ABOUT USCromford 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.
2010 PROGRAMME - Monthly Meetings
Outings and Activities
January 6, Cancelled due to weather conditions.
Members' Evening: bring and talk about something
of significance in your life.
January 11 Cancelled due to weather conditions.
Cromford WI's birthday party at the Institute.
Theme: "Pirates"
February 3 Cancelled due to weather conditions.
Speaker: Tamsin Brookes on "Women's Waterworks".
The competition is for a miniature garden with water.
February 22
Darts and Dominoes at the Bell Inn, Cromford.
March 3
Speaker: Diane McHarg, Housekeeper at Pickford House.
The competition is a 6 line poem on 'Housework'.
March 9
DFWI Spring Council Meeting at Chesterfield.
The speaker is Dulcie Lewis, author and historian.
March 10
Go on - Spoil Yourself. Methodist Church, Water Lane,
Cromford.
April 7
Speaker: Sue Askham on Bespoke Jewellery.
The competition is for a piece of jewellery with a memory.
May 6
Resolutions, Plant Stall, Pudding Party.
Members: How I met my husband.
June 2
Speaker: Christine Levasseur talking about the London
to Birmingham Charity Walk.
The competition is for a decorated walking stick.
June 2
NFWI AGM in Cardiff.
July 7
Speaker: Joan Carr with a quiz on places in Derbyshire.
The competition is for a memento of Derbyshire.
No meeting in August
September 1
Speaker: Katharine Wilson - Chair Exercises.
Competition - Miniature furniture.
October
DFWI Autumn Council Meeting at Derby.
October 6
Speaker: Ann Pocklington on the Yellowstone National Park.
The competition - Make something yellow.
November 3
Annual Meeting. Election of Officers. Cheese and Wine.
December 1
Marjorie Thoday: Christmas Posies.
Christmas Party. Please bring a small wrapped gift.
REPORTS OF MEETINGS
December 2009 //
November 2009 //
October 2009 //
September 2009 //
July 2009 //
June 2009 //
May 2009 //
April 2009 //
March 2009 //
Feb 2009 //
January 2009 //
Dec 2008 //
November 2008 //
October 2008
December 2009
President Judith Hamilton welcomed 25 members to the Christmas meeting of Cromford WI at the Institute. November had been a busy month with members attending a Soup and Winter Puddings evening hosted by Whatstandwell WI, and a Beetle Drive and Supper as guests of Ambergate WI. There was also a visit to the Knitting and Stitching Exhibition at Harrogate and the Knit and Natter group met to pursue their own projects.
Plans for December include a Christmas lunch at Alison House and the Group Carol Service at St James Church, Idridgehay. Member Lynda Rowell will be holding a mince pie and sherry morning at her home in Bonsall with stalls and raffle.
A collection was held towards a memorial bench at the school for Eveline Fullwood, a former long standing member and retired teacher at Cromford School, who died in January 2009.
The speaker for the evening had unfortunately cancelled at short notice because of illness, so entertainment was provided by the ever resourceful members. Judith, Ann, Janet and Diana read humorous items to general amusement, followed by Judith, Janet, Diana, Roma and Trina who performed a minimalist version of Cinderella, much appreciated by the audience.
Another talented member, Ann Pocklington, was due to take part in Shane O'Connor's Breakfast Show on Radio Derby the following day as part of a feature on "make do and mend". Anyone who caught the programme will agree that Ann gave a good account of herself and succeeded in explaining how to sew a button on a shirt over the radio.
After festive food, mulled wine and Christmas gifts, the evening was rounded off with carol singing.
Wednesday, 6th January 2010, will be a Members' Evening - bring and talk about something of significance in your life.
The Cromford WI Birthday party is on Monday 11th January with a pirate theme.
Visitors are very welcome to our meetings. More information on 01629 824198.
November 2009
The Annual Meeting of Cromford WI on 4th November was attended by 23 members. Judith Hamilton was re-elected as President, and 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 all the many social activities and outings organised during the year, including quizzes and competitions in County and Group events.
