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ABOUT CROMFORD WI
Cromford WI normally meets on the first Wednesday of the month (excluding August) at 7.30pm at the Institute, Cromford Hill. Please feel welcome to join us.
The Women's Institute offers fun and friendship and a chance to learn new skills. There is usually a speaker at the monthly meetings and time to socialise with fellow members. Other activities such as outings or crafts are held depending on the interests of the members. If you are new to the area it is a wonderful way to make friends.
Cromford Women's Institute is part of the Via Gellia Group made up of several other village Institutes in the area. There is also a County Federation of all the Institutes in Derbyshire.
2012 PROGRAMME - Monthly Meetings
Outings and Activities
January 4
"Memories are Made of This"
Bring an item and share its special significance with
other members in small groups.
January 9
Cromford WI's birthday party at the Institute.
Theme: "Red White and Blue"
February 1
Speaker: Margaret Brown with the DFWI Loan Collection
The competition is for a family craft treasure.
March 6
DFWI Spring Council Meeting at Chesterfield.
The speaker is Jenni Murray
March 7
Speaker: Bryan Naylor on Heage Windmill.
The competition is for a wind instrument.
April 4
Speaker: Sharon Rowlands - "From Sheep to Jumper".
The competition is for a decorated egg.
April 21
"Inspiring Women" DFWI event, Winding Wheel, Chesterfield
May 2
Resolutions, Plant Stall. Police Advice on Personal Security.
May 30
NFWI AGM, Royal Albert Hall
June 6
Speaker: Ann Collier - Fans.
The competition - bring a fan.
June 22-24
Celebrating Cromford
July 4
Speaker: Robert Falconer - Derbyshire 4 Seasons.
The competition is for a poem about Derbyshire.
No meeting in August
Picnic to be arranged
September 5
Speaker: Rosy Thacker - Genealogy
Competition - Old family photo.
October 2
DFWI Federation meeting, Assembly Rooms, Derby
October 3
Speaker: Dawn Bannister - Cake icing demonstration.
Competition - Design for a celebration cake.
November 7
Annual Meeting. Election of Officers. Puddings.
December 5
Barbara Wilkins My Granny's Drawers.
Christmas Party. Please bring a small wrapped gift.
The WI singing group The Harmonies's album "Voices of the WI" has been released to widespread acclaim.
Watch a Video following the recording of the album. Scroll down to video.
The Harmonies sing Jerusalem
REPORTS OF MEETINGS
July 2011 //
June 2011 //
May 2011 //
April 2011 //
March 2011 //
February 2011 //
January 2011 //
November 2010 //
October 2010 //
Speakers from October 2008 to July 2010
July 2011
Our meeting began with Diane McHarg of Ambergate WI who gave her report on the National Federation of Women's Institutes AGM at Liverpool in June. Diane was the delegate for the five WIs in the Via Gellia Group and voted on our behalf on the two resolutions to be debated. The resolution calling for a campaign against library closures was carried overwhelmingly, but the controversial resolution concerning mega farms was withdrawn.
President Judith Hamilton went over the previous month's activities for the benefit of those members who had been unable to take part. There had been two walks, one based on Calver followed by lunch, and the other a Group walk arranged by Ireton Wood and Idridgehay WI exploring the countryside around Kirk Ireton, followed by supper in the village hall.
At the Mad Hatters Tea Party held at Holloway, Jean Johnson came second in the decorated hat competition in a hat created by Margaret Woodcock.
The river cruise and tea on the Nottingham Princess on the River Trent was a real treat in spite of the rain. Between showers there was chance to go on deck and enjoy the scenery. The captain pointed out places of interest along the route, telling us a little of the history of the buildings and bridges.
Finally a group had been to the Military Tattoo in Buxton.
The knit and natter group have been busy working on Cromford's entry in the WI craft competition at Bakewell Show on a theme of British traditions. If you are going to the Show on the 3rd or 4th of August do look around the WI tent where you can also find refreshments to keep you going during the day.
The speaker for the evening was Charlie Foster-Phillips, who gave a facial demonstration and skin care talk. Charlie is a student at the University of Derby's Buxton campus, studying Martial Arts and Sports Massage. She is learning about Holistic therapies and believes in using natural and organic products from local sources.
