News and information October 2019 - September 2020
29 September 2020 - Baslow Bikers
Six Baslow Bikers met at the Derwent Dams at 10am today for a 23 mile cycle including a picnic lunch. There were lots of people out and about but all observing the rules of social distancing enforced due to coronavirus and enjoying the clear views and great weather on this wonderful autumn day.
28 September 2020 - New Nordic Walking member + Iris with the most colourful tree in Chatsworth!
26 September 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
This weekend we asked Anna J to start us off with her answer to the question, if you didn't know, she is a very strict vegetarian. This is what she says... 'Mushroom risotto... Other risottos are available, ie beetroot and goats cheese, yum! And anything pasta in a ‘Creamy sauce’ which I tend to call glue. Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall has published loads of amazing vegetarian recipes that don’t involve the same old mushrooms. Tonight I made banana curry from a Co-op food magazine recipe and it was just fabulous.
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Angela B says... 'As a vegetarian most things are off limits to me on a menu. Thanks to Anna for the Banana Curry recipe. I am going to make it later.'
Sandra J says... 'I would never choose mussels. I know they’re a speciality in Brussels and many other cities and seaside resorts and that I’ve even bought a mussel pot for my son-in-law for Christmas (at his request), but I can’t stand them!'
Caroline E says.. 'Anything with a cooked egg would never appeal and would be avoided at all costs.'
Liz B says... 'Liver or kidney.'
Sue Y says... 'The thing I would never order would be oysters, the thought of even opening my mouth to let that slimy mass slide past my tonsils makes me feel ill. Lots of people think they are delicious I know but “One man’s meat is another man’s poison”, as the saying goes!'
Sandra M says... 'I would never eat any fish or meat that was alive when the cooking process started when it was still alive.'
Jane W says... 'I thought that I’d been given delicious battered onion rings. I expected to bite into a soft centred onion ring, instead my teeth clasped onto a flavourless elastic band. It was not good.'
Mary be says... 'I would never choose lamb or pork. Not a great meat eater any time but couldn't go veggie cos I love roast beef and bacon.'
Jane S says... 'I would never choose curry of any type from a menu. In my early twenties a boyfriend (brought up in India) invited me for a meal at his house and gave me a very hot curry which I'm afraid has put me off for life - from both the boyfriend and his cooking.'
Janet B says... ' I would never choose squid or octopus!!'
Lesley P says... 'I would never choose squid! After a bad experience in Venice.'
Judith B says... 'The food I would never choose is jellied eels. We were given them once at a wedding- yuk - a mouth full of bones . Never again!'
Iris H says... 'I am with Sandra J-can’t stand the sight of mussels which all the rest of my family love as well as oysters which to me taste like a mouthful of seawater.'
Cate H says... 'I would never order any dish involving mashed potato however they dressed them up. I hate the texture!'
Ann Mc says... 'Duck - I eat most other meat and poultry but I can't stick duck since we had some nesting in our garden when we lived in Baslow and they used to knock on the patio doors to say 'hi'!'
Janette L says... ' Squid, cockles & mussels. Yuk!'
Julia F says... 'I would never eat anything with chilli, there are quite a few nowadays also I wouldn't order spaghetti, too messy!' 🌶
25 September 2020 - Still plenty of colour in the gardens at Chatsworth this autumn. 🌻
Today six Baslow WI members, all 'Friends of Chatsworth' met for a socially distanced walk in the gardens. We plan to do this more often and if more than six want to come they are welcome we will just split into suitable groups.
23 September 2020 - The Great British 'September' Clean
On this damp, dull but mild September day the Darlings met outside Baslow Village Hall to do their bit for the Great British 'September' Clean. Plenty of rubbish had been cleared from the areas where these Darlings lived and they set off for another hour collecting (and chatting) in areas around the Hall, Goose Green, Eaton Hill and on the main road through the village to the Golden Gates entrance to Chatsworth. Members collect locally throughout the year to try to keep Baslow Tidy it's amazing and also shocking what they find. Litter pickers and bags were provided by Derbyshire Dales District Council and the picking session was organised by our Roving Reporter, Jane. Thank you 'Darling'!
20 September 2020 - Get well soon Angela
This weekend we heard that Angela, a former Baslow WI President, has been ill for some time with very serious back problems. One of our Team Members delivered a card made by Christine and plant today on behalf of all the members with our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
19-20 September 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
We asked Lorna our former President and now our Vice President to start us off this week. This is what she says..
'Please don’t think I am a seasoned drinker but my favourite adverts have been the Guinness Toucan. The ads were amusing, clever and wonderful graphics. Although I love the Toucan I don’t like to drink Guinness.' |
Mary B says... 'Cook cook cookability, that's the beauty of gas.'
Web editor says... 'Very catchy the words are buzzing in my head now!'
Web editor says... 'Very catchy the words are buzzing in my head now!'
Jane W says... 'Cinzano airline advert with Joan Collins and Leonard Rossiter.'
Janet B says... 'No hesitation there - the Kit-Kat advert with the two ice-skating pandas.'
Kate T says... 'My favourite ad must be the Esso petrol one” Put a Tiger in your tank”. Closely followed by the series of Gold Blend coffee ads. Humour and a story really stick in your mind.'
Sue Y says... 'My favourite very old advert is Warninks Advocaat - “Every night and every morning I drink Warninks”. I did not drink advocaat but I loved the advert and the tune.'
Sandra Marshall says... 'My favourite advert is The Boy on a Bike the 1973 Hovis bread advert. The setting looks Northern but is Gold Hill, Shaftsbury, Dorset. It was also the setting for Thomas Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd. Thomas Hardy's birth county Dorset.'
Iris H says... ' I loved the Nescafe Gold Blend advert with Sharon Maughan and Anthony Head. It was like a mini “soap” and I looked forward to the next one to see what would happen next. It must have lasted quite a few years.'
Sandra J says... 'For quite a few years I’ve only watched programmes that have been recorded, skipping through the adverts, so I’ve had to search deep to think of my favourite in the past. As a child I loved the PG Tips adverts with the chimpanzees having tea parties and given voice-overs. I suppose they were of their day and not allowed now but they were certainly popular and a good marketing gimmick to have lasted about fifty years in my mind.'
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Maria M says... 'Cadbury's Smash in the 70's..instant mashed potato.....the space aliens laughing about humans making mash - 'they peel them with their metal knives' was one phrase, 'they boil them for 20 of their minutes', ' then they smash them all to bits' at which point they rolled around laughing at how 'primitive' humans were! 'For mash get smash' - worth watching on youtube!'
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17 September 2020 - National Trust, Longshaw
Four of our Nordic Walkers met on a beautiful September afternoon for a pleasant circular walk taking in the top of Padley Gorge and finishing off with the obligatory ice-creams!
Report & photos Sandra Jenkins
16 September 2020 - Happy 105th birthday NFWI!
Today as we celebrated the National Federation of WIs 105th birthday we managed to walk in groups of less than six members socially distanced on four different picnic walks. The photos here are a mixture of all four walks organised by Jane, our new WI Walks Coordinator. She has taken on a massive job as walking is going to be our main WI activity this autumn and winter due to the coronorvirus. Everyone involved today enjoyed it and they are coming back for more! Please volunteer to lead a walk Baslow WI members.
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THE MEETING PLACE - BASLOW VILLAGE HALL BUS STOP!
ON THE WALKS...
All photos shown here taken by Baslow WI members on the various picnic walks. Thanks to them all.
15 September 2020 - Nordic Walking
Baslow WI members met up with Izzy's Nordic Walking Derbyshire group for a 4.5mile walk in the Millthorpe and Barlow area of Derbyshire today. Fabulous weather for walking, we are making the most of it before the autumn truly sets in! 😎
13 September 2020 - Out and about this weekend
Margaret visited Brierlow Bar High Peak Book Store & Cafe today. It is 14 miles from Baslow Village on A5270. Open 7 days per week. Margaret says it's well worth a visit through beautiful rolling countryside.
Photos - Margaret Mitchell
13 September 2020 - #MyVirtualWI - 'A visit to the seaside'
This fabulous seascape has been painted by Shirley, a former Baslow WI member, during lockdown. She says... 'Regards to all the lovely ladies I came in contact with. Lovely memories.' Thank you Shirley. 🐚🦀
11-13 September 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
We asked our Treasurer, Vikki, to start us off this weekend she says... 'Maybe I'd like to be Jack Reacher's sister. He could sort any problem out and never get caught! When I was younger though it would have been anything Enid Blyton, so maybe part of the famous five, not strictly family I know!'
Jane W says... 'It’s not a case of which fictional family. Since Lockdown I have actually become Sandra Menace, mother of Dennis!' 🤣
Janet B says... 'I would be one of the girls in “Little Women” - a lovely homely family.'
June Oldham says... 'I would have liked to have been a member of the Durrell Family. They were so eccentric and interesting. It must have been great fun living amongst all Gerry's animals on beautiful Corfu.'
Mary B says... 'Little House on the Prarie. Semi-fictional I know.'
Sandra J says... 'I think I would like to be in one of the Famous Five’s families. I loved these stories when I was a child. They had total freedom, lots of adventures and never seemed to get into trouble back home!'
Caroline E says... 'I have now decided that since I could not choose a real life family I would have chosen to be part of the March family from 'Little Women'. I did not have any sisters and I was an only child until my brother was born 17 years later and he was more like my child than my brother. Having a sister as well would have been the icing on the cake (into all sorts of trouble in our teens)!!'
Note: Caroline's choice of a real life family to join would have been the Mitfords!
Note: Caroline's choice of a real life family to join would have been the Mitfords!
Alison H says... 'I would like to have been in the Pevensie family in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I can remember checking the back of my wardrobe as a child just in case it led to a magical world like Narnia!! I really wanted to have tea with Mr Tumnus. Such a disappointment to find solid wood! I also quite fancied being one of the Borrowers.'
11 September 2020 - Nordic Walking today
Three Baslow Darlings met for a Nordic Walk at National Trust Longshaw Estate today, a good chance for a walk and talk and an ice cream stop too mmmmm delicious! 😋
Ann & Tommy + 'photographer' went Nordic Walking investigating possible future WI walks today. These photos were taken at White Edge above Froggatt Edge looking towards Hathersage four miles away with the hills around Lady Bower in the distance. Ann decided the walk was too high, too long and way too blustery for a WI walk, she'll try something a little lower, this is at about 1,200 feet! 🌬
Photos - Sandra Jenkins & Gordon McPhie
10 September 2020 - Holymoorside Well Dressing
Baslow Nordic Walkers chose to walk around Holymoorside today and were interested to see that there is a well dressing celebrating the centenary of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot. As you can see from the photos the well dressing is very well designed and put together. It is fund raising for one of the local charities we support at Baslow WI, The Elm Foundation. (Formerly Chesterfield Women's Refuge.)
9 September 2020 - Monthly Meeting via Zoom
At this month's meeting we welcomed Helen Ruckledge as our speaker. She spoke about diet and mental health and used her excellent PowerPoint presentation. Visit her website and Facebook page for detailed information about Helen and the
work she does: Website - fadfreenutrition.uk Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FadFreeNutrition |
7 September 2020 - Baslow Bikers try something new!
This is the second time in recent weeks that the Baslow Bikers have ventured outside Derbyshire and into Nottinghamshire. Today they found an excellent new route from Clumber Park into Osberton Estate with just one dodgy section, crossing the A1! Only one fall, no knock-outs and no punctures so all in all a great day out ending with a picnic by the lake in Clumber Park! Note: Liz & Paul cycled to the meeting place adding 27 miles to their day's cycle totalling 52miles!
6 September 2020 - Look who just met up!
Two 'Darlings' met whilst walking on the Monsal Trail. Here they are having a cuppa in Anna's 'She Shed'!
A perfect Sunday morning. ☕️☀️
A perfect Sunday morning. ☕️☀️
Our first responder was Jane S she says... 'My grandfather was Chairman of Derby County Football Club when they won the FA Cup!'
Mary B says... 'At school aged 14 - 16 we represented Derbyshire Under 15s. Netball team.'
Jane W says... 'In 1980 I helped plant an avenue of Coconut trees in the Seychelles.'
Janet B says... 'Along with my sister, we took Brownies and Guides - I was Tawny Owl!!'
Janette L says... 'A local company near where we live were offering a free balloon flight when purchasing a kitchen. We have a beautiful oak kitchen. The balloon flight was fantastic, seeing my local area from a basket in the air. Just me though with two other people as Paul does not like heights.'
Alison H says... 'In my early 20s I lived in the Australian outback for a while in a place called Arkaroola. It is an enormous wildnerness sanctuary and a place of astounding beauty! At its centre is a small tourist village and I got a job there as a waitress. People used to come there for short holidays and go on 4 wheel drive tours and scenic flights. I had a brief fling with the son of the owners. He was the pilot and we used to go flying in his plane. I loved it there and found it very hard to leave.'
Valerie B says... 'I think I’m safe in saying that not many people in Baslow WI know this, but a few years ago when we lived in Sheffield, I had a short-lived but very happy “career” as a pig farmer. We had three pigs: Big Pig, Middle Pig and Little Pig, and they did a wonderful job (and had a whale of a time) clearing an overgrown field next to our house. They became minor local celebrities and were very popular with the steady stream of dog-walkers who passed by their field on the way in to Ecclesall Woods. Occasionally we would see our neighbours walking through our back garden taking their visitors or dinner party guests to meet them. They were pampered pigs: I used to put sun-block on their ears and rub aloe vera on their backs. They were delicious and the crackling was superb!'
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Alison H says... 'In my early 20s I lived in the Australian outback for a while in a place called Arkaroola. It is an enormous wildnerness sanctuary and a place of astounding beauty! At its centre is a small tourist village and I got a job there as a waitress. People used to come there for short holidays and go on 4 wheel drive tours and scenic flights. I had a brief fling with the son of the owners. He was the pilot and we used to go flying in his plane. I loved it there and found it very hard to leave.'
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Anna J says... 'When I left school at 18 I had no idea what to do so I went to France as an au pair to a three year old and an eighteen month old in Marseilles. I lasted 14 days and have never had children - this was my choice. But, I am “English Mum” to quite a few people around the world who came to stay for a weekend to experience English life. Most of them keep in touch which is great. And last year our Desi daughter, Jinal, invited us to her wedding in Jaipur!'
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2 September 2020 - Members keeping busy during lockdown... #MyVirtualWI
KNITTING FOR CHARITIES: Baslow WI members, Judith, Julia and Vikki have knitted and donated these blankets to go into Baby Bundles made up and delivered by volunteers from Nottinghamshire Police and taken to areas of need all over Europe.
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Baslow WI's Treasurer, Vikki, through down a challenge to former President, Christine, to complete this jigsaw puzzle. Christine has told us that she managed to do it in a week. Well done Christine, that's brilliant this is super difficult! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 Sepember 2020 - Nordic Walkers soaking up the sunshine at Longshaw
September 2020
This message has been posted on the Baslow WI Facebook and Twitter feeds today, on their special day Baslow WI members will usually receive a birthday email from our correspondence secretary on behalf of all of our members. Keeping in touch is even more important now that we are in lockdown. #My Virtual WI
August Bank Holiday 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Sandra J was our first responder this week she says... 'In my early teens I was absolutely obsessed with Marc Bolan and T Rex. I had all the records, posters all over my bedroom walls and couldn’t believe it when they toured and came to the town I lived in. That concert stays in my mind as the highlight of my teenage years!'
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Ann Mc says... 'The Monkees were my first love, I went to see them at Wembly Arena! The atmosphere was amazing I had never experienced that before! Peter Tork was my favourite in the band. I quickly moved on enjoying Tamla Motown, The Rolling Stones and even the wonderful Bob Marley whose music still takes me floating off to the Carribean!
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Lorna W says... 'My favourites, of course, were the Beatles but the first group I saw live were the Rolling Stones in the early 1960s. We saw them before they were famous on a cinema stage in Cannock, Staffordshire. They were top of the bill with Peter and Gordon supporting. It was the first time I’d been to a live concert and the noise was amazing, the walls seemed shake and vibrate. My mothers favourite was Mario Lanza and we were taken to all of his films and I still like tenor singers.'
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Anna J says... 'My favourite group was the Beatles and I went to see them live in 1963 then collected a load of magazines, records, fan club stuff, first edition John Lennon books etc etc - which I was persuaded to put into auction, being told it would get over £3,00. After a few days I changed my mind and wanted my collection back but was told I’d have to pay 30% of the valuation! So I let it go to auction and guess what? I ended up with £200+ after commission, photographs and that was only because I pushed up the reserve price. Now, I can’t watch antiques programmes or hear Beatles songs and who lost out? Not me, my local hospice.
Janette L says.. 'ELO... I still play ELO in the car sometimes when I’m not listening to Classical at the traffic lights. Some of my other fav’s are Pink Floyd, Barbara Streisand, Kate Bush, Dir Straights among many more Soul albums, I still have a lot of LP’s but need a record player now!'
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27 August 2020 - Baslow Bikers cross the county border!
Today's cycle was for four Baslow Bikers who road a 32 mile circuit mainly on the National Byway in Nottinghamshire starting from Markham Moor. They passed through many lovely quiet villages including Askham, Upton, Laneham, Sturton le Steeple, The Levertons, Headon and back to the Markham Moor Inn for lunch. A great morning ride with coffee stops!
26 August 2020 - WISA
26 August 2020 - RAF Duxford
Liz Mangle, (WI Adviser to Baslow WI) treated her husband to a wonderful birthday surprise. A flight in a Spitfire from RAF Duxford, Cambridge. The plane was a dual controlled training plane and Paul was able to take the controls for 20 minutes of the flight, what a wonderful experience and a fabulous birthday present. Thanks for sharing the photos, Liz and Paul.