The WI supports charitable events, such as the Ladies' Night at Highfields School in aid of cancer research. The knitters among us had responded to the Sailors' Society appeal for warm hats and had also knitted over 200 hats for the Save the Children baby hat appeal. Bras were collected for Oxfam. At the monthly meetings a sales table with books, plants and magazines raises money for the charity Associated Country Women of the World.
The monthly speakers had given a wide range of informative and entertaining talks. Following Doug Bradbury's account of the Life and Times of a Farrier he was invited to speak at an open social evening at the Community Centre, and some members visited his Museum at Clay Cross. Other events such as the Fashion Show and Jumble Sale attracted a lot of support. Regular walks and get-togethers for a "knit and a natter" were popular.
There is usually a raffle and competition at the meetings, and time to catch up with fellow members over a cup of tea and biscuits.
The annual meeting continued with a buffet supper supplied by members, and sparklers in honour of Bonfire night. The raffle was won by Janet.
During November members will be taking part in a Beetle Drive organised by Ambergate WI, a Soup and Winter Puddings Evening at Whatstandwell WI and a trip to the Knitting and Stitching Exhibition at Harrogate.
The next meeting at Cromford Institute is on December 2nd when there will be festive food, entertainment by Pat Hall and a present from Santa's sack.
If you live in Cromford, Wirksworth or any of the surrounding villages why not come along to one of our meetings? There is something of interest for everyone and the opportunity to make new friends. Find out more by ringing 01629 824198.
October 2009
President Judith Hamilton welcomed 24 members and visitors to the October meeting, and after completion of business outlined plans for the coming weeks. These include a walk around Chatsworth Park, a knit and natter afternoon and an evening of entertainment organised by Bolehill WI.
Judy Jones reported on the DFWI Autumn Federation Meeting in Derby. It was an enjoyable day with a varied programme and informative and entertaining speakers. Barbara Harpham, the national director of Heart Research UK, spoke about her organisation which over the last 40 years has supported many medical breakthroughs, including the first successful UK heart transplants.
Martin Gurdon, motoring columnist, chicken keeper and contibutor to WI Life magazine, regaled us with stories about his chickens, including Sven, the cockerel with an over active libido, and Trevor, who needed regular physiotherapy.
The main speaker was Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, who entertained us with anecdotes from her years as captain of the England women's cricket team, her involvement with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football club and her work with the Lady Taverners charity.
After Judy's report we heard from our speaker for the evening, 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.
Ann Polkington thanked Keith for his talk about the remarkable work undertaken by Remap.
The evening concluded with refreshments and the judging of the competition for a useful gadget, which was won by Yvonne Daykin. The raffle winner was Margaret Kay.
The next meeting will be on 4th November: Election of Officers, bonfire food and fun. Visitors welcome. More information on 01629 824198.
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.
Lynda Rowell, acting President in the absence of Judith, went through the activities since the last meeting in July. There was a good turnout of members and husbands for the Group Walk from Ambergate and the visit to farrier Doug Bradbury's museum at Clay Cross.
Plans for the coming month include an evening organised by Darley Dale WI with a meal and a demonstration of flower arranging by Anita Butt, and the DFWI Autumn Federation Meeting at Derby, where the main speaker will be Rachael Heyhoe Flint.
The next meeting is on 7th October, when Mr Keith Hunter will be speaking about Remap, an organisation which provides custom made equipment for people with disabilities. Visitors are welcome to all our meetings.
July 2009
At the July meeting of Cromford WI held at the Institute the minutes were read and business concluded before President Judith Hamilton reported on activities enjoyed by members in the previous month.
The Ladies' Night at Highfields School was an entertaining evening with a fashion show, demonstration of belly dancing and sales of clothes and jewelry. The event raised £3000 for cancer research. The Clothes Swop evening at Holloway was organised by Ambergate WI, with proceeds going to charity. The Derbyshire Federation of WIs put on a Strut Your Stuff event at Masson Mill with a fashion show, buffet and discounted shopping. All three events were well supported with members taking full advantage of the bargains on offer.
