Meet the members of Baslow WI
Welcome to this new page of our WI website. Following the success of our fortnightly feature 'Getting to Know Your Team' our membership secretary, Caroline, put out a request for volunteers to be interviewed 'virtually'.
#MyVirtualWI
#MyVirtualWI
Hello Alison...
Our Zoom Queen - Alison photographed walking in Majorca
Tell us a bit about you... My husband and I moved to Baslow 6 years ago after living and working in Norwich for many, many years. My husband is originally from Sheffield and I am a Londoner so it was quite a change for us to move to a village. We lived a double life at first, half the time in Baslow and half back in Norwich but now we are in Baslow 95% of the time and I don’t miss city life at all. Why did you join the WI and what do you like about being a member? I joined the WI to meet people and get involved with the local community and it’s certainly fulfilled those aims, especially since joining the team. When I first joined the WI Team in 2019 I didn’t have a defined role but I have made myself useful during the pandemic by becoming the Zoom Coordinator. Who knew we would need one of those? Each month I set up the Team Meeting and the Monthly Meeting with our guest speaker and also liaise with the WI Wanderers on Facebook in case any visitors would like to join us. I’ve really enjoyed doing the Zoom meetings and hope the ones we’ve got booked for the months ahead are well attended. |
What would be your perfect Christmas Day?
My perfect Christmas Day would probably be on a beach somewhere far away where no one mentions Christmas but as that’s unlikely to ever happen I’ll settle for a relaxing day with my immediate family. Opening some presents, a bottle of bubbly, everyone helping with lunch (which we would have very late), afternoon games, a short walk to blow away the cobwebs and then watching a good film with some delicious party food.
What do you love best about Christmas?
A real Christmas tree: I’m usually in denial about Christmas until about the 20th December but once I get the tree decorated with the Christmas lights on and all the decorations that we’ve collected over the years (some made by our children when they were about 5 years old) I love it and don’t want to take it down again – we do sometimes keep it until the end of January and then the room looks so bare without it. I think this might be a year to get the tree and the lights up early and make the house look extra special though.
My perfect Christmas Day would probably be on a beach somewhere far away where no one mentions Christmas but as that’s unlikely to ever happen I’ll settle for a relaxing day with my immediate family. Opening some presents, a bottle of bubbly, everyone helping with lunch (which we would have very late), afternoon games, a short walk to blow away the cobwebs and then watching a good film with some delicious party food.
What do you love best about Christmas?
A real Christmas tree: I’m usually in denial about Christmas until about the 20th December but once I get the tree decorated with the Christmas lights on and all the decorations that we’ve collected over the years (some made by our children when they were about 5 years old) I love it and don’t want to take it down again – we do sometimes keep it until the end of January and then the room looks so bare without it. I think this might be a year to get the tree and the lights up early and make the house look extra special though.
June 2022 Thanks to Alison for sharing this with us. She has been a Team Member at Baslow WI until recently and will be greatly missed. She is now a WI Climate Ambassador and will continue to work with the WI on Green Matters.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Hello Marion...
Why did you join the WI?
I originally joined the WI of Calver, Curbar & Froggatt. My neighbour Joy invited me to attend a meeting in Calver where I live. I was working full time and involved with the family so evening meetings were good. It was great meeting new people, listening to talks & having tea & cake ! Quite a lovely evening break ! Sadly, numbers were reducing and it was time to close our village WI. Ann McPhie encouraged us to join Baslow, which some of us did - so thank you Ann! What was your dream job growing up? When I look at the ‘job dreams’ I had as a child I certainly would have reservations about the roles for me now! I had a few possibilities on my ‘dream list’ but the one I investigated most was to be an Air Hostess. At the time it seemed very glamorous flying around the world, with British Airways serving champagne with wonderfully presented food & welcoming travellers ! It was a dream I never applied for as I grew up. I do remember though, that the height requirement & maybe the French language they required at that time may have been an obstacle! |
Have you always lived in Calver ?
