Poringland's 100th Birthday.

Poringland WI 1920 - 2020

On May 13th Poringland WI celebrated its Centenary very differently to the plans the committee had been planning. Our local Radio station was contacted and gave us a nice mention. We also received a letter from the Queen; it appears the Queen does not send cards to organisations, only people, for special occasions. There was also a small keepsake of a special printed chocolate square.

Unfortunately the party with a cooked meal for all members and a Jazz band for the evening's entertainment had to be cancelled. Instead several members got together to make a toast to the WI going forward to the next hundred years via Zoom.

I wonder what new technology will be in place by then and how the WI will celebrate it. Thanks to the Norfolk WI News being sent vial email and many of our members contacting each other by phone, we have managed to keep in contact with our members while we have not been able to have official meetings. Congratulations to all other WIs who have anniversaries this year. Lets hope we can all be together soon but until then ‘Stay Safe’

Pam Cooper

WI GET TOGETHER AUGUST 12TH @ 2PM.

August 12th meet outside on grass behind the Community Centre weather permitting (only cancelled if raining) please bring your own chairs. Time from 2pm. Unfortunately there will be no toilet facilities in use at centre, also car sharing/lifts for members will have to be arranged by themselves as WI cannot be reasonable for lifts taking place.

Bowls Development Alliance News: WOMEN’S INSTITUTE PARTNER WITH WOMEN CAN

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE PARTNER WITH WOMEN CAN

The Bowls Development Alliance is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with the National Federation of Women’s Institute (NFWI).

The partners will be working together across the country to provide opportunities for WI members to get involved in the sport of bowls. This project is part of the national WOMEN CAN project which aims to encourage more women to play bowls, coach bowls and volunteer in bowls.

Currently only 39% of the bowling club population in England are women, and this campaign has been developed to increase that number to 45% by 2021.

Anna Coulson, WOMEN CAN lead, said: “We are very excited to be working with the Women’s Institute on this project to encourage more women to become involved in the sport. We hope that we can inspire more women to join the bowling community and enjoy the playing and social opportunities the sport has to offer.”

Lynne Stubbings, Chair of the NFWI, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Bowls Development Alliance on this exciting new project which will inspire and empower WI members to become involved and participate in the sport of bowls. This programme is open to all members, regardless of age or ability and we hope that it’ll be successful in increasing the percentage of women in the English bowling community. For members who already have an interest in bowls, and others that have never played the game before, the programme will offer fun, friendship and a chance to get active outside of WI meetings.”

For more information on this exciting new programme and the WOMEN CAN campaign please contact Anna Coulson anna@playbowls.org or visit the Play Bowls website where the campaign video can be viewed at www.playbowls.org/womencan showcasing what the sport can offer women of all ages.

Group Meeting on April 25th

Waveney Valley Group of Women’s Institutes

The entertainment at the above meeting held at Poringland Community Centre was Martin Shults who performed well known songs the musicals ranging from ‘Oh what a beautiful morning’ from Oklahoma, ‘The street where you live’ from My Fair Lady to ‘Bring Him Home’ from Les Miserables; he also amused us with tales about people he had worked with including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Michael Ball.  He was thanked by a member from Thurlton WI.

We had fun with the competition: two members from Poringland and Ditchingham respectively had dressed as characters from the musicals: Pam Lack  as Miss Hannigan from Annie and Zelia Dickinson  as Millie from Thoroughly Modern Millie. Martin judged Pam as the winner with Zelia  as the runner up. 

Centenary Salver competition

Hi everyone, here is the picture of our entry to this comp.

We came 7th out of 14, so well done everyone. I have taken pictures of some of the other entries for future reference! There were 4 Pinafores, 2 Pirates, 5 Mikados, 2 Trial by Jury and 1 mixture.

The first 3 were all HMS Pinafore. Surlingham did The Pirates and came 8th. 

Congratulations to one of our Poringland Wi members on their Golden wedding anniversary, March 2017.

Congratulations to David and Mary on their 50th Wedding Anniversary. 

WI Group Meeting. 

WI members from several local WI groups attended the Group Meeting held at Broome Village Hall on Thursday March 16th.

The speaker was Mark Mitchels -Classic Children's Authors hosted by Ditchingham WI. Sue welcomed a very full hall of members who throughly enjoyed Marks excellent talk.  After tea the competition which was a member dressed as their favourite childrens book character was judged by Mark.

Poringland was very pleased to come first, Lesley was dressed as a Witch from the book Room on the Broom, well done Lesley.

The Leasley as the Witch on the Broomstick  came first, Bert from Mary Poppins second and the other 2 ladies joint 3rd, well done to each of them. 

2017 Events

March 11th    :   Jumble Sale

March 16th    :   Waveney Group Meeting - Broome Village Hall.

March 28th    :   NFA Meeting @ St Andrews Hall, Norwch.

June 7th        :   National AGM Liverpool.

July 18th       :   Federation Garden Party

August.         :    Our Garden Party TBA

Sept              :   Waveney Group Meeting TBA

Sept 27th      :   Jumble Sale.