24 August 2020 - Six Baslow Bikers reunite
Poolsbrook Country Park was the starting place for a 20 mile tour around Chesterfield today for the six bikers led by Liz. The route through West Wood, Tapton Golf Course, past Chesterfield Station around the retail parks and on into Holmebrook Valley Park for a picnic lunch before heading back along the Chesterfield Canal to Poolsbrook. It was perfect weather for cycling today. Other Baslow Bikers please share photos when you organise cycle rides during lockdown and are restricted to six in a group. Thanks.
21-23 August 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Caroline E kindly volunteered to start us off this weekend she says...'I think that I have become a bit of a "grumpy old woman" I have Sheila Hancock in mind and could name a few controversial political things BUT I will say that my constant annoyance is when people talk about themselves and do not bother to ask anything about anyone else.'
Julia W says... 'I totally agree with Caroline E. Those people are so annoying and overbearing!'
Ann Mc says... 'Online betting is advertised EVERYWHERE, TV, newspapers and on televised sport. I think this pervasive advertising is dangerous.'
Lorna W says... 'Journalists and television interviewers who seemed to have got qualifications from the school of Got Ya. They harangue politicians, of all parties, and business leaders who are often trying to do their best. I wish they would stop it and listen more often. Moan over!'
Iris H says... 'Men (usually) who talk endlessly about football and golf in social gatherings!'
Baslow Bear says... 'My carer doesn’t like onion skins that stick to her fingers when she’s cooking. Floods of tears when slicing the onions and sometimes she even curses when she thinks I’m not listening. You can’t get the staff these days!' 🐻
Roving Reporter Jane W says... 'Darlings, have you all forgotten the Toilet Seat! The seat always left up waiting for unsuspecting females to sink into the depths of the toilet I got so cross about it that I put a huge notice (3’x3’) on the toilet: "Do Not Use This Toilet Without Putting The Seat Down." Then I forgot all about my labelling. Husband returned home unexpectedly with a male visitor, who immediately requested the toilet. It wasn’t until after he left that I realised that he’d been subjected to my Label Instructions! Visitor never commented, so I didn’t! But I recycled the label the following Friday!' 🚻🚽🚾🧻🧴
Judith B says... 'I actually have lots of moans , the least of which was a tissue wash today - you know when you forget to check a pocket, or inadvertently pick up a tissue with the washing and push it into the washing machine ? Result ahhhhh bits on everything and the worst part is there is no one to blame but yourself! My real moan today is about Graffiti! It’s rife everywhere and makes everywhere look violated and unloved. Definitely one to go into room 101.'
Alison H says... 'I'm sure I could come up with a long list of moans! Here are two things: Drivers who come up right behind me when I'm driving and then stay too close to my rear bumper and people who throw their rubbish out of their car window. Grrrrrr!!!'
Sue Y says... 'My moan is when we are eating a meal out and someone starts to clear away plates when others are still eating their food. At least this won’t be happening at the moment!'
Janette L says... 'I care about us (Baslow WI) to much to rant here so here's a list. Angry & Happy! First ANGRY - Herd Immunity and do what I say not what I do. I could go on about politics and career MP's but will spoil the list. Monsal Trail - I enjoy walking / cycling on -now needs saving. Puppy selling from car parks, illegally breeding from imports and here. Denman, but can understand why. Dust. Just gets everywhere. HAPPY - I'm a member of a wonderful WI Baslow, our Team work very hard for us. Member of a dedicated DFWI - NFWI. Love my garden. Love the friendships made and hopefully still have after this moan! Walking in our countryside. Being helpful. Drinking, eating, trying new things. Lastly sewing and stitching anything.'
Jane S says... 'I get very annoyed when people in high powered vehicles leave their engines running while they check their phones with no thought to the pollution they are causing.'
Sandra J says... 'My pet hate is the appalling spelling and grammar on social media and in the news on line! Many people don’t know the difference between “there, their and they’re; too, to and two; were, where, wear and we’re” then cap it all by saying “must of” instead of “must have”! Makes me so cross!
Mary B says... 'Why do the 4x4 drivers think they have the right to park on the line in parking bay?'
22 August 2020 - The Royal Scot steams by
20 August 2020 - A walk in the park
19 August 2020 - Summer rain ☔️
On this very wet August afternoon some Baslow WI members chose to go to WISA (WI Social Afternoon) for the first time since the lockdown due to coronavirus. All risk assessments had been done and Baslow Village Hall was made safe for members sitting socially distanced and wearing face coverings. Sandra chose to walk from Whatstandwell to Cromford Wharf and back for lunch at the Family Tree. The walk is about 6 miles and flat with lots of industrial history along the way.
19 August 2020 - What a cutie!
This is Charlotte with her pony, she is the granddaughter of one of our members. Note: She has broken her wrist this was done by falling off her bicycle. The pony is blameless!
Photo posted with family permission.
18 August 2020 - Baslow Bikers meet up to walk over the purple moors
Today whilst some of the Nordic Walkers were out on the east side of the A621 at Owler Bar four Baslow Bikers met, without bikes, to walk on the heather moors west of the A621. With only about 4 miles between the difference in the terrain is truly awesome.
See post below.
See post below.
18 August 2020 - Nordic Walkers
Today’s Nordic Walkers joined Linda for a new walk around Holmesfield from Cowley Lane and past Barlow Fishing Lakes. The rain stopped and it got quite warm, especially on the uphill sections! The mystery tree with green fruit was identified as walnut, currently at the pickling stage, before some playful little goats came into view. A very pleasant four miles in all.
Report & photos - Sandra Jenkins
17 August 2020 - Monday's 'shout out'
Each Monday on the Baslow WI Facebook page we have a 'shout-out'. Gill always comes up with a good story this week we thought we would share it on our website as well as Facebook. Gill says...
'Thanks for my gold star last week! I am so proud of it!
During the 1940’s my family would go to Sheffield to stay with my grandparents for Christmas, Easter, holidays etc. My Grandad would always have a day when he would take me and maybe one of my cousins on the tram from Handsworth down to Darnall. He told us we were going to his special magic shop, we were so excited. In we would go and Grandad told us we could buy half a pound of biscuits and two of the special tins. All the tins on the shelves were very battered and most didn’t have any labels on! I got my biscuits and eventually selected two tins. Grandad told me that this would be our tea. Back at Grandads he stretched out opening the tins, oh I was so excited. Eventually both tins were opened and I had a tin of Spam and a tin of Condensed Milk plus the most wonderful assortment of broken biscuits. Grandad eventually carved the Spam and poured some condensed milk on top then passed each of us a plate. All of us tucked in spluttering with laughter. We couldn’t stop for a long time, particularly Grandad. Grandma then arrived with a more normal tea, shaking her head. So 'SPAM it is!'
'Thanks for my gold star last week! I am so proud of it!
During the 1940’s my family would go to Sheffield to stay with my grandparents for Christmas, Easter, holidays etc. My Grandad would always have a day when he would take me and maybe one of my cousins on the tram from Handsworth down to Darnall. He told us we were going to his special magic shop, we were so excited. In we would go and Grandad told us we could buy half a pound of biscuits and two of the special tins. All the tins on the shelves were very battered and most didn’t have any labels on! I got my biscuits and eventually selected two tins. Grandad told me that this would be our tea. Back at Grandads he stretched out opening the tins, oh I was so excited. Eventually both tins were opened and I had a tin of Spam and a tin of Condensed Milk plus the most wonderful assortment of broken biscuits. Grandad eventually carved the Spam and poured some condensed milk on top then passed each of us a plate. All of us tucked in spluttering with laughter. We couldn’t stop for a long time, particularly Grandad. Grandma then arrived with a more normal tea, shaking her head. So 'SPAM it is!'
16 August 2020 - Farmland meets moorland high above Baslow...
16 August 2020 - Rain didn't stop play on Rod's birthday!
Photo - Lorna Wilson
15 & 16 August 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Denise K was our first responder today, she says... 'My Dad who died 39 years ago today.'
Judith B says... 'It would be my Dad. He died when I was in my early 30s and there are so many things I want to know about him, his early life and my family which I can now never know.'
Jane W says... 'I’d want to spend an hour on the bench with my grandfather, Harry Blagden, who was born in the Devonshire Arms, Pilsley. I would want to know about his childhood, his parents and his grand parents. I’d probably need more than hour because I’d want to make notes so that I didn’t forget anything he told me.'
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Jane S says... 'I would choose William Shakespeare for my bench companion for one hour. I have so many questions to ask him!'
Vikki W says... 'My Dad of course!'
Iris H says... 'I would love to sit next to my granny (father’s mother) who lived in Ayr in Scotland and whom I only ever saw fleetingly throughout her life. She had eleven children by two different husbands and always seemed to be in a hurry. She must have had many tales to tell but I know so little about her life. She died aged 100 and 4 months!'
Julia W says... ' My parents. Why didn't I talk to them more and ask so many questions?'
Sandra J says... 'My mum, gone far too soon.'
13 August 2020 - Fabulous colour at Felley Priory, Nottinghamshire
Our Membership & Minute Secretary, Caroline, enjoyed a day out at Felley Priory today where she purchased plants for a new border at her home. This post will remind members of the wonderful visit we had as a WI to Felley in another life before coronavirus!
Photos - Caroline Hobson
12 August 2020 - Monthly Meeting
11 August 2020 - Teatime
11 August 2020 - Walking with Linda
Linda, our British Nordic Walking 'Leader' led five walkers on a four mile walk from Holmesfield Church on a route which none of the members will EVER find again! She is amazing with her knowledge of the footpaths and bridleways in the area. Thanks Linda, great walk see you soon!
8 & 9 August 2020 - A memorable outing or holiday with my school
Our first responder this week is Sandra M she says...
My most memorable school trip was to Sprinkling Tarn. Living in Cumbria our school trips were always to somewhere of geographic interest in the Lake District. We had a coach ride to the Hamlet of Seaththwaite, the name is derived from the old Norse words of Sef and Thveit (clearing in the sedges). Seathwaite is the wettest inhabited place in the UK, 140 inches of rain a year! Consequently we were wet through by the time we walked up to Sprinkling Tarn. We were supposed to eat our lunch there but most had eaten half of it on the coach on the way there. Also memorable, some were travel sick, a boy sitting behind the driver was sick all down the drivers back. I remember the teachers panic and stopping to get a bucket of soapy water from a house to clean the driver, I remember his choice words too which we all thought funny, teachers did not! A beautiful place to be once we got there, the Tarn has trout and rare fish. We were allowed to swim in the Tarn, I was and still an nesh so didn't. We all loved our trips out. ☔️ |
Ann Mc says... 'Each year our sports teacher arranged a visit to Wimbledon for those of us who were keen on tennis. We always went in the first week of the fortnight and had outside court tickets. We saw some fabulous matches and towards the end of the day were often given tickets for the show courts when people were leaving. It was in the days of Rod Laver but my favourite was the Brit. Roger Taylor, oh so handsome! I think these school trips started a real love of tennis for me, I played doubles at school and after school changed to squash. I still enjoy watching Wimbledon on TV and have really missed it not being on this year. 🎾
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Caroline E says... 'My most memorable holiday with school was when I organised a trip to a spa town in Tuscany called Montecatini Terme. Five members of staff and 40 sixth form students travelling by coach.This was the first of an annual trip over many years. We visited Florence, exploring the markets and visiting the famous museums, Sienna, Pisa and of course beautiful Lucca. Italy is still my favourite European country, well second best to England!'
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Linda Y says... 'In January 1963 I went on a skiing holiday to Switzerland with a small group of what would now be called Y11 and 12s. There had been heavy snowfalls in England and packed ice was everywhere. We went by train from London and boarding the ferry to cross the Channel was extremely difficult with a large borrowed suitcase - no wheels of course in those days. It was my first trip abroad and I celebrated my birthday whilst there. I fell in love with skiing and managed to gain a Swiss bronze medal during the week. Unfortunately, it was to be another 18 years before me, skis and snow came together again!'
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Jane S says... 'My memorable school holiday was a German trip to Oberammergau in 1960 to see "Das Passionsspiel". It was the first time I had been to Europe and I can remember crossing the channel on a very rough day. I stayed on deck and was fine, but others who went below didn't fare so well. We crossed Europe by coach and stayed the night at several different locations, eventually arriving at Garmisch-Partenkirchen where the group stayed at several different houses. My friend, Jo, and I stayed in a small guest house and the coach collected us all to take us to see the play. It was a wonderful experience for a teenager and one I will never forget.'
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Kate T says... 'My thoughts turn to Lebanon this week after their awful disaster as it was one of the ports where we docked on my first real school trip. I was sixteen years old when we had a cruise to the Holy Land and Greece over the Christmas holiday. We travelled on board a converted troop ship the MS Nevasa, so we were in dormitories with bunks quite closely packed in! My Mother’s only advice was to have a good meal on the first night on board to stave off sea sickness, advice handed down from a great uncle who had been in the Navy. This proved to be excellent advice as we sailed into the Bay of Biscay in stormy weather and very few made it into breakfast the next morning. We were so delayed by bad weather that we could only sail past Malta and not make the scheduled stop. However we soon all recovered and enjoyed the rest of the cruise. We spent Christmas in the Holy land a truly memorable experience. We docked in Beirut and Haifa and from there we went out to visit the different holy sites; one of the day excursions included a visit to Galilee and Nazareth on Christmas day. We finished our cruise in Greece with visits to the Acropolis and other notable historic sites. On the last morning we were allowed to venture off on our own in small groups, some of us tried the local ouzo, an experience I have not repeated! We flew back to the UK arriving home on New Year’s day, I think this was the only time on New Year’s Eve when my mother missed me!'
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Lorna W says... 'My most memorable school trip happened when I was at Primary school. We went from Manchester to Liverpool by train, an adventure in itself. When we got to Liverpool we rode on the overhead railway that went above Liverpool docks and saw the ships being unloaded. There were no container transport then and no shops at Albert Dock. The railway was closed in 1956. We returned on a boat along the Manchester Ship Canal passing through lots of locks. The most exciting thing that happened was that we were given lemonade and a packet of crisps each, including the little blue paper with salt in it. Rationing had only recently ended and this was a great treat.'
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Sandra J says... 'I remember one annual school trip from my primary school in Lancashire when we visited Chatsworth House. The painted ceiling in the Great Hall is all I remember about the house itself, no wonder it left a lasting impression, it really is wonderful. We then went into the gardens to eat our packed lunches but it was pouring down! Somewhere we found an open fronted stone building which was big enough to accommodate our large group. There were some students there too from a teacher training college who taught us lots of songs, keeping us entertained and for which our own teachers were no doubt very grateful. I often wonder where that garden building is when I visit the gardens these days.'
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Anna J says... 'When I was 14 or 15 we had a school trip to Austria, hiking and staying in Youth Hostels. One of these was a ‘hutte’ in the mountains which was quite primitive but big. After an endless day in the fog, seeing nothing at all of the scenery, we arrived and were shown our dormitory. As we unpacked, an older woman and two men came in and took the three bunks at the end, then started undressing! Our teachers immediately rushed down to complain and the three were moved with much muttering in German.There was a boy of about 17 staying there and one of my form mates immediately fell in love. (She later went back to see him, though her parents forbade marriage.) Next day we descended the mountain, still in thick mist only to find out that we should have had a guide as it was so dangerous. After that, half the group got the wrong train and disappeared for a while but we all ended up in Salzburg in blazing heat. My main memory is that the Youth Hostel was opposite a hospital and men in pyjamas would wave to us!'
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Gill W says... ' In 1945 when I was 5 and just started school in the September, we were told that the King and Queen were coming to “OPEN” Ladybower Dam and we were all going on a coach to watch. My brother who was 7 was in charge of me and was told not to let me out of his sight. I had one simple instruction - to behave myself. What a great adventure for me to see a real King and Queen and to see a big expanse of water opened!!! We sat up on the bank opposite waving our Union Jacks when along the road came a long line of black cars. (Not a golden coach in sight!) Everyone was cheering and waving their flags. When the cars came to a halt some people got out and sort of waved at us. Everyone cheered again but I was saving my cheers for when the Queen arrived in her beautiful long dress and tiara! The group of people disappeared for a while then came back, got Into the cars and went, so everyone cheered and waved their flags again. I asked my brother when the Queen was coming and was told not to ask silly questions. We all got back on the coach and went home. I held back my tears until I was home, it was then it all came to a head. I had a tantrum to beat all other tantrums to date. Crying, sobbing, stamping around, screaming. “The Queen didn’t come,” I sobbed, “only a load of old people in hats and coats getting in and out of black cars, and they didn’t even bother to open the Dam because the water was still in it when I had to come home. I’m never going on a silly school trip again." '
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Mary B says... When I was 10 we went on a trip to Liverpool. We went through the Mersey Tunnel which had just opened and then visited the two Liverpool Cathedrals. I believe one was fairly new. Mrs Shaw was the most fantastic teacher who was determined to allow us to achieve both academically and personally.
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7 August 2020 - Nordic Walking at National Trust, Longshaw Estate
Two Baslow WI members met for a Nordic Walk on one of the hottest days of the year today. Here's Sue looking super cool! 😎
Photo - Lorna Wilson
6 August 2020 - More jobs for the 'girls'!
Recently unwanted posters have appeared around the car park in Baslow. One on the WI notice board at the side of Baslow Village Hall and one on the notice board regarding parking charges next to the pay machine.Two of our members, Jane and Ann, cleaned them off, it took hot soapy water, white spirit, wire brushes and scrapers to remove. The sticky backed posters obscured information that the council and the WI wish to be seen by the public on WI and council property. Baslow WI supports other local groups and are happy to advertise for them if asked. The police have been informed.