We have lived here for 31 Years ! A fact that really surprises me, it is the longest we have lived anywhere and I love the area we live in around this part of Derbyshire. However, I can admit now that I really didn’t want to move here! I tried hard to be positive & not to sob loudly on our move here as I didn’t want the children to be aware of my sadness! To explain, my husband & I moved a lot with his work, different cities & countries including Kenya & The Seychelles . We both enjoyed the adventure & experience of different places. Our eldest son was actually born on Mahe in the Seychelles. On our return to England, my husband's third move was to Exeter. We lived in a Devon village where I really felt I belonged. I was teaching, doing specialist training for work, acting as a school governor and a parent helper. However, after a while I did adapt & have settled here. We got to know many people in Calver & Baslow. Our children who grew up here & we soon got to know the parents of their friends. I returned to a demanding teaching role and enjoyed being involved with the groups I worked with, just like our Baslow WI !
What are your favourite hobbies?
I used to enjoy baking but don’t do as much now. My favourite bake was the three tier chocolate cake I made for our eldest sons wedding ! I love having flowers at home and arranging them well.
I enjoy travelling to different places near or far. I enjoy being involved with the Film Club in Calver.
The favourite hobby list is Daisy, our 7 year old black Cockapoo who loves everybody (whether they like it or not)
What was your favourite TV programme as a child?
A quick and easy reply here, it was Mr Ed ! The famous American horse who could talk, (of course).
June 2022 Thanks to Marion for sharing this with us. She has been a Team Member at Baslow WI until recently and will be sadly missed.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
We have lived here for 31 Years ! A fact that really surprises me, it is the longest we have lived anywhere and I love the area we live in around this part of Derbyshire. However, I can admit now that I really didn’t want to move here! I tried hard to be positive & not to sob loudly on our move here as I didn’t want the children to be aware of my sadness! To explain, my husband & I moved a lot with his work, different cities & countries including Kenya & The Seychelles . We both enjoyed the adventure & experience of different places. Our eldest son was actually born on Mahe in the Seychelles. On our return to England, my husband's third move was to Exeter. We lived in a Devon village where I really felt I belonged. I was teaching, doing specialist training for work, acting as a school governor and a parent helper. However, after a while I did adapt & have settled here. We got to know many people in Calver & Baslow. Our children who grew up here & we soon got to know the parents of their friends. I returned to a demanding teaching role and enjoyed being involved with the groups I worked with, just like our Baslow WI !
What are your favourite hobbies?
I used to enjoy baking but don’t do as much now. My favourite bake was the three tier chocolate cake I made for our eldest sons wedding ! I love having flowers at home and arranging them well.
I enjoy travelling to different places near or far. I enjoy being involved with the Film Club in Calver.
The favourite hobby list is Daisy, our 7 year old black Cockapoo who loves everybody (whether they like it or not)
What was your favourite TV programme as a child?
A quick and easy reply here, it was Mr Ed ! The famous American horse who could talk, (of course).
June 2022 Thanks to Marion for sharing this with us. She has been a Team Member at Baslow WI until recently and will be sadly missed.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Hello Mary...
Tell us something about yourself that many members won't know.
I owned a successful bed and breakfast for 14 years in a small Derbyshire hamlet. (As an intrepid researcher I knew Mary had an impressive golfing record so I asked..) Which achievement are you most proud of? My proudest moment was to represent Great Britain and Ireland in the Amateur Ladies Golf team, playing against the United States, in four different years. Standing by our flag pole in our blazers and skirts uniform, with the National Anthem playing, as the Union Jack was hoisted - very proud moments. (As part of my research I found a quote I love. "Mary Everard is a very famous British golfer and she comes from Yorkshire". This description appeared when Mary visited Kenya as a guest of the East African Ladies Golf Union.) What is the best concert you have ever been to? I was taken to many classical music concerts by my father and now have a real favourite - Mendelssohn's oratorio 'Elijah'. The lead role must be sung by Sir Thomas Allen, as he is the very best. What is your preference - city break or beach holiday? I adore long sandy beaches where I can walk for miles, collecting shells on the way. What was your dream job growing up? As a teenager I wanted to be a farmer's wife as I love animals and the outdoors. If you could only take 3 items to a deserted island what would they be? I am a practical person so would need a pencil, a big pad of paper for sketching and a sharp knife. 14 July 2021 |
Sadly Mary died in May 2022 she will not be forgotten.
Hello Cate...
According to my research the Summer Solstice is the official start of the summer sailing season. One of our members will have enjoyed a summer solstice sail or two - Cate Hunt - is going to tell us more as she is this week's 'Meet Our Member'.
