NEWS/PHOTOS October 2020 - May 2021
Since the onset of coronavirus Baslow WI members are unable to get-together in the usual way but our website remains active. We ask WI members to contribute and be in contact with each other virtually to promote the NFWI's #MyVirtualWI
31 May 2021 - Photo Club
Baslow WI's new Photo Club has been up and running for one month now it has been good to see and share photos emailed by our members. The first month's topic was 'Gates' and the June topic is 'Flowers'.
Visit the Photo Club page of this website to find out more: https://baslow-wi.weebly.com/photo-club.html |
Images used is this post are from Pinterst & ClipartMag.com
30 May 2021 - Speed watch training in Baslow
Speeding traffic entering Baslow is always a problem. Today a group, including Baslow WI members, attended a Community Speed Watch training session and speed check with our Police Community Support Officer on Calver Road, Baslow. During the session 21 vehicles were seen exceeding the 30mph limit.
Report & photo Lorna Wilson
30 May 2021 - Another Birthday Girl!
Wishing our Joint Secretary, Caroline, best wishes for her special birthday today.
Photo-shoplollypop
27 May 2021 - From our Roving Reporter...
Darling Jane has had an interesting visitor as well this week, check out her page on this website to find out more!
https://baslow-wi.weebly.com/roving-reporter.html
https://baslow-wi.weebly.com/roving-reporter.html
26 May 2021 - We had a very special visitor on Caroline's interview couch this week!
As most of our members will know Baslow WI will be entering the 2021 Elizabeth Bell Challenge - it's an National WI competition and will take all year to work on our entry. We were intrigued to learn more about Elizabeth and Caroline has devised this novel way of telling us about her. Thanks Darling!
This week I have a special guest taking a seat with us -
Dr Elizabeth Gould Bell... What is your connection to Baslow WI? I am hoping to inspire members of Baslow WI to share their activities and endeavours - so they too can be an inspiration for others and be the ultimate winners of the Elizabeth Bell Challenge Trophy. What inspired you to commit much of your life helping the most needy in society? I was brought up in Newry, 30 miles from Belfast. My father was the clerk of the Poor Law Union. The Union was set up to help the those in need, and in the late 1800s there were many impoverished families and particularly women struggling in society. I suppose I was aware of the huge injustice and contrast with my own middle-class upbringing. |
What was your greatest personal achievement?
In 1882, after 15 years of trying, women were finally allowed to join the university's medical faculty. Of those five women, 2 completed their degrees and I was one of them. I worked as a doctor at the Women's Maternity Home in Belfast, the Belfast Babies Home and was the medical officer at the Malone Place Hospital which provided a refuge for unmarried pregnant women.
What has made you most proud?
In 1912 I received a certificate from Emmeline Pankhurst thanking me for my 'self-forgetfulness and self-conquest and readiness to answer to the appeal of the oppressed'. 16 years later, in 1928, women in Ulster were given the vote. At last, I felt truly rewarded.
What can our members do to make a difference?
You have had a difficult year but WI members have shown resilience and strength. Your kindness and solidarity has helped spread positivity to lift peoples sprits in incredibly unusual times. I would like your members to celebrate and showcase what they have achieved, safeguarding the WI and inspiring members for another 100 years.
Thank you Elizabeth - we have a team led by Alison Haynes coordinating our efforts. We will keep the members updated with progress and hope to make you proud!
Usually on a Wednesday Caroline interviews our members. See our 'Meet the Members' page on this website. Contact Caroline she's waiting to hear from YOU!
Images: Sofa - Megapixel.com and Elizabeth Bell - Wikipedia
In 1882, after 15 years of trying, women were finally allowed to join the university's medical faculty. Of those five women, 2 completed their degrees and I was one of them. I worked as a doctor at the Women's Maternity Home in Belfast, the Belfast Babies Home and was the medical officer at the Malone Place Hospital which provided a refuge for unmarried pregnant women.
What has made you most proud?
In 1912 I received a certificate from Emmeline Pankhurst thanking me for my 'self-forgetfulness and self-conquest and readiness to answer to the appeal of the oppressed'. 16 years later, in 1928, women in Ulster were given the vote. At last, I felt truly rewarded.
What can our members do to make a difference?
You have had a difficult year but WI members have shown resilience and strength. Your kindness and solidarity has helped spread positivity to lift peoples sprits in incredibly unusual times. I would like your members to celebrate and showcase what they have achieved, safeguarding the WI and inspiring members for another 100 years.