5 August 2020 - Team members meet Face to Face!
Ten team members met in Baslow Village Hall today for the first time since the lockdown due to coronavirus, two joined via Zoom. Plans for a very uncertain future were discussed and it was agreed that members should have an opportunity to attend WISA (WI Social Afternoons) in the months to come starting with two in August on 19th and 26th. Information will be emailed to all members within the next few days.
3 August 2020 - Two gardens in Baslow this summer
Photos Alison Haynes and Julie Reeves
1 & 2 August 2020 - My favourite book as a child - #My Virtual WI
Our question to members this week...
'What was your favourite book as a child?'
'What was your favourite book as a child?'
Lorna W was our first reponder today she says... 'The Swish of the Curtain was my, and my sisters, favourite book when we were children. It’s the story of a group of children who start their own theatre company and we tried to do the same with other local children. We did performances in the garden with our mothers as the audience. Mothers were very tolerant of our efforts.'
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Kate T says... 'My favourite early childhood stories were by Allison Uttley,The Little Grey Rabbit books, bedtime stories read to me by my grannie. I think I have always liked small animals, squirrels, rabbits and hedgehogs, recently I watched a squirrel eating the bread put out for the birds.The first series of books I can remember reading myself were the Chalet stories about an Austrian boarding school by Elinor Brent-Dyer, escapism at an early age!'
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Caroline E says... 'Although I enjoyed all the Enid Blyton books, my favourite was 'Anne of Green Gables' by Lucy Montgomery. I would read it at night in bed with the help of a torch and quickly slip both the book and torch (turned off of course) under the bed clothes if it was a school night and my dad was coming to check that I was asleep. My mum knew what was going on as I sometimes forgot to make my bed if I was up at the last minute because I was tired!'
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June O says... 'My favourite book as a child has to be 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgeson Burnet. I had a wonderful teacher, Mrs Wilson, for years and she read to us every Friday afternoon. We were very fortunate that. It too far from the school was an old house with a "secret garden" and Mrs Wilson too us there one afternoon as a treat. The book has recently been made into a film. I wonder if the book has anything to do with my love of gardening and nature in general.'
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Sue H says... 'The Island of Adventure was good, as was the Mountain of Adventure. Best of all for me were a series of books, published by Puffin, set in the Lake District, which involved children, unsupervised by adults, hiking up hill and down dale. I cannot for the life of me remember what they were called and a search of the internet hasn’t helped. Maybe someone else can remember what they were called.Second best is The Borrowers, which I reread recently. It was just as good as the first dozen times I read it.'
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Sandra J says... 'As a young child I wasn’t very interested in reading until my auntie brought me some Secret Seven books which my cousins had grown out of. I never looked back after that and read all the various Enid Blyton mystery series. The only other book I remember as a favourite was Heidi with the lovely descriptions of her home in the Swiss Alps.'
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Gill W says... ' I can’t remember the title of a book I had when I was seven, but I still remember it very vividly to this day. It had a yellow linen type cover with red crinoline laddies on the front. It was a book of many short stories but it was the first one that fascinated me. It told the story of a very rich man who lived in a great house with many acres of land. One day he started to build a small house in one corner of his estate much to the disbelief of his friends. “Why” they asked “is such a wealthy man like you building such a small house?” “It is for my true friends” he replied “and I shall be glad if I can fill it” Obviously I didn’t understand it at the time and it was many years before I began to realise the true moral of the story. I often think of this little book and would love to still have it.'
August 2020
This message has been posted on the Baslow WI Facebook and Twitter feeds today, on their special day Baslow WI members will usually receive a birthday email from our correspondence secretary on behalf of all of our members. Keeping in touch is even more important now that we are in lockdown. #My Virtual WI
30 July 2020 - Baslow Bikers back on board
Four Baslow Bikers, got together today for a 30 mile cycle on this glorious summer day. After meeting at Parsley Hay their circular route took them via Longcliffe, Hopton, Carsington, Bradbourne and Tissington. Lunch was a picnic at Tissington followed by an ice cream stop at Hartington. Excellent day out tired but happy! 🚴♀️🚴♂️🚴♀️🚴♂️
29 July 2020 - Meeting Bond - James Bond! #MyVirtualWI
Baslow WI members received an email inviting them to join today's Zoom meeting at 2pm when the speaker was Jeff Rozelaar his talk was entitled 'Ian Fleming, his famous friends and the birth of Bond'. Followers of the WI Wanderers on Facebook were invited to join us. This talk is in two parts, the first was excellent now we look forward to the second part on 12 August also at 2pm.
Image-fandom.com |
24-26 July 2020 - Lockdown Weekend Question to members #MyVirtualWI
Our question to members this week...
'What is your all-time favourite comic or cartoon character?'
'What is your all-time favourite comic or cartoon character?'
Sandra J says... 'My favourite cartoon has to be “The Flintstones”, which I used to watch as a child in the early 1960s. It didn't have the violence I hated in Popeye or Tom & Jerry and I always found it so funny, putting a Stone Age spin on modern life. When the film came out thirty years later I remember taking my own children to see it at the Ritz in Matlock and we all enjoyed it just as much.'
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Lorna W says... 'Our all time favourite cartoon characters were Roobarb and Custard, the crazy adventures of a dog and a cat. They were only short cartoons but we roared with laughter at their silly antics. Another wonderful cartoon was Tom & Gerry who never tired of chasing each other!'
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Jane S says... 'It has to be Snoopy! I still have one of the children's Snoopy mugs in the cupboard.'
Ann Mc says... 'Snap Jane, Snoopy is my all-time favourite. I love all the Peanut characters especially Belle and Spike, Snoopy's sister and brother, who we don't see around too often these days.' There is a Snoopy cartoon for every occasion, that's why you see him such a lot on Baslow WI's Facebook page!
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Judith B says... 'My favourite cartoon character has to be Tom and Jerry. I know that’s technically two characters, but you can’t have one without the other! I think we had every episode recorded. When our daughter was young, if she was ill during the night (you know- usually 3am to about 5am) we had to sit up with her and she ALWAYS wanted to watch Tom and Jerry.'
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Alison H says... 'My favourite cartoon character is Pingu. I spent countless hours watching the same Pingu videos over and over with my children when they were little. He is a very cheeky little penguin living in Antarctica with his parents and little sister Pinga and he gets up to all sorts of mischief. We always laughed out loud even though we knew exactly what was coming next!'
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24 July 2020 - National Trust Longshaw
Baslow WI members are gradually getting back to Nordic Walking on a regular basis in small numbers. This Friday five friends, met and walked at the Longshaw Estate. If other members are organising outings in small numbers during lockdown please share photos with us for our social media, thank you. #MyVirtualWI
22 July 2020 - Goodbye Denman
Many Baslow members are deeply upset about the news they have received today regarding the closure of the WI college, Denman near Abingdon in Oxfordshire. Members have enjoyed residential and day courses at Denman since 1948, they have always hoped that Denman would be there for future members but sadly it is not to be.
17-20 July 2020 - Lockdown question #MyVirtualWI
Sandra J says... 'A metallic pale blue Porsche 924 which a friend of mine had when we were in our 20s. It had a small back seat so four of us could cram into it and go out for the day or evening. I always said I’d buy it when they came to sell but found myself very pregnant at that time and decided it wasn’t exactly a family car! I never did get my Porsche but the baby has now grown up and is on his second Porsche so I still get to ride in one!'
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Caroline E says... 'I do not have a favourite car as I am just happy for a car to get me from A to B without any troubles or accidents! The more expensive the car the worse I would feel because I have had a few minor bumps such as reversing into the garage door!'
Judith B is a bit like Caroline above she says... 'Cars get me from A - B and as long as they work I don’t get terribly excited by them - sad but true!'
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Jane S says... 'My favourite car was my red Subaru Justy which could be converted to 4 wheel drive at the touch of a button. It knew the road from Hathersage to Calver so well as I worked at Sissons in Calver Mill at the time I owned it. It took every bend like a trooper. At one stage it was our only car and we used it to go up to Scotland on holiday with 2 youngsters in the back and a border collie sitting between them and Grandma's trunk on the roof containing our holiday gear. Happy days!'
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Jane W says... 'Nissan Micra 1980’s. My mother’s automatic car, seated four - five at a squash. Enormous boot, perfect for Bath and West Show, fitted vast number of purchases, plants, picnic hamper and chairs in the back. Best of all, a Disabled Badge which gave parking close to the entrance of any event. Fabulous fun, totally reliable, enormous mileage per gallon. I’ll be buying a vintage model when I’m 85 years old!'
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Ann Mc says.. 'My first car was a white Ford Escort with red 'go faster' stripes! It was a wedding present from my parents. I loved that car and kept it for seven years. The vehicle I've had the most fun in though, and therefore my favourite, has got to be a Land Rover County which towed our horse trailer all around Derbyshire and Notts to Pony Club rallies, competitions and long distance rides. On occasions it was hoovered out and used to transport WI women, they loved it and one said "It reminds me of the land girls during the war!" Great fun and very happy days - usually!'
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10-12 July 2020 - Lockdown question #MyVirtual WI
Judith B says... 'When I was a child , once a week, my mum would go out to night school and my dad would be left in charge of getting my younger sister and me off to bed. If I got ready very quickly and with no fuss I was allowed to stay up and watch “The Saint”. I thought this was the best TV programme ever and Roger Moore the bees knees. To this day I love his deep chocolatey voice. (Yes I do know he is now dead!) Well that was then and this is now. My favourite TV programme now has to be Gardeners’ World. Friday night, a glass of wine and loads of beautiful flowers - what’s not to like?'
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Ann Mc says... 'ER is the programme I have looked forward to and enjoyed most. I think I have seen every episode. I liked the early series best with George Clooney as Doug Ross! I am also a serious fan of other characters in the show, John Carter, Mark Greene, Peter Benton and of course the gorgeous and clever Nurse Carol Hathaway.'
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Sandra J says... 'So difficult to choose but I think it would have to be “Inspector Morse”. I’ve read all the books by Colin Dexter but the series was so popular that many more storylines were written. I loved John Thaw and Kevin Wheatley playing the main characters and you can’t beat the setting in Oxford, with the haunting music by Barrington Pheloung including Morse code clues. It was also great fun spotting Colin Dexter himself as he would invariable appear in the background at some point in the early episodes, usually as a don in one of the college scenes. I now find I can’t remember the plot so can happily watch them all again!'
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Alison H says... 'My favourite is quite a recent one – The Detectorists. I love the gentle humour, the setting, the music and the characters who are all misfits. There are 3 series and it’s available on iPlayer – I have to stop myself from watching it too often.'
Elaine A says... 'I wouldn't say these are my favourite programmes ever because that's a huge statement but on thinking about the question these did come to mind, and I did love them. They are the Detectorists starring Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, who acted the beautifully painted characters so well. I enjoyed the gentle humour and being in their company throughout the three series.'
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8 July 2020 - WI meeting via Zoom
Kelly Mauger, Manger of The Cookery School, Denman hosted and demonstrated a Zoom meeting for members of Baslow WI today. Date and Coconut Bon Bons & Spiced Candied Nuts were the two recipes chosen by Kelly for today's demo. As well as the recipes she gave us a little insight from behind the scenes at 'Bake Off' where she and a colleague were competitors in 2018.
Images on this report - Denman, Lorna Wilson & Judith Barton
8 July 2020 - Darlings make 114 face coverings!
Valerie's small sub-team of WI members have made a total of 114 face coverings and delivered them to the Elm Foundation in Chesterfield. Well done to everyone involved, they look fabulous. Scroll down to see previous report on 24 June.
Photo-Valerie Baxter
7 July 2020 - Nordic Walkers visit Hathersage in Gala Week
Due to coronavirus the Hathersage Gala week is much quieter than usual. Villagers have had some fun though putting scarecrows into a theme of board games, some are very inventive. 'Cummings and Goings' is brilliant! The station car park is looking fabulous with wild flowers as well as more formally planted borders. Well done to Peter, a neighbour of Jane S who does the work there as a volunteer. Visiting the vineyard was a treat, we can't wait to get our hands on a bottle of the sparking wine made there! 🥂
4 & 5 July - Lockdown question #MyVirtual WI
Do you have a ‘memorable family moment’ you could share with us? Or several!
Margaret H says... 'My memorable family moment was on June 23rd, when I had been told by my daughter to expect a delivery, which I thought was my birthday present from her. So imagine my surprise when I opened my front door to accept my ‘parcel’ to be greeted by my grandson James and his fiancée Jo, who at 10.30am had driven up from Suffolk to spend the day with me. Jo was holding a large hamper which held a fantastic afternoon tea for us all. It was such a surprise and a wonderful treat after all those weeks here on my own!'
We say what a fabulous lockdown birthday you had, congratulations Margaret. Send our best wishes for the future to James and Jo 🥂
We say what a fabulous lockdown birthday you had, congratulations Margaret. Send our best wishes for the future to James and Jo 🥂
Sandra M says... 'My memorable family coronavirus moment was on Mother's day 22nd March. We had just started isolating. We had a phone call telling us to go outside on the terrace, our son, daughter in law and two grandsons aged 4 and 5 were waving at us from over the river, shouting happy Mother's Day. They left homemade cards and small gifts on the garden table. We have seen them since the restrictions were relaxed, but still no hugs and kisses, so that will be a memorable moment too when that happens.'
We say wonderful Mother's day present for you, thanks for sharing with us Sandra. 🌸
We say wonderful Mother's day present for you, thanks for sharing with us Sandra. 🌸
Anna J says... 'We had a wonderful family lunch with Andy’s sister, her two daughters and their families in February this year but they don’t want pics of the children on Facebook/websites so instead ... Here’s our Indian “daughter” Jinal who invited us to her wedding in Jaipur last November. She calls us British Mum and Dad and the whole family really welcomed us to the three day ceremony. It was an amazing experience, this is Jinal having the Mehendi (henna) applied to her hands and arms, sitting with her parents.
We say stunning photo quite an experience for you and Andy thank you for sharing Anna. 🇮🇳
We say stunning photo quite an experience for you and Andy thank you for sharing Anna. 🇮🇳
Lorna W says... 'My most memorable family moment is my son’s wedding held at the Gornergrat chapel above Zermatt, Switzerland, ten years ago. A perfect sunny day with a view of the Matterhorn behind. After the ceremony the happy couple travelled by miniature railway to the hotel.'
Mary B says... 'High on our list of jobs was decorating. With a great deal of help from our daughter we decorated all four bedrooms and the hall, stairs and landing. This of course meant I also went overboard with washing, taking advantage of the beautiful weather we had at the start of the lockdown. Concerned I wouldn't have plants for my containers I ordered huge amounts online - they were much smaller than expected so I had to be very adaptable with plant pots for growing on!'
July 2020
This message has been posted on the Baslow WI Facebook and Twitter feeds today, on their special day Baslow WI members will usually receive a birthday email from our correspondence secretary on behalf of all of our members. Keeping in touch is even more important now that we are in lockdown.
30 June 2020 - Back to Nordic Walking for a few friends
Five of the Baslow Nordic Walking Group met at The Bridge Inn, Calver for a 5 mile 'socially distanced' walk along the river to Baslow over the fields to the woods above Hassop and back down into Calver.
28 June 2020 - Ruth Evans former Baslow WI President
A sad day for us today here in Baslow, Ruth Evans has died. Ruth was the President of Baslow WI from 2003-6, again in 2008 and also in 2010, she was a woman dedicated not just to the WI but other community groups including Guides and St Anne's Church. Ruth was a wonderfully inspirational person to have as a friend and a colleague, she will be missed greatly by everyone who knew her, we will remember her. The card from Ruth's family informed us that 'Due to current restrictions, a traditional funeral will not take place. Instead, at Ruth's request there will be a celebration of her life planned for next year.' A message of sympathy as been sent on behalf of all Baslow WI members.
27 June 2020 - Lockdown question' #MyVirtualWI
Thinking back to Simon Bates’ “Our Tune” days and pondering what we would ask him to play now, with that distinctive music in the background as he read our story, I think it would have to be John Martyn singing “May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold”. I’ve loved that song for years and Colin and I were lucky enough to see the man himself at Buxton Opera House in 2007. No longer the tousle haired young hippy, he was wheeled onto the stage but was still a great guitarist and I desperately hoped he would sing that song. I wasn’t disappointed. Although only 60, he died in January 2009 and when we decided to get married a few months later we walked out of the register office to John Martyn singing “ May you never..”. I still feel tears welling whenever I hear it!
Sandra J |
When our daughter was 9 years old she had a 12 hands, white grey, Welsh pony named Dubonnet. She was a dynamo at gymkhanas, and incredibly fast at both Show Jumping and Cross Country. In the time we had her she won mountains of rosettes and cups. Our Tune for her is Tina Turner's 'Simply the Best' because to us, she was!
Ann M
Ann M
For obvious reasons our tune was "The Great Escape" and I still remember how moved I was to hear it played by the RAF Central Band on the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the Great Escape in Sagan, Poland.
Jane S
Jane S
Calendar Girl - Neil Sedaka 🌻
Lorna W
Lorna W
Our tune is from the musical Carousel - You’ll never walk Alone. Has very personal connotations for us but apt for the WI
Mary B
Mary B
Robin and I have quite different tastes in music but when we first met we found that we had one record in common - 'A Man and A Woman' from the film of the same name by Francis Lai. Well it's French so it's really 'Un homme et une femme'. So romantic!
Alison H
Alison H
Our tune is 'It Takes Two', sung by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston. When we started 'going out' in the late sixties it was No.1 and we used to dance to it in the Takis Club in Manchester - well if you could call it dancing!!!