With volunteer Ann Pocklington in the chair Charlie showed us how to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, apply a face mask, tone and moisturise. At each stage she explained the structure of the skin and how diet, sunshine and smoking can affect its appearance. Charlie answered questions from members and went on to judge the pamper poem competition, which was won by Judith. Jean was the lucky raffle winner.
There is no August meeting but a picnic is planned at Merebrook residential park near Whatstandwell and a team will be taking part in the Ilkeston WI quiz.
The next meeting is on 7th September at Cromford Institute when the speaker Barbara Daykin's subject is Waltzing with Matilda. The competition is for something Australian.
Visitors are always welcome at our meetings in Cromford Institute on the first Wednesday of the month.
For more information ring 01629 824198.
June 2011
There was disappointment at our June meeting as the speaker had cancelled because of illness. However member Ann Pocklington stepped into the breach with a slide show of her touring holiday in the USA. Starting from Los Angeles Ann travelled three and a half thousand miles in three weeks taking in California, Arizona and Utah. The weather was incredibly hot and windy.
The vast area encompasses deserts such as the Bad Water Basin in Death Valley, with its moonscape-like salt flats. In contrast are the huge rock formations, including the tufa towers at Mono Lake, and the fantastic stone pillars in shades of pink, yellow and red at Bryce Canyon.
Ann also explored the rim of the Grand Canyon, and ventured on to the glass viewing platform jutting 30 feet out over the Colorado river 4000 feet below.
The area seems inhospitable, but there is plenty of wildlife with mountain sheep and many species of birds including osprey, brewers blackbirds, jays and eagles. Signs warn of bears and mountain lions. Cacti, prickly pear and smoke bushes are found in the Joshua Tree Park, and colourful flowers blossom in the short Spring. Oases support lizards and rabbits, and rare species of fish.
People have left their mark on the area with well preserved American Indian rock art and more recent copper and gold mining.
Diana Flint thanked Ann for sharing her experiences with us in this amazing part of America.
During May the Cromford quiz team came first in the Group quiz organised by Ambergate WI and came away with a Cup and a bottle of wine each. Well done all.
Members had also walked to Lea Rhododendron Gardens where the flowers were at their colourful best, and two members took part in a Games evening at Kirk Ireton WI. Finally a visit to the Threshing Barn craft centre near Leek was well supported.
There are various events to look forward to in June with a river cruise on the River Trent, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Holloway, a Putting on the Ritz fashion show at Edensor, a knit and natter meeting and two walks.
The competition for something made of wool was won by Yvonne Daykin, and the raffle winner was Liz Meaden.
Visitors are always welcome at our meetings in Cromford Institute on the first Wednesday of the month. For more information ring 01629 824198.
May 2011
President Judith Hamilton welcomed twenty three members to our May meeting in Cromford Institute. Our Bling and Bags stall on Sunday May 1st at Cromford Mill’s Green Festival had been a great success. Judith thanked those members who made and donated goods for the event, and everyone who manned the stall on the day.
The meeting continued with a discussion on the two Resolutions to be debated at the June AGM of the National Federation of Womens Institutes in Liverpool. The first calls on the Government to maintain support for local libraries. Although no libraries will be closed in Derbyshire this is not the case in other parts of the country. The second Resolution urges the Government to ensure planning permission is not granted for large scale factory farming of large animals such as cows and pigs. Some varied and well thought out views were expressed, and it became apparent that the arguments surrounding factory farms are more complex than might first appear.
There followed “guess the gadget” when we tried to work out the use of the weird and wonderful objects brought along by members. A sale of plants and surplus items from the Bags and Bling stall completed the evening. Janet Chambers was the lucky raffle winner.
Future activities include a walk to the Lea Rhododendron Gardens, a visit to the Threshing Barn craft centre at Leek, and the annual quiz and supper evening hosted by Ambergate WI. In June a large party including husbands and friends will be enjoying a cruise and afternoon tea on the River Trent.
The next meeting is on Wednesday 1st June when the speaker will be Sharon Rowlands whose subject is “From Sheep to Jumper”. The competition is to make something from wool.
Visitors are always welcome at our meetings in Cromford Institute on the first Wednesday of the month. If you would like more information ring 01629 824198.