Tell us something about yourself most members won't know. My husband and I spent 23 years living on a sailing boat, sailing mainly around the Mediterranean, Caribbean and United States. Wow! I didn't know that. You must have visited many cities around the world. Which was your favourite? Istanbul. I love the contrast between the European and Asian sides. The Asian side was fascinating. I could watch the water traffic for hours, local ferries crossing the Bosporus missing large ships by inches. I think the best way to arrive in Istanbul is by ferry, I love Turkish food and there are some very good restaurants in Istanbul. A lasting memory is of eating fish on the Galatea bridge, with the traffic rumbling away over your head, that was before the new bridge was opened. What did you miss about living in England? The different seasons, even winter. Also having a washing machine instead of relying on rather dodgy laundries. Many ladies would wash enthusiastically but not always carefully or with a bucket! |
What was your most scariest moment?
The boat being struck by lightening whilst sailing from Dominican Republic to Nassau.
I will be asking you more about your experiences when we get chance for a catch up in the Village Hall!
What was the job you wanted to do when you were growing up?
An Airline pilot.
What would be your perfect day?
A day spent walking on the moors followed by a really delicious meal.
A fascinating insight - leaving me wanting to know more!
23 June 2021
Our thanks to Cate for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
The boat being struck by lightening whilst sailing from Dominican Republic to Nassau.
I will be asking you more about your experiences when we get chance for a catch up in the Village Hall!
What was the job you wanted to do when you were growing up?
An Airline pilot.
What would be your perfect day?
A day spent walking on the moors followed by a really delicious meal.
A fascinating insight - leaving me wanting to know more!
23 June 2021
Our thanks to Cate for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Hello Iris...
What makes you most proud?
It has to be my pride in my daughter and two sons, who are now all in their fifties. They were moved around from pillar to post when Peter was in the Forces and had to make friends in different schools every couple of years. Their adaptability as children has contributed to them all being extremely sociable. We have great family gatherings with our seven grandchildren aged from 2-20 years. What is your favourite town or city? It has to be Edinburgh. My father was Scottish and we had family holidays there when I was a child. We have been devoted followers of the Edinburgh Festival for many years and were sad when it was cancelled last year. We love the bustle and exciting atmosphere as well as the great restaurants and galleries. What would be your perfect day? I would like to be in a city or town with a seaside or river nearby. (I grew up on Walney Island in Cumbria and our house overlooked the wild waves of the Irish Sea). My day would start with meeting friends for coffee, followed by SHOPPING!! After that I would dress up, have a lovely early supper and go to the theatre. |
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you?
My husband was posted to be on the academic staff at Sandhurst. He was in the same company as Mark Phillips who, at the time, had recently married Princess Anne. We would meet often at social dinners and it was then quite common to play games after we had eaten. I remember playing 'Consequences' where we had to write down sentences, fold the paper down and then pass them around for the next person to add to. I was next to Mark and passed them on but he just couldn’t think what to write so they were piling up somewhat. It was an awful game but later it was even worse as the host brought out Twister!
(Oh Iris - you must tell us more about the game of Twister! Hope there were no awkward moments with HRH..)
Why did you choose your profession?
I came from a family of teachers - almost all of my cousins were teaching so I followed . I loved it and it was a great job to have as an Army wife as I could pick up work wherever we were posted and could be at home in the holidays.
Is there another job you would that you would have enjoyed?
I would have loved to work in design of some sort but I am rubbish at drawing and painting.
(Well we know how good you are at creating a beautiful flower display. Maybe you should try creating an artwork?)
12 May 2021
Our thanks to Iris for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
My husband was posted to be on the academic staff at Sandhurst. He was in the same company as Mark Phillips who, at the time, had recently married Princess Anne. We would meet often at social dinners and it was then quite common to play games after we had eaten. I remember playing 'Consequences' where we had to write down sentences, fold the paper down and then pass them around for the next person to add to. I was next to Mark and passed them on but he just couldn’t think what to write so they were piling up somewhat. It was an awful game but later it was even worse as the host brought out Twister!
(Oh Iris - you must tell us more about the game of Twister! Hope there were no awkward moments with HRH..)
Why did you choose your profession?
I came from a family of teachers - almost all of my cousins were teaching so I followed . I loved it and it was a great job to have as an Army wife as I could pick up work wherever we were posted and could be at home in the holidays.
Is there another job you would that you would have enjoyed?
I would have loved to work in design of some sort but I am rubbish at drawing and painting.
(Well we know how good you are at creating a beautiful flower display. Maybe you should try creating an artwork?)
