Caston-online | WI Meetings 2007

WI Minutes 2007

November Minutes

This Month it was our A.G.M so because of this we didn’t have a speaker. The normal meeting took place first – reporting on the darts and ten pin bowling results so far and the outing to Second Hand Rose which everybody agreed was an enjoyable evening.

The Cator Cup was discussed – this being a competition between all the Norfolk WI’s on a theme which encompasses crafts, cooking and floral exhibits based this year on Myths and Legends. This takes place in April at the Norfolk and Norwich Showground. Caston WI is entering this year – to try and better our results of last year which was 10th out of 43 WI’s.

Comment was made on the troughs outside the village hall – Sue Ash has agreed to continue maintaining them.

Every month posies are given to anybody celebrating a birthday- it was Wendy Edwards birthday and she received a splendid posy made by Annie – quite fitting because it was actually her birthday on the day of the meeting.

Next month it is our Christmas Party and arrangements were discussed – this year the theme is to wear something red as it is our Ruby Anniversary. We have also got to make a Christmas stocking – for the competition. If the party is anything like last year we should all have fun.

The A.G.M. then took place – with Pam Frogbrook standing down as president and several other committee members also standing down. However Helga Lindsey was nominated to become the new president and three new committee members were elected.. We all wish Helga lots of luck in her new role and are sure that she will do well.

After the A.G.M. we had a joke competition – which was hilarious and then proceeded to have a quiz compiled by Elsa – we didn’t know we were all so ignorant!!!!! Then charades – great fun.

The Caston W.I. is certainly not all about jam and Jerusalem.

As a relative newcomer to the village – 15 months – I have found the W.I. great fun and a wonderful way to get to know other women in the village whom you rarely see otherwise. They have some great trips – Thursford in December and many other social events – so if you are feeling a bit lonely – please do join us.

Competition Results
> A Joke - 1st Sue Ash 2nd Stephanie Blincow 3rd Cecily Dapot.
> Flower of the Month 1st Val Shingfield Joint 2nd Elsa Bellingham and Denise Bearne

October Meeting.

This month we were treated to a wonderfully informative talk by Barry Gayton of Desert Gardens, Santon Downham. His collection of slides depicting his garden gave us an insight into winter colour. Very appropriate, as this year the autumnal colours are the best for many years. His expert advice and free seeds were much appreciated. I already have my cutting and seeds in pots in the greenhouse.

Next month is our AGM which will be followed by charade and card games. Sounds like a ruse for a good chat. Newcomers are always welcome so do join us for friendship and plenty of fun. From personal experience I can honestly say that it is a brilliant way to meet Caston Women Villagers.

A big thank you to the present committee for all their hardwork which makes the Caston WI the success that we all enjoy. In particular to Pam Frogbrook who as president is stepping down but not abandoning us, I hope. She has led us for more years than she cares to remember but always efficiently, conscientiously and compassionately. Many thanks also to Stephanie Blincow and Louise Davies for their contribution to the committee. Louise as a vice president,darts and bowl team member not forgetting tea lady. Stephanie as chief photographer and keeper of the club photograph book and as tea lady as well..

Competition Results
Autumn Garden Flower Arrangement
1st Elsa Bellingham - 2nd Helga Lindsey - 3rd Denise Bearne
Flower of the month Competition
1st Pam Corne - 2nd Denise Bearne - 3rd Elsa Bellingham

September Meeting

This months meeting was an open one. Our president, Pam Frogbrook welcomed non-members who came to see a selection of vintage Caston postcards presented by Bridget Hall and her brother Chris This was all done very professionally and humorously, and presented on a slide projector. It was amazing to see all the changes but also interesting to spot walls, trees, hedges and some buildings unchanged since the 1880's. Many thanks to our speakers for preserving the village heritage in this way.

Following coffee the winning Woodland group quiz team had their picture taken for posterity. The quiz had a three way tie so we hold the cup for four months before it passes on. Many congratulations to the winning A team.

Just a few photographs of the evening to give those who could not attend a taste of what they missed.

April meeting.

This month was special as we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Caston WI. We all wore something red and met at Park Farm Hethersett. The meal was suburb, the service impeccable and the company wonderful. Here are a few of the photos taken by Stephanie. My pictures having failed miserably, she came to my rescue. The cake, which was such a pity to cut, tasted WI best. Many thanks to Caston resident Jane Crook who baked and decorated it.

Many thanks also from ordinary members to the committee for organising the meal.

New members are always welcome, so don't be put off by the "WI image of the modern day press" but do come along and join us.

Our May meeting is a discussion on the annual WI resolutions. Also we shall try to reconstruct the Cator cup entry plus the anniversary cake, which is sitting in my freezer, will be defrosted for further sampling.

The March meeting
was a talk by Margaret Sims owner of Hats Francise. With 700 hats to choose from I’m sure we shall be booking appointments to gain advice on the best selection to team with our outfits for this year’s weddings and race days.

Next month is our annual anniversary dinner. This year is extra special since it is the start of our Ruby Year celebrations. We are requested to wear something red for the occasion..

Later this month several members are competing in the Cator Cup. This year’s theme is a song. Caston group have chosen “ Somewhere over the Rainbow”. All entries will be on show at the Norfolk Showground on Saturday March 31st and Sunday April 1st.

But back to those hats. Do have a look at the video clip to see the enormous fun we had with them while at the same time learning a great deal on the correct wearing and style.

January Meeting
Pam opened the meeting with the business side of things taking as short a time as possible.

A new year with many new faces which was lovely to see. Attendance of around 20 was excellent in view of the blustery weather conditions. Letters from two long standing members, Joyce and Beryl who for various reasons will not be joining us this year were read out. Their friendship and wisdom will be sorely missed and our thanks go to them for their contribution to the WI over the years.

Doreen Taylor gave us an amusing account of her preparation and completion of her walking trip of the Great Wall of China for Help the Aged. The hazards of spending a penny whilst trekking the wall was an education. Her trip raised over £3000, an inspiration to us all.

The next meeting will be on February 8th with Deborah Preston giving a talk entitled " Britain's Top Mrs Mop." Any newcomers to the village will be made most welcome.

Page Last Updated - 17/02/2008