April 2011
Twenty members and a visitor were welcomed by President Judith Hamilton to our April meeting. The highlight of the past month was the welcome return of the Darts and Dominoes evening at The Bell Inn, Cromford. Christine Levasseur and Pam Bunting won the darts match and Monica Flint triumphed at dominoes. Lynda Rowell was thanked for putting on a magnificent supper.
Our speaker for the evening, Mr Robert Cumming, played us his choices of Desert Island Discs. Coming from a musical family and being an accomplished clarinet player, music has always been important to him. He played a mix of popular songs, band music and the classics, each piece sparking memories and anecdotes. Charles Trenet’s La Mer was an early influence. His spell in National Service and his later career in the Navy as a teacher were evoked by the RAF March Past and a stirring rendition of Hearts of Oak. An ENSA concert party when Ella Fitzgerald sang accompanied by Satchmo was a treasured memory. University days were recalled with Frank Sinatra, and Benny Goodman playing Mozart’s clarinet concerto was an inspiration. The Church is very important to Robert, and he finished his selection with the choral piece The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
Trina Johnstone thanked Robert for letting us share his stories and music, and we all agreed it had been a relaxing and enjoyable evening.
Judith won the competition with her record sleeve of the Beatle’s Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Shirley Wood was the lucky raffle winner.
During April the Knit and Natter group will be sorting and labelling donations from members for our “Bags and Bling” stall on Sunday May 1st at Cromford Mill as part of the Green Festival. The Festival extends over the Bank Holiday weekend and aims to raise awareness of climate change. Come along for a bargain buy, or snap up one of the attractive tote bags our secretary Janet Chambers is making for the stall.
The walk on 18 April will start from Ilam.
The next meeting is on 4 May when the Resolutions to be voted on at the National AGM will be discussed. There will be a plant stall and book exchange, and the competition is for a safety tip or gadget.
Visitors are always welcome at our meetings in Cromford Institute on the first Wednesday of the month. If you would like more information ring 01629 824198.
March 2011
President Judith Hamilton welcomed twenty one members and four visitors to the March meeting of Cromford WI at the Institute. February had been a busy month with a trip to see True Grit at the Quad in Derby, lunch at Carsington Water, and the monthly craft and chatter group meeting at the Institute. Some members had taken part in the Taste of India event at Derbyshire House, an evening of food, fashion and fun.
Yvonne Daykin gave an account of the Spring Council Meeting at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield. After completion of business and presentations of awards, there were talks on an interesting mix of topics: the Derbyshire Life magazine, Kinder Scout in the Peak District National Park, and the humorous side of life from criminal lawyer Stephen D Smith, ”The Rumpole of Rotherham”. It was also reported that Derbyshire WI's project in India, to bring safe drinking water to twelve villages affected by drought, has been completed with the installation of bore holes and pumps.
Tamsin Brooks, our speaker at the monthly meeting, then took the floor. Tamsin is a physiotherapist specialising in Women’s Health, having worked at the Whitworth Hospital before setting up in private practice in Bakewell. Her topic was incontinence. She explained the different types and causes of the condition, how an individual can help herself through exercise and diet, and at what point professional help should be sought.
Although there was some giggling from members at first, we all appreciated Tamsin’s talk and learnt a lot about this potentially embarrasing subject.
Tamsin then judged the competition for a mini garden with water feature, which was won by Yvonne. The lucky raffle winner was Joan Rook.
Plans for March include the regular craft and chatter meeting, a walk to the Nine Ladies stone circle starting from Rowsley and the return of the popular darts and dominoes evening at the Bell Inn. A team will be taking part in the WI County Quiz at Swanwick.
The next meeting is on 6th April, when Robert Cumming will be playing his favourite Desert Island Discs. The competition is for a favourite record sleeve.
Visitors are always welcome at our meetings in Cromford Institute on the first Wednesday of the month. Enquiries to 01629 824198.
February 2011
Cromford WI members welcomed a special guest at their February meeting. Jaz, a large Munsterlander dog who has done sterling work for PAT (Pets as Therapy), came with his owner Anne Taylor-Wilde, who told us about the work of the charity. Founded in 1983, it sprang from PRO Dogs, a Public Relations Organisation for Dogs formed by Lesley Scott Ordish some years earlier. It provides therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues by volunteers with their own dogs and cats.
The benefits of these visits are many. Making a fuss of the dogs can lift depression and bring back memories of loved pets. Every week these calm and friendly PAT dogs and cats give more than 130,000 people, both young and old, the chance to cuddle and talk to them.