12 May 2021
Our thanks to Iris for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Hello Christine...
Introducing an inspirational lady and crafting Queen - Christine Thompson, has kindly agreed to answer my questions this week. As many of you know Christine is the driving force behind WISA.
Why did you choose your profession? I really didn't, it chose me. I went to college, trained as a Nursery Nurse and pursued that career until I married and had my girls. After moving to Yorkshire, money was tight, so I took a job in the workroom of a small family department store. I loved the work, making curtains and blinds, eventually becoming self employed in my own small workroom. After completing a commission to make curtains for the Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey, the Duchess asked if I would take on the job of Seamstress at Chatsworth, the rest as they say is history. |
How long did you work at Chatsworth and what did the role involve?
I worked at Chatsworth for 26 years, as the Seamstress and the Duchess's personal maid. The work was very varied, from curtains to ballgowns and hotel refurbishments to party banners.
What was your most memorable experience?
I once went on a trip to Geneva, the Duchess was giving a slide show and talk, and wanted a 'friend' to accompany her. Very exciting but very brief.
What is your favourite city or country?
I loved our trip to Venice, but Switzerland is my favourite country. We have travelled extensively on the rail network there, and the scenery in just breathtakingly beautiful.
Tell us a bit about WISA and when you hope to start it up again.
We started WISA because there just wasn't time at the monthly meeting to chat and get to know each other, we normally meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month, except December, between 2 and 4pm. We share and learn new skills, be it crafts, technical or gardening or just have a chat over a cup of something and enjoy the company.
Do keep an eye on the diary page. I am hoping to welcome everyone back to WISA on the 23rd June, if Boris allows!
28 April 2021
Our thanks to Christine for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
I worked at Chatsworth for 26 years, as the Seamstress and the Duchess's personal maid. The work was very varied, from curtains to ballgowns and hotel refurbishments to party banners.
What was your most memorable experience?
I once went on a trip to Geneva, the Duchess was giving a slide show and talk, and wanted a 'friend' to accompany her. Very exciting but very brief.
What is your favourite city or country?
I loved our trip to Venice, but Switzerland is my favourite country. We have travelled extensively on the rail network there, and the scenery in just breathtakingly beautiful.
Tell us a bit about WISA and when you hope to start it up again.
We started WISA because there just wasn't time at the monthly meeting to chat and get to know each other, we normally meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month, except December, between 2 and 4pm. We share and learn new skills, be it crafts, technical or gardening or just have a chat over a cup of something and enjoy the company.
Do keep an eye on the diary page. I am hoping to welcome everyone back to WISA on the 23rd June, if Boris allows!
28 April 2021
Our thanks to Christine for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Hello Mary...
What achievement are you most proud of, and why?
When I was 8 our neighbours took me to Belper swimming baths. It was an half hour bus journey but the only swimming pool in the local area. This was first time I had ever been. I got changed, walked down the steps into the pool, and a young boy running round the edge of the pool slipped and fell on top of me. I was shocked, hurt and had to be rescued from the bottom of the pool. Hence, my total fear of being in water. I therefore made sure my children learned to swim at a young age (so they could rescue me!) but at the age of 35 I decided I would attempt to overcome this fear. Learning to swim, an an adult, is definitely my proudest achievement. I gained my bronze badge and also my mile badge. I'm very slow so that took a while, but I did it. Which book is your favourite? My favourite book was a Christmas present when I was 12. I read this book almost annually - Jane Eyre - and still love it. I think it allows the reader to experience a wide range of emotions, and I love the ending. I also very much enjoyed The Life of Pi. |
Who would be the three people you would like to have dinner with?
Bess of Hardwick - such a strong woman and I bet she'd have a lot of gossip from that era. I attended Ripley Technical Grammar School so sciences were high on the curriculum so I'd love to talk to Michael Faraday who discovered lots about electricity amongst other things and apparently was good at simple explanations! I would also like to have Marie Currie there. It would be fascinating to see their interaction.
14 April 2021
Bess of Hardwick - such a strong woman and I bet she'd have a lot of gossip from that era. I attended Ripley Technical Grammar School so sciences were high on the curriculum so I'd love to talk to Michael Faraday who discovered lots about electricity amongst other things and apparently was good at simple explanations! I would also like to have Marie Currie there. It would be fascinating to see their interaction.