Janet B
Janet B
Our tune is 'When I need you' by Leo Sayer. It was on the radio a lot at the time when we were about to move from Hertfordshire to Yorkshire. John had to go on 6 weeks ahead of the girls and me and during that time his Mother sadly died. It was a very stressful time but the words to the song kept me going.
Christine T
Christine T
24 June 2020 - Support during lockdown for the Elm Foundation
Valerie, one of our members with excellent sewing skills, has led a sub-team making face coverings for the Elm Foundation (formerly Chesterfield Women's Refuge) for use during the coronavirus pandemic. In less than a week five members have made and delivered 60 face coverings, 40 more are needed and Valerie hopes to deliver them by 8 July. Donations of pure cotton material would be very welcome, offcuts or laundered used clothing would be ideal. Our thanks go to Janette, Judith, Kate and Lorna for working with Valerie on this project. We hope that more of our very clever craftswomen will step up and offer assistance with the next batch.
22 June 2020 - A first for Baslow WI!
Baslow WI members have taken part in an Electronic Annual Meeting this year. Reports from the Treasurer and the Team have been accepted by all the members who responded to emails and we are pleased to announce that Judith Barton has taken over the role of President from Christine Thompson, a brilliant President during three busy years including our Centenary Year. We welcome three new Team Members, Angela Bowler, Kate Treves and Jane Stone giving us a strong Team of 12 with 7 Team Helpers. See Team photos on the 'Our Team' page of this website.
The Team have received many letters of thanks this week regarding the Annual Meeting, this is one of them:
Hello Ann, I would be delighted to see Judith Barton as our next President. I would like to wish her well in this new role. I’m sure she will continue to make Baslow WI very successful. I have read and acknowledge the Annual Meeting reports. Thanks to Vikki, Ann and Caroline for preparing these reports for our ‘Electronic Annual Meeting’. Thanks also to all Team Members and Team Helpers for the continued good humour and hard work they give to make sure our WI speakers, activities, outings etc run effortlessly for all to enjoy. Congratulations to Angela, Kate and Jane on joining the Team. Christine our former President has and does make a difference welcoming members old and new, I love her eye for detailed common sense approach to life and would like to thank her for her hard work and especially for WISA which is delightful group to be part of enjoying the friendship of other members that go. Kind regards, Janette x |
19-21 June 2020 - 'Lockdown question' #MyVirtualWI
Nightmare holiday? Lost luggage, terrible journey, double booked hotel, appalling weather, accident etc. Please tell us about it.
Rain beat against the caravan window, lightning lit up the sky and the sea wind gathered strength. The camp site was on the beach front and exposed to the weather. We watched the tents opposite strain on their guy ropes, the canvas rippling with the wind and then as the gusts became stronger one side seemed to billow outwards. It was so dark it was difficult to see what was happening and just then, an adjacent tent flipped over, tethered by one side , all the contents were exposed, plastic crockery rolled free and sleeping bags lifted like kites. Then a second tent flew off, leaving a trail of pots and pans. Mayhem. Dashing to the Club House to raise the alarm, soaked to the skin, we wondered -how do you break this news to the owners? Not the best way to end their holiday.
Jane W |
At the end of August 1984 Barbara and I with both partners travelled to the Trossacks in Scotland for a two week holiday in a cottage attached to a pony trekking centre. The lady greated us with... ”Hope you have brought some rain, hasn’t rained here for three months.” Well we did and it rained every day. Ian and Jon collected wood from nearby and we had roaring fires and did jigsaws. We did go out everyday and even went to Braemar for the Highland Games, seeing all the Royal family except Diana who was expecting. A good holiday but so wet.☔️
Vikki W |
Lots of nightmare holidays from being stuck at Los Angeles airport which is tiny for two days because of the ash cloud. Also stuck in Beijing due to a fault on the undercarriage and everyone at the check in pretending that their English was poor and could not tell us when we would return home. We were taken to a hotel and left there for nearly three days, not knowing what was happening and it was only because a 1st class passenger telephoned me from the airport to say that there were seats available that I went by taxi to the airport and received flights home via Norway. The people left behind were stuck in the hotel for over a week! I could go on but I can perfectly understand why people would not wish to travel with me!! 🛩
Caroline E |
30 years or so ago, we booked an idyllic looking gite with garden and swimming pool in Normandy. On arrival keyholder was difficult to contact, gite was basic and poorly equipped, all rather disappointing. In good weather it would have been bearable. The following day dawned wet and cold, and so it continued. On day three we decided to return home, stopping en route for the ferry in a small market town for lunch. The dining room was very cold. I can’t remember what we ate but do remember ordering a good bottle of red wine. On remarking to the waiter that the wine was cold, he replied with a wry smile, “C’est chambré” (It’s room temperature)! We were pleased to reach the haven of the ferry later in the day.
Julia W 🇫🇷 |
It was December 1973 and my friend Jeanette from Melbourne and I were going to fly to New Zealand (little in my WILDEST dreams did I think I would live here!). I was flying from Adelaide to Melbourne with Qantas, then to Christchurch with Air New Zealand. Jeanette was flying direct to Christchurch (cheapest student flight for her). We arrived separately and when I went to get my bag at the airport, it wasn’t there. My sleeping bag had arrived, but nothing else. We stayed separately for the first night and next morning, we were to catch a bus up to Havelock and stay in the Youth Hostel before getting a ferry across to the North Island. Air New Zealand said they would get my bag to me wherever I was, so we went to a shop, bought some paper underpants (remember them?) and headed north. Forgot to get a toothbrush so I think we shared! Managed to get over to Wellington booked in at a summer Youth Hostel, contacted Air New Zealand to let them know where we were. Later Air New Zealand rang to say they had found my bag in Singapore and it was on it’s way back to Wellington. We had an extra unplanned day there and it arrived. I was so pleased to get it back, along with my toothbrush and undies! The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful, apart from the fact that we had planned to bus/train around the country and unbeknownst to me, Jeanette wanted to hitch! We had caught another bus from Wellington to Clive (youth hostel) and were waiting outside there at a bus stop with our packs, when a car stopped and offered us a lift! Jeanette got in and said “well, are you coming?” and off we went! 🇳🇿
Denise G Hukanui-Hamua WI, New Zealand |
My nightmare holiday - first trip abroad with our one year old son to Spain. He'd recently recovered from chickenpox but we had the all clear to go. I knew I hadn’t had it but I was in my thirties so I must be immune, mustn’t I? The day after we arrived the tell tale spots appeared and, feeling more ill than I’d ever done in my life, a lovely young Spanish doctor appeared, stubbing out his cigarette before he examined me. Chickenpox was confirmed, he told me to avoid sunshine, alcohol, Coca-Cola and chocolate! What else was left on a sunshine holiday? Medication was dispensed and the holiday rep intervened to prevent the hotel evicting us; I was just banned from the dining room. I couldn’t eat anyway. By the end of a week living on melon and water I couldn’t wait to leave. The doctor and I were so well acquainted that he brought his fiancée to meet me and to see the “smiley baby”, as he issued the required certificate to leave the country whilst covered in spots. The next day, the airport was closed because of strikes and we were put on a coach for a five hour journey across the barren landscape of Spain in the extreme heat and with no facilities, to another airport. I still feel a stab of horror at the mention of Costa Almeria!
Sandra J |
One of my nightmare holidays was when we went from Melbourne to London stopping at Delhi, India on the way, where we would be met by a government official. We boarded the Qantas plane, were given a drink, and nothing happened for two hours. Finally we were told to get off the plane as the plane had come from New Zealand and all the passengers had got off transit but when they got back on again one of them was missing. The airline thought that there might be a bomb in the luggage of the missing passenger so all the luggage had to be taken off the plane. We were herded into a very large hanger, after a long wait, and had to identify our cases. The unclaimed case might have had a bomb in it. That all worked very well but by now the pilot was out of hours and wasn’t allowed to fly. We all got onto a bus, we’re taken to a hotel and stayed the night. We were woken at 5.30am but the hotel couldn’t cope with the number of passengers from a jumbo jet so we just got a coffee. Then back on the plane. Finally we arrived, a day late, at Delhi to find that the government official had stayed in the airport waiting to meet us. A devoted public servant!
Lorna W |
1998 our Silver Anniversary Holiday: We arrived in Jackson Hole Airport, N. America for a driving holiday around the National Parks before joining a cruise to Alaska. Our luggage was in two cases, casual for the touring part of the holiday and formal for the cruise. Only one case came through, luckily it was the one which we needed first. Each day we went back to the airport but there was no sign of the cruise bag. When we eventually arrived at Vancouver to join the cruise still no sign of it. We had to run around the shops buying dinner suits and evening dresses, there was only one hour before the shops closed! That was a nightmare! We split up and Gordon said 'Don't come back until you've got what you need!' It's easy for men, all suits look pretty much the same he got everything he needed in one shop! On arrival at Heathrow we asked at the lost luggage and our bag was located at Des Moines, it arrived at our house two weeks later. It had been opened and sorted through but nothing was missing. PS I've still got the evening dress and even now wear it on cruises!
Ann M |
19 June 2020 - Buy flour at cost price and support the Sheffield Foodbank
18 June 2020 - Two Darlings venture out Nordic Walking & it's raining AGAIN!
In the car park in the red suit & pouring rain: 'Sandra commented that in red, I looked like a Council Worker. Sandra walked back to her car with her ticket and I followed. In the corner, behind The sweet shop, 'Sweet Genes', was a blue car with a man in it. He saw me, in red, thought I was a parking official and shot off at speed out of the car park, obviously hadn’t paid to park! It gave Sandra and me a very good laugh, worth getting wet for!' Lorna
17 June 2020 - Cluckingham Palace!
How about this for a lockdown project? Sasha's Dad has turned her old playhouse into a hen house where she now keeps four chickens. Here you can see Sasha with Pixie who laid the first egg in Cluckingham Palace! 🐥🥚
12-14 June 2020 - 'Lockdown question' #MyVirtualWI
Tell us something about the oldest garment in your wardrobe...
Mary B says... 'Well, the oldest dress I have is my wedding dress and I imagine several members will have theirs too. I have at least three skirts that I know are over 30 years old and I have worn and worn them and they are still presentable. Over the years I have had different tops for them. They were the days when garments were made to last! They all came from a firm called Elvi - perhaps why they went out of business!'
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Caroline E says... 'Sadly I do not have anything really old ie. anything over 10 years. I was a size 8 but am now a 10/12 and consequently I had to buy new garments which was of course "very hard"!! I had a grand clear out for charity shops and the last two years the WI Jumble Sale. However, I look forward to seeing what others have kept or indeed to see if they can still wear them.
Jane S says... 'The oldest item in my wardrobe is Frank's RAF jacket that he was given on demob in 1945, which makes it 75 years old! Also I have a jacket he bought at M&S several years before I met him in 1962. It is rather patched up, but he was still wearing it in 2010. They knew about quality in those days!!'
Judith B says... The scarf is 48 years old - it is part of my uniform as a student nurse, from the days when we all wore a coat, hat and scarf, over our measured-from-the-floor length dress, (cornflower blue) blue haze stockings (purchased from Cockaynes in Sheffield for those of you remember the store) and very attractive flat black sturdy lace up shoes.
The fleece I purchased at the Nevisport shop near FortWilliam about 26 years ago. It is completely reversible with the green side being wind and shower proof. It was quite revolutionary at the time and cost me an arm and a leg, but has been worth every penny. I still wear this garment to this day. |
Alison says... 'My oldest garment is my school games skirt which I have had since I was 11 years old and which I last wore 40 years ago, probably for a hockey match! It still has my name label in it and judging by the stitching I'd say I sewed it in myself when I was 11. I didn't come from a sporty family but I was very competitive (which I attribute to being the youngest of 6 children) and I did well at school sports and I just loved playing hockey. I gave my wedding dress to a charity shop last year but I cannot part with my games skirt. It's little pleats are all so perfect. I must have spent many hours of my life pressing them into place every time it was washed. I can still get into it - just - but the buttons are in danger of flying off!!'
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Ann M says... 'This is the embroidery on the back of a silk kimono brought to England after WW1 by my Great Grandfather. It is fully lined and all hand stitched no label I don't think it has ever been worn! It always hung in my Mum's spare room wardrobe now it's in mine! It is rather musty and fusty in need of a wash. Another lockdown job for me!'
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Jayne R says... 'I inherited these leather running shoes (spikes) from my Aunty Joy in 1964 (Joy Wragg - friend of Baslow WI and famous red poppy knitter). I competed in them in the 100 and 400 yards and the relay until 1974. They now hang proudly, and at rest in my dressing room, much loved and many happy memories.'
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Margaret M says... Planet coat and dress bought in the year 2000 from the Co-op Stores, Elder Way, Chesterfield, sadly long since gone. Outfit been out more times than the dustbins and still there's life in it! Alway feels smart, never creases, often benefits from nice comments.
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11 June 2020 - Making new friends in a secret location! 🦡🦡
We always give our badgers a wide berth if we see them in the garden or field. I wouldn’t want them to feel that they needed to defend themselves against us. Badgers have lived in Britain for about 250,000 years, which is far, far longer than humans, but despite us being the newcomers they have a long history of being horribly abused by people. Some, not all of us, I hasten to add!
I started putting food out for them a few months after we moved here in the hope that I might occasionally see one. I also figured if I fed them they would be less inclined to dig up the lawn in search of earthworms and so far that has worked. We sometimes see snuffle holes in the field and the woods but I don’t mind that, and ‘snuffle holes’ is such cute term it amuses me to have the opportunity to say, “ooh, look - a snuffle hole!” They cottoned on very quickly to the easy food and I have been feeding them ever since. Each night they get 2 small handfuls of peanuts. It used to be one handful but one night I saw 2 turn up simultaneously from different directions and they had a bit of a scrap over the pile of peanuts so to keep the peace I started putting two piles out!
A couple of weeks ago I opened the dining room door late at night to put the food out and a badger was already standing outside waiting for his treats. On the rare occasions this happens they normally disappear into the bushes or trundle off across the garden as fast their little legs can carry them and come back a few minutes later when the coast is clear. But this one just stood there a few feet away. I think it must have been a youngster who didn’t know yet that not all humans are as soft-hearted as I am. I tried to shoo it away, but it took no notice so I opened the dining room door to go back indoors and it started to follow me in! I got down on my hands and knees in the dining room to talk to it through a crack in the door telling it to go away. My husband came in from putting our dog to bed and must have wondered what on earth I was doing! Eventually it backed off enough for us to nip outside and put the peanuts on the ground. It came back immediately and started eating. I’ve often tried to get a photo of them but without any real success until this one as the door was still open when it came forward to eat. I tried to film it as well; it was too dark to see it, but you could hear its snuffly grunts as it tucked in to the peanuts.
I started putting food out for them a few months after we moved here in the hope that I might occasionally see one. I also figured if I fed them they would be less inclined to dig up the lawn in search of earthworms and so far that has worked. We sometimes see snuffle holes in the field and the woods but I don’t mind that, and ‘snuffle holes’ is such cute term it amuses me to have the opportunity to say, “ooh, look - a snuffle hole!” They cottoned on very quickly to the easy food and I have been feeding them ever since. Each night they get 2 small handfuls of peanuts. It used to be one handful but one night I saw 2 turn up simultaneously from different directions and they had a bit of a scrap over the pile of peanuts so to keep the peace I started putting two piles out!
A couple of weeks ago I opened the dining room door late at night to put the food out and a badger was already standing outside waiting for his treats. On the rare occasions this happens they normally disappear into the bushes or trundle off across the garden as fast their little legs can carry them and come back a few minutes later when the coast is clear. But this one just stood there a few feet away. I think it must have been a youngster who didn’t know yet that not all humans are as soft-hearted as I am. I tried to shoo it away, but it took no notice so I opened the dining room door to go back indoors and it started to follow me in! I got down on my hands and knees in the dining room to talk to it through a crack in the door telling it to go away. My husband came in from putting our dog to bed and must have wondered what on earth I was doing! Eventually it backed off enough for us to nip outside and put the peanuts on the ground. It came back immediately and started eating. I’ve often tried to get a photo of them but without any real success until this one as the door was still open when it came forward to eat. I tried to film it as well; it was too dark to see it, but you could hear its snuffly grunts as it tucked in to the peanuts.
Text & photo from a Baslow WI member.
10 June 2020 - WI Monthly Meeting via Zoom #MyVirtualWI
Our first Zoom Meeting was a great success today with 44 of our 83 members being able to join us. Thanks to the great speaker, Robbie Carnegie from Moors For The Future. He's given us plenty to think about as we walk on the moors this summer. This seems like a big achievement in our 101st year, thanks to all the Baslow Team Members involved in booking and hosting this meeting.
Photos from Moors For The Future on Facebook
8 June 2020 - World Oceans Day
Think about single use plastic and its effect on the environment even more on this special day...
Photos - Shutterstock
5-7 June 2020 - 'Lockdown question' #MyVirtualWI
What is your favourite sandwich and side dish? You can be as naughty as you like calories don't count for this purpose!
Ann Mc says... 'My favourite is a prawn and Marie Rose sauce sandwich on thin wholemeal bread with a garnish of salad and a bowl of piping hot, crispy fries.'
Janet B says... 'Ooo, a crispy bacon butty every time!! No side dish really required, but perhaps a small dish of baked beans! Lovely, could just eat it.'
Sandra J says... 'My favourite sandwich would be Marks and Spencer’s bacon and egg with mayonnaise on seeded brown bread with a side of green salad. Something I’ve not had in years because of the high calorie count, just have the side salad now!'
Caroline E says... 'My favourite is tuna, mayonnaise and avocado with lots of pepper. It has to be on gluten free bread, and so needs lots of seasoning to disguise the sawdust flavour of the bread! My side dish would be chocolate to eat afterwards! Yum.'
