Reports and Photos

Sapcote WI Visit Chilvers Coton Heritage Centre

On a bright sunny day in mid-September 2019, a group of ladies from Sapcote W I set off to Nuneaton. Their mission was to visit the Chilvers Coton Heritage Centre. The Centre comprises two parts, one being a museum mainly dedicated to the novelist, Mary Anne Evans who is more likely known as George Eliot and the bicentenary of her birth in 1819. Also on the site is a Craft Centre where a vast array of products were on display ranging from jewellery to cake making with many more skills too numerous to mention in the space available.

On arrival we were given a forty five minute talk by one of the volunteers who help to run the centre who described how the site had evolved over the course of two hundred years. Much funding was required to preserve the existing buildings. Adjacent to the lecture room was a Victorian school room with its original desks and blackboard and connected to this was a museum which had a host of antiques such as a cash register which still worked and which the ladies in our party could not resist touching and delighting in the sound of the bell ringing as the amount of the transaction was displayed. Although the work of George Eliot was featured, there was a section set aside commemorating the late TV comedian and presenter Larry Grayson who was also a native of Nuneaton. Also was a section set aside and devoted to the history of Nuneaton Football Club.

The buildings had been severely damaged in 1941 during a bombing raid in World War II and the local authority had wanted to demolish the building in 1987 but opposition secured its survival. A conservation trust was set up to restore the building and it was Listed Grade II in 1988.

Following the introductory talk we were ushered into the adjoining dining room where we indulged in tucking into a feast of ham or egg and cress sandwiches pork pies and cherry tomatoes to be followed by cream cakes and then strawberries and cream. Tea and coffee was served in bone china cups all prepared and served by the volunteers at the centre.

We then moved on to the craft centre and watched in awe at the skill of the craftsmen and women. All were agreed that we really needed more time to look around and absorb all the exhibits on display but sadly soon it was time to board the coach and return home, all agreeing it had been a lovely afternoon's experience.

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Sapcote W.I. Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon

It was a quarter to nine on a July morning in 2019. The rain that had been a feature of the weather these past few days had mercifully disappeared and the forecast for today at least was good. On the Green outside the Community Library were assembled 31 ladies, all members of Sapcote WI. Six had brought their husbands and four others in the group were either relatives or friends. We were off to visit Stratford-upon-Avon and a full day awaited us.

Our route to the Bard’s Homeland was via the motorway and we arrived at our destination, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, at 10.15am. This actually consists of three theatres, The R. S. Theatre, The Swan and The Other Place which is where our tour was due to begin. A stampede to the loo and then upstairs to the café where we were greeted with coffee and Danish Pastries.

At eleven o’clock, two RSC guides arrived and divided us into two groups and commenced a tour of the three theatres. First, we were taken to a rehearsal room where we learnt how the actors read out passages from the play whilst those whose job it was to make things run smoothly, from assistant stage managers to sound and lighting engineers and a host of other technicians, all contributed.

Next was a tour of the costume department. This was a vast area more like an aircraft hangar. There were endless rows of garments all on hangers in aisles which were no more than two food wide and seemed to stretch for miles. Each row was labelled as to its contents from Tudor, Elizabethan or earlier. There were suits of armour which to our surprise were quite heavy it being explained that realism was required so therefore actors had to wear appropriate clothing. Towards the end of the tour of the department we were shown the chair which was the throne in so many plays along with the crown and sceptre that accompanied it. We were invited to sit in it whilst the guide placed the crown upon our head and arranged the sceptre in our hands whilst the rest of the group were encouraged to take photos. As already mentioned, the crown was quite heavy. Only a few were willing to be photographed so we moved on. Much interest was shown in a dress on display that Judi Dench had worn a few years previously when appearing at the theatre.

The tour of the theatre ended at twelve noon at which point we were free to get lunch and either explore the town and the shops or sit in Bancroft Gardens which led down to the water’s edge. Whatever our choice, we were to be back at the waterfront no later than 2.30pm for an afternoon trip on the river. By now the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Our river trip was to be on a luxury restaurant cruiser, The Countess of Evesham. Once aboard we were served with freshly made scones with jam and fresh cream, fresh strawberries and tea or coffee. The trip lasted around one- and three-quarter hours. Forty-one people embarked and forty-one got off at the close. No one fell overboard.