Thank you Elizabeth - we have a team led by Alison Haynes coordinating our efforts. We will keep the members updated with progress and hope to make you proud!
Usually on a Wednesday Caroline interviews our members. See our 'Meet the Members' page on this website. Contact Caroline she's waiting to hear from YOU!
Images: Sofa - Megapixel.com and Elizabeth Bell - Wikipedia
25 May 2021 - Time 4 Team Tuesday
Our Nordic Walkers met with Izzy at 10am today at Holmesfield Church. It wasn't the weather they had ordered but neverthless they enjoyed their walk and talk around the fields, tracks and farms in Holmesfield. Many of them ended up in Julia's garage for a warming cup of WI coffee together with a choccy biscuit! Thanks Julia you're a ⭐️ !
Today we heard that Ollie (Barbara & Izzy's Jack Russel) needs a major operation on his leg. We wish him all the very best and hope he will be back walking with us in the not too distant future. 🐾
Today we heard that Ollie (Barbara & Izzy's Jack Russel) needs a major operation on his leg. We wish him all the very best and hope he will be back walking with us in the not too distant future. 🐾
24 May 2021 - 'Friends of Chatsworth' visit the gardens
Today 'Darlings' with 'Friends of Chatsworth' membership made their now monthly visit to the gardens at Chatsworth House. Again they noticed many changes since their April visit and were blessed with a lovely warm sunny morning.
21 May 2021 - The tapestries return to Chatsworth + new exhibition 'Life Stories'
Chatsworth House has re-opened after a long closure due to the coroanavirus pandemic. The Devonshire Hunting Tapestries have returned for a short period on loan from the Victoria & Albert Museum. It's good to see them back in their original Chatsworth setting the Sculpture Hall. New for this season is the "Life Stories " exhibition, two shown below. Some Baslow WI members have been to visit and it's highly recommented. Note though; the route is shorter this year.
LIFE STORIES - HENRY VIII
LIFE STORIES - ELIZABETH CECIL
18 May 2021 - Nordic Walking Team Tuesday
Perfect walking weather today for five of the Team Tuesday regulars with Nordic Walking Instructor, Izzy. Starting at Thornbridge Hall they walked around Great Longstone and Ashford in the Water. Some rough tracks and awkward stiles but fabulous scenery all they way.
17 May 2021 - Vintage WI knitting
Sue H has shared this WI pattern with us, copyright 1978 when it cost 60p, an expensive pattern for the time!
14 May 2021 - Another Team birthday! 🎁
Happy birthday to 'Darling' Kate a Baslow WI Team Member and former President. Have a great day.
13 May 2021 - It's Mental Health Awareness Week 10-16 May
13 May 2021 - Holymoorside Walk
Sue led an interesting and varied circular walk with added loops today from The Village Hall at Holymoorside. Just four Baslow members went and enjoyed a good natter all the way around with photo stops and a coffee stop too. A lovely way to spend a warm sunny spring morning. Thanks to Sue for taking the lead.
12 May 2021 - Magic via Zoom for the Darlings and 7 visitors today - fabulous!
And later on 11 May - weather pics from our Roving Reporter Jane...
11 May 2021 - Nordic Walking in the heart of the Peaks
Darlings and friends, part of Izzy's Team Tuesday Nordic Walkers met at Bamford recreation ground for a six mile circular walk on tracks, footpaths and through woods heading for Win Hill. They enjoyed their picnic lunch in bright sunshine taking in the awesome views and arrived back at the car park in time for a quick 'stretch' before the stormy weather came in. This was definitely a day of four seasons.
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10 May 2021 - Book Lovers
Book Lovers Book Review of their April book read.
Middlemarch by George Eliot
Middlemarch is widely seen as George Eliot's best work and one of the great English Novels. It is a hefty book 681 pages, 86 chapters. We all enjoyed it and all felt it was well worth the read. It was Caroline Enock's choice, both Caroline and myself had read it previously and both enjoyed it then and again this second time.
Middlemarch is an image of a society of provincial life in 1829 to 1881. Set in a fictional English town Marchland, a border between two counties. It is not a romantic novel, it begins with mistaken marriage choices of its heroine and hero and the coming to terms with their folly, telling how a man comes to fall in love with a woman.