Jaz is fifteen years old and retired, but with Anne he visits groups and clubs as an ambassador for PAT wearing a distinctive yellow coat and identifying tag on his collar. In his younger days he won prizes at Crufts and in local dog shows. Anne has been trained as an Assessor for the charity and examines potential recruits for health, temperament, and suitability for their new roles. The dog must be fully vaccinated, wormed and protected against fleas, and have been with its owner for at least 6 months and be more than 9 months old. Routine police checks are made on the dogs' owners and the whole process takes 16 weeks. The owner has a photo ID badge which is worn for security at all times when visiting.
Today there are currently over 4,500 active PAT dogs and 108 PAT cats at work in the UK. The organisation is always looking for new volunteers for training as PAT visitors.
Anne went on to judge the competition for a dog in any medium which was won by Roma Davies, and Shirley Wood was the lucky raffle winner.
During February Cromford members will be attending a Taste of India evening at Derbyshire House in Derby, lunch at Carsington Water and the Spring Council Meeting in Chesterfield. The monthly walk will start at Rowsley, and the Craft and Chat group meets at the Institute as usual.
The next meeting is on 2 March at Cromford Institute when Tamsin Brooks will be speaking on Women's Health.
Visitors are welcome. More details on 01629 824198.
January 2011
President Judith Hamilton welcomed members to the first meeting of 2011.
The December meeting had been cancelled because of heavy snow falls and icy pavements. The Carol Service, Lynda's sherry and mince pie event and the planned visit to the Threshing Barn had all fallen victim to the weather. However before the atrocious conditions set in a group was able to visit the Knitting and Stitching exhibition at Harrogate and there was a good attendance at the Christmas lunch at Alison House.
Secretary Janet Chambers read the minutes of the last meeting, and Judith highlighted items of interest in the Link news letter before going through plans for the coming year. She then presented Mary Smith and Rosy Thacker with certificates as joint winners of the monthly competitions.
The speaker for the evening had unfortunately cancelled at short notice because of illness, but several spirited rounds of Beetle Drive followed by a Beatles sing song rounded off the evening nicely.
We are all looking forward to the Cromford WI birthday party in January, marking 78 years since its foundation in 1933. The party will have a nursing theme, so look out for some creative outfits and delicious food provided by members.
Arrangements have been made for the regular monthly walk and knit and natter meeting.
The competition for a wildlife photograph was won by Trina Johnstone for her picture of a baby pigeon, and Margaret Kay was the lucky raffle winner.
The next meeting is on February 2nd when Anne Taylor-Wilde will be speaking about PAT dogs - (Pets as Therapy). The competition is for a dog in any medium.
Ladies, if you haven't yet made your New Year's Resolution then resolve to come along to one of our meetings, or visit your nearest WI. You don't have to be a whiz at cake or jam making, or an expert with the needle, just join us for a chat and to make new friends. There's usually a speaker and light refreshments.
Find out more on 01629 824198.
November 2010
It was a good turn out at the annual meeting of Cromford WI on 3rd November. Judith Hamilton was re-elected President, and the Committee members are to continue in their present roles. Treasurer Margaret Woodcock gave the Financial Statement for the year which showed a surplus in funds.
Secretary Janet Chambers reported on the many social activities and outings enjoyed during the year. Members had also been successful in quizzes and County competitions.
This year Cromford WI organised two social evenings for the Via Gellia Group of WIs. The April Social with a nautical theme at the Community Centre saw some members turning up in full pirate gear, and everyone entered into the spirit of the entertainments, quizzes and songs.
In October the Garden Room at Alison House was packed for an evening with Helen Chambers in her guise as Tudor gentlewoman Elizabeth Mundy, from Cheapside in London town. Mistress Mundy, wearing a becoming dress and hat in black and red with orange stockings, recounted the latest gossip in the royal household and stories of her relatives, the eminent composers William and John Mundy. She brought along a collection of musical instruments - a lute, a crumhorn, a recorder, a tabor drum and pipe and a set of "little bumble bee" bagpipes, and played all of them, accompanying herself on the harp singing popular songs of the day. Packington's Pound warns us to look out for the cut purse, and in the Three Ravens a slain knight is guarded by his faithful hound. On a more cheerful note the audience joined in the chorus of "Tomorrow the fox will come to town" with gusto, their whoop whoops certain to frighten any fox into making a quick getaway.