A group photograph and it was time to board the coach for the return journey. It was now 5pm and our driver decided that as the motorway was likely to be very busy, he would return via The Fosse Way which was a much more scenic route and would not take any longer than the motorway. So it was that forty-one happy people disembarked from the coach at 6.30pm that evening all agreeing they had had a very entertaining day.

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Sapcote WI goes to Blenheim Palace.

“It is a truth universally recognised…” or at least by members of Sapcote WI, returning from a trip to Blenheim Palace on July 10^th, that without the enthusiasm and dedication of Boun Norton, the guide from the Education department who gave us a talk followed by a tour, the visit could have been as dry and dusty as the terraces and pathways of the formal gardens.

38 members and friends left the village promptly on a glorious summer morn, clutching umbrellas or walking sticks as appropriate. We arrived on time for the talk, ‘Hatches, Matches and Despatches’ organised by Audrey Malkin and enjoyed coffee and biscuits, as Boun told us about marriages arranged to create links with other aristocratic families and other liaisons that were not quite so above board.

Blenheim was a gift of Queen Anne on behalf of a grateful nation following the victory by John Churchill at the Battle of Blenheim.  However he died before the grand scheme was completed and it was the vision and determination of his wife, Sarah that created the dynasty and its estate. She was able to influence the law to allow the eldest child to inherit, as in so many of the generations the eldest son had died prematurely-(you might guess at a reason for this).  In later generations the family was one of the first to contemplate divorce.  We heard anecdotes about other famous family members down the years, including Sir Winston, and Princess Diana.

After the customary group photo using the Palace as a backdrop, we had time for a snack before our conducted tour of the Palace. Boun told us of the different ways that visitors were welcomed, according to importance, from being met by the porter in the hall to reception by the Duchess in the principal Reception room now used by the family for Christmas Dinner at a table that can seat over 40. And the front door key as big as a table tennis racket!  There were portraits, but no landscapes, one of the dukes had sold the lot!  Similarly in the Library there were plenty of books, but they’d been bought by the metre to replace the valuable books sold by another naughty Duke. We completed our tour by visiting the chapel where yet another memorial to the Duke dominates the North wall, the altar was insignificant and the organ was tucked under the stairs, the organist must have needed a thick skull.

There was plenty of choice of places to eat, we chose the Water Terrace café, where we could get cooked meals, various salads, or indulgent scones (ask Gill) and could sit in the fresh air with a mist from the fountains and feel like we were in Versailles.

We climbed the terraces and explored the rose garden, passing stately beech and oak trees whose quirky sculptural trunks had featured in the Harry Potter films – apparently.  Just time then for a retail opportunity (my sister in law’s silver wedding) before returning to the coach to compare experiences.

There is so much more to Blenheim than I had realised, its all in the detail and I haven’t the space to tell more here but it certainly warrants a return trip.

And what about that outlandishly dressed couple who appeared in different places in different outfits, an art installation, a wager?

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Sapcote Garden Centre ‘Cream Teas’ for our August Meeting.

It was a warm and sunny afternoon on 14^th August that forty or so ladies from Sapcote Women's Institute descended upon Sapcote Garden Centre and made straight for the cafeteria with their sights firmly fixed on the promised cream tea.

However, before they could indulge there was to be a talk and demonstration by Adrian who works at the Sharnford branch of the Centre.

Adrian has been at the Sharnford branch for ten years when it was then called Four Winds Nursery. If he was daunted or nervous at being confronted by so many females he certainly didn't show it for he went on to give a very informative talk coupled with a practical demonstration of the ideal way to create a hanging basket and also a large container.

He began with describing the various types of potting compost available and their appropriate uses. The addition of feed and moisture retaining gel were also discussed and the need to provide suitable drainage material at the base of a container, were also stressed.

He showed us the correct way to insert a plant in a hanging basket so that it would trail down

to give a wonderful display. Plants such as Sage, Thyme and Ivy all provide evergreens which could be combined with a centre piece of a dwarf conifer.

