The WI meet every second Wednesday in the month at 7-30 in the Blakedown Parish rooms,
visitors are always welcome and they're free to see what we're about before committing themselves!
Information about the month's meeting is in the display box by the P.O. and the box near the Parish rooms.

Blakedown W.I. News and Information

April 2010 Meeting

After greeting everyone Doreen Chatwin, the President, thanked Christine Rostron for the beautiful arrangement of
Spring flowers for her table. She then proceeded to read a report of the Annual Council Meeting held recently in the
grounds of the Three Counties Show. In addition to the two interesting speakers for the day, it was announced that
the Resolution for 2010 is to be the mandatory clear labelling of food with the true country of origin.
The President also congratulated June Gordon, Jan Cook, Margaret Dams and Joan Peck for their display entered at the
Spring Rally. Entitled “All Things Bright and Beautiful” they had created craft work, photography, a floral arrangement
and preserves.
    It was agreed by the membership to buy bulbs in order to plant a border along the drive of the Parish Rooms,
as suggested by the President. They were also urged to put their names forward for the Denman College Bursary.
Amanda Bailey enthusiastically recounted her own experience there, where she had taken part in a quilt making course.
She was clearly inspired and is keen to develop her skills further.
    The speaker for the evening, Mrs Beer, gave a light hearted account of food safety, peppering the talk with lots of facts.
Interestingly, most food poisoning cases are the result of poor hygiene and that although cases are declining in restaurants,
they are on the increase in the home, particularly in the over 60’s. She urged us to take the “use by” date seriously and
explained that “best before” is to ensure quality rather that safety. Mrs Beer spoke about maintaining fridges and freezers
and the need to take care with Ready Made meals and reheating food generally. She concluded by describing natural poisons
such as green potatoes. Much good advice and reminders had been given by a very well informed presenter.
Social time consisted of several members reading out their poems based on the title of Mrs Beer’s talk
“Honey, I’ve Poisoned Your Lunch”. This provided an amusing end to the evening. The President reminded everyone that
the meeting on 12th May will focus on the Resolutions and that members are invited to bake a Victoria sponge to be
judged for the Annie Harris Plate.
    The President reminded everyone that Blakedown Village Fête will be on 17thJuly this year. Outings now being
organised by June Gordon include a trip to Shrewsbury on 24thAugust and a celebratory meal at the Brasserie on
13th October. Jan Jones gave prices for the trip on 23rdApril to Wolverhampton Grand to see “Beauty and the Beast”.
The President then thanked Mary Dodd for bringing her seasonal flower arrangement for the meeting and those members
who had brought models, painting and photographs of boats.These reflected the theme for the evening and members were
asked to judge the best entry during the evening.
    After the business for the evening, the President introduced Mrs Sue Coombes from the Stourbridge Branch of the RNLI.
She began by explaining her role as one of the many volunteers, who make this worthy emergency service possible to be
run with less than 1% of its income from the Government. The ￡2million required weekly to maintain the RNLI is supplied
by the money raising efforts of committed volunteers from the numerous branches across the country. A  DVD was shown
which illustrated the varied rescue work carried out by the voluntary crews. From lifeboats on the high seas and inland lochs
to launches on the River Thames, a vast range of equipment and vessels are needed.  Essential training at the Lifeboat College
in Poole ensures that the high standards of the brave people who run the 230 stations and the lifeguards watching our  beaches
are maintained. Money raised has to fund other important aspects of the RNLI such as educational work with children and the
 expensive updating of lifeboats and stations. With over 9,000 launches in 2009 the RNLI assisted over 15,000 people in difficulty.
Mrs Coombes certainly gave a comprehensive talk about the RNLI, which since it was founded in 1824 has saved 137,000 lives.
    The President revealed that June Homer had won the boat competition with her paper folding version.  She also suggested,
that as the next meeting on 14thApril is entitled “Honey, I’ve poisoned your lunch”, members might be inspired to write a poem
with that thought in mind.
March Meeting 2010