Despite comic elements, Middlemarch uses realism to encompass historical events during this period. The 1832 Reform Act, early railways and the accession of King William IV. Issues include the status of women at that time, the nature of marriage, self interest, idealism, religious hypocrisy and education.
Every class of society in Middlemarch is covered from the landed gentry and clergy to manufacturers, professional men, farmers and labourers. The focus, however, is on the thwarted idealism of its two main characters, Dorethea Brook and Tertius Lydgate who both marry disastrously.
Sandra Marshall
Middlemarch by George Eliot
Middlemarch is widely seen as George Eliot's best work and one of the great English Novels. It is a hefty book 681 pages, 86 chapters. We all enjoyed it and all felt it was well worth the read. It was Caroline Enock's choice, both Caroline and myself had read it previously and both enjoyed it then and again this second time.
Middlemarch is an image of a society of provincial life in 1829 to 1881. Set in a fictional English town Marchland, a border between two counties. It is not a romantic novel, it begins with mistaken marriage choices of its heroine and hero and the coming to terms with their folly, telling how a man comes to fall in love with a woman.
Despite comic elements, Middlemarch uses realism to encompass historical events during this period. The 1832 Reform Act, early railways and the accession of King William IV. Issues include the status of women at that time, the nature of marriage, self interest, idealism, religious hypocrisy and education.
Every class of society in Middlemarch is covered from the landed gentry and clergy to manufacturers, professional men, farmers and labourers. The focus, however, is on the thwarted idealism of its two main characters, Dorethea Brook and Tertius Lydgate who both marry disastrously.
Sandra Marshall
7 May 2021 - WI Photo Club
Today our new Photo Club has been launched - The rules are simple:
1. Each month a photo topic will be chosen, Baslow WI members will be notified of the topic to be photographed and the email address to send the photo to.
2. The photo must be taken during the month.
3. Members may send in more than one photo each month but we can't guarantee that they will all be published on the web page.
4. The photos will be used on our social media pages and also on our dedicated web page.
The first topic in the month of May 2021 is 'Gates'
Please do join in this was Lorna's idea and she wishes all members to be included. Only first names will be used online.
#MyVirtualWI
1. Each month a photo topic will be chosen, Baslow WI members will be notified of the topic to be photographed and the email address to send the photo to.
2. The photo must be taken during the month.
3. Members may send in more than one photo each month but we can't guarantee that they will all be published on the web page.
4. The photos will be used on our social media pages and also on our dedicated web page.
The first topic in the month of May 2021 is 'Gates'
Please do join in this was Lorna's idea and she wishes all members to be included. Only first names will be used online.
#MyVirtualWI
6 May 2021 - Darling Jane searching out Tom Cruise!
FROM OUR ROVING REPORTER DARLING JANE
'Even with full makeup and freshly polished nails I wasn’t allowed any closer but this view of the fabrication needed for the rumoured train crash scene gives you some idea of the “ impossible structure” needed for the Mission Impossible film.'
Interested?
Find out more: https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/gallery/spot-fans-can-spy-tom-5365263
'Even with full makeup and freshly polished nails I wasn’t allowed any closer but this view of the fabrication needed for the rumoured train crash scene gives you some idea of the “ impossible structure” needed for the Mission Impossible film.'
Interested?
Find out more: https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/gallery/spot-fans-can-spy-tom-5365263
5 May 2021 - Another 'lockdown project'
This 5,000 piece Lego batmobile and the little people who go with it has been built by Colin, Sandra's husband. It's a great lockdown project, very complicated like a 3D jigsaw and all black pieces for the vehicle! Well done Colin. 🦇
Photos - Sandra J
4 May 2021 - Nordic Walkers visit Bamford
Today Team Tuesday joined Izzy for a 6-mile walk from Bamford recreation ground up to the reservoirs and back via the woods. A lovely sheltered walk on a morning with sunshine and showers. Next week they will meet at the same place but do a longer walk with a picnic lunch en-route.
Photos Sandra J & Ann Mc
1 May 2021
Slides wishing our WI members happy birthday are posted here and on our social media platforms each month. On their birthday members all receive a birthday wish via email from our correspondence secretary.
30 April 2021 - Self sufficiency sussed!
One 'Gorgeous Greenie' enjoying her garden 💚...
On 28 March this year we posted photos of our WI Treasurer Vikki's greenhouse being erected by husband Ian! In just a month she has it all stocked up and looking good. Well done to them both. What an amazingly tidy greenhouse.
