These are now available and applications should be made through the Leicestershire & Rutland Federation of WIs. If you are interested, then initially email: marketharboroughwi@gmail.com or speak to one of the committee members at the next monthly meeting.
Find out more about Denman College courses.
Article on bursaries for 2015. You can also download a .pdf file on how the 2014/15 bursaries.
A reminder to have your say on the future of the WI by completing this survey from the National Federation of Women’s Institutes. 100 Years Membership Survey. You have until 8 June 2015.
To mark the WI centenary, the NFWI is conducting a special one-off survey of WI members.
About this survey
The aim of the survey is to understand the views of WI members on some of the big issues in Britain today, and also to understand what role members think the WI has to play in today’s society.
The results of this survey will be used to inform the NFWI’s future policy and campaigns. The findings will also contribute to a new centenary publication celebrating the WI’s historic achievements over the past 100 years and exploring the views and concerns of today’s members.
How to take part
We would really like to make sure that we hear the views of as many WI members as possible. We would therefore be delighted if you would be able to complete the survey using the link provided.
We would be most grateful if you would please circulate the survey to WIs in your federation, and ask them to share the web link above with their members.
Another option if you are still planning to visit the WI Centennial Fair. Bitteswell WI will taking a coach from Lutterworth on Saturday 5 September. Cost £26 members, £28 non members. Call 07547 890 756 for contact details or email: marketharboroughwi@gmail.com
All places now taken.
Switch on at 6 pm (or set your recorder) on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to see coverage of the WI Centenary in which Leicestershire & Rutland Federation WI is featured.
Market Harborough WI members would like to wish Diane Claridge a super day out at Buckingham Palace today when she represents us at the WI Centenary garden party. We look forward to seeing your picture in all your finery and hearing all about it!
Just 5 spaces left and only £6 per person. It’s on Wednesday 10 June 2015. There’s a talk and then you’ll make a potion/lotion depending on the plants available at the time. Venue: the Lounge, Congregational Church Hall, Market Harborough. Call 07547 890 756 or email: marketharboroughwi@gmail.com
The Centennial WI AGM is being broadcast live on Thursday 4 June at Market Harborough Theatre. Her Majesty the Queen, the Countess of Wessex (Sophie) and Princess Anne (hope that is right!) will be in attendance. Cost £5 per person. Tea and coffee from 9.30 am, AGM starts at 10.10 am, finishes 4.30 pm. Light refreshments available. Funds to charity. The event is being organised by Ashley Welland WI. The link will take you to their contacts page.
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.
Information stand
Fishing rod and dragonfly – both kindly donated as raffle prizes
If you are still deciding on whether to go to the WI Centennial Fair, then maybe the latest news of the exciting list of speakers will sway you.
Highlights include Bill Oddie talking about his travel adventures, Dr Hilary Jones giving top tips on health and wellbeing, BTO’s guide to attracting birds to your back garden, Telegraph beauty editor Kate Shapland’s beauty industry insights, Great British Bake Off star Luis Troyano’s bread making masterclass and more insightful cookery demonstrations from highly-skilled chefs including Peter Lien, Mary Gwynn and Anne Harrison.
Check out the post on 19 May 2015 for details of the coach trip from Leicestershire or get chatting to your fellow WI members and arrange to share a car.
Market Harborough WI 