President Judith Hamilton went through plans for November which include a trip to the Knitting and Stitching Exhibition at Harrogate, and a visit to the craft and farm shops at the Threshing Barn near Leek. Members will also be supporting the WI stall at the Christmas Fair held in Idridgehay Church on 20th and 21st November.
Our meeting ended with wine and a fine selection of cheeses and biscuits prepared by Lynda Rowell. Mary Smith was the lucky raffle winner.
The next meeting at Cromford Institute is on 1st December when there will be party food and a present from Santa. Marjorie Thoday will be helping us make Christmas posies.
Enquiries to 01629 824198.
October 2010
It was congratulations all round at Cromford WI when President Judith Hamilton announced the results of the Derbyshire WI annual competitions. Pam Bunting came second in the craft section at Bakewell Show with her knitted Dracula doll. Yvonne Daykin was second in the photographic competition, and her reports of Cromford WI meetings were judged runners up in the Press Release competition. Finally the Cromford Quiz team of Judith, Janet Chambers, Diana Flint and Margaret Woodcock was second in the County Quiz. Well done to everyone.
Judith reported on an enjoyable day at the Derbyshire Autumn Federation Meeting in Derby. Representatives from the charity Women's Work, Walkers Bulbs and Heart Research UK spoke about their organisations.
The main speaker was Steve Leonard, the TV vet and wildlife presenter. Steve made his name as a TV vet when cameras followed his training in Vet School. With the help of slides he shared some of his experiences with us, including a hair raising account of skydiving from a balloon at 10,000 ft over Spain in a race with Lady, a peregrine falcon. Within seconds Lady overtook him, hitting speeds of 180mph. He talked about his encounters with whales, a huge octopus, wildebeest, wolves and giant spiders. Close to his heart are the orang utans, who are endangered because of the destruction of their forest home. Steve hopes his programmes and talks will help people to become more aware of conservation issues.
Judith then introduced the speaker for the evening, our very own Ann Pocklington, who showed slides of her holiday in the Yellowstone Park in September 2008. Yellowstone covers over 2 million acres of wilderness and lies above the remains of a massive volcano that erupted millions of years ago.
In her photographs Ann captured the scale and varied colours of the rock formations and lava flows, the dramatic geysers and waterfalls in this magical place. We saw many spectacular features, including the Liberty Cap, the Kepler Cascade and the Mud Volcano Area with the Dragon's Mouth sulphur springs. Wildlife abounded and Ann had close encounters with buffalo, deer, moose, elk, wolves and a sighting of a bald eagle.
A visitor centre has examples of the paintings on bark, decorated bags and clothes of the Native Americans who lived in the area until they were driven out by the new settlers in the 19th century. Emigrants endured great hardships as they travelled west along the Overland Trail.
Ann had a memorable stay at the Old Faithful Inn, which dates from 1904. Her room in the old part of the hotel had a good view of the famous Old Faithful Geyser. Unfortunately due to a lack of curtains walkers on the path outside her window also had a good view of Ann, so she insisted on a change of room.
Christine Levasseur thanked Ann for sharing her experience of visiting one of the great treasures of the world.
The competition for an item made of yellow was won by Mary Whitworth, and Jean Johnson was the raffle winner.
The highlight in the October calendar is the Group Social meeting organised by Cromford WI at Alison House. Helen Chambers will be entertaining with tales and songs of Elizabethan music. Wednesday 3rd November is the annual meeting with election of officers followed by cheese and wine. Enquiries to 01629 824198.
Some of our speakers from October 2008 to September 2010
September 2010 //
July 2010 //
June 2010 //
March 2010 //
October 2009 //
September 2009 //
July 2009 //
June 2009 //
April 2009 //
March 2009 //
January 2009 //
October 2008
September 2010
The speaker for the evening, Katharine Wilson, spoke about her career in the army as a PE instructor, her work in re-hab with osteoporosis sufferers and her present post in the information and advice team at Age Concern. Part of her work is organising Road Shows for community and support groups which aim to help people achieve and maintain independence.
Katharine then took us through a programme of chair exercises to music. Opinion at the end was that the exercises were fun to do and would be beneficial if done regularly. Armed with exercise sheets we all have good intentions of following them at home.