Nine members visited Pollyanna Pickering's gallery at Oker. The art exhibition of original paintings was in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Born Free foundation, a charity devoted to conservation and the re-habilitation of wild animals in zoos and circuses. They went on to see the beautiful flower arrangements in Rowsley church, followed by lunch at Tall Trees in Two Dales.
The walking group stayed close to home this month with a walk over Rose End Meadows, Middleton and Via Gellia. The knit and natter group met at the Institute to work on their current projects.
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.
The competition for an old local photograph was won by Mary Whitworth, and the raffle winner was Ann Pocklington.
The next meeting is on 2nd September, when Irene Yarnell will be speaking about Hats, and the competition is to bring along your favourite hat or fascinator. More information on 01629 824198.
June 2009
Twenty members attended the June meeting of Cromford WI at the Institute on Cromford Hill. Four visitors were welcomed, including two members from Wimborne WI in Dorset who were holidaying in Cromford.
After completion of business president Judith Hamilton went over the May activities. The jumble sale attracted a lot of interest, unsold items being donated to the Mind charity, and two teams took part in the Ambergate WI quiz night.
An enjoyable day was spent at Trentham Gardens with members' husbands and friends invited along. There was plenty to see and do although the weather could have been better.
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.
The competition for a miniature well dressing was won by Yvonne Daykin and Joan Swallow was the raffle winner.
During June there will be a knit and natter afternoon and a walk around Rose End Meadows and Middleton. Members will also be taking part in a Clothes Swap evening put on by Ambergate WI and the Strut Your Stuff event at Masson Mill on 30 June organised by the Derbys Federation of WIs. Some members will be supporting the Tea Party in the Garden at Whatstandwell in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, and on 29 June a visit has been arranged to Pollyanna Pickering's art exhibition at her gallery in Oker and the Rowsley Flower Festival.
The next meeting is on 1st July when Ruth Gordon will be speaking on Derbyshire Diaries, and the competition is for an old local photograph.
If you would like to come to any of our meetings and take part in social events and outings you are very welcome. More information on 01629 824198.
May 2009
Members of Cromford WI held their May meeting at the Institute, Cromford Hill. The president, Judith Hamilton, welcomed everyone and gave an account of activities in the previous month. These included a pleasant walk around Bonsall, with thanks to Lynda for putting on lunch, and a knit and natter afternoon.
At the Group Meeting at Wirksworth, organised by Bolehill WI, there was a last minute change of speaker. Patrick McLoughlin MP was unable to attend and his secretary, Eileen Wright, ably took his place. Eileen has worked in the House of Commons for an incredible 60 years and gave an interesting account of her career and of the procedures and rules involved in the work of Parliament.
Entertainment from Uncle Michael the clown followed and then we all sampled the tempting selection of cakes provided by Bolehill WI members, although fortunately for Uncle Michael there were no custard pies!
Judith reminded members of events arranged for May. A team will be taking part in the Ambergate WI quiz, always an enjoyable evening. On 18th May a coach will be taking members, husbands and friends on a day out to Trentham Gardens.
The meeting continued with a discussion on the resolution to be debated at the June 2009 AGM of the National Federation of Womens Institutes. The resolution is: "SOS for Honey Bees", urging the Government to increase funding for research into the reasons for the decline in the UK honey bee population.
A plant sale, beetle drive and cheese and wine completed the evening.
The next meeting is on Wednesday 3rd June at 7.30pm at the Institute, when Peak Advertiser writer Sally Mosley will be speaking on Walking with Alfie. Alfie will also be present to meet his many admirers, but will be unable to sign autographs.
Visitors and potential members are always welcome at our meetings. If you are new to the area joining the WI is a wonderful way to make friends. Enquiries to 01629 824198.