On 28 March this year we posted photos of our WI Treasurer Vikki's greenhouse being erected by husband Ian! In just a month she has it all stocked up and looking good. Well done to them both. What an amazingly tidy greenhouse.
29 April 2021 - Sunflower growing competition
How are your sunflower seeds growing?
Kate says...
'My sunflowers, the good, the bad and the Oh dear!'
Kate says...
'My sunflowers, the good, the bad and the Oh dear!'
28 April 2021 - Happy birthday Judith - #MyVirtualWI
Our President Judith, has received virtual birthday wishes today from us all at Baslow WI. Have a good day Judith. See you soon. 🌻
Take a peep at Baslow WI on Facebook to see all the 'likes' and 'comments' Judith has received from well wishers.
Take a peep at Baslow WI on Facebook to see all the 'likes' and 'comments' Judith has received from well wishers.
27 April 2021 - Nordic Walking for Izzy's Team Tuesday
26 April 2021 - Friends of Chatsworth visit
Baslow WI members who are also 'Friends of Chatsworth' met today for a walk around the garden. This is now a monthly visit so if you have a 'Friends' card do join them. The dates and times will be on the WI diary on this website, dog on leads welcome. 🐾
25 April 2021 - Anzac Day
ANZAC DAY: Earlier this month we have been in contact with Hukanui-Hamua WI, our Link WI in New Zealand, talking about their remembrance day. We have shared emails and recipes for the famous Anzac Biscuits. Visit our web page: https://baslow-wi.weebly.com/new-zealand-link-wi.html or the Tried & Tested page.
ANZAC is an acronym for 'Australian and New Zealand Army Corps', a grouping of several divisions created early in the Great War of 1914–18. |
23 April 2021
Following on from 'Earth Day'...
Darling Janette, one of our Climate Ambassadors at Baslow WI, and husband Paul have been working hard in their garden growing food in the borders, on raised beds and their recently completed greenhouse. 💚
22 April 2021 - Earth Day
Earth Day was an appropriate day for our two Climate Ambassadors, Janette and Alison, to attend a talk about how to get involved with the Great Big Green Week later this year. The Great Big Green Week will take place 18 – 26 September 2021, and will be the largest event for climate and nature ever seen in the UK. Thousands of events will celebrate how communities are taking action to tackle climate change.
In November the UK is hosting a major UN climate summit, known as COP26, in Glasgow. (COP stands for Conference of the Parties and this will be the 26th meeting.)
The Great Big Green Week will set the stage for the most ambitious climate summit ever. Janette, Alison and Ann Mc will be meeting next week to discuss the next steps for Baslow WI.
In the meantime: The Time is Now for action and we can all do our bit to help our planet. Did you know that 40% of UK carbon emissions come from households. Ways to reduce this include turning the thermostat down, using less water, eating less meat and using the car less. 💚
In November the UK is hosting a major UN climate summit, known as COP26, in Glasgow. (COP stands for Conference of the Parties and this will be the 26th meeting.)
The Great Big Green Week will set the stage for the most ambitious climate summit ever. Janette, Alison and Ann Mc will be meeting next week to discuss the next steps for Baslow WI.
In the meantime: The Time is Now for action and we can all do our bit to help our planet. Did you know that 40% of UK carbon emissions come from households. Ways to reduce this include turning the thermostat down, using less water, eating less meat and using the car less. 💚
21 April 2021 - Get well wishes...
Yesterday Darling Anna had surgery on her foot. She is home now and we have sent get-well wishes from us all at Baslow WI. As you can see by the photo her cat, Ziggy, is very interested in the surgical boot that Anna has come home with! 🙀
Photo by Anna
20 April 2021 - Nordic Walking
Nine members of 'Team Tuesday' joined Izzy for her 10am walk today from Great Longstone, out towards Rowland back under the edge and around the side of Hassop Hall. A lovely walk in bright sunshine. It was good to welcome a new member, Karen to the walking group. See diary for details of next walk.
18 April 2021 - One 'Darling' escapes to the seaside!
Images- Jane W & Clipart Panda
17 April 2021
We look forward to reading and recording here some fond memories of Prince Phillip here...