WI Roving Reporter, Jane says... 'Crikey, I’ve not got time to bake bread, too many DIY and gardening projects on the “go”, most unfinished, more in the “ pipe line”; so it’d be slices of brown Seed Sensation bread, covered in Cheddar cheese and sliced tomato, put in the toaster and then wait for the molten cheese to ooze from the edges of the toaster. Strands of melted cheese stretching from the toaster to my plate essential for the perfect Toastie . Ready in minutes, eaten immediately, just in time for the glue gun to heat up, ready for use!'
Lesley P says... 'Homemade wholemeal brown bread. Not too thick. Spread of Flora margarine. Portion of Cheddar cheese..mild. Spread of homemade apple chutney + a glass of Somerset cider.'
Angela B says... 'My favourite sandwich: Toasted Hovis wheatgerm bread liberally spread with crunchy peanut butter and topped with a sliced banana.'
Jane S says... 'My favourite sandwich is two slices of homemade wholemeal bread, buttered and filled with slices of home cooked chicken. It makes me feel hungry to think it!
Marion H says... 'My favourite sandwich would be lovely granary bread, crispy bacon, a smear of crunchy peanut butter & some brown sauce! Delicious! A little avocado or brown sauce add to the yummy experience but not essential.'
Caroline H says... 'Favourite sandwich - mature cheddar and Branston pickle on soft white crusty bread with a fruit and nut Club biscuit! Takes me back to caravan holidays in Bournemouth!'
Julia F says... 'My favourite sandwhich is coronation chicken with chips on the side.'
Vikki W says... Too many to mention but lountza & halloumi, in Cyprus of course!
June O says... My favourite sandwich has to be a very boring roasted ham, salad and mayonnaise on brown seeded bread. Delicious!
Mary B says... I love a squashed tomato sandwich with a packet of crisps. Sophisticated I know but reminiscent of childhood! 🤣
2 June 2020 - Members are cautiously venturing out
Since the Government announced a slight easing of restrictions some of our members have arranged to meet up with one other member, here are some of the recent phots taken on these socially distanced get-togethers.
Photos by WI members
1 June 2020
This message has been posted on the Baslow WI Facebook and Twitter feeds today, on their special day Baslow WI members will usually receive a birthday email from our correspondence secretary on behalf of all of our members. Keeping in touch is even more important now that we are in lockdown.
29 - 31 May 2020 - 'Lockdown question' #MyVirtualWI
What is your favourite flower, do you have a reason for choosing this?
Orchids are my favourite flowers and have been since I carried three in a small bouquet at my wedding way back in 1973. I have since seen them growing in the wild and in wonderful gardens and greenhouses. I always photograph them. The one in this photo is a mini orchid from Sainsbury's. It has been in my bathroom for two years and has come to life during lockdown to cheer me!
Ann Mc |
My favourite flower is wisteria because it reminds me of holidays in France. When we lived in Solihull, I bought a tiny plant for 64p and my husband was amazed when it grew almost to the roof but we moved and didn’t see it flower.
At another house I tried again and, after about five years, it had one flower then none after. So I’m really thrilled that here in Derbyshire my wisteria is thriving despite being on a north facing wall. It’s later than everyone else’s but gives us a lot of pleasure. Anna J |
My favourite flower is the Lily of the Valley. I remember my grandma showing me some growing under the garden hedge when I must have been about 5 years old. It signals that Spring is coming but unfortunately it’s not good for flower arranging. I had some in my wedding bouquet.
Iris H Image credit - Town & Country Magazine |
My favourite flower is a delphinium, all colours and some doubles although collecting seeds from singles is easier.They are tall and stately and once cut to the ground after a first flowering will come back for a second showing. I am not keen on begonias for my garden but I am sure that in some situations are very eye catching.
Caroline E Image credit - Southern Living |
Orchids are so beautiful and such good value. ThIs one cost the princely sum of £5 and has been in bloom for at least half its life. Lilies of the Valley are a favourite but mine are past their best so no photo. The bright little face of violas are well worth having in the garden and last for ages.
Sue S |
All images in this weekend's post have been sent in by members unless stated. Thanks to everyone who contributed. #MyVirtualWI
29 May 2019 - Our members certainly have varied interests!
Valerie says...
'We’re just getting ready to go on a socially-distanced bike ride courtesy of an 1896 Dunlop Pacing Quint!
'We’re just getting ready to go on a socially-distanced bike ride courtesy of an 1896 Dunlop Pacing Quint!
28 May 2020 - Hannah's story
Hannah MacDonald is a follower of Baslow WI on Facebook, she contacted us via our website to share her story. Hannah was a student at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court and she trained as a nurse working in London with HIV patients. This and the death of three friends at a young age affected her mental health forcing her to leave nursing for 12 years. On the day COVID-19 was announced to be a global pandemic she returned to work in a hospice. Read the full story including working on the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding veil:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/disability-52615974 Thanks to Hannah MacDonald and Beth Rose at BBC News for report and photos |
27 May 2020 - 1st Zoom Meeting for Baslow WI Team
Christine and Marion were also present but had left the meeting when this screen shop was taken.
26 May 2020 - Monster plant alive in Baslow!
Photos - Kate Treves
25 May 2020 - A touch of luxury for the Bank Holiday - shared with friends, virtually!
Virtual Wine Tasting with Hattersley Wine Ltd at Darling Jane's home. She says '...six bottles and only three drinkers - one of whom only wants a sip. Trouble ahead! Jane x
Photo - Selfie by Jane!
23-25 May 2020 - Bank Holiday Weekend - 'Lockdown Question' #MyVirtualWI
‘What was your first alcoholic drink and can you remember how old you were?’
At the age of seventeen and a half my new boyfriend took me on a “first date” walk and lunchtime drink to the Dore Moor Inn, near Sheffield. I was traumatised with fear, imagining that the Police would arrive and discover that I wasn’t eighteen. I’d never been in a pub before and didn’t know which drink to order, so “ my date” ordered his mother’s favourite, Gin and Martini, it was awful, so awful that I have never tried Gin again!
Roving Reporter, Jane W My first drink was old fashioned Somerset cider at the age of 14. My mother was from Somerset and a cousin came for a visit bringing a small barrel of what I thought was apple juice (I was told this by my parents!) They went out shopping and I helped myself once I had figured out how to turn the tap on. I really enjoyed it but my goodness I was very ill and cannot stand the drink now! Caroline E My first drink was when I was about 9. I took a large swig of my mother's gin and orange, it was awfu and nearly turned me off drink for life, a few years later I discovered wine and it was all change! Cate H Snowball - a weak one with. Mum and Dad at Christmas, aged 14. Still love them! Mary B Cider and the Salvation Army! My parents were not big drinkers, but on the rare occasions that there was alcohol around, they would allow us children to have a drink too. When I was about 9 or 10 my older siblings and I would spend much of a summer weekend playing in the local park. Occasionally my parents would come to the park in the evening, round us up and take us to the village pub. I remember feeling so grown up as I sat there with my half-pint of cider. When the Salvation Army arrived to spread the Word and sell the War Cry, my glass of cider would be quickly whisked away from me by my dad, only to be restored when the Sally Army had gone on its way! Valerie B Vodka and orange when I was 17. Sandra J I was the youngest of three and was allowed a small glass of sherry before a special meal when I was about eleven, which progressed to being allowed Liebfraumilch with the meal when I was twelve. This was all under parental supervision. However when I left boarding school, rather than going straight home two of my friends invited me to stay with them in an Aunt's house for three days before my Father came to collect me and all my worldly goods. When I accepted the invitation I didn't realise that the idea was to sample the Aunt's supply of gin and we certainly consumed more than one bottle! Jane S Snowball with a cherry, I was 16 at the time! Judith E My friend Sally and I were both 12. We had been out hunting, put our ponies away in the stable, watered and fed. Then we went into the house where my father was entertaining friends with whisky. My mother was out still looking for lost hounds. I remember him saying 'You girls need a drink', then proceeded to pour us sherry - and it kept coming, all very jolly. On her return, my mother, seeing the situation, was very angry and sent us to the village shop for things that were needed. I remember us both clinging onto the railings by the pavement, then we had to cross the road! Different times in so many ways. Julia W Rum & black. My friend & I used to go to a Belper pub and sit in the snug at 16! Janette L Very like Jane Walker I was 17 and on a date with a 20 year old young man.We went into a pub and trying to impress I chose ‘Creme de Menthe’ - I had read about this drink in an Agatha Christie book as the choice of Hercule Poirot! Jane H Cider aged 12! Anna J I think it was probably a big slurp from my Dad’s Guinness ! I can’t remember how old I was ! Not 18 for sure ! I do still enjoy it occasionally though! Marion H I think my first alcoholic drink was a Snowball at Christmas, I was in junior school! Ann M I was 15, working and saved enough money for a holiday. Five friends and I stayed for one week in Blackpool, we went to the Winter Gardens dance. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper had recently been killed in an air crash and someone had written this song which we played continually hanging around the Duke Box crying and drinking Barley Wine! Look up in the sky, Up to one who knows, There are three new stars Brightly shining forth, Shining so bright from heaven above, Gee we're gonna miss you, Everybody sends their love. Margaret M (Teddy Girl) My first alcoholic drink was at about the age of ten when my mum and dad started allowing me to stay up to let the New Year in, and it was a glass of sherry!! How times change! Janet B It has to be a Babycham in the proper champagne glass of course. I was 16 and in the pub in Bristol that was THE place to find out where the next party was that weekend. I saw my geography teacher in there. He was young - straight out of university. He did a double take at me; not in school uniform and all dressed up to go out on the town. He never told tales on me - good for him! Sue S I think my first real alcohol experience was going to the Polish Club with my Dad for a meal with a large party. A bit like a dinner & dance. Waiters came around asking what we would you like to drink, vodka or whiskey? 'Vodka of course says I', I was probably 13 or14! Next would be babycham! Vikki W My father’s idea was that we should try different drinks at home; then it wasn’t considered ‘forbidden fruit’ when we were old enough to be buying or having it bought for us! Cider, wine, snowballs and even 'Gin and It' and Grannie’s favourite, port and lemonade were all tried at home usually over Christmas and New Year. Kate T My first proper date with Rod was a Sunday lunch at the Rising Sun Bamford, Hope Valley. In those days the hotel had a swimming pool. I thought I should order a grownup drink, only having had cider before, and asked for a gin and tonic. It tasted like poison to me but I felt I had to drink it to save face. How things have changed! Lorna W I think my first alcoholic drink was Babycham when aged about 13 we went on a school education trip to the Babycham factory in Shelton Mallet. There was a life size model of a young deer outside the factory. Why the school thought an alcohol factory was suitable for young ladies I don’t know! Lesley P One of my first alcoholic drinks was a gin and orange given to me by my mother just before my driving test!! I was 17... Different times. Caroline H Our editor is ready and waiting for your answer, email her or contact this website by using the button on each page. |
23 May 2020 - A virtual dinner party
Darling Lorna shared a virtual dinner party with her family in celebration of her son's birthday earlier in the week. They started with an Espresso Martini Cocktail, followed by Moussaka and cheeseboard.
Photos - Lorna Wilson
20 May 2020 - Lunch Club #MyVirtualWI
It's the 3rd Wednesday of the month and iit should be our Lunch Club day. Here's a thought from Jane our Roving Reporter and one of our Lunch Club organisers...
'We’ve been going to the Maynard Hotel for lunch ever since Lorna enjoyed a meal there, just before a WI Christmas Carol service held at Grindleford Church - many years ago.
In May 2018 we were all poised in the Maynard garden waiting for a Lancaster Bomber to fly overhead but it was substituted at the last minute for a Vulcan - which went so fast we could hear it but not see it!
This year - welI, I couldn’t let you down, I needed to check out the new incumbent for you. Cream Tea delivered to the door, delicious and generous. May I say on a par with the excellent Rowsley Train Tea that Catherine T. organised for us last year. There were dainty sandwiches, home made meringue, scone/cream/jam, sponge, even a special tea bag!
So, Darlings look forward to Lunch there again, it may be a while but it’ll be worth waiting for. 🍽🍷
Jane at Lunch Club
'We’ve been going to the Maynard Hotel for lunch ever since Lorna enjoyed a meal there, just before a WI Christmas Carol service held at Grindleford Church - many years ago.
In May 2018 we were all poised in the Maynard garden waiting for a Lancaster Bomber to fly overhead but it was substituted at the last minute for a Vulcan - which went so fast we could hear it but not see it!
This year - welI, I couldn’t let you down, I needed to check out the new incumbent for you. Cream Tea delivered to the door, delicious and generous. May I say on a par with the excellent Rowsley Train Tea that Catherine T. organised for us last year. There were dainty sandwiches, home made meringue, scone/cream/jam, sponge, even a special tea bag!
So, Darlings look forward to Lunch there again, it may be a while but it’ll be worth waiting for. 🍽🍷
Jane at Lunch Club
15-18 May 2020 - Lockdown Question 'Where would you go?' #MyVirtualWI
This weekend members were asked... 'Where would you like to go if the coronavirus was no longer a fear also money and distance no object? Here are some of the replies we have received.
Sandra M says...
'If Coronavirus was no longer a fear, I would fly to Japan to see my granddaughter. I saw her when I went shortly after she was born, when she was one and when she was two, but because of the Coronavirus pandemic I will miss seeing her throughout the whole of her 3rd year. Skyping is brilliant, but not the same as a real cuddle.' |
Jane S says...
'I travelled quite a bit before I got married, but I never went to Italy (apart from touching down at Rome airport on the way to Hong Kong in 1961) so Southern Italy is my destination of choice.' Image credit - Italian Fix 'I would also like to visit Avignon, having only seen it from the river Rhone where Pierce, my then boyfriend, and I managed to capsize our canoe on our way to the coast. After exploring Avignon I could travel to Toulouse to see my nephew, who has lived there for the last twenty years.' |
Jane W says...
'Ahh , I’m off to the Seychelles. May pop along to Antigua to see Jonty as he’ll be there wind surfing with his friend Brent. But in real life I’d go to Monkton Wyld, near Lyme Regis, my mum and I used to visit a garden there next to the Church. For a small donation you could wander round, buy plants and sit next to the stream, under great Gunnera leaves. Like all dreams, nothing is quite as you remember, when I Google it, there’s no sign of the plant stall or the bee hives and the garden looks rather neglected.' |
Marion says...
'... where would I choose !? It’s pretty gorgeous in Derbyshire especially in good weather, but thinking holidays. The photo of a tropical beach looks inviting. The picture could be of somewhere in the Seychelles. Immaculate sand, warm clear sea, amazing plants & rocks, lovely people all very tempting. Or what about the long awaited tour of South America we had planned for this year! Exploring Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro so much to explore and discover. Actually now the place I really want to go to is our caravan in Devon. It has a cute little garden to potter in whilst looking at the sea and interesting walks to share with Daisy Dog! Holidays are lovely but meeting up with friends and groups is great too! Let’s hope that we have some good news for everyone soon.' Image credit - 4570Book.info |
15 May 2020 - Anita's Garden Walk #MyVirtual WI
14 May 2020 - Lorna's Lockdown Project is complete
Here is Lorna's moorland blanket completed, we showed it as a work in progress on 24 April it looks stunning now pressed and decorated, a beautiful piece of craft work.
12 May 2020 - #shoplocal
One of our members told us about the excellent service she is receiving from her local shop/post office whilst she is being sheltered from coronavirus. She phones and says she would like to make an order. An assistant collects a basket or trolly whilst listening to the customers requirements and saying what is available, prices, sizes etc. When all the shopping is done they hang up. The assistant rings the items through the till and phones the customer for card payment. The order is delivered within an hour and left on the doorstep. Brilliant service! This member is intending to continue to shop there post virus. #shoplocal.
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9 & 10 May - Weekend challenge = Use what you've got!
This weekend we are asking friends and members to send in a note about dishes they have made from items found in freezers and store cupboards or food items long forgotten and seriously out of date!
'Oh, the Joy of Christmas past, of nut bowls filled with uncrackable almonds, out of date Christmas Cake, still moist and rich in flavour or assorted chutneys, onion, apple or rhubarb adorning the edge of my plate at every meal. And somewhere deep in the bowels of my freezer is a Christmas turkey, waiting for a table full of family, guessing it’ll be a long wait now! Perhaps next Christmas?'
Jane Walker |
Image - clipart.com
'I decided to make a loaf of white bread, I had some strong flour in the cupboard and I knew I had dried yeast in packets in a plastic box in the pantry. I made the bread, it rose beautifully, looked great and tasted wonderful, just like new bread always does!
When I was clearing up I noticed the little 7g empty foil pack which had contained the yeast.... It said, best before 04. 2000. .... Only twenty years out if date..... We live to tell the tale!' Judy D |
Image - Delia Online
Darling Jayne reveals how she accidentally made a delicious crumble...
'Ferreting about in my freezer for pudding inspiration I found the following: Large portion of homemade stewed apple Aldi half a frozen bag of blackberries Aldi frozen bag of raspberries Aldi frozen bag of blueberries Defrost the fruit and place in an oven proof dish, top with your favourite crumble topping (I used Aunt Bessie’s as I had a pack) but true WI members will make their own! Bake at 200’/180’ fan for 25 minutes or so, and voila it was really lovely, the tastiest crumble ever. Top with creme fraiche, custard or ice cream.' Jayne R |
Stephanie is a follower of Baslow WI on Facebook, she has joined the conversation on there with two lovely meals. She says... 'A Pork stew to use up a tin of pinto beans and chicken with red kidney beans. All my tins were way out of date. It’s my new lockdown pastime. Next got to use up red lentils, Vermicelli and egg noodles & a tin of fruit cocktail.' Stephanie S |
An interesting little story from Sandra she's always got a good tale to tell you know!