July 2010
Cromford WI had an extra get-together in July after snow and ice led to cancellations of meetings at the beginning of the year. The speaker at our first meeting was Joan Carr, who tested our knowledge of Derbyshire with slides and a light hearted quiz on place names. There was plenty of audience involvement and interest in Joan's anecdotes about her life and pets.
At the second meeting in July we welcomed Sue Askham who makes jewellery from a variety of gem stones, crystal, coral and recycled beads. Sue brought along examples of her work and made an earring to demonstrate how different types of pliers are used to shape and twist the wire.
Both speakers were thanked for their interesting talks.
June 2010
At the June meeting member Christine Levasseur and her husband Ken gave an illustrated talk on their London to Birmingham Charity Walk along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal. Despite the heat and a mishap when Ken fell and cracked a couple of ribs, they completed the 147 mile walk in twelve days.
We were entertained with super slides and information on the wide variety of landscape, locks, bridges and buildings along this once busy commercial waterway, now a haven for walkers, cyclists and leisure craft.
There is a connection with Cromford as the engineer William Jessop, who built the Cromford Canal, was responsible for the lengthy Blisworth and Braunston tunnels. There are no towpaths in the tunnels so boats have to be legged through and walkers make their way over the top.
The many bridges range from Solomon's Bridge, built in ornamental gothic style in the 1790s, to the modern M4 viaduct. At one point the London Underground passes over the canal.
There is a museum in a restored corn mill at Stoke Bruerne where the canal goes through seven locks. The many pubs, dating from the days when the canal was a working waterway, give plenty of opportunities for refreshments on the way.
There is plenty to see from the towpath: warehouses converted into apartments and modern developments such as the Rank Xerox buildings, the Kodak building at Hemel Hempstead and the Quays office building at Uxbridge which looms up like an ocean liner. Approaching Birmingham, the canal goes under Brindley House, part of the British Telecom complex, and through the Aston Science Park.
Christine and Ken raised £2,500 in sponsorship in aid of the St Giles Hospice, and £300 has been added from talks they have given about the walk.
March 2010
The speaker for the evening, Diane McHarg, was well known to us as a member of Ambergate WI. Diane spoke about her career as a teacher, during which she taught at primary level in a variety of schools. After a period as a headteacher, she became an educational consultant.
Retirement brought new challenges as a member of the education team at Pickford's House Museum in Derby. Dressed as Mrs Mary Pickford in a silk dress with padded skirt and rather tight bodice, Diane welcomes school parties to the house and takes them on a guided tour of the various rooms. Her other character is the Victorian housekeeper. Children apply for a post as a servant at Pickford House, dressing up in character and exploring the kitchen with its collection of old tools and pots and pans. They generally agree that they would miss their mums too much to take up the work!
October 2009
The speaker for the evening was Keith Hunter of Remap. This is a charity which provides tailor made equipment for people with disabilities who are unable to carry out daily tasks or continue to enjoy a hobby or interest, and cannot find suitable commercial aids. It is a country wide organisation, founded over 40 years ago and made up of volunteers, mainly retired engineers. The Derby, Burton and District panel has seventeen volunteers, who meet monthly.
Clients are assessed by health professionals such as occupational therapists and their needs are put to the panel. A solution is agreed upon and the work allocated to the technicians and engineers, many of whom have their own workshops with access to specialist equipment and resources. Retired Zimmer frames are a good source of materials and the inventive engineers often find uses for everyday items in their projects.
Keith showed slides of their work in use by adults and children with varying problems, and had brought along some of their gadgets, including an ingenious device for wringing out a dishcloth - a simple act for most of us, but difficult for arthritis sufferers.
The local branch receives about 150 referrals each year. The volunteers give their time and expertise free and there is no charge to the clients, so the organisation is dependent upon donations and sponsoring, such as the cycle ride undertaken by Keith from Land's End to John O'Groats this year.
September 2009
At our meeting on 2nd September, we welcomed Mrs Irene Yarnell as our speaker for the evening. Her subject was Hats. And what an amazing collection of hats Irene has, around a hundred in all colours, shapes and sizes. Her interest in hats started as a young child when she had a Scottish outfit with matching bonnet.
