Reports & Photos
2019
WI September Meeting
Our September meeting took place in our new venue, Kilby's Church of England School, due to the closure of the United Reformed Chapel earlier this year.
Our Speaker was Mike Lister who told us about the history , mystery, some myths and facts associated with playing cards.
The first playing cards were invented in the 8/9 century in China, then spread to Persia and Egypt arriving in Europe in the 14 century.
In 1629 the Makers of Playing Stamps in London were given a charter by King Charles 1 some 164 years later 1792 the Court of Aldermen of the city of London gave it is livery.
Above English playing cards from 1840.
Card deck owners had to pay tax on the cards, the Ace of Spades was stamped with a design indicating the deck was legal. Forging this stamp or an ace of spades card was a crime punishable by death. Thankfully, the trend of executing people for forged cards didn’t last long, but the tax did: England’s tax on playing cards wasn’t abolished until 1960.
The Jack was added to the packs arriving from the States, suites became standardised with the 4 suites we recognise today.
The evening finished with a couple of card tricks being preformed by Mike to the enjoyment of the members.
A very enjoyable evening.
WI's speaker for June was Kenneth Goddard talking about Opera for the Unitiated. The speaker was very interesting with Operas being screened for us to follow the story lines. Unfortunately the room didn't lend its self to the projector screening and after slight technical difficulties the room was changed around and things became a little better.
He told us about Tosca and how sub titles are often used to enable the audience to follow the stories. This was followed by Carmen with the Toreador song, then La Bohemia and the death of Mimi.
As this was Kilby final meeting at the United Reformed Chapel after 30 years it was most fitting that for his final rendition he played the Last Night of the Proms, which of course includes Jerusalem. So with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as our backing group we all sang Jerusalem a fine ending to an era.
On Sunday the 18 June members of Kilby WI attended the final service of the United Reformed Church which was also celebrating its 96 years of Witness. Memories of times at the Church were remembered with many local people being involved.
Having never attended a service when a formal declaration of closure as a place of worship was given, it was a very sad day.
Festivities at the Queens Head Saddington to celebrate our Christmas meeting 2018
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Kilby celebrating the Queen's 90th Birthday
Our meeting day fell on the Queen's 90th birthday, the 21st April, and Kilby decided to celebrate this occasion by singing the National Anthem, accompanied by our member Katherine Parker on the piano.
A cake was made by member Monica Griffiths, members wore red,white and blue sashes, and hats, a good time was had by all.
Queen's 90th birthday cake made by Monica Griffiths
Members Marie, Pam, Christine, Hilary and Shirley all dressed up
Our Presidnet Ann with Annie and Lesley
Kilby celebrating the Wi Centenary
On the 8 October Kilby joined other WI'sin the Federation at Foxton Locks to display our bunting followed by lunch at Gumley. The baton was commissioned be the company who made all the relay batons for the Olympic games. This was passed down the line of 114 institutes to enable us all to see it.
Followed by Lunch at Gumley
Skittles
Unfortunately we have been knocked out of the skittles completion at the second round, must do better next year!!!!! The members find it great fun and a good way to meet other institutes.
Our August Meeting
Unfortunately our speaker for August cancelled at very short notice but we were lucky enough to book Ian Risley to give us a demonstration of painting "Animals in Pastels"
Below see photograph of the finished drawing which Ian kindly donated to our raffle. We also had at the meeting the "Shop in a Box" from WI House, along with very appetising refreshments provided by members.
Kilby Flower Festive 14 - 15 June
Cecily Nisbet a member of Kilby WI arranged a flower arrangement to go in the Flower Festival at Kilby United Reformed Church.
In the picture you can see our table cloth, this made for the Fernie North Group Meeting in 1998. It was designed by Mrs Betty Brown and embroidered by Mrs Betty Brown, Mrs Marie Ellard and Mrs Joan Gamble all members of the WI. Mrs Betty Brown has moved to pastures new but Marie and Joan are still active members. The table cloth is still used at all our meeting taking the place of honour on the top table.
The mosaic plaque was was made and giving to Kilby WII by our member Helen Disley.
Also in the display is our programme for the year, and jar of jam, made by one of our member's husband and the words to Jerusalem