Evanda Greenwood, Market Harborough WI Social Secretary, is delighted to report on this successful evening on Friday 14 June for Market Harborough WI members, family and friends.
Evanda says, ‘We cruised on The Vagabond. We went from Foxton passing Debdale Wharf right up to Smeeton Westerby. People took wine and picnics and it was a lovely evening and thankfully, the rain didn’t come to spoil the fun.
It might have been the longest day yesterday but it’s not too early to plan an autumn trip to London. A coach trip for MHWI members is going on Saturday 23 November, arriving in good time for you to do a bit of shopping or to have lunch, and then take in a matinee at one of the London theatres. Or, you might just prefer to do retail therapy all afternoon … ?
Whatever your choice, do put your name down at next Wednesday’s monthly meeting and pay a £5 deposit to secure your place.
Members recently took on the challenge of decorating a fish. The Leicestershire Craft Centre in Market Harborough provided a template and entrants could decorate the fish in any medium they preferred, other than clay. Many entries were on display in Leicester and a selection is due to be on view at the Craft Centre in Market Harborough any time now.
Thanks to Chela Grainge, Committee member for organising the competition and for taking the photos. They are not all of member’s handiwork, but are too good not to include them!
Traditional corn dollies are of Pagan origin and abound with folklore . It seems they 
were made from the last sheaves of corn and meant to carry the spirit of a fruitful harvest through to the next spring when seeds would be planted again. A simple, educational website (Project Britian) shows some delightful pictures of the range of designs that can be made (this is not our speaker.)
So, come along on Wednesday 26th June at 7.30 pm at the Congregational Church Hall, Bowden Lane, Market Harborough, to find out more about this traditional craft and have a go at making one to take home.
Some belated action shots from the successfull self defence evening last February. Some are a little blurred but really give a feel for the action. Thanks to Evanda Greenwood for sending in the pictures:
A reminder to keep up to date with our busy social activities programme. A number of events are planned over the summer months, including a boat trip from Foxton Locks, also open to non-members. Why not take the family and enjoy an evening out. Take a picnic, too.
There’s indoor paintballing at Combat 656 in Market Harborough – places limited, so book your place now for Saturday 22 June. Then there’s jam making (date and cost to be confirmed very soon), a pub quiz on 10 July and a murder mystery evening on 13 September – For further details on our Things to Do page.
Michael Beech, curator of Foxton Canal Museum, was visiting speaker at May’s monthly meeting this week. He gave a fascinating overview of the history of the building of the famous inclined plan at Foxton, with pictures of boat users using it and the top and bottom basins. One scary picture was of the Methodist Church Sunday School annual outing – health and safety was obviously not paramount then, with a barge overflowing with youngsters actually standing in the barge as it was being hoisted up the plane!
Michael’s presentation also took us swiftly through the funding of this part of the Grand Union Canal, an overview of the national waterways, the Lock Keeper’s Cottage and information on the ongoing restoration and upkeep of this famous, integral part of the inland waterways.
The Foxton Locks Festival runs on 29 and 30 June 2013. A great day out for the family.
Market Harborough is well known for its various hidden yards, including the Courtyard and Aldwinkles. On Wednesday, 8 May, a group of members enjoyed a guided tour.
Evanda Greenwood, Programme Organiser, reports, ‘Great Yard Walk tonight with James Carpenter! Amazing the things you learn about in the place where you live. Very interesting.’
On 19 April members had a fun evening at the Railway Inn, Kibworth playing games of table and floor skittles. You can see a couple of members in action above (not it’s not the beer, just great technique captured in the shot!). The food was good, too! Hope you can join us for the next one.
The visiting speaker in May will be Michael Beech, Curator of the Foxton Canal Museum. He is also the author of ‘Foxton Locks and the Inclined Plane: a 200 year History’. The evening is open to members and non-members and is on Wednesday 22 March at 7.30 pm in the Congregational Church Hall, Bowden Lane, Market Harborough, to find out lots more about our local canals and waterways. A small charge of £3 will be made for non-members. See you there! Bring your partner or a friend.
Market Harborough WI 