The President Doreen Chatwin greeted everyone warmly and proceeded to announce the good news that two
members of Blakedown W.I., Pat Taylor  and Jan Cook, have both had their photographs accepted for the
2011 W.I. calendar. In addition a photograph of some of the members, who were in charge of the cake stall at
last year’s Village Fete, has been published in the March edition of W.I. County News.
Other members will be participating in a competition at the forthcoming Annual Council Meeting on 24thMarch. 
Good Luck to Margaret Dams with her home- made marmalade, Joan Peck with her flower arrangement,
Jan Cook in the photography section and the mystery handicraft entry to be exhibited by June Gordon.
The President reminded everyone that Blakedown Village Fete will be on 17thJuly this year. Outings now being
organised by June Gordon include a trip to Shrewsbury on 24thAugust and a celebratory meal at the Brasserie on
13th October. Jan Jones  gave prices for the trip on 23rdApril to Wolverhampton Grand to see “Beauty and the Beast”.
The President then thanked Mary Dodd for bringing her seasonal flower arrangement for the meeting and those
members who had brought models, painting and photographs of boats. These reflected the theme for the evening
and members were asked to judge the best entry during the evening.
After the business for the evening, the President introduced Mrs Sue Coombes from the Stourbridge Branch of the RNLI.
She began by explaining her role as one of the many volunteers, who make this worthy emergency service possible to be
run with less than 1% of its income from the Government. The £2million required weekly to maintain the RNLI is
supplied by the money raising efforts of committed volunteers from the numerous branches across the country. 
A  DVD was shown which illustrated the varied rescue work carried out by the voluntary crews. From lifeboats on the high
seas and inland lochs to launches on the River Thames, a vast range of equipment and vessels are needed. Essential
training at the Lifeboat College in Poole ensures that the high standards of the brave people who run the 230 stations and
the lifeguards watching our  beaches are maintained. Money raised has to fund other important aspects of the RNLI such
as educational work with children and the expensive updating of lifeboats and stations.
With over 9,000 launches in 2009 the RNLI assisted over 15,000 people in difficulty. Mrs Coombes certainly gave a
comprehensive talk about the RNLI, which since it was founded in 1824 has saved 137,000 lives.
The President revealed that June Homer had won the boat competition with her paper folding version. 
She also suggested, that as the next meeting on 14thApril is entitled “Honey, I’ve poisoned your lunch”,
members might be inspired to write a poem with that thought in mind.
February Meeting 2010
After the cancellation of the January meeting owing to bad weather, there was a good turn out for the February evening,
in spite of the freezing temperatures. The President Doreen Chatwin welcomed everyone and thanked Margaret Dams
particularly, for the very attractive flower arrangement on display.
The President reminded the members of the newly formed committee, which will continue to work hard behind the scenes,
ensuring the smooth running of the W.I.
She referred to the successful Christmas concert and the subsequent letter of thanks from Brian Tait, on behalf of the
Christmas Supper committee. They had kindly donated a cheque for the benefit of Blakedown W.I. 
Since this branch is celebrating its 90thBirthday in 2010, the President then asked for suggestions for a day out in order to
mark the occasion. Members were also asked to submit their names if they wish to attend the annual conference in Cardiff
on 2ndJune.
Margaret Dams then spoke enthusiastically about her course at Denman College in January. As a result of the bursary,
she had enjoyed a weekend learning Chinese brush painting, an ancient Art stretching back at least 2000 years.
With the minimum of tools, delicate but well defined ink paintings are created. Margaret showed her very good attempts at
creating the typical images of bamboo, fish and birds. She was very pleased to have had the opportunity to join the class and
stay in such a lovely setting.
Afterwards the speaker David Hickman gave an interesting account of Kenneth Williams’ life and career, interspersing the talk
with extracts from his diary. As well as being a formidably knowledgeable person and an extrovert performer,
Kenneth Williams was an intensely private man. Mr Hickman selected amusing and revealing entries until his untimely
death brought the diary to a halt.  The speaker had introduced his talk by quoting other famous diarists such as Pepys
and the Reverend Woodford, who in past centuries had written the details of their daily lives.
The President then organised a team quiz on books and authors, which was a close run thing. After congratulating the winners,
the President  asked  if members would like to create a model or painting of a boat for the next meeting on 10thMarch, as the
speaker will be from the R.N.L.I. She suggested that those feeling very creative can try to knit, sew or produce a boat in
any media that takes their fancy. The President then wished everyone good night.

July Meeting 2009


During the course of W.I. business the President June Homer announced that Blakedown had come 5th in the county Quiz.
She thanked the participants Ann Lindop, Ann Blackwell, Rosemary Redhead and Doreen Chatwin for doing so well.
Doreen had also kindly provided the pretty flower arrangement for the July meeting.

The President thanked her before then thanking June Gordon for organising a very successful trip to Orleton House in June.
The hospitable welcome and the glorious gardens contributed to a most enjoyable day.

The President then gave an account of her attendance last month at the W.I. AGM held at the Royal Albert Hall.
Arriving the day before allowed her to relax in London, before facing the action packed agenda the following day.
As usual the organisation was very professional with several speakers, who showed their appreciation of the work and impact
of the W.I. as a unique, national body. Actress Maureen Lipman, journalist Eve Pollard and musician Richard Stilgoe
were among the speakers whose amusing, but sometimes serious comments, entertained the audience.
The delegates had overwhelmingly backed the “SOS for Honeybees” resolution after listening to opposing views.

The speaker for the evening, Mrs Elizabeth Moulder, gave a very interesting and amusing talk on
“Writing for Pleasure and Profit”.
She recalled her early attempts to get her stories accepted by publishers and gave a number of tips for avoiding rejection.
Mrs Moulder suggested that we are all embryonic writers and demonstrated how we can use the format of magazine articles
to compose similar contributions. Family life, daily routines, hobbies and inspiration from overheard remarks can all inspire
an article or story. She mentioned the useful writing holidays at the University of Wales and finished by reading one of her
published short stories, which reflected her great sense of humour.