Irene modelled her hats, relating each one's story. She often buys several hats at a time, mainly because she is spoilt for choice. Madam Marie's, a hatshop in Harrogate, is a favourite haunt. Her love of hats is well known and many people give her hats they no longer want.
Many of our members brought along a hat or fascinator and the room was a picture of colour.
Irene was thanked for her talk and some members wondered where she found room for so many hats.
July 2009
The speaker for the evening was Ruth Gordon, Local Development Studies Librarian for Derbyshire County Council. The subject of her talk was "Derbyshire Diaries", with readings and background information on the writers, who were usually men from the upper classes. The diaries give a fascinating flavour of their lives and are a useful resource for historians.
John Byng was a great traveller and in 1790 he journeyed from Bakewell to Cromford, where he observed the changes brought about by Richard Arkwright's new cotton mills. At the same time Parson Brown of Tideswell was organising his family's move to their new home, where he worked hard putting the house in order, white-washing rooms, gardening, and buying furniture from local sales.
Thomas Calton, vicar of Duffield, had other worries, his clerk and verger were both heavy drinkers and their behaviour was affecting the running of the church services.
Not all diarists were from the upper classes however. Joseph Wright, a coalminer, and Matthew Gibbons, a farmer at Rowsley, both wrote about their working lives. William Bamford was a great gossip and wrote about the scandalous goings on in Belper, with cases of murder, theft and even body snatching.
Ruth was thanked by Jean Johnson for her interesting talk and for sharing her enthusiasm for local history with us.
June 2009
The speaker for the evening was Sally Mosley, who brought along her dog Alfie. Sally is passionate about the Peak District and for the past 18 years has written over 400 walks and articles on the area. The theme of her talk was "Alfie's Adventures", based on a series of articles about working dogs and dogs involved in charities.
As part of her research Sally and Alfie visited the Police Headquarters at Ripley to see Sniffer Dogs and Police Dogs in action. They also met a Canine Partner for the disabled, a Guide Dog for the Blind, and a Hearing Dog for the Deaf. Training for these dogs begins in puppyhood so Alfie was too old to start a new career, but he did qualify in his own right to represent Pets as Therapy and was presented with his own special jacket. His go at being a sheepdog was not wholly successful as he attempted to round up the sheepdogs! We also heard about the work of Search and Rescue dogs, and the Sniffer dogs at Sudbury Prison.
Sally was thanked by Judy for telling us about these brave and intelligent dogs, and Alfie was rewarded with his favourite biscuits.
April 2009
The speaker at the April 1st meeting at Cromford Institute was Clive Holliday, who gave a slide show on the Many Facets of London. He guided us through the streets of the capital giving a wealth of information about his photographs of buildings, statues and memorials.
There is only space here to describe two of the many and varied slides. The statue of the Golden Fat Boy was erected on a building at Pie Corner with the inscription: "This Boy is in memmory put up for the late Fire of London, occasion'd by the sin of gluttony 1666". The fire broke out in Pudding Lane and was finally extinguished at Pie Corner, where food markets were held, leading people to believe that it was sent as a punishment for the sin of gluttony.
Erected in 2004 is the Animals in War Memorial on Park Lane which honours the millions of animals that have died in wars and conflicts. The animals are depicted in bas-relief on a curved stone wall, with two life-size bronze mules, a horse and a dog.
March 2009
The speaker for the evening was Roger Crabtree, who last year entertained us with reminiscenses of his Derbyshire boyhood during the war. His topic was "Trials and Tribulations of Twinning". Roger lived for many years in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, where he practised as a solicitor. In 1958 the town began informal exchange visits with Bingen on the Rhine, a centre of wine growing in Germany. In 1970 Roger was asked to take over as secretary and later chairman of the town's twinning association. A few years later Hitchin was also twinned with Nuits Saint Georges, in France.
The fund raising and organisation involved much time and hard work, but was very rewarding.
Roger and his late wife Eileen travelled to Bingen many times with groups from Hitchin to take part in wine festivals and local celebrations, including the 25th anniversary of the first twinning. On that occasion a thousand people from Hitchin visited Bingen, staying in private homes for two weeks, and a similar number travelled to Hitchin from Bingen. They also were treated as honoured guests at the celebrations of the 1000th anniversary of the granting of Bingen's town charter.