Mary B says... 'I remember him driving through Ripley to open Alfreton swimming baths. Waving to everyone who lined the streets - we were allowed to leave our office to see him (about 1963ish). Before the motorway system was established the Royal Family often had a drive through towns from a local train station and experienced cheering crowds on the final leg of their journey. On this occasion he probably arrived in Derby by train then travelled north. All done with great good humour.'
Sandra J says... 'At secondary school I was doing the bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award when Prince Philip visited the area to see what was being done on his award scheme. I remember us all going to some large hall in Warrington where we set out our display and he spoke to each group in turn. I’ve no idea what was said but I remember him as pleasant and genuine whilst the entourage following him clearly just pretended to take an interest.'
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Linda Y says... 'I never met Prince Philip so only know of his gaffs as reported in the media which always amused me enormously and I will miss him being part of the royal family for that reason alone.'
Ann Mc says... 'I remember seeing Prince Philip a number of times at Royal Ascot. His love of horses always shone through at the races. He always looked so elegant being driven in the carriage with the Queen and both of them so happy in the enclosure chatting with the guests and owners. I was so pleased to be able to join my daughter when she received her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at St James's Palace where she was, with a group of youngsters, congratulated and questioned by Prince Philip. Happy days to remember.'
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15 April 2021 - Walking on Longstone Edge
Walk leader Alison says...
'This is a great circular walk from Great Longstone of approximately 4.5 miles and we had a beautiful sunny morning to make the most of the wonderful scenery all around us. We left Great Longstone via Church Lane and after crossing some fields followed a lovely walled track called Hardrake Lane up the shallow valley to Longstone Edge. There was hardly anyone else around for miles, possibly just some bird watchers hoping to see a rare species. We walked along the Edge with beautiful views in all directions and were spoilt for choice for a place to stop for our coffee break. We dropped back down through the gorse to return along the lower slopes of Longstone Edge and finally crossed a wide field to reach pretty Stanshill Dale which led us back to the church.'
'This is a great circular walk from Great Longstone of approximately 4.5 miles and we had a beautiful sunny morning to make the most of the wonderful scenery all around us. We left Great Longstone via Church Lane and after crossing some fields followed a lovely walled track called Hardrake Lane up the shallow valley to Longstone Edge. There was hardly anyone else around for miles, possibly just some bird watchers hoping to see a rare species. We walked along the Edge with beautiful views in all directions and were spoilt for choice for a place to stop for our coffee break. We dropped back down through the gorse to return along the lower slopes of Longstone Edge and finally crossed a wide field to reach pretty Stanshill Dale which led us back to the church.'
14 April 2021 - WI Monthly Meeting via Zoom
At Baslow WI's Monthly Meeting we welcomed Peter Hawthorne to tell us about The Animal Victoria Cross. Peter is a History Teacher with a special interest in working animals in war zones. He describes himself as a 'reluctant author', he wrote a book on 'The Animal Victoria Cross' because nobody else had! In his talk he told us about four dogs, Rip, Rob, Roselle and Trio, two pigeons Winky and Tommy, one horse, Sargeant Reckless and a cat named Simon. This was a wonderful talk. now we all want to read the book!
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Below... two screen shots from Peter's talk.
14 April 2021 - 'It's time to pay!'
Our Treasurer Vikki suggested we meet outside the Village Hall this morning to pay membership subscriptions and collect receipts. It was a beautifully warm sunny morning, thank goodness! We enjoyed a chance to say 'hi' to members and have a short chat. Julia took the opportunity to clean out the WI cupboard in the Village Hall and President, Judith had baked some Anzak biscuits for us. To date we have 56 paid members and were thrilled to welcome Anne as a new member today.
9 April 2021 - HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Saddened today by the news that Prince Philip has died at the age of 99 years.
Image-CNN
Image-CNN
9 April 2021 - Baslow Bookworms
This month the Bookworms read Ruth Hogan’s “The Keeper of Lost Things”. The book tells the story of a man who loses an item of great importance to him and spends his life collecting items people have lost. On his death he leaves his housekeeper his home including his archive of “lost things” and the responsibility for returning the items. Each object has a back story that explains the circumstances of the lost item and its significance to the owner. The key message of the book is how an object can remind us of a person or an event.
Overall the book was easy to read though some found the interspersing of back stories in the narrative a little distracting. The characterisation was generally good. As the book progressed there were some eccentric moments that tested members credulity. You need to read right to the end of the book for the denouement. Most people enjoyed it and felt it was a light read suitable for lockdown. Denise Kendry |
8 April 2021 - WI walking groups of six are out and about...
Two walking groups, one led by Jane and one led by Julia, met and walked from Edensor today.