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.
Mr Holliday was thanked by Diana Flint for his interesting talk. He went on to judge the Memory of London competition, won by Janet Chambers. Julie Barton won the raffle draw.
President Judith Hamilton reported on the Derbyshire Federation of Womens Institutes Annual Council Meeting in Chesterfield, where speakers Christine Walkden talked about her career in horticulture, and Sir Henry Every spoke about his involvement with the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas. It was the last event to be hosted by County Chairman Judy Stanhope, who announced her retirement and introduced her successor, Nancy Hawksworth.
Judith went on to give an account of the previous month's activities. The SOS Fashion Show organised by Cromford WI attracted over fifty people and was declared a huge success.
Cromford members showed their competitive side, entering two teams in the County Quiz at the Riddings venue, and three teams in the quiz organised by Iretonwood and Idridgehay WI on the following evening. The Cromford A team came second at Riddings and was placed third in the whole county. The same team came first at Kirk Ireton and the other Cromford teams also put up a good showing. Congratulations to all who took part.
Finally seven members visited the Glad Rags Exhibition at Buxton Museum.
Plans for April include a walk around Bonsall, with lunch to be provided by member Lynda Rowell. Bolehill WI is hosting the meeting of the Via Gellia Group of local WIs on April 22nd at Wirksworth. The speaker will be Patrick McLoughlin MP. Lastly, a Knit and Natter afternoon is to be held on April 28th.
Members were asked to collect items for the Jumble Sale planned for May 9th.
The next meeting is on May 6th, when there will be a plant stall, a beetle drive and discussion of the Resolutions to be voted on at the National Federation of Women's Institutes AGM.
Visitors are welcome. Enquiries to 01629 824198.
March 2009
It was a good turn out at the 4th March meeting with 25 members and one visitor attending. After the conclusion of business president Judith Hamilton reported on the previous month's activities.
Members had been to see Calendar Girls at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham, a show based on the true story of members of a Yorkshire WI who raised money for charity by posing for a nude calendar. Members also enjoyed an entertaining evening of stories, jokes, poems and anecdotes from Pam Ayres at Buxton Opera House. A knit and natter afternoon was well supported, as was the walk along Cromford Canal with lunch at Cromford Mill.
During March a group will be attending the Derbys Federation of Women's Institutes' Spring Council meeting at Chesterfield, when the speaker will be Christine Walkden, gardener, horticulturist and broadcaster. Teams have been entered for the County Quiz at Riddings on 26 March and for a Quiz and Supper evening organised by Ireton Wood and Idridgehay WI the following day. A trip is also planned on 31 March to Buxton Museum to see the "Glad Rags" exhibition celebrating glamorous and fun clothing.
Finally Cromford WI is hosting a sale and fashion show by SOS Fashions at Cromford Methodist Schoolroom on 18 March.
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.
After refreshments the meeting concluded with the raffle draw, won by Christine Hooker. The competition for an ode to wine was won by Ann Pocklington.
The next meeting is on 1st April, when the speaker will be Clive Holliday on "The Many Facets of London". The competition is for a memory of London. Visitors are welcome. Enquiries to 01629 824198.
February 2009
Sixteen members braved the snow and ice to attend the Cromford WI meeting on 4th February at the Institute.
Minutes were read and the events of the previous month discussed. It was agreed that the Black and Bling birthday party had been a great success, with good food and company. Janet Chambers organised games and a light hearted quiz.
It was a sunny day for the walk from Calver by the river and passing behind the old cotton mill, now converted into apartments. This mill had a starring role in the 1970s TV series Escape From Colditz. Lunch was taken at the Bridge Inn.
A letter has been received from Julie and Geoff Henson, who gave last month’s talk on building a health clinic in The Gambia. The map of the country which members had outlined with 10p pieces raised £21.70 which was in addition to the donation from the WI towards the clinic.