14 April 2021
Our thanks to Mary for sharing this with us. Sadly Mary has left Baslow WI but remains a member at Old Brampton WI, Chesterfield. We miss her but she is still a great supporter on Baslow WI on Facebook. Thanks Mary, you are a star!
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Hello Sandra...
Sandra has also taken the time to answer Caroline's in depth questions! Thank you...
What is the best concert you’ve ever been to? This is really hard to narrow down as, in normal times, I love live music and go to a lot of concerts. I’m going to have to mention two of them. As a young teenager I was a huge fan of Marc Bolan and T Rex and will never forget the excitement of them coming to my home town. I think it was probably the first time I went to an event with a friend rather than a parent, which made it even more memorable. Fast forward many years to the old Don Valley stadium in Sheffield when the Rolling Stones appeared, supported by Sheryl Crow. I got there early as I didn’t have a seated ticket and found myself only a couple of rows from the front of the stage. I stood for five hours in the pouring rain but didn’t mind a bit! What is the strangest thing that ever happened to you? Being made a cup of coffee by Freddy Mercury’s sister, Kash. She worked at Thomas Cook’s in Nottingham and I’d called in to see a friend who was the manageress there. |
What are you most proud of?
Raising three children to become the incredible young adults that they are. I already had two when I inherited the third one, aged nine, after the death of his parents. I became a single parent during their teenage years and we navigated the rocky path to independence together. I couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve achieved.
City break or beach holiday?
It’s got to be a city break for me. I love filling my holidays walking, admiring the scenery, people watching and learning about the history, architecture, and art of a place. Since retiring I’ve been to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Russia and several European cities. I found Rome quite overwhelming as you couldn’t go round the next corner without coming across some incredible artefact.
What are your favourite hobbies?
Besides travelling to interesting places both in the UK and abroad, fellow WI members will know me from cycling on the trails, walking in the Peak District and Nordic Walking, which I would never have learnt to do if it hadn’t been for Baslow WI! Having spent my working life in often windowless courtrooms, I just love the great outdoors.
14 April 2021
Raising three children to become the incredible young adults that they are. I already had two when I inherited the third one, aged nine, after the death of his parents. I became a single parent during their teenage years and we navigated the rocky path to independence together. I couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve achieved.
City break or beach holiday?
It’s got to be a city break for me. I love filling my holidays walking, admiring the scenery, people watching and learning about the history, architecture, and art of a place. Since retiring I’ve been to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Russia and several European cities. I found Rome quite overwhelming as you couldn’t go round the next corner without coming across some incredible artefact.
What are your favourite hobbies?
Besides travelling to interesting places both in the UK and abroad, fellow WI members will know me from cycling on the trails, walking in the Peak District and Nordic Walking, which I would never have learnt to do if it hadn’t been for Baslow WI! Having spent my working life in often windowless courtrooms, I just love the great outdoors.
14 April 2021
Our thanks to Sandra for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Hello Caroline...
Describe your perfect day!
My perfect day would be a sunny day in my garden with my three sons and their families. They each have two children and they range from twelve to eight years of age. Why did you choose teaching as a career? Teaching was my second choice. I had been accepted to work in management for Marks & Spencer but because my husband to be was in the Royal Navy, I was not in a position to live and work wherever I was sent. Teaching allowed me the flexibility to pursue my career wherever we were. However it was the right decision and I am so pleased that I chose to teach. History was my main subject at GCSE and A level. History is a subject I am passionate about and really enjoyed teaching. |
Tell me something about yourself that most of our members won't know about you!
When I was a student in Manchester I had a Saturday job working for Georgie Best. The evenings, when he and his team mates were around, would be spent at Bredbury Hall where we would dance and have fun. When it closed at 11pm we would drive to the airport for coffee as it was the only place open! Of course, there were always designated drivers or taxis.
Caroline -- next time we meet you must tell us what the Saturday job was!
Any more famous connections?
My mother was a ballerina with Ballet Rambert and often told tales of their exploits, I did have lessons but I was not very good. I was much better at sports like netball and gymnastics.
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
When I lived in Cornwall we would often go to Carlyon Bay for rock concerts and I was lucky to see, among others, Elton John, Robert Plant and 10CC. My favourite concert was at the O2 where I saw The Eagles but the concert I would love to see is Jonas Kaufman in a live performance of Tosca.
What brought you to Baslow WI?
