Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
The Western Gazette. Friday 06 Jul 1945
Page 6 Column 2
WOMEN'S INSTITUTES
ACTIVITIES IN SOMERSET
Rode members met at Shawford House, by kind invitation of the President (Mrs. OLIVE). Mrs. P. CRUTTWELL, from Bath, gave an interesting talk on Norway. She wore Norwegian dress, and showed pictures of the country. Mrs. OLIVE reported on the annual assembly in London. Refreshments were provided by the President, and games were enjoyed.
Shepton Beauchamp's “members' meeting” was to have been held at the Manor Farm, by invitation of Mrs. Robert ENGLAND, but owing to the unsettled weather it was held in the Village Hall. Thirteen members were chosen, and all contrived to make the evening a success. Mrs. Wilfred ENGLAND was elected president and Mrs. Walter MARKS secretary, Mrs. Donald VAUX, of South Petherton, gave an interesting account of the annual meeting at the Albert Hall, London. In the competition for the best bowl of roses, prize-winners were: 1, Miss S. MUNCKTON; 2, Mrs. Robert ENGLAND; 3, Mrs. TAYLOR. A recently repatriated prisoner of war, Mr. R. SAINT, of South Petherton, gave a talk on his experiences. He was heartily thanked, and presented with a gift of cigarettes from the members. Refreshments were kindly given by Mrs. Robert ENGLAND and games were enjoyed.
Miss PYM, of Taunton, gave a demonstration to Broadway and Horton on glove-making, and refreshments were served by Mrs. HELLIAR and helpers. The competition was “A Woollen Darn,” prize-winners being:- 1, Miss J. CHISLETT; 2, Mrs. F. BAKER; 3, Mrs. SAWYER. Mrs. SPARKS, of Wadeford, gave an account of the annual meeting at the Albert Hall.
The last monthly meeting of the Huish Episcopi Institute was a members' meeting, Miss D. BOWN being president and Mrs. SMYE hon. secretary. A talk on “Gardening” was given by Mr. J. R. SMYE, and thanks were accorded him by Mrs. ADAMS. A competition was won by Mrs. CHILDS and Mrs. T. GODDARD. The social half-hour was given by the Kingsbury Episcopi W.I. Members, their programme including a charade, which caused much amusement. A prize, given by Mrs. Rufus MALE, was won by Mrs. W. E. MARTIN. Mrs. SMALL thanked the Kingsbury members. Refreshments were in charge of Mrs. PRIDDLE and helpers. Miss J. MATTHEWS and Mrs. VILE were in charge of the members' stall. Songs and community singing brought a pleasant evening to a close.
OLD ENGLISH FAIR AT ALFORD.
Lovington and district held an Old English fair in the Rectory gardens at Alford, by the kind permission of the Rev. and Mrs. L. J. JACKSON. The members in Old English costumes, made a charming and attractive sight walking about the grounds. The procession of members in Old English costumes numbered about 40. Miss GOULD, of Hornblotton, and Mrs. TRAVERS, of Lovington, were judged equal first, and were presented with Victorian posies. Maypole dancing was organised by Mrs. PAYNE, the dancers all being in costume. Pedlars walked about selling cakes, sweets, and buttonholes. There was a miscellaneous stall, a “Cheap Jack,” who caused much amusement, a fortune teller, houpla, games of all kinds, teas and refreshments. A charming display of table decorations arranged with wild flowers was in the Parish-room, together with a class for Victorian posies. These were judged by Mrs. PORTER and Mrs. BOWSER. The prize-winners were: Table decorations – 1, Mrs. LACH-SZYRMA; 2, Mrs. HOSSACK; 3, Mrs. SIMS. Victorian posies – 1 Mrs. SIMS; 2, Mrs. BARBER; 3, Mrs. WAY. A Victorian whist drive ended the proceedings, Mr. E. LONG acting as M.C. Prize-winners were: Ladies – 1, Mrs. LACH-SZYRMA; 2, Mrs. B. RIDEWOOD; consolation, Mrs. GOLLEDGE. Gentlemen – 1, Miss E. COOK; 2, Mr. B. RIDEOOD; consolation Miss COBB. After all expenses are paid, £35 will be handed to the funds.