Several members contributed to social time by reading aloud favourite poems or prose.
The finale was a short sketch enacted by our two in-house writers, Doreen Chatwin and June Gordon.
Their amusing, rhyming dialogue, between a wife and her idle husband, was of their usual high standard.

For the next meeting on 9th September members are asked to bring photographs of dogs or doggy tales as the speaker
will be talking about the Dog’s Trust.

June Meeting 2009

The President June Homer welcomed visitors from Bentley Pauncefoot W.I. to the meeting on a wet June evening.
A beautiful flower arrangement by Joan Peck decorated the President’s table.

Members were reminded of the various imminent trips and the President gave a brief summary of the recent AG.M.
held at the Albert Hall. She praised the excellent organisation which had contributed to a memorable and enjoyable day.
Forthcoming events, supported by W.I. members include Blakedown Bolt in June and the Village Fete in September.
Members have also been invited, by the children of the local school, to their very own Blakedown’s Got Talent.
Something not to be missed!

In the unexpected absence of a speaker for the evening, new member Diane Harrison kindly gave an impromptu talk about
the pilgrimage undertaken in May by herself and her husband Father Paul. She conveyed both the enjoyment and the spiritual
aspect of the 74 mile walk with a group of friends, whose ages ranged from 43 to 76.

Their journey to Santiago de Compostela, sometimes in pouring rain, was completed in six days and took them through rural Spain,
where they were treated to a great deal of hospitality. The culmination of the pilgrimage was the Pilgrims’ Mass in the cathedral
followed by sightseeing in a city buzzing with street entertainers, fireworks and a funfair.  
Diane felt that this ritual, which has taken place for hundreds of years was not only a prayerful journey but a holiday as well.

Diane was thanked heartily by the President for stepping into the breach at the last moment.
The evening was concluded after a fun quiz testing everyone’s knowledge of cities around the world.

The Vice- President concluded the evening by reminding everyone to bring any of their literary efforts to the next meeting,
when the theme is “Writing for Pleasure and Profit” on 8th July.


Blakedown W.I. Report May 2009


The President welcomed 24 members to the May meeting.
Nadine Anderson was thanked for her delightful flower arrangement.
Also welcomed to the meeting was Mrs. Joy Peers, who was to judge the 'Annie Harrison' plate competition.
The President thanked Mrs. Janice Jones for organising the theatre outing on May 1st 2009. Our President told members that
Blakedown W.I. Had taken the silver award in the 'Demonstration and Display competition. She thanked Jean Curry,
Margaret Dams, Kath Edwards, Joan Peck & Chris Burt for displaying items for the competition.
A vote of thanks was given to Chris Burt, Margaret Dams, Pat Taylor, Kath Edwards, June Gordon, Doreen Chatwin &
June Homer for providing the refreshments for this event. Mrs. June Gordon gave details of the 2 outings:
A visit to Alton House on 11th June.
A visit to Stratford on 18th August.
The result of the 'Annie Harrison' plate competition was won by Joan Dunn and in second place June Homer.
Margaret Dams gave a most interesting and informative account on the resolution 'SOS Honeybees'.
After hearing all her information the members were asked to vote on the resolution – motion carried.
Two Denman Bursaries were awarded: Margaret Dams & Amanda Bailey.
A quiz compiled by June Gordon & Doreen Chatwin on 'Drink, Food & Plants' completed the evening.

April Meeting 2009

The Vice- President Doreen Chatwin welcomed everyone to the meeting on a beautiful April evening.
She thanked Margaret Dams for the elegant flower arrangement she had created for the president’s table.

The President included in the evening’s business the news that Jackie Burrow had successfully arranged a beginners’ course in
computers, which will take place in Blakedown School Car Park. The library service is to deliver the course there on board 
”The Bus”.  Members were reminded of the forthcoming County Quiz and the two trips being organised by June Gordon.
Free transport is being provided for both trips in June and August. Jan Jones also reminded everyone of the theatre visit in May
to Wolverhampton Grand, which promises to be an entertaining evening with the performance of “La Cage aux Folles”.

The Vice – President then introduced Jean Harper, who had come from Ledbury to demonstrate the making of “Delicious Desserts”.
Miss Harper proceeded to give a most engrossing talk, whilst producing six desserts extremely swiftly. It was clear that she
previously had a career in catering. Equipment and ingredients were prepared with military precision. Everything was to hand
and quickly tidied away in storage boxes after use.

Miss Harper gave handy tips as she worked. Amazingly all six desserts were beautifully presented and placed in front of
the W.I. to admire. The members’ attentiveness was reflected in the quiet that had pervaded the Parish Rooms until this point.
The President thanked Miss Harper for the well organised demonstration and invited everyone to sample the desserts.
A long, lively queue immediately formed.

This provided a very agreeable end to the evening.

The Vice- President invited members to try their hand at baking for the Annie Harris Plate competition at the next meeting on May 13th.


For further information please send a note to the Webster