Plans for February include trips to see Calendar Girls in Nottingham and Pam Ayres in Buxton. Some members will be going to a Valentine’s Day 1960s evening at Breadsall. The February walk is on the 16th, the route still to be decided. Finally, members are bringing along their knitting and sewing projects to a “Knit and Natter” afternoon on February 23rd.
The speaker for the evening was Helen Krasner, who spoke about pixelhobby craft. This is a relatively new craft originating in Holland, and Helen explained how it is done and brought along examples of her work. Mini-mosaics are created using tiny plastic tiles, or pixels, which are fixed on to pegs on a solid baseplate using tweezers, the baseplates being placed over different design sheets each with four colours. Finished creations make unusual coasters, placemats, or trays. Or the mosaics can be framed and hung on the wall, or incorporated in greetings cards.
Helen is one of only four suppliers of materials in the UK. Kits contain design sheets, pixel squares and base plates. You can also use pixelhobby software available on CD to make your own designs and photos into pixel-pictures. All the charts for each project are printed out, along with a supplies list, so that you can then order what you need.
Members were given a chance to try out this intriguing craft, some being more successful than others!
Roma Davies thanked Helen for her talk and for venturing out in such atrocious weather.
The competition for a mini mosaic was won by Diana Flint and raffle winner was Judith Hamilton.
The next meeting will be on 4th March, when Roger Crabtree will be speaking on the Trials and Tribulations of twinning, and the competition is an Ode to Wine.
Visitors are always welcome. Enquiries to 01629 824198
January 2009
President Judith Hamilton welcomed twenty two members of Cromford WI to the January 2009 meeting at the Institute. Judith gave the sad news that former member Mrs Evelyn Fullwood had died a few days earlier. Mrs Fullwood, a teacher at Cromford School before her retirement, joined the WI over 60 years ago.
During December members attended the Group Carol Service at St Anne’s Church in Ambergate, visited Haddon Hall, and enjoyed a festive lunch at Alison House.
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.
There was no competition this month. Instead members were asked to bring along 10p pieces to fill in the outline of a map of The Gambia. This, together with a donation from the WI, was given to the Development Fund. Janet Chambers thanked Julie and Geoff for their inspiring talk.
The meeting continued with plans for the coming month. The theme for the WI birthday party on 12th January is “Black and Bling” and it promises to be an enjoyable evening with fun and games and good food.
The walk around Calver which was cancelled because of heavy rain will now take place on 20th January.
Longer term plans are for an SOS Fashion Show, and a trip to Trentham Gardens. Full details will be announced later.
The raffle was won by Joy Colclough.
The next meeting will be on 4th February, when Helen Krasner will speak on Pixelhobby Craft, and the competition is a mini mosaic.
Visitors are always welcome. Enquiries to 01629 824198
December 2008
President Judith Hamilton welcomed 21 members and two visitors to the Christmas meeting on 3rd December at Cromford Institute.
November has been a busy month with members attending a Wartime Memories evening at Derbyshire House, and a Diabetes Awareness Day at Darley Dale. They also supported
the WI stall at the Idridgehay Church bazaar. The walk planned around Calver was cancelled at the last minute. Ten members were assembled in Cromford Market Place when the heavens opened and rain looked set for the rest of the day.
The social evening on 28 November at the Community Centre was attended by almost fifty people, including husbands and friends. Everyone enjoyed the talk by Doug Bradbury on his life as a farrier. The supper prepared by Lynda Rowell and Diana Flint was to their usual high standard, and many people went home with a raffle prize.
Plans for December include Christmas lunch at Alison House in Cromford and the Group Carol Service at St Anne's in Ambergate. Members will also be visiting Haddon Hall where a spectacular magical display is promised as the Hall is open for the first time during the run up to Christmas.
The meeting continued with Lynda demonstrating sweet making. Using chocolate and marzipan as a basis the sweets were decorated with nuts, cherries and dates. They made an attractive display before being demolished by the members, many of whom have been inspired to have a go at home.