Oct 24th        :  Federation Autumn Meeting - Old Buckenham 2:15 

Coffee morning at Royal Oak on the last Wednesday of the Month @ 10.30.

 ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

Boats of the Mediterranean.

Wednesday 8th July 2015

Our meeting this week was in our usual home of the Community Centre. We welcomed Nicola Werden, who spoke to us about Boats of the Mediterranean. Poor Nicola had a cold on the night so needed to use a microphone so that we could all hear her – her husband was on hand to set everything up for her. Nicola’s talk was more specific than we thought, and she gave an interesting and fascinating insight into their boat – the Never Moody, and their journey from the UK and ending in Greece.

Nicola and her husband had sold their house to invest in the Never Moody as it had been a dream of theirs to live on a yacht. The Never Moody was the lucky boat and they had many adventures, seeing dolphins, attempting to catch fish to be self-sufficient (which was never as consistent as they hoped!) They made many new friends and arranged to meet family along the way. Nicola managed to give us an insight into the sometimes romantic, sometimes funny and sometimes worrying voyage. Their boat is currently moored near Greece and they hope to get back to her soon. 

Our exhibition was of holiday snaps and there certainly was a wide range of entries.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday September 9th 2015 and our speaker will be Rachel Rusholme-Pilcher. She will be entertaining us with a talk on the Science of Sleep. Our competition will be Best tip for a good night’s sleep. We look forward to seeing you then. Please remember to bring your mug for a drink.

Visitors are always welcome at our meetings.  If there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155.

Samantha Mosedale

Royal Garden Party / AGM

Royal Garden Party and AGM pictures

FROM RAGS TO RICHES

It was with some trepidation and considerable anticipation that numerous numbers of ladies exited Norfolk early morning of 2nd June, these included three ladies from Poringland WI. As our journey continued we were becoming anxious as we realized we were going to be rather late reaching our destination. Would we have time to change from our Rags to Riches?

Upon reaching the big smoke we quickly found taxis to transport us to our Hotel, still anxious that we would be late for our final destination. 

Yes, we were in London to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, we managed to ‘shed’ our Rags and don our Riches to arrive at the Palace. Pam Cooper – President, Joan Fountain – Vice President and Lesley Sanders – Hon Secretary there to represent PoringlandWI along with 8,000 other ladies from England & Wales. We were there to celebrate the Centenary of the WI at the invitation of the NFWI Board of Trustees, by graceful permission of Majesty the Queen. The Party was to be hosted by the Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall, with Duchess of Wessex, Duchess of Goucester & Princess Alexandra in attendance. The weather was quite good, if a little windy - hats seemed to prefer to roll round the lawn to staying on their owners’ heads. A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all. 

The evening saw many of the ladies returning home, including Pam, who was to make sure final arrangements had been completed for the screening of the Annual General Meeting from the Royal Albert Hall on the 4th June. Poringland WI had invited a number of WI’s from the local area to join them in the Community Centre for this event. Lesley & Joan remained in London to attend the meeting.  Wednesday saw them relaxing and enjoying a visit to Kensington Palace, where they spent some time looking round the Palace, this was followed by a little gentle retail therapy.

On Thursday we were off to the Royal Albert Hall along with 5,000 other WI ladies. Her Majesty the Queen, who is President of Sandringham WI opened the proceedings, she was attended by the Princess Royal, an associate member and the Countess of Wessex who is a member of Buckingham Federation. After a very busy meeting we returned to our hotel for a meal, prior to travelling back to Norfolk, we arrived late evening after a very enjoyable if not hectic few days attending these Historic events.

Poringland WI are always pleased to welcome visitors to their meetings, which are held in the Community Centre on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm. Contact details can be found in this magazine.

Lesley and Pam Cooper attended the Group meeting at Haddiscoe on Monday March 16th on behalf of Poringland WI. It was a vey enjoyable meeting with Mr Roy Davenport giving a talk and performing several  magic tricks. 

It was Poringland's turn to make the flower arrangement for the table which was raffled at the end of the meeting, the competition was a flower arrangement with a magical theme. Mary Stancer kindly offered to do both arrangements. There were several very good arrangements on show which Roy judged and we were delighted to have got first prize for which I was presented with a certificate on behalf of Mary and Poringland. 

Well done Mary and we all send our thanks and congratulations to you.

Above is a photo of the flowers for the magic exhibition unfortunately you cannot see all the detail Mary had put into it from the photo.

Pam. 

Written by Samantha Mosedale, Committee member of Poringland WI

When my friend suggested joining the Women's Institute I laughed it off. I mean, the WI is for old middle class women who are retired who knit and crochet, make cakes and calendars. Its not for someone like me - a middle aged working class women, who works full time and is bringing up a child. But, being a good and supportive friend, I decided to attend  a meeting at the Poringland WI with her. I thought one or two visits, then I would politely tell her that it wasn't for me and I wouldn't need to go again.  My friend appeared keen on having me stay though, and even offered to pay my subscription for a year. However, on my first meeting I met lots of women who were thrilled at younger women showing an interest. (I may be presumptions with the younger part as I am almost 40! But in comparison to some of the members, I'm a spring chicken!)

