PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE
We welcomed to our March meeting Lynn Barrow who came in costume to talk about Victorian Tussie Mussies. They were very popular during Queen Victoria's reign. She explained that these were little nosegays or posies. They were used to ward off body odours and were pinned onto the top of the breastbone of the lady's dress or hem. Gentlemen used to have one on the top of their walking canes. The first one she produced and sent round for us to smell was little sprigs of sage, lavender, rosemary and chives bound together.
Nosegay bouquets were a lighter larger and were tied together like some modern wedding bouquets. Moss (mussies) was put round to keep the flowers fresh. These were exchanged between gentlemen and ladies and different flowers had different meanings. English and American flowers sometimes have different meanings. A red rose meant "love"; a red carnation meant "my heart aches for you"; a camelia "I do wish you luck"; lavender "good luck" and a single chrysanthemum "your a wonderful friend" to name but a few. She then invited everyone to come and make their own nosegays and most members took advantage of her offer.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 11 May at 7.30pm in the Community Centre. This will be our Birthday meeting so there will be no speaker but it will be a very enjoyable social evening with a lovely buffet provided by members.
Everyone welcome and an queries to Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492156.
Shirley Shackshaft
