Hemyock WI - August & September Update

The June meeting was held in the Forbes Lounge on Tuesday June 5th. Cindy Jefferson chaired the meeting in the absence of Lyn who was unavailable. It was a lively meeting with Daphne telling members of the interesting county events, taking orders for calendars and diaries and gathering names of those prepared to help with stalls at both the School Fete and the Church Fair. Karen has undertaken responsibility for the monthly competitions and there was much interest in Hemyock's potential entry for a competition at the Mid Devon Show. This was followed by a patchwork talk by Brenda who showed some of her patchwork and got all present to produce a sample for themselves in the cathedral window style.

Competition winners were Cindy with a lovely piece of lace she had made herself, and Gillian who had brought the most popular flower.

The July meeting was doubly enjoyable as it started with a visit to Hemyock Castle where members learned many interesting facts from the present owner.  At the outbreak of the Civil War the castle was owned by the Popham family who supported Parliament. In 1643 the Royalists attacked the castle and freed their captured supporters. Three parliamentarians were hanged in the castle grounds and the others were marched to the prison in Exeter. Members were surprised to discover such an interesting place on their doorstep.

They then crossed the road to the Ivy Café where a delicious meal was enjoyed by all. The President Lyn Taylor sorted out what was happening in the next few weeks. Hemyock WI is exhibiting at the Mid Devon Show and also taking part in the Church Summer Fair. The School Fete had proved good for WI funds when a 'Dutch Auction' was successfully organised by Elaine Moralee and several
other members.

The August meeting will take the form of a visit to a house and garden near Wellington. Please contact Lyn for more details. In September the meeting will be back in the Forbes Lounge on Tuesday 4th at 7:30pm, when Mr Bagwell will talk about the organisation CLIC. The competitions are for a flower from the garden and a landscape photograph. Visitors will be made very welcome.

Brenda Calcraft
01823 681592