Photo - Sue Ayres
7 April 2021 - Izzy's Nordic Walking Programme
6 April 2021 - Let's go Team Tuesday
Izzy's Nordic Walking 'Team Tuesday' met today at Thornbridge Hall for a walk over footpaths and fields. A great walk in sunshine but very cold wind. Some of the walkers went for coffee and cake from the cafe at the Hall where they could enjoy views of the gardens.
5 April 2021 - Bank Holiday, Easter Monday
BASLOW BOOK LOVERS:
A short review of the book we read for discussion at our April Zoom meeting. One Dead Head by Ian McCollum The Headteacher of Somersgill Primary School is found dead, naked and tied to a chair, totally disfigured. Mr Carmichael was in charge of an ‘outstanding school' in a deprived area of Chesterfield. DCI Derek Day, with his team carry out the investigation into the murder. In fact three other murders take place. The book contains some interesting characters, and also a sort of subplot. There is humour, pace and intrigue and it will keep you guessing - right up until the dramatic ending. Added to this the events take place in Chesterfield and the surrounding area - including Cutthorpe, Clay Cross, Beetwell Street, Newbold, New Whittington, Walton, Chesterfield Canal and Holmebrooke Valley Park. A light but very enjoyable read. Ian McCollum is a local author - he lives in Upper Newbold, Chesterfield. The book is available both in book form and on kindle. Carol H |
4 April 2021 - Easter Sunday
Easter flowers in St Anne's Church, Baslow arranged by Baslow WI members, Iris and Kate.
3 & 4 April - #MyVirtualWI
Our first responder was Mary B she says...
'Take an extra toilet roll! We’ve found so many times that even in expensive self catering they’re really mean with essentials and the last thing I want to be doing is searching for toilet rolls, then you have to buy a four pack!' 🧻🤣
'Take an extra toilet roll! We’ve found so many times that even in expensive self catering they’re really mean with essentials and the last thing I want to be doing is searching for toilet rolls, then you have to buy a four pack!' 🧻🤣
Caroline E says... 'The only tip I can suggest is that wherever you go, particularly when flying (wishful thinking!) do take lots of reading material, preferably on kindle. I have two newspapers online and I enjoy doing the crosswords and puzzles. I also buy a number of novels which can certainly help me to relax.'
Your Roving Reporter Jane W says... 'All you need is a giant man’s cotton handkerchief. Obviously you can wipe your nose on it, remove beads of sweat from your brow when you’re in the jungle, but more importantly collect mushrooms, blackberries or sloes by making it into a sling. Back in the jungle, tie knots in all four corners and create your own sun hat. Tie it around your “open” leach wounds to prevent infection, or use as a sling if you fall and break your arm. My list is endless, though perhaps as a final desperate note you could use in the same way as Mary B’s travel recommendation!' 😎
Lorna W says... 'Always check wardrobes, drawers and bathrooms again and AGAIN before leaving where you have stayed. It saves so much hassle if you forget something.'
Anna J says... 'If you’re flying Economy, don’t order a meal for the flight. Get a Boots Meal Deal at the airport. I always take a small penknife, universal sink plug, specs repair kit, extra sunglasses and reading glasses, tea bags and sachets of hot chocolate. Take a torch if it gets dark quickly and, if you send postcards, write addressed sticky labels to take. If you’re driving in Europe, double check the rules before you go and have a spare set of car light bulbs, high vis jackets and spare wheel. Big fines if you’re stopped and don’t have them!'
Vikki W says... 'Always decant your favourite potions into small bottles. You need all the weight allowance for your evening dresses!!!'
Jayne R says...
'1. Ikea net curtain - brilliant for shielding open windows to stop mosquitoes flying in and performing, once in France our accommodation had a window which everyone could, and did peer into!
2. Gaffer tape - used it to stop freezer doors opening, holding up number '1', mending stuff etc etc
3. Rubber door wedge - use it in your hotel room to stop the door being pushed open - twice this has proved invaluable, possibly saved our lives!'
'1. Ikea net curtain - brilliant for shielding open windows to stop mosquitoes flying in and performing, once in France our accommodation had a window which everyone could, and did peer into!