Roma Davies presented Lynda and Diana with gifts in appreciation of their hard work in providing the food for so many of the WI events during the year.
After festive food, mulled wine and a present from Santa'a sack the evening was rounded off with carol singing.
The next meeting is on Wednesday 7th January when Julie and Geoff Henson will be speaking about building a clinic in The Gambia. Members are asked to bring along 10p pieces to fill in the outline of a tiger, to be donated towards clinic funds. The Cromford WI birthday party will be on 12 January 2009, the theme being "Black and Bling".
Visitors are always welcome. Enquiries to 01629 824198
November 2008
The main business of the November meeting was the election of officers for 2009. Judith Hamilton was re-elected President, and Margaret Woodcock will continue as Treasurer. Sheila Taylor is to stand down as Secretary, to be replaced by Janet Chambers. The other Committee members will continue in their supporting roles.
Sheila gave a report on all the many activities and outings organised by Cromford WI during the year. Members have also taken part in county events, including quizzes and competitions.
2008 is the 75th anniversary year of the founding of Cromford WI. On 8th October the members held a Coffee morning and Exhibition at the Institute. Visitors saw various craft items made by members and the scrapbooks of photographs and memorabilia. Items included an invitation to a garden party at Buckingham Palace held to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the WI in 1965. The representative from Cromford WI was Ida Robinson who brought along photographs of the occasion and the hat and shoes she wore on the day.
Judy Jones gave a report on an enjoyable day at the Autumn Council Meeting of the Derbyshire Federation at the Assembly Rooms in Derby. The speakers, Gloria Hunniford and Jaswinder Sanghera, gave thought provoking talks about their lives and work. Some Cromford members had been busy knitting hats for the Sailors' Society's appeal and added them to the pile at the Meeting.
Via Gellia Group activities in October were well supported. The Beetle Drive and Supper organised by Ambergate WI saw Cromford member Joy Colclough with the highest points. It was an enjoyable evening at Holloway organised by Dethick, Lea and Holloway WI, with a speaker, a game of Call My Bluff and a tempting array of home made cakes.
Some members went to the Theatre Royal in Nottingham to see a performance of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The walkers' group explored the area around Rowsley, calling at the Chatsworth Garden Centre for lunch.
Plans for November include a walk around Calver with lunch at a local pub. Several members will be attending the Diabetes Awareness Day at Darley Dale.
The highlight of the month will be the open evening at the Cromford Community Centre on 28th November at 7.00pm. Tickets are £6.50 including supper. Mr Doug Bradbury will be speaking on "Farriery through the Years" with many entertaining stories about his working life. Guaranteed to be a good evening.
Our meeting ended with jacket potatoes and sparklers in honour of Bonfire Night.
The next meeting is on 3 December when Lynda Rowell will be demonstrating sweet making.
Visitors are always welcome. Enquiries to 01629 824198
October 2008
The October meeting was attended by 17 members and two visitors.
Arrangements were finalised for a wide range of activities in October.
Some members will be attending the Autumn Council Meeting of the Derbyshire Federation on 7th October in Derby.
On Wednesday 8th October Cromford WI is inviting everyone to a Coffee Morning at the Institute, where there will be displays of craft, photos and memorabilia.
On 13th October the walking group will be exploring the area round Rowsley with lunch at the Chatsworth Garden Centre.
Ambergate WI is hosting a Beetle Drive and supper on 16th October, and a group will be going to see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham on 22nd October.
Finally the Via Gellia Group meeting will be at Holloway on 30th October.
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.
The competition for a doll's lingerie was won by Judith Hamilton. The raffle winner was Joy Colclough.
The next meeting is on 5th November with a theme of Jackets and Sparklers. Officers will be elected for the coming year.
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!
 "Cromford Institute")
 "Birthday party, Jan 09")
 "WI Banner")
 "WI Walk")
 "Craft exhibits")
 "Craft exhibition")
 "Competition entry")