Category Archives: Market Harborough WI

Willow wonderment

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John Shone (left) and Martin Keeley (right) of Rutland Willows with some of their wonderful willow products

Rutland Willows amazed members on Wednesday evening this week with a witty and humorous talk by John Shone and son-in-law, Martin Keeley.

Whilst John introduced us to the numerous varieties of willow, their cultivation, colouring and harvesting, Martin very deftly created some wonderful shapes (see picture below of the dragonfly and fishing rod) plus giving us a useful tip on preserving them with spray on teak oil and, for the very conscientious, clear wood preserver.

It was good to hear that Rutland Willows manages the willow at a local, favourite beauty spot, Fineshade Woods, Corby.  It was fascinating, too, to hear how the demand for willow products dropped during the Second World War with the advent of cheap metals and plastic.  However, it was very pleasing to hear that through a connection with Louise, one of John’s twin daughters, who worked for Geoff Hamilton of Gardeners’ World fame, that incidental use of some willow products in the programmes brought back the demand when everyone wanted willow products in their own garden.

More on the history of Rutland Willows and to se more of their products again, they are having a stand at the Sandringham Flower Show in June.

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Information stand

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Fishing rod and dragonfly – both kindly donated as raffle prizes

 

 

Wonders of Willow – see you at WI tomorrow evening

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Rutland Willows will be showing us many uses of willow and its history.  Sounds fascinating and we have all seen some of the lovely items you can get for the garden.

Lots of updates, too, on all that’s happening on our exciting social programme and the special events for the WI Centenary.

Hope to see you there at 7.30 pm.

Very last chance for Top Tips and Recipes

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WI Centenary logo eeD5k3OX_400x40031st May 2015 is your last chance to submit tips and recipes for our WI Centenary Top Tips booklet due out later this year.  Get emailing and send them to: marketharboroughwi@gmail.com.  You can also bring them along to the May monthly meeting on the 27th.

(copyright – your personal, favourite recipes, please!)

Special thank you to Fiona!

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Fiona Thompson receives a huge thank you from President Clare Farquhar

Fiona Thompson receives a huge thank you from President Clare Farquhar

A huge thank you (and hence a separate, special post) to Fiona Thompson,  Secretary of Market Harborough WI.  Fiona single handedly planned and organised the whole evening last night: from spotting the ad for Raising Agents last September on the National WI website, getting the local Committee’s approval through to ensuring the whole event ran seamlessly.  Other Committee members readily supported, lending a hand to meet and greet and help with refreshments.

Once again, thank you, Fiona.

Raising Agents hits the roof!

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Bunnington Bunnies, the WI who are the focal point of Raising Agents

Bunnington Bunnies, the WI who are the focal point of Raising Agents

A thunderous round of applause ensured that Raising Agents hit the roof last night.  Over 160 people thoroughly enjoyed an evening of fun, humour, superb acting and singing performed by Ellen Chivers, James McLean, Steve McCourt and Rachel Henley of the touring Mikron Theatre.

Raising Agents ran seamlessly all evening.  Written by Maeve Larkin, the performance aptly summarised the formation of the WI in Canada by a group of farmers’ wives who wanted to support a grieving young mother with tea and a gossip, through to celebrating all that the UK WIs have achieved over the years through annual resolutions and war time efforts.  Moving to the present day, it addressed the issue of a failing WI, struggling to find both members and speakers.  The arrival of a PR guru rapidly brings the WI into the 21st century by the use of social media and rebrands them Bunnington Bunnies.  They were hopping!  Brilliant!

Missed it?  Check out Mikron Theatre tour dates.

Music and singing by Ellen, James, Steve and Rachel

Music and singing by Ellen, James, Steve and Rachel

Trip to Centennial Craft Fair in Harrogate

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WI Centenary logo eeD5k3OX_400x400Unfortunately due to lack of support to the WI Centennial Fair it is not viable to run a coach from Market Harborough.   Some members will be going through and will be car sharing.  May be an option for other groups?

If anyone does prefer a coach trip, then the Leicestershire and Rutland Federation of WIs is planning a trip on Friday 4 September 2015.  The coach leaves WI House, Leicester LE4 5LQ at 9 am, returning from Harrogate at 4 pm, cost £22 to include coach and admission.  Whilst the fair is open to everyone, this coach trip is for WI members only.  Bookings by Monday 3 August 2015 on Event Booking Form 2015 1 (LRFWI).  Parking limited in Leicester so car sharing recommended.  Public parking in Royal Hotel.