Judith Coker introduced me to Baslow WI, she was a dear friend and much missed.
24 March 2021
Our thanks go to Caroline for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline H, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
When I was a student in Manchester I had a Saturday job working for Georgie Best. The evenings, when he and his team mates were around, would be spent at Bredbury Hall where we would dance and have fun. When it closed at 11pm we would drive to the airport for coffee as it was the only place open! Of course, there were always designated drivers or taxis.
Caroline -- next time we meet you must tell us what the Saturday job was!
Any more famous connections?
My mother was a ballerina with Ballet Rambert and often told tales of their exploits, I did have lessons but I was not very good. I was much better at sports like netball and gymnastics.
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
When I lived in Cornwall we would often go to Carlyon Bay for rock concerts and I was lucky to see, among others, Elton John, Robert Plant and 10CC. My favourite concert was at the O2 where I saw The Eagles but the concert I would love to see is Jonas Kaufman in a live performance of Tosca.
What brought you to Baslow WI?
Judith Coker introduced me to Baslow WI, she was a dear friend and much missed.
24 March 2021
Our thanks go to Caroline for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline H, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Hello Angela...
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm Angela, I live in Curbar with an elderly ginger cat and a not so elderly husband! Why did you join the WI? I moved to the area last year and Baslow seemed such a large lively group. Which is your favourite season and why? I love Autumn because of the beautiful colours. The delicious foods like roast chestnuts, gingerbread and bonfire toffee are an added bonus. |
If you could time travel would you go to the past or the future?
Definitely the past. I would like to see the journey my great great grandparents made when they were forced to leave Ireland because of the famine.
What are your favourite hobbies?
I like making things with my hands whether it be with fabric, thread, flowers, plants or cooking. Woodwork defeats me. I like to swim and I used to sail. I am fascinated by history and like nothing better than a little research project.
October 2020
Our thanks to Angela for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Definitely the past. I would like to see the journey my great great grandparents made when they were forced to leave Ireland because of the famine.
What are your favourite hobbies?
I like making things with my hands whether it be with fabric, thread, flowers, plants or cooking. Woodwork defeats me. I like to swim and I used to sail. I am fascinated by history and like nothing better than a little research project.
October 2020
Our thanks to Angela for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Hello Anna...
What are your hobbies?
The main one is cooking, which is surprising as I only learnt to cook in 1984 after years of fish fingers and ready meals. I enjoy trying new recipes and making meals from scratch: we’re vegetarian and the amazing Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall cook books really inspire me. And I can listen to the radio/podcasts while doing it which is really relaxing. Although I’ve been in four different WIs over the years, I’ve never made jam or cakes since I was a child. I crochet and sew - by hand as I’m terrified of sewing machines. Since lockdown, I’ve been trying all sorts of crafts and getting hubby involved too. What’s your favourite holiday destination? It has to be India as I met my husband, who was on the same trip, there. Later, we wanted to get married over there but it was too complicated so we chose Key West instead but had an Indian blessing later in the year at a tiger reserve. Since then we’ve been six more times to different parts and just love it. Each area is so different and there’s always something magical that happens. In 2019 I spent my 70th birthday at a Bollywood Studio in Mumbai and later that year we were invited to a wedding in Jaipur - an unforgettable experience: three days of food, dancing, more food, celebrations and more food! Udaipur, the Taj Lake Palace hotel, is our favourite and we hope to go back there one day. What’s the best concert you’ve been to? My husband is a big Tom Waits fan although I’d never heard of him. In 2008 we heard he was coming to the U.K. to do two concerts on his Glitter and Doom tour one in Edinburgh and one in Dublin. At the time I was waiting for a knee replacement and knew it would be tricky but we booked for Edinburgh. We drove up with me on crutches, and it was just fabulous, great atmosphere in the audience and I loved every minute. He’s not been back since so it was worth making the effort. This month Baslow WI are spreading the word about the impact of Climate Change. How do you protect the things you love? We have three bug hotels in the garden, all made from pallets and I hope they’re home over the winter to lots of insects. We also have two ponds which attract various creatures especially dragonflies, frogs and newts as well as providing a bathing area for birds. I’ve adopted some fox cubs, not yet born to help protect our precious wildlife. 10 February 2021 |
Our thanks to Anna for sharing this with us.
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!
Note: Please get in touch with our membership secretary, Caroline, if you are willing to get on the interview couch!