Kirton and Falkenham Women’s Institute
Next meeting: Thursday 10th January at 2.00 pm. Our speaker, David Phelan will present the history of St Audrey’s in a talk entitled ‘Workhouse to Asylum’.
December meeting report:
With a festive glass of mulled wine (or spiced apple cup), members settled down to find out more about fused glass from our speaker Verena Daniels.
Verena recounted her artistic journey, beginning at school where her talent first emerged; via ceramic classes; to learning about glass and ending up with her own studio and gallery. Along the way, she gained a City and Guilds diploma and an art degree- no easy matter as she was working and raising her family at the time.
With Pat Todd, she embarked on a new career as a glass artist and gallery owner. She continues on this path today running classes, completing commissions and making her own pieces which are sold in her own gallery or shops around the region. She showed some of her early ceramic pieces and also some of her new work – landscapes in glass and colourful decorations. Her inspirations are her local environment and her love for the Suffolk landscape.
Before tea, it was revealed that Kirton and Falkenham Women’s Institute centenary will be celebrated 2021 and the committee are already inviting ideas for celebrating this significant anniversary.
The W.I is part of the fabric of the villages and is thriving. Over the last year, the 33 members have enjoyed a varied and diverse programme of monthly meetings, including handbell ringing, laughing yoga and the history of Kirton and Falkenham. The group have also raised money for charity; contributing to Headway, the Blossom Appeal and Associated Country Women of The World. Outings to the Pantomime at the Wolsey Theatre, Suffolk Cheeses and Huntingfield Church were very enjoyable.
None of this would be possible without the hardworking committee. At the Annual General Meeting in November, the work behind the scenes was revealed as the committee delivered their reports and members are very grateful for all their hard work. The President, Ann Colville was thanked by the committee for her sympathetic and professional leadership.
Much is planned for the New Year: members can look forward to talks on trekking in Nepal; line judging at the Wimbledon Tennis Championship and also a Paella and Tapas party.
The W.I also has Knit and Natter group – the next meeting is 14th January at Sue Watt’s house. Members of the Knit and Natter group produced poppies for a display in Kirton Church for the centenary of the 1918 armistice and can be seen in this photograph.
Competitions
Occasionally meetings include a competition. The entries are displayed, and winners are voted for by members by placing coins next to their choice. The money is collected and donated to the Associated Country Women of the World. ACCWW is the largest international organization for both rural and urban women, supporting women led community projects across the world. The competitions are a bit of fun and raise money for a worthwhile charity, so please consider entering next time.
Outing to Huntingfield Church
This beautiful Church was the destination for our outing in September. It is remarkable for the stunning interior created by Mildred Holland between 1859 and 1866. A cheery guide told the story of William and Mildred Holland who travelled the world before arriving at Huntingfield. William became the Rector and the couple financed the restoration of the church. Mildred designed and painted the panelling and ceiling despite no formal art training and whilst suffering from arthritis.
The tour was followed by a warm welcome and tasty lunch at the Huntingfield Arms.
Huntingfield Church (and the pub) are well worth a visit; it is best to contact the Church before you visit churchwarden@stmaryshuntingfield.org.uk as it is not always open.
New members are always welcome; meetings are on the second Thursday of the month at the Village Hall beginning at 2pm.
Contact our secretary: Chris Welling 01473 736255
K.Cade V.Bines
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