractor. We passed it between us all and finished with a rendition of “Jerusalem” before it was taken off by motorcycle to continue its journey.
The WI Federation Centenary Link Baton is a real athletics baton made especially in WI green by the same company who make relay batons for all major UK meetings including the London 2012 Olympics. It had to be practical because it would pass through literally thousands of hands and taken to hundreds of different places in all weathers. It had to be able to withstand the possibility of getting wet or muddy or being dropped and also be able to be posted in the event of problems in the original plans or bad weather. Finally it had to be easy to pass between Federations without the fear of breaking it!
It entered the county of Gloucestershire on 17th March 2015 and it was the turn of the Weavers Group (consisting of five WI’s including Stonehouse, Leonard Stanley, Frocester, Randwick and Stroud Shambles) to take part in the handover. We met on Sunday, 23rd March at Ebley Mill and hailed its arrival on a trailer and vintage tractor. We passed it between us all and finished with a rendition of “Jerusalem” before it was taken off by motorcycle to continue its journey.
Christmas Party 2015
This year didn't disappoint at all. The bring and share meal was splendid and there was plenty of good things to eat - a veritable feast! It is really lovely to spend some social time together and there was much laughter during the evening as evidence of everyone having a good time, especially when Pam S. launched into verse involving several of our ladies having to come forward to help with the performance of her activity. Pam also hosted a Christmas themed quiz to further amuse us all and get the grey cells working. All in all a great way to launch into the season and a brilliant way to end our WI year.
Stonehouse Celebration Day 2014
As in previous years we took part in the annual Stonehouse Celebration Day and some of our ladies came in disguise following the theme of TV & Film Detectives with huge enthusiasm (give them a chance to dress up and they abandon their inhibitions and go for it big style).
It’s a great opportunity for us to get involved with the community as well as fund-raise and, as always, has the added bonus for us all to enjoy each other’s company.
It was great to be in the thick of it and, by following the winning formula of raffling a goody hamper and offering youngsters the opportunity to win a dressed doll, we managed to raise £138 on the day.
There are many contributors to thank for this magnificent result. We had the contents of the hamper donated by the members themselves; the magic touch of Marlene’s daughter in its presentation and giving it the wow factor and the skill of Pam H. for knitting the beautiful layette that dressed the doll (whose winning name was Charley). Many thanks are also due the ladies who gave up their time and manned the stall on the day. A real joint effort by all who belong to Stonehouse WI. Well done ladies!
Visit to the BBC Studios, Bristol on 22nd March 2014
We had the most delightful time when we were allowed behind the scenes of Points West and Radio Bristol.
Of course the BBC in Bristol are world renown for producing the best natural history programs seen on TV, DVD and in feature films, but we also found out that they also produce some of the biggest household favourites such as Antiques Roadshow and Gardener's World to name but two.
The tour lasted two hours during which we were taken around and about different areas of the building, starting with a look at their new rooftop garden. Inside the actual studio where Points West is filmed, we were allowed to walk behind the desk used by the TV presenters of the evening news and stood on the mark in front of the wall where the weather is forecast. After this we moved on to visit the sound studios to view all the equipment needed to broadcast local radio. before being given the chance to record our very own radio drama based on "The Archers". We soon discovered that although the studios were full of high tech equipment, the sound effects for radio plays are still in fact very low tech - to create the noise of a character walking up a gravel path there was a pair of (well worn) boots in a plastic tray next to a microphone!
We will never be able to watch, or listen to the news again without appreciating the skill of all the people involved, including the support crews that are unseen by the viewers.
This really was a great day out, enjoyed by everyone.
The Diamond Jubilee of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II.
On Sunday, 18th November, 2012 we planted a weeping cherry tree in the Community Centre garden to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The gardener had kindly dug a hole for us and thanks to the help and support of Jon Mason at Highfield Garden World we were well supplied with compost and rooting compound. Fortunately, it was a dry day, if rather chilly, and we were able to successfully plant the tree and put in place a plaque to mark the occasion. Since then it has hardly stopped raining and so I think we can be assured that the tree is well watered in!
Stonehouse Celebration Day
We are always pleased to support Stonehouse Celebration Day. We have a stall to spread the word about Stonehouse WI and we usually raffle a fantastic hamper of food and drink, much of which is home-made by our members. The proceeds is another very welcome contribution to our funds. We took some pictures of the 2012 helpers because the theme of the day related to World War II - you can see that some of our members joined in by dressing in clothes that would not have been out of place in the 1940s! Brilliant!
Other Courses and Workshops
Course and workshops are much enjoyed by members members to learn new skills. We have been shown how to weave willow to make wickerwork Christmas decorations; make jewellery and work with clay, to name but a few. All the tutors are either professionals themselves, or are highly skilled in their particular craft. Everyone who signs up always have a wonderful time and come away with a finished creation that they can be proud of.
Highgrove Garden Visit 2011
Our summer outing took take place on the afternoon of Monday, 26th September 2011 when we visited the gardens at Highgrove. We were blessed with good weather and all of the arrangments ran smoothly. We all had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the beautiful gardens. Afterwards there was time for refreshments and a look around the shop, which, judging by the number of extra bags on the coach going home, did good business!
Painting Stonehouse Pink!
Stonehouse WI helped to raise breast cancer awareness in Stonehouse by participating in the NHS campaign. We held a fantastic event on 9th July 2011 attended by about sixty women from the local community and we served a delicious afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and cakes. Sue White from the Cobalt Unit explained the importance of self-examination using TLC (touch, look, check) and stressed the importance of visiting the GP urgently should symptoms appear. Annie told us about her own experiences with breast cancer and there was a warm and supportive atmosphere in which information could be shared and questions asked.
Stroud Show 2011
Stonehouse entered the WI competition for the first time in 2011. The theme was Ladies' Day at the Races and we were delighted to win Third Prize. Unfortunately poor weather this summer meant that the 2012 show had to be cancelled but we look forward to entering again in 2013.
Weavers' Group Meeting 2011
This annual meeting of members from five of our local WI groups, including ourselves takes place every year in the Spring. Tickets cost £3 which is very good value as the price includes a top rate speaker, tea or coffee and excellent cake. One of our favourite speakers was in 2011 when Valerie Threlfall came along and talked about the Glamorous 1950s in a very entertaining way. She brought along an extensive collection of vintage clothes.
For added fun there is always a compeition to enter (to win a £5 cash prize) and the opportunity to bag a bargain on the Bring & Buy stall held at the venue.
For added fun there is always a compeition to enter (to win a £5 cash prize) and the opportunity to bag a bargain on the Bring & Buy stall held at the venue.