'Colin wanted to make a loaf and hunted through the cupboards for yeast. He found a packet four years past its date and insisted that dried yeast never goes off - here’s the two pound loaf that came out two inches high and like a brick!! As a post script - having now got some yeast from the internet after waiting five weeks, he got the bread maker out only to discover the little blade at the bottom was missing. It must have got baked in the brick/loaf and thrown away! He’s now having to wait for the replacement part to be delivered!! Just an antidote to everyone else’s fabulous creations they’ve made in lockdown.' Sandra J |
8 May 2020 - The message from the Government remains the same today...
Please scroll down and see what some of our members and friends did on this 75th Anniversary of VE Day - if you wish to add your photos it's not too late, contact us.
The WI tree has been brought out of storage for a quick photo shoot today. We are all sorry that we can't be together for the celebrations planned at Baslow Sports Field and we look forward to getting together again once it is safe to do so. Many thanks to Stuart Barton who renovated the tree last year, what a great job he did! 🇬🇧
Thanks to all our WI members and their friends for allowing us to use their VE Day 75th Anniversary photos on our page. It's is wonderful to see them now and will be great to look back on in years to come. This website is our WI scrapbook please contribute and help build it.
Thanks to all our friends and members who have allowed us to use their images on this VE Day post.
7 May 2020 - More lockdown photos
Photos - Anna J, Jayne R & Lorna W
6 May 2020 - Creative Writing Competition Results - #MyVirtualWI
Jane Walker, our Roving Reporter at Baslow WI recently set a 40 word writing challenge starting with the words: "If only I had known..." the winning entries would be published in the Baslow & Bubnell Parish News. This is what she says regarding the judging:
Ann McPhie.
I chose this the winning entry for a number of reasons, a simple clear thought process with comfortable conclusion. The additional and difficult use of repetition combined with a smooth flow of wording.
Denise Gavin.
My second choice - perhaps influenced by my own traumatic solution to lack of toilet rolls - was the topical subject, the problem and the solution all neatly wrapped up.
It was a pleasure reading all the entries and each brought a smile to my face - as I hope it will to yours.
See you soon, Jane x
Here are the entries and results:
Ann McPhie.
I chose this the winning entry for a number of reasons, a simple clear thought process with comfortable conclusion. The additional and difficult use of repetition combined with a smooth flow of wording.
Denise Gavin.
My second choice - perhaps influenced by my own traumatic solution to lack of toilet rolls - was the topical subject, the problem and the solution all neatly wrapped up.
It was a pleasure reading all the entries and each brought a smile to my face - as I hope it will to yours.
See you soon, Jane x
Here are the entries and results:
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4 May 2020 - WI Virtual Walk
Baslow Darlings had planned a walk from Rowsley today which had to be postponed because of the coronavirus crisis. Sandra one of our Facebook Admins was able to do the walk as she lives in Rowsley and she has posted some photos on our Facebook page. Thanks for sharing some of them here. #MyVirtualWI
Photos-Sandra Jenkins
3 May 2020 - Baslow Bikers 'Zoom' into each other's homes... #MyVirtualWI
Today six Baslow Bikers were due to fly from East Midlands to Mahon for a one week cycling holiday touring Majorca. The temperature there will be approx 24c all week perfect for cycling in the wonderful mediterranean breeze. Sadly they are in lockdown just dreaming of long cycles, cold beers, warm Rioja and tapas! A get-together via Zoom was the best they could do. Hopefully plans to go next year will come to fruition. It's just a case of 'wait and see'. 🚴♀️
1 - 3 May 2020 - Members' most memorable WI moments... #MyVirtualWI
This weekend we have asked Baslow WI members to tell us about their ‘Most memorable WI moment’. For example, learning a craft, baking a cake, thanking a speaker, joining a sub-committee, entering a competition, running a workshop etc. Scroll down and see what our members remember...
I think my most memorable moment was wandering into the WI tent at Bakewell Show a few years ago and seeing all the beautiful things on display. The atmosphere was so jovial and fun. I got talking to a very enthusiastic smiley person who convinced me I should think about joining the new WI in Chesterfield. I think her name was Ann McPhie :) I am glad I followed her advice.
Angela Note: Angela joined Baslow WI later we are very pleased to say! |
My most memorable moment was probably my first WI meeting ever. I had never joined before as I taught full time until the age of 60 and my local Wi in Surrey met in the afternoon.When we moved to Baslow In 2007 I knew nobody and for a while I felt quite lonely. Then I happened to meet Ruth Evans in School Lane one day. She was so friendly and told me all about the meetings and invited me along for the following month. Not only that but she asked Ann Lambert to call for me so I had company at that meeting. And the rest is history. She is a lovely, kind lady.
Iris . |
My Memorable WI Moment was when I was asked to provide 1960s musical entertainment for Baslow WI centenary celebrations and I decided The Beatles and Jersey Boys was the way forward. A set of drums was needed and I purchased a set for £5 from eBay, but I had to fetch them from Oldham! Great fun was had searching charity shops, borrowing from friends etc, and Beatles wigs were found, men’s suits, and four white jackets which we customised with black tape.
We were ready but the team consisted of only three.Gill stepped up to complete the Fab Four, she played the drums for the Beatles number, we donned her with jacket and wig, Generation Game style, a complete beginner, she was magnificent and the audience loved it. Next came Jersey Boys and unbeknown to all Kate Treves had secretly been practicing the slick dance routine with us, so when she was volunteered on the day she played dumb, just happened to be wearing black trousers and a white T-shirt, we gave her a jacket, and she was then absolutely marvellous and we all had great fun performing. Jayne Note: The audience made up of WI members and visitors loved it, this was a great show. Thanks Jayne and friends for all your work setting it up for us. Photos taken from Jayne's video |
I have so many memories of Baslow WI that there are too many to list. Here is a photograph of our visit to the home of the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire who was a WI member, and supporter, most of her life. Christine, Ruth, Pat and Barbara with her in her garden. June 2010
I joined Baslow WI when I moved to the village in 2007. I had been a WI member for many years but my new WI offered lots of interesting visits, The Houses of Parliament, the News Room at the BBC. Here Pat R and I are in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, September 2013. Lorna |
I have many memorable moments since joining the WI in Baslow, one of them was my first ever visit to Denman, the WI's college in Oxford. I went on a Day Visit and at 3pm when we had to leave I just really didn't want to go home! I've been many times on residential courses since, one of my favourites was BBQ cooking. If you haven't been give it a try. A warm welcome awaits you there to be sure!
Ann x |
My favourite memories so far of Baslow WI are the workshops I have organised. Particularly the patchwork for beginners and the beading workshop. It is so satisfying to see the lovely smiles when a new craft is mastered, and even better when several of the members have become totally hooked, and gone on to really excel and develop their skills. Keep crafting!
Christine |
I will be forever grateful that membership of Baslow WI led me to take up Nordic Walking! I remember that December day thinking, “Shall I go along to this trial session for some unknown form of exercise?” I’m so glad I did as I’ve made new friends as well as getting lots of fresh air and improved fitness. Can’t wait to meet up again after lockdown.
Sandra |
I’ve been thinking about memorable moments and the one that I remember most was the very first walk I did at Linacre Reservoirs. Ann produced china cups and I thought we were having tea or coffee, it turned out to be mulled wine. That was when I said 'my cup has leaked' and it took Ann a second or two to realise, then she said 'you'll fit in well and gave me a top up'!
Anna 😸 . |
I led a WI walk around Totley and through Gillfield Wood. It has been one of our weekly walks since we went into lockdown and we have watched the wood spring back into life. Firstly the trees just developing from bud to light green leaf, then a carpet of small white wood
anemones, and now a carpet of blue bells. The smell is heavenly! This photo was taken on our early morning walk on the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. Judith 🌻 |
The people of Baslow will not be defeated by the coronavirus...
#StayAtHomeSaveLives
1 May 2020
This message has been posted on the Baslow WI Facebook and Twitter feeds today, on their special day Baslow WI members will receive a birthday email from our correspondence secretary on behalf of all of our members. Keeping in touch is even more important now that we are in lockdown.
29 April 2020 - Lockdown Quiz, Questions & Answers
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24 -27 April 2020 - Projects around home this lockdown weekend
This 'lockdown weekend' we have asked members and followers to send in photos and tell us about the projects they have been working on at home during the week. We know from emails and our Facebook page that they are all busy with various things around their homes and gardens. Please email any photos of your crafts, garden, DIY projects etc. We will be glad to feature them on this web page. If you would rather your name be omitted please ensure you let us know.
Email: [email protected] |
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Baslow WI President, Christine, has been doing black work with gold work added and lace making at WISA and at home for a long time. The lockdown has given her the opportunity to finish them off, they are beautiful pieces of craftwork.
Iris has a wonderful supply of basil so today it's 'Pesto Time' she is freezing it in batches for the coming year. What a great lockdown project!
Darling Gill is enjoying some lockdown time in her greenhouse. Gill likes to do something out of the ordinary. Nothing as simple as tomatoes and salad leaves would do, oh no she is growing her own loofas! Watch this space to see how this little baby develops. We are all so excited! 😀
Baslow Darling, Linda, loves to do jigsaws with husband Tony. This is the 6th in the Mike Jupp set that they have done, each one is made up of 1,000 tiny pieces. What patience they must have! We have insider information that another darling is working on a 500 piece puzzle also by Mike Jupp the pictures are very amusing.
Mary W has been busy making 16 pairs of NHS scrubs trousers. She offered to make some for her niece, a psychiatric nurse; normally she doesn't wear uniform but she and her colleagues had been supplied with Polo Shirts but not trousers as they weren't available. Mary was relievedto get the job done and sent off now she says she will start work on the garden!
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Gordon gets down to repair some low level garden lights. There's more than enough jobs to do during this lockdown weekend.
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Roving Reporter, Jane, decides she needs longer arms and a taller ladder!
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Darling Jayne and husband Jon have been working on a few projects in their riverside garden this weekend. Clearing litter from the bank and landing area, planting seeds alongside general maintenance and tidying. It's all looking good.
This is one of Valerie's lockdown projects, this is what she has to say: 'Here’s a picture of my lockdown quilt top. It is a work in progress, as I still need to add the borders (then quilt it and bind it). It’s keeping me busy in between vegetable gardening and making face masks.' #StayAtHomeSaveLives
We're all having trouble with our hair during lockdown. Ann's hair was well past it's due date for colouring, her daughter Kelly bought and posted her a box of L'Oreal Preference and her husband Gordon applied it. 'Always a first time for everything!' A good 'Lockdown Sunday' project! Will it last until the hairdresser returns to work? Watch this space!
Sandra J. says she has been putting all her plants out after wintering in the conservatory. If there’s any sign of frost she will be grabbing them in again! 🤣
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Vikki's wisteria is coming back to life after being badly damaged in a storm in 2018. 😊
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Vikki & Ian have been taking advantage of the good weather this week during lockdown to work outside their home. Ian up the ladder fixing part of the rendering and Vikki working in the garden tidying existing borders and planting vegetable seeds.
Here is Lorna's Moorland Blanket a work in progress, she says: 'The hillside is getting closer to being finished but there is still some way to go. I’ve got ideas to embellish it but that’s a secret for the future!' We will look forward to seeing the finished item.
Ann & Gordon's project this week has been to clear weeds, brambles and gorse from the other side of their garden wall leaving the electric fence clear to do its job. Not an easy task. Now they have to clear the rubbish from the field! Another project to tackle during 'lockdown'. No need to worry about the bees, there's plenty more for them to go at! 🐝
Mary B. tells us that she has been spending time gardening, she has finished decorating her bedroom and is now making cards. We knew these WI members would not be sitting around doing nothing during lockdown.
Clearing their loft as been an ongoing project for Darling Sandra J. and her husband, Colin. In one of the corners they came across this rocking horse which had been a Christmas gift for Sandra's son Rob and long forgotten. Helen and Jack will have enjoyed it too. This family 'Dobbin' has now been brought downstairs and will be waiting for the next generation to enjoy. Great story. Thanks for sharing with us at Baslow WI.
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Sandra M. has been making fully lined shopping bags from leftover materials.
Thank you to all our members who have contributed to this weekend's post during lockdown due to coronavirus.
24 April 2020 - Flower arrangers do it with flair...
Flower arrangers have been asked to show their support for medical staff and carers, during the current coronavirus pandemic, by making a door wreath using blue and green foliage and materials. Iris, one of the Baslow Darlings has made this beautiful one.
The message from our government remains the same: Stay At Home - Protect the NHS - Save Lives
The message from our government remains the same: Stay At Home - Protect the NHS - Save Lives
Photo & wreath by Iris Holt
Quiz originally seen on Facebook
23 April 2020 - St George's Day
Whilst our country is in lockdown due to coronavirus we are all missing our normal day to day meetings with friends and family. St George's Day seems a good day to look back on fun we've had in recent years. Thanks to Baslow WI member, Anna for sending in these photos of the Darlings out and about.
21 April 2020 - Happy birthday Your Majesty, 94 today!
Image - Hollywood Insider
17-19 April 2020 - Our gardens in springtime
This weekend we asked our friends on Facebook to post a photo of something in their garden here are some of them...
Thanks to all the photographers, photos for this post have been taken from Baslow WI on Facebook.
17 April 2020 - A simple thank you to our wonderful refuse collectors
Gill's bin awaiting collection today.
Photo - G Watson
15 April 2020 - Answers to our 'Lockdown Quiz' emailed to members today
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Easter messages for our members and friends as seen on our social media
Darlings...... don't forget
Jane’s Creative Writing Competition:
Maximum 40 Words. Starting with ...........“If only I had known” Entries to be emailed to Jane or by contacting this website before 30 April. and The Team 20 Question Quiz emailed to members: Answers to be emailed to Joint Secretary, Caroline by the evening of 14 April. BASLOW WI MEMBERS ONLY! Queries contact us via this website. |
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12 April 2020 - Last evening on P&O Arcadia for our Darling on the 'Worldie'
Baslow member, Julia, has enjoyed her last evening on board ship and now, as this web post is published, she will be on her journey home from Southampton. We are so sorry we wont be seeing her in person over the next many weeks due to the coronavirus lockdown but we will be chatting on the phone and emailing. No worries! Stay safe and welcome home.
Photos via WhatsApp
10 April 2020 - A perfect vegetable garden
One of our members at Baslow WI is lucky enough to have been given these wonderful raised beds for her birthday last summer. She is enjoying getting them working for her this year. This is what she says...
'Here’s a photo of the raised beds taken earlier today. They are unusually high for raised beds (about 90 cm I think). I get a lot of back ache so this means I don’t have to bend down to work in the beds. The black metal frame that you can see overhead will eventually be covered with mesh... This will keep the pigeons and butterflies out, but let useful insects in (that’s why the brassicas are netted for now)... The two middle beds are for roots and onions, and the two on the right are where the peas and beans will go this year.'
'Here’s a photo of the raised beds taken earlier today. They are unusually high for raised beds (about 90 cm I think). I get a lot of back ache so this means I don’t have to bend down to work in the beds. The black metal frame that you can see overhead will eventually be covered with mesh... This will keep the pigeons and butterflies out, but let useful insects in (that’s why the brassicas are netted for now)... The two middle beds are for roots and onions, and the two on the right are where the peas and beans will go this year.'
Photo supplied by the busy gardener!
9 April 2020 - Baslow blossom
Fabulous blossom on one of Kate's trees, she's enjoying the view from her window whilst the coronavirus restrictions are in place.
Photo - K Treves
9 April 2020 - Baslow Bookworms #MyVirtualWI
One of our WI book clubs, The Baslow Bookworms, met virtually today using 'Zoom'. These Darlings are getting very 'Techie' under pressure. Well done Sweeties! 💚
#StayAtHomeSaveLives #MyVirtualWI 📚
#StayAtHomeSaveLives #MyVirtualWI 📚
Photo - Iris Holt
8 April 2020 - News from our Darling on the 'Worldie'
She's nearly home! Arcadia has docked in Tenerife to refuel and then will set sail for Southampton. Enjoy your last few days Darling. 🌍
7 April 2020 - Skilful sewing during lockdown
Valerie, a Baslow WI member, has been keeping herself busy during lockdown working on this stunning table runner as a gift for her mum's birthday next week. What a lovely present, she will be pleased. Happy birthday from all of us at Baslow WI. 🎁
Photo - Valerie Baxter
6 April 2020 - WI Life Celebrates National Pet Month this April
Earlier this year WI Life Magazine put a call out for photos of WI members with their pets for the April edition of the magazine to celebrate National Pet Month 2020. Baslow WI member Ann sent in this selfie of her with Toby and was lucky enough to be included in the double page spread of members with their beloved pets. If you have any pet photos to share with us please email to: [email protected] and they will be added to this post. Thank you.
There's a little story to go with the next two photos: Colin, Sandra's husband, rescued Tigger, a red setter x collie from RSPCA, Derby when he was 2 years old and had him for twelve years. Tigger was chosen for a part in the film Pride & Prejudice with Kiera Knightly. He had several scenes but sadly was edited out of the final cut, he still earned £15! Colin was on the film carrying a heavy tray of beef across the hall but his face could not be seen!
