PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

We had a very enjoyable meeting in December.  We invited several other Institutes to join us and we had a lovely buffet followed by a funny mini panto starring some of our members.  This was followed by singing some carols.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 13 February at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when John Henson will be coming and giving a talk with slides on Madagascar.  If, like me, you had heard of the Island but didn't know where it was  situated, on looking up the Internet, it is situated in the Indian Ocean, near Mozambique and is the 4th biggest island in the world with a very diverse climate.  Should be a fascinating evening.

JUMBLE SALE   23 February

Our next Jumble Sale is on Saturday 23 February from 10.30am to 12.30 pm in the Community Centre.  There will be the usual stalls, including books, tombola and coffee/tea and scones/cakes in the cafe. Come early as by 12.30 most of the good items had been snapped up.  See you there!

Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Veronica Brett, President on 01508 493029 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155.

Shirley Shackshaft

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

We had an enjoyable Annual meeting when we talked about our last year's meetings.  We then had an election for President  as Pam wanted a well earned rest.   Veronica Brett was elected as our new President.  This was followed by a quiz and time to chat over refreshments.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 9 January at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Mrs Marie Pennington will  be talking about Pearls.  There will also be an exhibition of pearls belonging to our members. 

Make a note in your diaries that our next Jumble Sale will be on Saturday 23 February in the Community Centre in the morning.  More details next month.

Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Veronica Brett, President on 01508 493029 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Malcolm Metcalfe came to our October meeting when he gave us a talk with slides entitled  "Riding the Iron Horse across America". 

He said he had travelled 175,000 miles over a period of 20 years by Amtrak, the American rail system and Greyhound buses.  It used to cost £250 for a month's unlimited travel.  He said it's too expensive now at £400 plus insurance.

He told us it had all started during the war when he made friends with an 8th Air Force B24 American bomber crew member based at Attlebridge.  They kept in contact for a while after the war and many years later he decided to try and find him.  Unfortunately, his friend had died before he made contact.

This started his interest in America and each year he would plan his itinerary and visit all the places on his list. Atlanta, Washington, Chicago, Orleans, Jacksonville, the Rocky Mountains, San Francisco to name but a few.  He made many friends over the years and still corresponds with some of them.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 12 December at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when we will have our Christmas Party with a buffet supper and entertainment by our members.  We always enjoy ourselves and have a good laugh!

Visitors are always welcome and if there any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155.

Finally, on behalf of our members, may I wish all of you reading this, particularly if you are on your own, a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. 

Shirley Shackshaft

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PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

We had a very enjoyable meeting in September when Francis Mobbs came and gave us a cookery demonstration.  We have seen her before so we knew we were in for a tasty evening.  She started by handing round three trays of delicious canapes she had prepared earlier.  She then proceeded to cook quick and easy to prepare starters, main courses and desserts and giving us a lively commentary at the same time.  She produced approximately a dozen dishes, which were then put in the raffle. We had several visitors from other Institutes who were lucky enough to win some of dishes, suitably wrapped in foil.

At the end of September we decided to hold a morning Jumble Sale in the Community Centre by way of a change and it proved very successful - items just flew off the tables!

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 14 November at 7.30pm in the Community Centre.  This will be our Annual Meeting when we may have changes in our Committee and there will be a competition afterwards.

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.

Shirley Shackshaft

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Our August Meeting was a Garden Party held in  Pam and Raymond Lack's beautiful big garden.  It certainly looked a picture with all the gazebos decorated with union jack flags and bunting in honour ot the Queen's Jubilee.

Over 50 ladies and gentlemen were there, most dressed in red, white and blue. We certainly had a lovely afternoon with lots of delicious cakes and scones - the weather could have been kinder but it didn't actually rain, which was a bonus.

Thank you Pam and Raymond for letting us use your garden and to the ladies who worked so hard bringing us such a lovely repast.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 10 October at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Malcolm Metcalfe will be giving us a slide show called Riding the Iron Horse across America - sounds very interesting.

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 

Shirley Shackshaft

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

We learned a lot about royal wedding dresses when Jean Smith came and gave an illustrated talk on the dresses worn starting with Queen Victoria to Catherine.

Queen Victoria was married in the Royal Chapel and she wore an off the shoulder cream dress with Honiton lace with a Spitafields silk veil and orange blossom head-dress.  The lace panel down her skirt featured on several dresses she wore subsequently. 

Princess Alexandra of Denmark wore an off the shoulder dress with a tiered skirt with orange blossom on each of the layers when she married Bertie, Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. in 1863.  She was given a Norwich Shawl made in  Danish colours.

Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, later Queen Mary, was engaged to Prince Albert, who unfortunately died and so eventually she married his brother Prince George in 1893.  Her dress featured flowers from waist to hem.  Some of you will remember the high toque hats she always wore in later life.

In 1923 Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon married Prince Albert. Her dress was quite different being on medieval lines.  It was short sleeved with beading on the bodice and a single layer down the skirt - very strking.

Princess Elizabeth had a Dior/Hartness design when she married Prince Philip  in November 1947.  It was a heavily embroidered affair with 10,000 pearls, long sleeves and a sweeheart neckline - I wonder how many hours they took to stitch on! 