At the conclusion of his talk Adrian donated the large hanging basket he had created to the WI to be included as first prize in the raffle. The winning recipient was Delia Hewitt.

A small amount of business was transacted with the President welcoming back Elaine Gamble who had been poorly whilst Jane Twitchett gave a short resumé of the visit to Blenheim Palace during July.

The Meeting concluded with tea or coffee and Cornish Cream Scones all enjoyed over a lot of conversation.

PHOTOGRAPHS TO FOLLOW.

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The Highcross Group Annual Meeting.

The Annual Highcross Group Meeting took place on 23rd March 2017 at the Mary Forryan Centre, Leicester Road Hinckley.  It was Sapcote WI's turn to host the event this year.  Our Speaker for the evening was Anne Davies, Co-Presenter of BBC East Midlands Today Television Programme.   Her talk for the evening was called '3 Minute Hooker'.  Which raised a few titters and was not what first came to mind!  She went on to tell us that the 'hooker' could be more interesting than the news item it promotes.  She told us many amusing anecdotes from her working life in radio and television.  She also told us about her support of the next generation of fashion designers through the East Midlands Student Fashion Awards sponsored by her company called Fashanne.

This year there was an exhibition of crafts, four items from each of the six WI’s in the group.

There was also a display of the awards from the ACM Federation Competitions which were won by members of Elmesthorpe WI.

Sapcote won the Carol Salt Trophy, a trophy given by the Highcross Group to the WI that stays in the Federation Skittles Contest the longest.

The ladies from all of the six WI's in the group enjoying their tea and cakes together.

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Leicestershire and Rutland Federation of Women’s Institutes

Spring Council Meeting, March 2017

Bees come to mind, emerging from the cold of winter into the spring air. So, Leicestershire ladies thronging the Hall, finding a pace to settle, diverted by the sideshows- competitions, Denman Dip, raffle; things to buy- Hats, Jewellery, cakes-things to admire-craft, flower arrangements, things to check up on-Trustees, Committees, ACWW, meeting with friends from other W.I.s and other associations.

It was a struggle but by 10.30 all were seated and quiet. The Chairwoman welcomed visitors from businesses and the guest W.I., and representatives from neighbouring County Federations, thanked the flower arrangers and Raffle organisers and introduced the Trustees, adding that volunteers were needed next year in all these departments.  She was proud of the success of the federation, 900 members were present but the demand for tickets was greater.  We should not be complacent-further success and more interesting experiences depend on continuing increase of membership.  The Trustees work hard to run sessions of interest to all, but don’t always get the support to run efficiently.

Next year is the Centenary and will have a council Meeting open to all.

Treasurers Report

This has been a very successful year when events for 4,200 members made the greatest profit.  The maintenance of W I house is still an ongoing challenge and £10,000 has been held back for next year’s Centenary celebrations with £6000 for investments.  Auditor and Tellers were appointed and the announcement of a Centenary cardboard coaster was met with gasps of wonder!

The first speaker of the day was from Vista, a charity that supports the visually challenged of the county. It began in 1858 providing skill training in basket weaving for 6 men, these days over 6,000 are supported and charity shops are being opened.  A range of visual impairment was demonstrated and we were encouraged to have annual eye exams.  Support provided includes befrienders, talking newspapers and rehab teams.  580 children are receiving support in their families and a van supporting the provision of education in poorer areas has proved a success.

Nic Hamilton from Barnsdale Gardens stepped into the gap in the programme left by the cancellation by the Lord Lieutenant, Jennifer, Lady Gretton, and what a breath of fresh air he proved to be!  He explained that when his father, Geoff died suddenly on a charity run, Nic’s life changed dramatically.  After attending Writtle College Nic and Geoff ran the garden in partnership, providing a venue for BBC Gardeners World demonstrating organic principles, and using peat free composts.  Opening to the public was not part of Geoff’s plan but finance dictated. The gardens set up by Geoff were kept as the public were keen to see them and the rest of the garden developed. Now, around 20 years on, the original gardens are being re designed gradually, most of the work being done in the wintertime.  This last winter saw the planting of a memorial garden, using plants and associated anecdotes, donated by colleagues who worked with Geoff.  Plans for future events and courses are advertised and return visits encouraged.  Nic’s talk was an exceedingly clever way of advertising his family venture with empathy and humour.