The next five photos have been submitted by Gill, they are her daughters' pets! What an amazing selection. 🐾
5 April 2020 - Sheffield Scrubs Up
One of the members at Baslow WI has brought to our attention the 'Sheffield Scrubs Up' Facebook Group. It aims to coordinate people who can sew to make scrubs etc for NHS staff. This is the link to the Facebook Group: 259241045240974
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Photos - hygiene-in-practice.com & Sheffield Scrubs Up on Facebook
4 April 2020 - Time appropriate...
Credits: Daily Mail & Paul White - 3.4.2020
3 April 2020 - Letter from Lynne Stubbings, NFWI Chair re coronavirus and the WI
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2 April 2020 - News from the South Atlantic Ocean
Our friend and Baslow WI member, at present on the P&O Arcadia World Cruise, sent this lovely photo of a tropical sunrise. She, all the crew and passengers are well. They will be crossing the Equator tomorrow into the North Atlantic Ocean and heading past Spain and France back to England. She hopes to back in her own home on 12 April. We are all looking forward to seeing her, and hope it wont be too long before we can get together at WI when this horrid coronavirus has been conquered.
1 April 2020
This message has been posted on the Baslow WI Facebook and Twitter feeds today, on their special day Baslow WI members will receive a birthday email from our correspondence secretary on behalf of all of our members. Messages are becoming more important each day now due to social distancing and isolation. Sad and worrying times for everyone, everywhere. 💛
31 March 2020 - Rainbows applauding our wonderful NHS
Photo - Mary Ball
Photos Lorna Wilson - Kate Treves
30 March 2020 - A message we are all sticking to as much as possible...
29 March 2020 - Message for our Nordic Walkers
27 March 2020 - Message from NFWI via Facebook
The WI (National Federation of Women's Institutes)
27 March at 09:57 · It has been incredible to see how WI members have adapted over the past couple of weeks to the unprecedented situation we are in. We’ve seen virtual WI meetings, committee meetings and sub-groups continue to be held via video calling. We’ve seen WIs joining local community initiatives to support vulnerable people by buying essential supplies or telephoning to check in. There’s been fun and creative ways to keep busy such as live cook-a-longs, virtual coffee mornings and virtual quizzes!
Over the coming weeks and months, we will be sharing case studies on social media, My WI and the website of extraordinary members doing extraordinary things to keep their community strong during these extraordinary times. We are asking all WIs to share what they have been doing on social media, using the hashtag #MyVirtualWI to acknowledge their efforts to keep the WI going.
Read more on our website: https://www.thewi.org.uk/home/my-virtual-wi
27 March at 09:57 · It has been incredible to see how WI members have adapted over the past couple of weeks to the unprecedented situation we are in. We’ve seen virtual WI meetings, committee meetings and sub-groups continue to be held via video calling. We’ve seen WIs joining local community initiatives to support vulnerable people by buying essential supplies or telephoning to check in. There’s been fun and creative ways to keep busy such as live cook-a-longs, virtual coffee mornings and virtual quizzes!
Over the coming weeks and months, we will be sharing case studies on social media, My WI and the website of extraordinary members doing extraordinary things to keep their community strong during these extraordinary times. We are asking all WIs to share what they have been doing on social media, using the hashtag #MyVirtualWI to acknowledge their efforts to keep the WI going.
Read more on our website: https://www.thewi.org.uk/home/my-virtual-wi
26 March 2020 - At Baslow WI we'll just keep on keeping on!
Whilst the coronavirus is with us sadly our meetings and outings have had to be halted but we plan to keep our website up to date with news and information concerning our members and friends. Two of our team members, Lorna and Vikki have submitted recipes for our 'Tried and Tested' recipe page this week. Web editor Ann, will be pleased to add more recipes or news and photos from members; either email her or contact her via this website. Thank you.
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https://baslow-wi.weebly.com/tried--tested-recipes.html
25 March 2020 - Durban, South Africa
Today we had a cheery message from our friend on the World Cruise she says...
'I am in the safest place in the world on a clean ship, being looked after and not really wanting to come home. Waiting to refuel in Durban at the moment.'
She informs us that she has booked the World Cruise for January 2021 and is already looking forward to it. The crew and officers must be looking after her very well!
'I am in the safest place in the world on a clean ship, being looked after and not really wanting to come home. Waiting to refuel in Durban at the moment.'
She informs us that she has booked the World Cruise for January 2021 and is already looking forward to it. The crew and officers must be looking after her very well!
Photos rci.com
and WeTravel2U
and WeTravel2U
24 March 2020 - Important news from Derbyshire House
MESSAGE REGARDING OUR FEDERATION OFFICE:
As from 24 MARCH 2020 the DFWI office will remain CLOSED until FURTHER NOTICE, hopefully this can be reviewed in three weeks time but this will depend on everyone doing as we have all been asked to do in regard to staying at home for the majority of the time, with certain limited allowed exceptions. The Trustees hope you, your family and friends are well and remaining as positive as you can be under these extremely difficult but necessary restrictions. Stay safe everybody. |
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23 March 2020 - Mother's Day
This is the message shared on our social media today with a note to saying 'Remembering our mothers on this special day and others who have been important in our lives'.
21 March 2020 - Tommy's 2 years old & Ann escapes from her computer!
Darling Ann's chocolate Labrador, Tommy is 2 years old today. He's still not grown up enough to go on WI walks though. Happy birthday Tom! 💙🐾
19 March 2020 - Good news from our World Cruiser
We have heard from our Darling out on the Indian Ocean:
P&O's Arcadia is now heading for a stop in Durban before moving on to Cape Town unfortunately passengers will not be able to leave the ship. It looks like she will not be setting foot on land until she arrives back in Southampton. On her birthday, 14 March, celebrations seem to have been on-going. Singapore Slings in the bar before champagne sent down to her table at dinner by the Captain and cake in the cabin. Wonderful! The good news is that everyone on Arcadia is safe and well and our dear friend is keeping busy joining classes and making new friends by the look of it! Go girl. 🥂 |
18 March 2020 - Letter from DFWI Chair, Chrissie re coronavirus
Chrissie our newly re-elected Chair at Derbyshire Federation of Women's Institutes has sent this letter to all Derbyshire WIs. She says she thinks we are all 'SIMPLY THE BEST'!
Photo: YouTube |
18 March 2020 - Message re Nordic Walking with instructor, Phill
Message from Phill Alcock:
Phill is concerned about the coronavirus and working on a way to continue his Friday sessions with the Baslow Group safely. This is what he says: 'Due to uncertain advice regarding coronavirus I have decided that the recommended separation distance cannot be readily achieved at Longshaw. It probably could on a field such as Chatsworth, however I have to test this. Especially as it seems that over 70s should avoid social contact very soon. But this has not been clarified. I'll set up a WhatsApp group and invite anyone to join who wishes to for information regarding future sessions after this Friday. Please email me if you wish to be included in the WhatsApp group. Best wishes, Phill' Email: [email protected] |
17 March 2020 - We had to put this notice out today... sad doesn't really cover it
16 March 2020 - coronavirus
14 March 2020 - Walking in the beautiful Peak District
14 March 2020 - Change of direction for Arcadia!
Happy birthday to friend on the World Cruise! The latest news from her is that Arcadia has changed direction and she is now heading for a birth in Cape Town, South Africa.
13 March 2020 - Sunshine no showers this afternoon!
A happy group of Nordic Walkers enjoying the early spring sunshine.
Report & photo Lorna Wilson
12 March 2020 - Hot off the press... Council Meeting, 17 March, cancelled
Sadly due to the coronavirus the Derbyshire Federation Annual Council Meeting at The Winding Wheel Chesterfield has had to be cancelled. We look forward to meeting with our friends from around the county at another venue in the not too distant future.
Image: douglascountynv.gov
12 March 2020 - News from the Indian Ocean
Our Darling on the Arcadia World Cruise has been silent for a number of days. We've tracked the ship to north of Perth on the Indian Ocean heading towards Columbo, Sri Lanka but probably she will not able to disembark there due to port restrictions. Good job she's an excellent sailor! Knowing her she will be making the best of what's on offer on the ship. The bar staff will know by now that she does't like much tonic with her gin!
Image: P&O Heritage |
11 March 2020 - Plants and questions!
Patrick Harding was the brilliant speaker at Baslow WI today. His entertaining talk, 'The medicinal use of plants' kept everyone enthralled. After the break WI secretaries Ann and Caroline introduced a 'Shout of Quiz' starting off with questions concerning herbs and moving on to rather random general knowledge questions! It seemed all the members learnt something today! A fabulous wall hanging sent from our Link WI, Hukanui-Hamua in New Zealand was won in the raffle by Margaret. Thanks NZ what a wonderful present. Our members, as always excelled with their donations for The Elms Foundation, out local refuge in Chesterfield. Thank you Darlings. Keep up the good work! We welcomed two new members today, another Judith and another Mary - you are now officially 'Darlings'. Thanks for joining our WI you'll find that the more you join in the more fun you have! 😊
8 March 2020 #EachforEqual - International Women's Day
The National Federation of WIs has asked members to think about the following three questions today and to post their photos using the #EachforEqual pose on social media.
1. What does equality mean to you? 2. What does being a woman mean to you? 3. What changes would you like to see for a more equal world? |
6 March 2020 - Keeping fit 'Nordic style'...
A good turnout today for Nordic Walking with instructor, Phill, at Longshaw. They practised walking “Indian File” whereby the person at the back overtakes everyone ahead to take the lead, until everyone has changed places then they start again!
Report & photos Sandra Jenkins
4 March 2020 - Update from P&O Arcadia on the 'Worldie'
The Baslow WI member on the World Cruise has just reported that she has arrived safely in Adelaide where she will have an overnight in port. She has been to the War Memorial and had a trip up to the top of Mount Lofty. Without a doubt there will be all sorts of parties and entertainment going on on-board. Isn't she lucky missing the Derbyshire winter? We wish her lots of fun and a very happy onward cruise. 🌎😎
3 March 2020 - Five go to Holmesfield!
Today five Baslow WI members joined Izzy's Tuesday Nordic Walking Group at Holmesfield walking through woods and fields, footpaths and bridleways. The ground conditions are still very wet but they managed to pick their way through some deep patches and finished as usual with some stretching exercises using their Nordic Poles for support. Some of the group enjoyed a drink at The Angel before heading home. An excellent way of spending the morning.
March has arrived...
29 February 2020 - Don't do anything you might regret later!
Photo credit: Triangle on the Cheap
28 February 2020 - Nordic weather for the nordic walkers today
It was very wet with slushy snow for the three walkers with Phill at Longshaw today. They were brave souls who ventured out in the heavy rain and wind not to mention the mud! Definitely not the day for an ice cream! Roll on spring and summer. 🍦🌞
Report & photos Lorna Wilson
27 February 2020 - Catch-up time with our world traveller
Due to the coronavirus our World Cruiser has taken to the land! She has had three nights in a fabulous hotel in Cairns and then flown three hours to Melbourne to rejoin P&O Arcadia. Whilst in Cairns as well as enjoying the hotel, she has been on a train and tropical rainforest cablecar ride with three viewing stops and also visited a butterfly sanctuary. She's going to need a holiday when she returns to the UK! Great photos from her phone via WhatsApp.
26 February 2020 - WISA
Today at WISA thirteen Baslow WI members sat around a long long table working on their crafts, it was mainly knitting and rag rug making today. Tea, chat and yummy nibbles from Janette were plentiful as always! Our photographer turned up late but still in time to snap a few photos of the work being done! 📸
25 February 2020 - Has spring has sprung?
It's wonderful to see the spring colours peeping through now in Derbyshire. The wind had a real bite to it this morning but Izzy and Linda led a reasonably sheltered walk in and around Holmesfield mainly on bridle paths to avoid the fields that are deep in either water or mud at the moment.
22 & 23 February 2020 - Festival Weekend in Nice for one of our members
On the page of our website we really enjoy seeing events and places members have enjoyed. Thanks to them all for their contributions. This weekend we are pleased to add photos by Sandra, taken on her mini-break to Nice for the Carnival Weekend. She says...
'The big carnival in Nice this weekend is “The King of Fashion” with many floats depicting the great fashion designers. I couldn’t name all of them but saw Jaun Paul Gautier, plus Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent fighting over the crown. Our own Queen was described as either “the vintage queen of fashion or the queen of vintage fashion”, I wasn’t too sure of the translation but don’t think she’d be too impressed with either!'
'The big carnival in Nice this weekend is “The King of Fashion” with many floats depicting the great fashion designers. I couldn’t name all of them but saw Jaun Paul Gautier, plus Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent fighting over the crown. Our own Queen was described as either “the vintage queen of fashion or the queen of vintage fashion”, I wasn’t too sure of the translation but don’t think she’d be too impressed with either!'
Report & photos - Sandra Jenkins
22 February 2020 - Port of the Day for our World Cruiser, Brisbane
21 February 2020 - Stunning sewing skills by Lorna
Details of this beautiful piece of work are on the 'Craft work' page of this website.
Design, stitching and photo - Lorna Wilson
21 February 2020 - There is simply no stopping this woman! 💖
20 February 2020 - No prizes for guessing where she!
Yes - you're right... our Darling on the 'Worldie' is in Sydney enjoying all that's on offer there. Quite different from Baslow where it is rain mixed with sleet and 4c! Happy holiday Darling. 😎
19 February 2020 - WI Lunch Club
Another wonderful meal enjoyed by the Baslow Darlings today at Piedaniel's in Bakewell.
18 February 2020 - 'The cold never bothered me anyway'! Elsa - Frozen
Four Baslow WI members joined Izzy & Linda from Nordic Walking Derbyshire this morning for a 4.6 mile walk in the Peak District's Longshaw Estate. A gorgeous walk in bright but cold windy weather. Spirits were high and the talking didn't stop! The changing seasons in Derbyshire are awesome, it's wonderful being out and about.
16 February 2020 - NZ to Oz on theTasman Sea
Our Darling World Cruiser has had a fabulous day in the Bay of Islands enjoying the tender trips to see The Rainbow Falls and the Maori Treaty House. Temperature around 24c and not too windy for the tenders. Now Arcadia is heading across the sea to Australia, unsure now if she will go to Sydney or not. Time will tell! 🛳
15 February 2020 - Auckland today then a change of plan...
The Captain's job is never easy, he has to keep his ship safe first and foremost so sadly the itinerary for our World Cruiser has had to be altered. Due to the coronavirus Arcadia will miss many of the ports in Asia. Singapore will be missed especially where a birthday tea at Raffles and no doubt a few Singapore Slings had been planned! Never mind, she can do it another time and this time she gets to enjoy more of Australia and Tasmania including Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart, Port Arthur and Fremantle. We will look forward to hearing more news via WhatsApp in the next few days.
Photo Auckland Harbour - credit: newzealand.com |
15 February - Just ahead of Storm Dennis
A rather wet and chilly afternoon at Longshaw saw our brave Nordic Walkers going “off piste”, crossing small streams and gullies as well as coping with very uneven terrain. Ready for that hot drink at the end of the walk!
Report & photo - Sandra Jenkins
14 February - Valentine's Day
14 February 2020 - We're only just keeping up with her!
Today our friend's ship, P&O Arcadia has arrived at Tauranga in New Zealand. She is booked on a tour involving a cable car, a sheep shearing shed, thermal springs and a Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. What an awesome mix! She certainly is packing it all in. Well done Darling.♥️
February meeting...
9 February 2020 - News from the cruise!
Today our fellow WI member on the World Cruise has arrived in Papeete, Tahiti. She says it is 30c and humid and she's on a 4x4 off road trip. The going is rough but 'worth it' the rivers and waterfalls are amazing. After returning to the ship she's enjoyed a shower and the sail-away party with an awesome P&O sunset to enjoy. Thanks for sharing with us Darling via WhatsApp. Fab-U- lous! Next time we hear from her she should be in New Zealand but who knows!
8 February 2020 - Sunny start to the weekend
Today’s Nordic Walkers gathered at Longshaw Estate with our instructor, Phill, before setting off for a good circular walk on a lovely afternoon. So warm that we were able to sit outside having our cups of tea at the end. Not bad for early February!
Report & photos Sandra Jenkins
Report & photos Sandra Jenkins
4 February 2020 - Baslow WI's 3rd blog for 'Let's Go Peat District'
Last year Baslow WI was invited to write blogs for 'Let's Go Peak District', our third blog has now been published. This one contains a short review of our Centenary Year, 2019. Click on the link and go: baslow-wi-2019-in-review
Blog image thanks to Bookboon
2 February 2020 - News from our World Cruiser
One Darling on board Arcada had recently been ashore at Honolulu where she has been on a helicopter around the island and also on a coach trip. The bad news is that the next two ports, Pago Pago in American Samoa and Nuku Alofa, Tonga have had to be cancelled due to an outbreak of measles. Such a shame but as they say 'worse things happen at sea'. No doubt she will be enjoying time to relax and enjoy the days and evenings at sea.
All photos from WhatsApp Group.
All photos from WhatsApp Group.
1 February 2020 - Birthdays this month
On the first day of each month at Baslow WI we post on Facebook and our website a birthday wish to our members and on their special day they receive a birthday email from friends at WI. 🍹
31 January 2020 - 'A change is as good a rest'
Our regular Nordic Walkers had a change of venue today and luckily the rain held off whilst we were in Chatsworth Park. We met at Queen Mary’s Bower, said to have been built in the 1570s for the captive Mary Queen of Scots, before moving on to a later memorial plaque for the present Queen’s coronation in 1953. The tree planted beside it has grown enormously in the intervening years. We finished off in the Stables cafe with a welcome hot drink.
Report & photos Sandra Jenkins
29 January 2020 - For one day only...
Baslow Village Hall turned into a Sewing School today as seven Baslow WI members gathered together to make sewing machine mats led by Baslow WI President, Christine Thompson. Look at the lovely work produced and the gorgeous selection of materials chosen. These are seven very skilled members who are always looking to learn more through the WI and other organisations.
28 January 2020 - It's looking a lot like winter!
Nordic Walking in Nordic weather at National Trust, Longshaw Estate today! There were strong, seriously chilling winds on the high ground at the start of our walk but glorious sunshine soon broke through. Fabulous! ⛄️ 😎
27 & 28 January 2020 - An overnight in San Francisco, USA!