We were then shown all the royals wedding dresses after that period. up to and including Catherine last year. 

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 12 September at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Frances Mobbs will be coming once again to give us a cookery demonstration - she always produces some delightful food.

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.

Restoring of 2 milestones.

As part of the Jubilee year and the Milestone Society trying to restore 100 milestones and the society hoping to publish a book and send to the Queen, Poringland WI decided to help out and adopt 2 milestones in our area, the one on the Bungay Road and the one near the bus shelter at the Royal Oak.
However the restoration of these stone were going to cost far more then we had allowed for, therefore we were very pleased when the Parish Council agreed to fund one and the Five plus Magazine agreed to fund the other milestone, leaving the WI to do the cleaning and painting of the stones, plus turfing around the Bungay Road stone' 
    
Below is a photo of the milestone on the Bungay Road  being put back into place after its sojourn in the farmyard where the stone mason has recut the lettering.  Thanks to Mr Kittle of Hope Farm, and Nigel of the Milestone Society, who did the actual moving. The second photo is some of our members who watched it being put back into the ground.

Over the year, the ground around the milestone had been building up, so the milestone has been put back to its original depth and is now more visible.

Visit to Peter Beales Rose Garde.

Many of our members visited Peter Beales Rose Garden with afternoon tea provided, the event was organized by Joan.

Poringland WI

Our June meeting proved to be a great success when Isabel Brett gave a talk and demonstration of the Samba, an old Brazilian style of dance with many variations.

She was accompanied by 8 musician's and 2 dancers Miranda Capunter and April Salmon.wearing very colourful traditional dance dresses and it was a very spectacular event.

This summer marks the 12th anniversary of the founding of Norwich Samba who can be seen playing an infectious mix of Brazilian rhythms and modern British beats at events across East Anglia and beyond, It also has its own dancers who have original routines to match the intricate patterns of the rhythms. The band and dancers rehearse once a week on Tuesday 7pm - throughout the year at the John Innes Centre (Recreation Centre), Norwich. Look for us as the Olympic Torch comes to Norwich  4^th July & The Lord Mayors Procession 7^th July.

Any one 15yrs+ can join in please take a look at our Website: www.norwichsamba.org or Email:info@norwichsamba.org 
A date to put in your diaries is our Garden Party on Wednesday 15th August at 2.00pm entrance fee £2:00. This year it will be in the garden of  Pam Lack  Hillcreast,  Bungay Road, Poringland. Pam has a lovely garden and there will be the usual bring and buy and raffle stalls plus, of course, tea. scones and lovely cakes to enjoy. As this year has been the Queens Jubilee we thought we would carry the colour theme into the garden party and we are hopeful that many members and friends will come dressed in red/white and blue.   All members and friends are welcome.

Visitors are always welcome to our meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of the month held at the Community Centre, behind Budgens. If there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492156.

Several of our members visited the Guildhall in April where Mr Nick Williams a past Sheriff of Norwich gave us a conducted tour.

Norwich Guildhall was the centre of city government from the early 15^th century until its replacement by City Hall in 1938.The exterior provides an excellent example of the flint work that the city is so famous for. The east end of the building was reconstructed in the 16^th century and is crafted from alternate squares of faced flint and ashlar stone, giving the building its chequered effect.

As well as various courts, a prison and a chapel the building contained facilities for accounting and tax collection, accommodation for civic officials (it remains the home of the Sheriff's parlour today) and storage space for records, money and civic regalia.  The Assembly Chamber (or Sheriff's Court) was designed for meetings of the full medieval Council. It now contains a virtually intact late Victorian courtroom. Also known as the 'Sword Room', the roof space was once the storage place of weapons.

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The Council Chamber (or Mayor's Court) is more elaborate. Oak panelling, a sixteen-bay roof with tie-beams, renaissance decorative woodwork and stunning stained glass were from the start designed to impress.  The undercroft, beneath the east end pre-dates the building, and is thought to be an original feature of the earlier toll-house on this site. It was used to accommodate more dangerous criminals.

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Delia Perry one of our members gave us a fascinating talk about her Housekeeping in a War Zone. 

Delia served for 14 years and reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 - Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant.

She had just started her tour of duty in Germany, when she was told to report back to England and then sent to Iraq where she was the only women in the camp.

Iraq invaded Iran over ownership of a waterway on the border of these two countries and borrowed monies from Kuwait. As a result of poor returns on the price of oil, they could not repay Kuwait so they found an excuse to declare war. 

By 1990 Iraq was in real financial trouble and as an excuse for non-payment they accused Kuwait of overproducing their own oil and stealing their oil so declared war on Kuwait.

The Saudis did not see this war coming, they wanted help but did not want Westerners "camping out" in a strictly Muslim country so called upon troops from the world to assist, so spearheaded by the USA each country gave support to Kuwaits cause and Operation Desert Storm commenced. 

Delia's story's about her personal time under canvas shared with many troops was very comical, she had also brought along some items to demonstrate toilet facilities, eating equipment etc. At the end of the talk Delia's medals were passed to all members to look at.  