Just before lunch we heard about the successful year of ACWW, raising £4,000 for projects in South India, next year will include help for Romania.  We also heard of the continuing challenge of maintenance at Denman College; the courses are self- funding, but building work is continuous.

The main speaker of the day, Lucy Worsley, was introduced after the presentation of certificates, prizes and bursaries.

She proved to be every bit as charming and entertaining as was hoped.  In promoting her latest book ‘If walls could talk’ she explained the evolution of the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen into the living spaces with which we are now familiar, using historical evidence and experience- she is responsible for the 1324 rooms in Hampton Court.  Bedrooms as quiet retreats of personal space were fashionable only by mid 1700, prior to that all ordinary folk shared space around the central hearth – we saw some risqué illustrations of the etiquette of bed sharing from the 16th century.  By the end of the medieval period many superior residences would have a closet for reading and praying which became a bedroom in time.  The invention of the duvet brought innovation within our experience.

We heard of the developments in bathing habits from before Tudor times, illustrated by yet more graphic illustrations; and how the introduction of the kitchen range, was similar to the coming of induction hobs, you needed a whole new set of pans.  Copper lined with tin mended by the tinker replaced iron or even stoneware. Aluminium became the thing in the modern 1950's kitchen, recycled from Spitfire manufacture.  The extractor fan designed by Tony Snowdon for Kensington Palace apartment has been rejected by William and Kate in favour of one much more up to date, but Lucy has kept the original for the archives.

“ to be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition”

Dr Samuel Johnson

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Sapcote WI 70^th Birthday Dinner.

On 23^rd November 2016 forty three Sapcote WI members attended our Birthday Dinner, held again at Stanton Lakes Restaurant.

Because of our numbers we were able to take over the whole restaurant for the evening and we sat down for dinner at 7pm.  It was our new president, Jenny Groom’s first official event and she said she was overcome by power after spoon contacted table to get all the ladies attention!

A large iced 70th birthday cake, inscribed with the WI Logo, was laid on a separate table and each member was presented with a  piece to take home at the end of the evening.  The cake was beautifully made by Margaret Loomes, a sister of one of the WI members.

Members were able to enjoy a lovely dinner with lots of lively chat and catching up with news of friends and family.

During coffee time our retiring president, Angela Pearce, and retiring committee member, Jill Hardman were both presented with bouquets of flowers and thanked for all their hard work during their time serving on the WI committee.

An enjoyable evening was had by all!

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August meeting ‘Walk and Talk’

Monday 11 August 2016

We set off on an historic walk from the Pavilion with Sapcote Heritage Warden, Keith Hextall.  He explained about the early history of the Basset Family and how they eventually inherited the manor of Sapcote in the 12^th century.  He described the extent of the castle site which covered some 28 acres in all.  Excavations between the 1950's and 1960's revealed just a taster of what was originally there.  The finds from the excavations are kept in the Leicestershire Museums Collections Centre, at Barrow upon Soar.  Keith told us that he had been a volunteer there for almost 10 years and so was able to photograph many of the items found there.  As we walked up the Playing Field we were shown where a moat was excavated in 1968 and the post holes of a stockade that originally surrounded the castle site, were discovered.  The remains of this stockade were also discovered on the site of Neville Smith Close. We saw the site of the original castle mound, the majority of which had been leveled in the late 1700’s.  We stopped to examine the sign describing the site that Keith had designed for the Parish Council.

Our next stop was All Saints’ Parish Church. Before the Reformation, All Saints had been dedicated to St. John the Baptist. First of all Keith described the exterior of what had been the Chantry Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built by Ralph, Lord Basset, in the late 14^th century to serve a college of Chantry Priests.   .

Inside the church Keith described how the beautiful Norman Font had once been used to catch rainwater and then moved to the garden of what is now the Old Rectory. It was sent to London to be restored and then returned to the church. We all sat in the North Aisle and heard how it had once been the Chantry Chapel.