After visiting for a couple months with some very interesting and informative speakers, I found myself paying for a subscription and looking forward to the monthly meeting,. I even enjoyed singing Jerusalem at the beginning.

Each member is treated as an individual and there is almost a neighbourhood watch situation, if a member is ill, some one would check on them and keep the WI updated on them. The November meeting is when the members vote on a new committee. I was very surprised when many members approached me to ask if I minded if they voted for me. I was flatted to be voted onto the committee less then a year after joining.

Since being on the committee I have felt more involved in all aspects of the WI, from organizing the traditional jumble sale, to helping with the organising and arranging of the whole programme for next year, including speakers, competitions and exhibitions.

The WI began in 1896 to give women a voice, both politically and educationally. In those days it  was not commonplace for women to have access to much education so it was to empower women to realise their potential, but also realising the strengths of many women in home skills - cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting etc. In the 1945's Denham college was developed to continue encouraging women to further their knowledge and skills. Denham is still gong strong and offers  over 500 2-4 day courses for a reasonable fee (which includes all meals  and accommodation).

Poringland WI is 95 years old now. Speaking to some of the older members, there is a real concern of this particular branch literally dying out if younger members do not join. I have been desperately  trying to think of way to attract women of my own age to join, to dispel the assumptions that it is for old people. So, let me bullet point some advantages to joining  the Women's Institute.  

    *  The WI introduces you to a new range of friends and acquaintances.

    *   It helps women to have a voice, both politically and intellectually.

    *   It proves that some traditions  are worth keeping, but it is not averse to change and  
         modernisation.           

    *   It is a charitable organisation.

    *   It may help you to discover new interests and new places (outings to various places 
are


         arranged on a regular basis.  You do not have to to go every one!)       

     *  It is all-inclusive, and does not care about race, colour, experiences, situations.

     *  The members all care about each other, and are almost like another family.  

     *  The competitions and exhibitions are voluntary, but you gain points for entering.

There are many other advantages, but, like anything you get out what you put in.

In conclusion, the WI may be full of crotchety old women but that should be a testament to the institution that is the WI, as many of these women joined in their 30's. They are simply waiting for the baton to be taken up by the next generation, who will maintain  the tradition but also help to  make it more attractive to younger women. So, if you want to be a pioneer, just like our  predecessors and champion the Women's Institute, look up your nearest meeting on the WI website. (www.thewi.org.uk)

Samantha Mosedale

Aged: almost 40! 

   

Poringlands WI Garden Party - August 2013

We celebrated our August meeting in Mary and David Stancer's garden.  It was a beautiful afternoon and the garden looked beautiful with shrubs and flowers and the gazebos.  We had some visitors from other Institutes as well who thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

 

With the plates of lovely cakes which kept appearing and cups of tea, it really was an afternoon to remember with friends having a good natter as well! 

 

Our thanks go to Mary and David for all the work they did - I know from personal experience how demanding it is.

 

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 9 October at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when the Windmill Handbell Ringers will be coming and entertaining us.  I'm sure we will have a lovely meeting - maybe they will ask members if they would like a "go"!

 

As I mentioned last month our Jumble Sale  will be on Saturday 12 October  at 10.30 am to 12.30 pm in the Community Centre.  There will be the usual stalls - come early as the bargains always get snapped up very quickly.

 

Visitors are always welcome to our meetings and, of course, to the Jumble Sale.  If there are any queries, please contact Veronica Brett, President on 01508 493029 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155.

   

Shirley Shackshaft 

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.

Caistor Church Tree Festival

Caistor Church tree festival was well worth a visit, and our tree above looked splendid thanks to everyone who donated baubles.

Poringland WI presents a bench to Poringland Parish Council

On Wednesday June 8th, Pam Cooper President of Poringland WI formally presented a park bench to Poringland Parish Council. The bench was paid for by the WI, Poringland Sand & Gravel Charity and Poringland Fuel Allotment Charity. Norfolk Homes installed the bench outside the Poringland Community Centre. John Ellis, chairman of the parish council, thanked everyone involved for their generosity.

WI Members attend the Tree Plaque placing on January 16th

WI PORINGLAND MEETING MAY 2010

Our Birthday Meeting on 12th May was a very special event - our 90th Anniversary - and to celebrate, a Birthday Lunch is to be held on 19th May at Caistor Hall to mark this important occasion.

Poringland Village Sign Unveiled October 1971

Poringland Village sign back in place after refurbishment in Wayland Prison by the Prisoners

The sign was purchased by Poringland Womens Institute to commemorate their Golden Jubilee in 1970. It was made for them by Hubbard Brothers (Decorative Ironwork) Ltd of Oak Street, Norwich, from a design by their then President and Secretary, Mrs P Wilcox and Mrs M Scott. The cost was £68 and the money was raised by various events held by the W.I.