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 11th July at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Jane Smith gives her talk on Royal Wedding.

Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on01508491674  or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155             .

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

We learned a lot when Margaret Flatman from Sutton Pottery, near Stalham came in April.  Her husband is the Potter. He started at school, then did a Foundation Course and finally a Degree in Stoke. She said the pots consist of clay, water and the wheel - the clay is radio-active volcanic rock and comes from St Austell, Cornwall. Its been taken out of the earth since the 18th Century and the reserves will last another 100 years. The Eden Project has been formed from the pits that clay has been extracted from over the years.  There are several other types of clay, white porcelain - very fragile - from China and  stoneware (which her husband uses) and earthenware - known as terracotta and a couple of others.

The first stage is kneading tjhe clay to make it malleable and remove the air bubbles  before putting it on a pottery wheel - if not it would explode!  She bought several samples of a small vase at various stages of firing and glazing through to the finished article.

Margaret also bought along several items for sale and said the Pottery was open on weekdays if anyone wished to make a visit.  He also gives lessons. 

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 13 June at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Isabel Brett will be telling us the history of the Carnival Samba - Rio Style.  With luck she will teach us some dance moves as well.

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.

Shirley Shackshaft

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Mr Brian McKenzie certainly lifted our spirits with his marvellous still slides which he projected onto a large screen.  Each subject went into a seamless mode with either commentary, funny captions or appropriate music (this is not an easy job).

His programme first started with dramatic close-ups of birds of prey in flight.  This was followed by barn owls taken at South Walsham Fen, then stags rutting at Richmond Park in Autumn.  He also featured ones called Animal Magic, Sandringham Horse Trials,  bird life at Snettisham (look for very high tides coming into shore for best views). 

He finished his programme with shots of the Lake District with the music of Claude de Bebussy's "Clair de lune" (one of my favourites) in the background - magical.  Altogether very enjoyable and our admiration for his photographic skills was expressed by members at the end.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 9 May at 7.30pm in the Community Centre.  This will be our Birthday, so after the Resolutions have been discussed, there will be a buffet and social with games.

Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155.

Shirley Shackshaft

Our Visit to a Goat Farm March 2012

4 week old Kid

Lesley finding some food in the hay nearly caused a stampede

Thanks for coming to see me

Fielding Cottage is an award winning small business producing goat's cheese from a farm in the Breckland Valley. Our aim is simple... to supply farmer's markets, delicatessens and restaurants across East Anglia with tasty and healthy homegrown products from our herd of goats.

As active members of the Norfolk Young Farmers we spent many years thinking of different ways to combine our love of working with animals with our farming knowledge and expertise to create a business unique to the area.

A couple of years ago we started researching the benefits of products made from goat's milk over cow's milk and were hugely impressed by our findings (you can read more about these here). We decided to take the plunge and invest in a small herd of goats and the appropriate milking and processing equipment.

A goat really does have a personality of its own. In fact, our meetings with numerous goat enthusiasts at various Farmers Markets, inspired us to offer our ‘Sponsor a Goat’ and ‘Fielding Cottage Experience Day’.

For just £30, you can select a name for your very own goat and you will receive an A4 certificate with your chosen name and a colour photograph of your goat.

Or for £60, come and spend some time at Fielding Cottage. You can see the goats, help to milk and feed them, play with the kids (season permitting) and view the cheese making process. Of course, you can also try the cheese too!

So, if you are looking for a gift for someone who has everything, or just want to give something a little different, pleasecontact us for more information.

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Beryl Keen, one of our members, gave us a fascinating insight into the different styles of Quilting at our February meeting. She said Patchwork was like painting with material. Considerable changes had taken place since medieval times and there are so many aids to help - battery operated cutting wheels instead of scissors, rulers, cutting boards, specialist sewing machines and many other items. She said there are no rules, you go by your feelings - personally she finds the whole spectrum of greens and browns very restful. She combines hand and machine sewing on her pieces.

There are quite a few books which can give you ideas for patterns. Her first attempt took several years - patience is the key! Having a small room or area where you can leave your work undisturbed is a great bonus. Joining a Quilters Group is a good start - there is a Group that meet in the Library in our Community Centre. Beryl said she had attended some good Workshops at Wroxham Barns.

Beryl brought along many samples of her exquisite work from a double quilt to wall hangings and place mats (I think about 15 examples in total). The double bed quilt had 25 squares in it - everyone different. One of my favourites was a wall hanging entitled "Through the Iron Gate". It comprised of 2" squares of different coloured materials depicting flowers in a garden and on top the garden gate was embroidered.

Her work in progress at the moment is a runner to go on a piece of furniture. We were all lost in admiration for her skills. If ever you are in London, there are examples of medieval quilting in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Sometimes exhibitions are advertised in Norfolk - go if you have the chance!

Our Jumble Sale was a great success and many thanks go to everyone who helped or contributed.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 11 April at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Margaret Flatman will be talking about the Life of a Potter - another interesting speaker to look forward to.

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 .

Shirley Shackshaft