We saw the rare Hagioscope that gave the Chantry Priests a view of the High Altar and the Memorial Stone under which Lord Basset lies.

Ralph Basset had inherited a castle at Castle Bytham in Lincolnshire and that is where he died, but his wish was to be buried in his newly erected Chantry Chapel at Sapcote.  Keith read extracts from a copy of his will which included a full description of his burial service and some of the lovely items he left to Sapcote Church.

Keith gave such an interesting talk in a very short time which whetted everyone’s appetite to hear more.

We then made our way back to the Pavilion where the committee served tea and coffee and we ate scones with clotted cream or butter and jam.

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Outing to Windsor Castle

Monday 11 July 2016.

Forty eight members, family and friends left very early, 7am, on rather a cloudy day to set off for Windsor.  Travelling down a very busy M1 we were concerned that we would not arrive in time to meet our personal guide and royal detective who was taking us to a good vantage point to watch the ‘Changing of the Guard’ inside Windsor Castle.  We need not have worried, due to our excellent coach driver Mick we arrived, as planned, and met Kevin and his friend Paulo who directed us all into the castle, through the security points, collecting our audio guides as we went and onto the Terrace by the side of St. George’s Chapel to watch the Guardsmen doing ‘their thing’.  We are so good in this country for pomp and ceremony!  We then had a group photo on the parade ground after the soldiers had left.

The weather was good to us and everyone was able to see the sites, coffee and lunch at their leisure.  My companions and I went first to see St. George’s Chapel which is reported to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England.  We all had quite a poignant moment when we came across the tomb of George VI and The Queen Mother.  Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon’s ashes are also buried here.  We decided to have our lunch at this point, so we left the castle collecting our re-entry arm bands as we went into the streets of Windsor, which are so pretty, some of the buildings are so old and slanting.  We ended up for lunch in an olde worlde pub!

On our return we visited the State Apartments which are regularly used by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family for formal events.  They are furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection. From room to room each setting is magnificently displayed with art, furniture, furnishing and treasures from eras way back in time.  You wonder and cannot imagine the age and workings of the tapestries and ornate details in each room.  In that dreadful fire in November 1992, the panic of getting all those beautiful works of art out of the premises and the damage that was done to some of the rooms must have been tremendous and I do remember the pain that was etched on Her Majesty’s face during the news reports on television.  Which brings me to the refurbishment of some of those rooms, apparently the Duke of Edinburgh played a big part in this.  The Great Hall was the worst room affected and you would not have known from the modern craftsmanship that all the ornate beams were made with green timber which has dried out and cracked to give the appearance of old wood, the craftsmanship in this and the painting and replacing of all the shields is truly spectacular and so ‘in keeping’.  There is now an hexagonal room which connects the private Royal Apartments to The Great Hall.  Unfortunately my friends and I did not have time to visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House but others that did said that it is a most magical replica of a miniature aristocratic home.  I had my ticket to Windsor stamped which entitles me to a free visit within the year and perhaps I could include a tour of the top of Windsor’s world-famous Round Tower.

I am sure every one of us had a lovely day with lots of memorable photos which we can share.  I believe one committee member came away with a crown, I do hope it was purchased from one of the castle shops!!

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Annual Council Meeting 2016

Leicestershire and Rutland Federation of WIs

Saturday 12 March 2016

The Leicester Grammar School looked inviting with stalls manned by the county committees and selected stall holders with interesting items which managed successfully to tempt us to spend our money.

After the singing of Jerusalem Chairman, Janet Kirk, opened the meeting with the business; 2015 minutes, chairman's and treasurer's report.

Timothy Diggle, of the Leicester Hospital Trust thanked those of us who raise money for the trust and spoke of the good which it brings to help look after people through difficult times. He spoke about two areas that has made a huge difference. The first was the setting up of a dedicated area for teenagers undergoing treatment for cancer which is designed to create a space where they can feel as though they are normal teenagers with bright walls and colourful furniture etc. I believe it has gone down so well that other hospitals have copied the idea. The second is a special room, near the labour ward but away from the sound of babies crying, where parents of stillborn babies are able to stay with their baby until they are able to say goodbye. Both of these have made a great difference to the people involved.