Roger then gave an account of various types and qualities of wines. He also brought along souvenir plates and medallions he was given over the years, including a ring engraved with the crests of Bingen and Hitchin presented when he retired as chairman.
January 2009
The speakers for the evening, Julie and Geoff Henson, made a dramatic entrance in African dress to talk about the Jokadu District Development Fund, a charity founded by them to finance the building of the Kankudibi Health Clinic in The Gambia. Geoff gave a brief history of the country, a former British colony, and recounted how they first became involved in fund raising there for a Nursery School in 1996.
Five years ago they were asked by the villagers of Bakang for financial help to buy materials to build a health clinic.
With the aid of photographs Julie described the building of the clinic, starting with the buying of sand and gravel which the local people made into building blocks. The clinic is now finished apart from the tiling of walls and floors and the making of furniture and fitments. Work is continuing on a utility block and accommodation for the staff. A bore hole has been sunk for fresh water and the pump is operated by a solar panel.
When open the clinic will have 20 beds in two wards, a delivery room, isolation ward, consultation room, reception, accident and emergency, dispensary, toilets and showers. The charity has paid for the training of four nurses, and has agreed to support the clinic for five years. The Gambian government is to supply the drugs and four more staff.
Over 2000 people are expected to benefit from the project.
October 2008
The speaker for the evening was Rowena Lovall, who spoke on "A Lingerie Designer's Life".
After leaving school Rowena began working for Lux Lux, lingerie manufacturers, at Leek as a trainee manageress. The company had been founded by Eric Goeritz who came to England in the 1920s from Luxembourg, hence the name Lux Lux, short for Luxury from Luxembourg.
Fridays were spent studying at Art College, and at work Rowena learnt every aspect of the trade, starting in the Cutting Room.
A move to the Design Department involved learning to make and cut out patterns from the original designs, and calculating the costings and time involved.
Rowena eventually became Designer, creating lingerie for stores such as Littlewoods and Marks and Spencer. Hardy Amies was also a customer, as well as specialist lingerie shops.
The work was hard and intensive, but there were compensations, including visits to fashion shows and trips abroad. Rowena gave an account of a hair raising flight to Paris from Biggin Hill in her employer's tiny private plane, when navigation involved following railway lines. She was so ill on the journey that she was sent home by BEA at the end of the visit.
Employment at Lux Lux ended when Rowena left to start a family. She retains many happy memories of her working life and the people she worked for.
HISTORY OF THE WOMEN'S INSTITUTE MOVEMENT
The WI movement began at Stoney Creek in Canada in 1897 when Adelaide Hoodless addressed a meeting for the wives of members of the Farmers' Institute. It was only with the onset of the First World War that the women of the UK began to recognise the need for the WI, and it was set up to encourage women to become more involved in producing food to meet the national crisis. The first British WI meeting took place on 16 September 1915 at Llanfairpwll on Anglesey in North Wales.
The Derbyshire Federation was founded in 1918, and at the present time has over 5,200 members in 175 WIs, divided into 29 groups.
Cromford WI was founded on 1st February 1933, when 46 women joined. During the remainder of the year 15 more women were welcomed, making a total of 61 members.
The first President, Miss Edith Sorby, lived at Cromford Bridge House with her sister Caroline, also a member. Miss Sorby held the post until 1943, when she resigned at the age of 79.
In the early days the WI met in the Tabor Chapel schoolroom, on Scarthin, Cromford.
Account books from 1933 and Minute books from 1939 are held at the Derbyshire Records Office in Matlock, and make very interesting reading. Meetings are held at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of the month (except August) at the Institute, Cromford Hill. Today membership stands at 27, and we are looking for new members to join us. That could be you!
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 "Cromford Institute")
 "Cromford WI at Christmas Market, Scarthin, Dec 2011")
 "Cromford WI Bakewell Show entry August 2011")
 "Cromford WI on Nottingham Princess June 2011")
 "Cromford WI stall at Green Festival May 2011")
 "Nurse theme party January 2011")
 "Stall at Matlock Bath Pavilion celebrations, Aug 2010")
 "Treasure Island Apr 2010")
 "Performance of 'Cinderella', Dec 09")
 "Birthday party, Jan 09")
 "WI Banner")
 "WI Walk, Sept 2008")
 "Craft exhibits, Oct 2008")
 "Craft exhibition, Oct 2008")
 "Competition entry, Feb 2009")