PORINGLAND WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

We welcomed Carolyn Williams to our July meeting. Her talk was on the origins of Nursery Rhymes. Some rhymes were to help children count and have good morals ie ding dong bell, pussy’s in the well, or to entertain ie pat a cake, pat a cake.

Humpty Dumpty is thought to refer to a big cannon called a boulder, which was used in the civil war and aimed at the opposite force’s wall until it fell down. During the uncertain times between Catholics and Protestants, in Mary Tudor and Elizabeth I times, there was a lot of resentment, but nobody could speak their minds on pain of death, so some nursery rhymes were composed to reflect their feelings without being prosecuted.

Carolyn is always researching these rhymes but as she said, different books put forward different theories.

Our August meeting took place in Joan and John Fountain’s beautiful garden and what a lovely and hot, if humid, afternoon we had. Members and friends from other Institutes were seeking the shade. Lovely scones and cakes were consumed and there was a bring and buy, a plant stall and raffle. A very enjoyable afternoon and our thanks go to Joan and John for making us so welcome. I know from past experience the hard work that goes into these events.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 14 September at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when we will be enjoying a Social Evening with a Beetle Drive. Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders Secretary on 01508 492155.

JUMBLE SALE 15 OCTOBER in the Community Centre – details next month.

Shirley Shackshaft