Jenny Gilbert of A J Atkinson, Funeral Directors, gave us an amusing insight into the serious arrangements for the funeral of Richard 111. It was a much bigger undertaking than a usual funeral because it became obvious that there would be enormous media attention and nothing must go wrong. Everything they did needed to be done in secret. They had to ask a supplier of coffins for one of specific unusual dimensions but made as cheaply as possible and a plumber's merchant for bags of sand stressing that they must keep it secret but could not tell them why. They needed this to practice, carrying it, transferring from shoulders to tresses, to hearse etc. It needed nine bearers instead of the usual six because it was so heavy. The actual coffin is made of English oak and lead lined. Rehearsals took part at about 7.30 am. Jenny did all the coordinating which went perfectly. She travelled the last part of the journey riding pillion on horse drawn carriage on to which she found almost impossible to climb. After a couple of attempts she had to try to hitch up her skirt without it being noticed to do it. Luckily for her she did not realise at the time that on dismounting she managed to catch her coat on a wheel that had managed to go through something a horse had left behind. She was a very amusing speaker.

Our federation had been chosen for a visit from a member of the House of Lords. So Baroness Byford, who lives at Rothley, told us about the membership (approximately a third each of conservative, labour and crossbenchers). They come from all walks of life, have outside experience, many still working, all voluntary (only receiving a small allowance for accommodation and food while in London) and they call upon their professional expertise. Their job is checking and challenging the government, improving draft bills.  Bills go to and from the two houses but ultimately the commons have the final say. She praised the WI for our campaigning. The lobbying for better milk prices made a huge difference. They are looking at food waste at the moment and our interest and possible future lobbying will be very helpful. Food waste will be our resolution to be discussed this year.

Barbara Harpham National Director of the British Heart Foundation thanked us for the jewellery which had been given by members. She was not sure whether her car would carry all she had packed in it. In fact she asked if anyone had not given theirs in to take it to WI House and she would collect it from there. Money raised from jewellery given in" Leicestershire and Rutland will be spent in our area. They are funding work at Glenfield Hospital which helps children to look after their mended hearts, giving tool kits appropriate to the type of exercises etc that they can do. Glenfield is keeping its children's department, as is Leeds.

Michael Portillo gave the trophies out before giving a very amusing talk. He started by saying that he belonged to a club for failed future prime ministers. Ed Milliband being their latest recruit. He had the dubious position of having, in his words, "a bucket load of shit poured on him in public" with the full eyes of the media on him when he lost his seat in the election. He told us several amusing anecdotes of things which happened to him while he was campaigning. One being, a lady who once asked him if he would send her a signed photo. On his desk was her address and she had, for fun, signed it horse face. So he decided to show this lady he too was up fro a laugh so he sent the photo off signed 'to Horseface' from Michael Portillo. His secretary later came in and said did you see the address for the photo and remarked; "I added horse face so you would remember to which lady it referred"! One of his tasks was to brief Margaret Thatcher before every morning's press conference. Particularly all the negative things so she was not taken unawares.

His father, a university don, was a refugee from the Spanish civil war and Michael decided to go by train to meet his uncles in Spain. They had been on the other side of the conflict so had remained in Spain. This train journey just happened to be seen by someone who later was in a position to suggest him as a presenter for the British Train Journeys and from that he has done some on the continent and others in America.

He finished by talking about the TV show 'This Week' where he sits on a small sofa with Diane Abbott. They went to school together so he knows her very well. Sometimes he puts his arm round her and sometimes she puts her hand on his leg. He says the programme is therefore watched by 50% insomniacs and 50% perverts.

In Q and A time he was asked among other things how many jackets he had. About 15 but likely to be 18 soon. Today he wore a bright red one with blue trousers.

As you know Jenny and Maureen were his taxi drivers today so they may have some more tales for you.

Pennies for Friendship raised about £4000. It will be used in southern India in a dry area to fund rooftop rain harvesting equipment and seeds and saplings in order to make gardens for the women to grow nourishing food for their families.

We finished with the raffle draw and the National Anthem.

A good day was had by all!

Winifred Bradbury, Sapcote WI

Michael's taxi drivers Jenny and Maureen.