We've caught up with our Darling on the World Cruise and she's been having fun in San Francisco for the last two days! Now she has four days at sea, plenty of time to prepare for Honolulu, hope she's got her grass skirt ready!
27 January 2020 - Someone's been busy!
Jenny, one of our WI members, has knitted all these cute cuddly teddies and hats to be added to the 'Baby Bundles' made up by our local Inner Wheel. They will be delivered by volunteers, from the Nottinghamshire Police Force, to places in desperate need of items for babies and young children. Well done Jenny. Great job! ⭐️
25 January 2020 - It's a sea day for world cruisers on Arcadia but our Darling's keeping busy!
24 January 2020 - Plenty of talking and a fair bit of walking too!
Linda met the Baslow Group today at the National Trust Longshaw Estate for a Nordic Walking session. They enjoyed walking and the scenery along the way. They passed a small herd of deer and heard the Red Grouse call, well some did, others were talking too much to notice! The ground conditions are slowly improving after all the rain, but some of the paths still need careful navigation. Roll on spring and summer! 😎
23 January 2020 - Where in the world is she today?
Our Darling is in Santiago Bay, Manzanillo, Mexico. She has reported that the sea has been 'like a mill pond' since her last port of call. It's humid and the temperature is 28c. She's been to the market, seen a mangrove swamp and lucky for us found a rather smart, by the look of it, internet cafe so she can keep in touch with her friends and family.
Well done Darling, keep up the good work! Happy holidays. 🌎🍹
Well done Darling, keep up the good work! Happy holidays. 🌎🍹
22 January 2020 - Two choices at WISA today...
21 January 2020 - Frost & sunshine perfect winter walking weather!
This morning six members of Baslow WI joined Izzy's Tuesday Nordic Walking Derbyshire group for a walk from Curbar Gap car park. They walked 3½ miles in glorious winter sunshine stopping for coffee from flasks on the way and finished with stretching exercises at the car park. Next week they will meet at Longshaw. Check WI diary or Izzy's WhatsApp for details.
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20 January 2020 - Look where our Darling on the 'Worldie' is today!
19 January 2020 - For our furry friends in Down under
Our Treasurer Vikki has been keeping herself busy answering a call for help from Australia following the bushfires. Animal rescue centres are in great need of bedding for kangaroos, koalas etc. Vikki says 'Annie's fabric shop on Abbeydale Road, Sheffield is a collection point if any more crafters fancy making something.' We say well done Vikki - good job.
Image - Marie Claire 'A koala named Paul recovers at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital' |
17 January 2020 - Extra layers required today!
15 January 2020 - Staying local
Another excellent Lunch Club meeting at the Cavendish Hotel, Baslow. Desserts included were mini magnums and chocolate torte, with no calories of course! 🍽 🍷
Report & photos Lorna Wilson
13 & 15 January 2020 - Our world cruiser is in the Caribbean, Barbados & Curacao 😎
11 January 2020 - @DerbyshireHS
Good to see Lord Burlington tweeting about his visit to @BaslowWI #Baslow following his visit on 8 January.
8 January 2020 - Chillin' in January!
Three Baslow Bikers dusted the cobwebs off their bikes and headed off down the trail to Tissington. Perfect weather for the 20 mile round trip with a lunch break at Herberts Fine English Tea Rooms! Every time we go to Tissington it always amazes us what a perfectly gorgeous Derbyshire Village it is.
Photos by the 3rd Baslow Biker, Gordon!
The Baslow Nordic Walking Group had their first session of the year with British Nordic Walking Instructor, Phill, today. They met at the National Trust, Longshaw Estate and enjoyed the winter sunshine whilst walking. They were pleased to welcome a new member to the group, Cate a member of Baslow WI.
Photos - Sandra Jenkins & Sue Ayres
8 January 2020 - A first for Baslow WI!
It's never happened before, our speaker arrived on a bike! He was Lord Burlington and came from Chatsworth so not too long a journey and all flat, let's invite him to join the Baslow Bikers! It was a great meeting with Baslow Village Hall full of members and visitors. We had a wonderful collection of donations for the Elm Foundation and an excellent raffle for our 2020 President's Charity, Weston Park Cancer Charity. Lord Burlington gave us an brilliant talk and slideshow. Hazel Wills, the Chair of Baslow Village Hall Committee received a cheque from Baslow WI being the balance of money collected by The President's Charity 2019. A fan assisted cooker and a microwave oven had already been purchased and installed in the Village Hall from funds raised, in total £1,070. As our WI is a very busy one it has been decided that the members need to be included more in the running of events so sub-committees chaired by a team member will be formed. Two are already up and running one for VE Day and one for ACWW.
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7 January 2020 - 1st Port of Call - Madeira
Our World Cruiser has sailed into Madeira where she has reported going on a Jeep Tour, it looks fun by the selfie here! She also reported Nordic Walking on the Prom Deck, three circuits is one mile so she is doing this each day and asked that we share the news with Nordic Walking Instructor Phill, which we have done!
6 January 2020 - Not so peaceful at Linacre today, the WI turned up!
The WI walking group seemed to have grown bigger for 2020, seventeen of them met at Linacre for their first walk of the year and they started as they would like to carry on with mulled wine and coffee with tasty morsels to nibble. The group walked around all three reservoirs stopping for photo opportunities and to catch their breath on the inclines! After the walk they regrouped at The Peacock, Cutthorpe where they were made very welcome and served in what is usually a very quiet dining room!
4 January 2020 - Walking further but are we fitter? Not yet!
Nordic Walking Derbyshire members enjoyed a circular walk from Rowsley via Bakewell and Chatsworth today. Led by Izzy they enjoyed the leisurely walk amongst fabulous Peak Park scenery with two stops for drinks and snacks. This walk ws 9 miles, that's the furthest Ann has ever walked so quite an achievement, 12 miles is threatened for the spring/summer!
3 January 2020 - Look who's sailing!
One of the Darlings has taken herself off for the winter on a world cruise, it's something she has ALWAYS wanted to do. We wish her a happy holiday, with calm seas, and enjoyable company. We know the food and ports will be fabulous! We are following her on WhatsApp so hopefully we will get more posts from her soon to share with friends and followers.
3 January 2020 - Exercise time!
Five Nordic Walkers enjoyed the first walk of the year at Longshaw Estate this afternoon. They got caught out by an unexpected shower at the start but then the sun came out until we finished off with a welcome hot drink in the tearooms.
Report & photos - Sandra Jenkins
1 January 2020 - As we move into another decade a cheery wish...
and our posts used on social media this new year...
31 December 2019 - It's arrived!
Commemorating 100 years of Baslow WI at our Village Hall in style. The new sign is here!
30 December 2019 - Look who's in Vietnam
Baslow member Jayne and husband Jon have been on a fabulous holiday this Christmas, a small part of it was spent in Vietnam, we are sp pleased that they have shared their photos with us at Baslow WI. Thanks Darlings!
Photo Jayne & Jon Rawlinson
25 December 2019 - Our messages to members & friends on social media
23 December 2019 - Who's ready for Christmas then?
Baslow Bear photo - Lorna Wilson
20 December 2019 - Last session with Phill this year
Today was the last session of Nordic Walking with our British Nordic Walking Instructor Phill for this year. It is now just over two years since a group of Baslow WI members and friends first started having sessions in Nordic Walking with him. It has been extremely enjoyable and sociable and has helped many of us to achieve more in all sorts of ways. We thank Phill and wish him a very happy Christmas and an excellent 2020. Check our the Baslow WI web diary for full details about Phill's session and Nordic Walking. Xmas tree - clipart.com
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18 December - Oh deer!
Great Christmas walk for 30+ members after a quick tipple at the meet outside Baslow Village Hall they set off on a short walk through Chatsworth Park to the Cavendish Club for lunch. A large herd of deer were just at the side of the footpath and obliged us by posing for photos! Members were dressed appropriately for walking in the park at Christmas so there was plenty of bling and sparkle around, not to mention baubles! We enjoyed drinks and lunch before setting off back to Baslow. Thanks to Vikki for leading the walk and Lorna for organising the lunch. We all enjoyed it greatly. Four Baslow members chose to walk up to the grave of the 11th Duke of Devonshire and his wife Deborah where they placed a Christmas wreath on behalf of Baslow WI as a mark of respect and thanks for all the support they gave the WI during their lives.
17 December 2019 - Walking in the mud!
Two Darlings, Ann and Sandra joined Izzy's 'Nordic Walking Derbyshire' group for a 5 mile walk from Holmesfield Church today. The sun shone on them and they enjoyed the wonderful scenery in sheltered woods, open hills and fields with plenty o'mud to take home on their boots! All managed to stay warm and dry and finished the walk with a quiet stretching session and a hot drink at 'The Angel' before going their separate ways to carry on prep. for Christmas! 🎄
13 December 2019 - Our walkers meet Santa & his elves
A very cold biting wind and blustery rain today at Longshaw. We were very glad to get to the warm tea shop where we were met by Santa and his elves. Not many people around today in the awful conditions.
Report & photos - Lorna Wilson & probably one of the elves!
Report & photos - Lorna Wilson & probably one of the elves!
12 December 2019 - The votes are in...
Yesterday Baslow WI members voted on the short list for resolutions to be discussed at the National Annual Meeting in June at The Royal Albert Hall. Votes were collated and sent to Diane Smiles the DFWI Trustee who will forward them to NFWI.
11 December 2019 - Last meeting this year
The Christmas meeting at Baslow WI is always popular with our members but this year we were thrilled to welcome three members for Dronfield WI as well. The meeting began with welcome drinks and Christmas songs from the wonderful choir from St Anne's School, Baslow. This was followed by flower arranging demonstrations and entertaining chat by WI members Iris and Kate. Fabulous refreshments and our 'Big Date Draw', members had been purchasing dates from a calendar, cost £1, and we had many winners and great prizes. The funds raised were for our President's Charity which in 2019 was Baslow Village Hall.
9 December 2019 - 'In a land far far away'
Eight Friends of Chatsworth and their guests met today for a visit to see Chatsworth House dressed up for Christmas. The theme this year is 'In a land far far away'. We were transported all over the globe enjoying the sights and smells. Follow us on Facebook, every evening at 10.30pm we have a 'good night' post scheduled... Throughout December we are using the Chatsworth Christmas theme for these posts and all the photos used have been taken by one of our team. Happy Christmas wherever you are. 🎄
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8 December 2019 - A Christmas wish from DFWI
7 December 2019 - Fabulous scenery in the Peak Park
It's now over two years since Baslow WI members started Nordic Walking, and now some are enjoying walking longer distances with members of 'Nordic Walking Derbyshire' led by Izzy a British Nordic Walking Instructor. Today's eight mile circular walk in heart of the Peak District was testing at times over rough terrain on part of the Limestone Way. In windy conditions the sun shone and the rain stayed away. The picnic lunch in a sheltered spot at Mam Tor was awesome, on top of the world looking down on the iconic Hope Valley Cement Works! The walk ended with a visit to a Christmas craft fair and a steaming cuppa by which time Castleton was lighting up for Christmas. 'Can we go again?'
6 December 2019 - Longshaw today
Today’s Nordic Walk at Longshaw turned out to be much colder and wetter than forecast. No wonder this reindeer’s nose was red! We kept warm by practising dealing with uneven terrain and going up and down hills. The hot drinks at the end were very welcome.
Report and photo-Sandra Jenkins |
5 December 2019 - What's new then?
In 2019 the Baslow WI President's Charity has been 'Baslow Village Hall'. Some of the money raised has been spent on a new electric fan oven and a microwave for the Village Hall kitchen. Baslow WI meetings have been held in the Village Hall, formerly The Stockdale Institute for over 100 years. Baslow WI members and other community groups will benefit from these additions to the kitchen.
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4 December 2019 - Join WI for the coming year and you'll get yours!
3 December 2019 - Meet Ollie!
29 November 2019 - Nordic Walking
There was a good turnout this afternoon at Longshaw for our Friday Nordic Walking instruction from Phill. What a joy to see blue sky and sunshine for a change. We also spotted a little painted pebble someone had left along our route.
Report & photos: Sandra Jenkins
Report & photos: Sandra Jenkins
27 November 2019 - WISA + Christmas craft session
Preparations were in full swing for Christmas today in Baslow Village Hall. WI members got together for their usual monthly Social Afternoon, some enjoyed craft workshops led by Christine and Sue. They made fabulous little Christmas tree decorations. Today was Roving Reporter Jane's birthday, she turned up with a very large box of Thorntons chocolates to share along with delicious biscuits from Janette! A great way to spend a wet and murky afternoon with plenty of tea and chat to go with the sewing and goodies. 🍩🍪
23-24 November 2019 - Last Centenary outing, London here we come!
What a fabulous Centenary Outing this was for the Darlings, their friends and partners. This was an awesome show with the very best classical music, multicoloured laser displays, fireworks, cannons and balloons - wow it was all there including singing and flag waving! 🇬🇧 The cast of what seemed like thousands included: Royal Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with John Rigby conducting, soloists; Madeline Pierard and Alexander James Edward, the Classical Spectacular Dancers, The British Imperial Military Band and if that wasn't enough, to blow you mind totally the Muskets & Canons of the Moscow Militia! Our photos don't do it justice but it's a lovely reminder. Our visit was organised by London Tours, Chesterfield.
Last three photos taken inside the Royal Albert Hall - Lorna Wilson & Vikki Watson
Sunday treats started with a full English breakfast at The Crown Plaza then on the coach for a tour of London when our Tour Manager, Gerry, told us interesting stories and pointed out places of interest keeping us well entertained. Some of the group spent their free time in and around the Covent Garden and the Aldwych others enjoyed a tour with audio guides around the Tower of London, The Crown Jewels were the highlight of the day wonderfully displayed. Sadly no photographs allowed!
22 November 2019 - Braving it at Longshaw!
Gathering for Friday afternoon’s Nordic Walk at a rather bleak Longshaw today. At least the rain held off until we got inside the cafe!
Report & photo Sandra Jenkins
19 November 2019 - A frosty walk in the park
Chatsworth Park was covered in frost this morning when the Derbyshire Nordic Walkers first set out on our walk from Baslow through the park and up to the Hunting Tower with a quick look around the Christmas Market on the way. Good to see the Baslow christmas tree is ready on the green for the lighting up ceremony. Well done Winter Festival Committee. 🎄
18 November 2019 - Associated Country Women of The World (ACWW)
What a great day the Derbyshire ACWW committee gave us today at Derbyshire House! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard putting this together. It's always good meeting up with friends from around the Federation on days like this and wonderful to hear news from fellow members on how they raise money for our international charity supporting women and girls in need of help around the world. The sales tables were quite different this time, lovely to see Rashelle from Bakewell WI there and also wonderful woodwork for Christmas from Liz's Len! If you haven't been before: Date for Diary - 30 March 2020 when ACWW World President will join us.
15 November 2019 - Nordic Walking
13 November 2019 - WI monthly meeting
At today's meeting we were pleased to welcome Jade Hearsom from Weston Park Cancer Charity and Dr Victoria Parker from Jessops Hospital as our speakers. Jade explained the working of the charity at Weston Park Hospital and Victoria told us about her research into cancer found in pregnancy. During the social time Kate reminded members about all the events put on this year by the Centenary Team of 5, and members joined in with thanks and ideas for the future. Liz Mangle our WI Adviser attended this meeting, sadly she had lost her voice so didn't speak to us! Our thanks go to Kate who made the delicious Centenary Celebration Cake. The recipe for it can be found on the 'Tried & Tested' page of this website.
10 November 2019 - Remembrance Day
Today Baslow WI members joined local people outside St Anne's Church for the laying of poppy wreaths on the war memorial. Baslow WI President, Christine, laid a wreath on behalf of all 86 Baslow WI members. Some of the members adjourned to The Prince of Wales, for their now regular get-together, after the service and ceremony.
This was our 7am post on social media today: 'Remember all our fallen heroes today tomorrow and always.'
6 November 2019 - 100 years of women who lunch!
At last the long awaited Centenary Lunch was upon us. Fifty six Baslow WI members and two guests got together for the celebration. We wonder if the women who got together in Baslow in November 1919 and agreed to form a 'Women's Institute' could possibly have imagined that 100 years later the WI would be thriving with 86 members.The lunch was a tribute to the inspiring women of the past and present.
6 November 2019 - Today's the day!
5 November 2019 - Bamford this autumn - a history walk
It was cold and wet but it didn't dampen spirits, the Darlings were out on a history walk around Bamford led by Lorna. They started and finished at The Anglers Rest enjoying a walk around the village seeing changes made using some Lottery funding and the development of the old mill and old farm buildings into beautiful homes. Thanks for leading and sharing your knowledge Lorna...
Lorna says: ' We walked around the village, up the hill to see the house where I used to live. Then down the Hollow to Bamford Mill, now residences and saw the river Derwent flowing very fast. The stepping stones across the river were under water so weren’t able to cross to see the Touch Stone but we will come back another time. Walking up the village we called in at the Parish church and admired the stained glass windows. Lunch at the Anglers Rest finished our visit.'
Lorna says: ' We walked around the village, up the hill to see the house where I used to live. Then down the Hollow to Bamford Mill, now residences and saw the river Derwent flowing very fast. The stepping stones across the river were under water so weren’t able to cross to see the Touch Stone but we will come back another time. Walking up the village we called in at the Parish church and admired the stained glass windows. Lunch at the Anglers Rest finished our visit.'
1 November 2019
Members of Baslow WI receive a personal birthday greeting by email sent by our correspondence secretary and a post similar to the one below is put out on social media at the beginning of each month.