2. Gaffer tape - used it to stop freezer doors opening, holding up number '1', mending stuff etc etc
3. Rubber door wedge - use it in your hotel room to stop the door being pushed open - twice this has proved invaluable, possibly saved our lives!'
Ann Mc says... 'I always take quite an extensive medical kit. Food for the journey (when possible) is essential saving money and getting what we want rather than what is available. Packing is usually problem but I'm looking foward to doing some when the time eventually comes! A woman who was a very experienced traveller, told me that she only ever packed for one week however long she was away for. It sounds a good idea but I don't think I could manage with just that and I don't like spending valuable holiday time doing washing!'
3 April 2021 - Someone is really celebrating Easter this year!
Anna's really 'gone to town' decorating her beautiful Easter tree this year. They are ready for the celebrations... Andy's got the beer on tap and no doubt Anna's cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Enjoy yourselves Darlings!
Photo - Anna J
Grandchildren are getting ready for Easter too!
2 April 2021 - Team Members with birthdays...
Julia recently had a birthday and as she says ' ... wondered what to do with my cards so with a shoe, box, craft glue and a pair of scissors made something useful to store things!' Today Jane S celebrates her birthday. Happy birthday Darling!
1 April 2021
Slides wishing our members happy birthday are posted here and on our social media platforms each month. On their birthday members all receive a birthday wish via email from our correspondence secretary.
.... the project continues, see 28 March to get the full story!
Vikki and Ian have finished building their greenhouse and it's in position ready for Vikki to start cultivating and growing in. Come back in a few weeks and she'll have more to photos to share with us!
31 March 2021 - Two interesting little stories from Anna!
Anna says... 'I planted a conker in a pot nearly two years ago then saw a video about bonsai-ing trees on Gardeners World last year so I had a go and it’s doing well!' Also Yesterday Andy and Anna had dental appointments in Chesterfield not far from Mary’s home so they called in and sat chatting in Mary's garden. Good to see these two Baslow Darlings managed a short get-together after the long lockdown.
30 March 2021 - Team Tuesday are back together!
Izzy's Nordic Walking Group mainly from Baslow WI, recently named 'Team Tuesday', met today for the first time since Lockdown 3. It was great to be out with our instructor who reminded us of the 'bad habits' we have got into whilst walking alone! So we did our Nordic Walking revision and practised what she told us as we walked through the Kissing Gate and into the Park. Of course there was plenty of chat as we hadn't seen each other for a very long time. It was great to be out and about with friends in the beautiful warm sunshine enjoying Chatsworth Park.
29 March 2021 - Chatsworth Friends
Baslow Bear enjoyed an outing today with some of the Baslow WI members who are 'Friends of Chatsworth'. They enjoyed a walk around the garden seeing how the huge amount of clearing and planting done in the late winter is developing. It really is a huge project, it will be magnificent! These 'Darlings' will be back in a month's time to see how things are progressing.
28 March 2021 - Is this the biggest jigsaw they ever did?
Baslow WI's Treasurer, Vikki, has wanted a greenhouse for some time. At long last it has arrived, so on this bitterly cold Sunday the greenhouse building project got underway. It is rather like a jigsaw, no written instructions, just pictures! We'll share more photos as Ian and Vikki gradually put it together and by the end of the summer no doubt we will be seeing a wonderful array of plants growing in it.
27 & 28 March 2021 - MyVirtualWI
Our first responder was Mary B she says... 'I don't know about you, I've been so grateful that I am a WI member. What have you found helpful during these lockdown restrictions?'
Marion H says... 'Is there one of our WI activities that you are most looking forward to now?'
Vikki W says ... 'At the moment, have you had your jab, which one did you have? On holiday, where do you come from? Have you been here before? The weather always has a place, so British!'
June O says... 'I think the best thing to do to start a conversation is to ask a question. I'm sure anyone would be more than pleased to answer a question about themselves, as long as it isn't too personal. The Queen is an expert at conversation and always starts with a question. She is always said to ask "Have you come far?" 👸'
Judith B says... 'C’mon - we live in Britain - What does everyone start a conversation with - the weather of course! It’s never the same two days together, it’s always too hot, too cold, going to change later, too dry, too wet............. and everyone at every age has an opinion.'
Ann Mc says... 'Start a sentence with "How, What, Why, Who, Where" and you are always well on the way to a conversation. Another one is "I love your jacket/shoes etc." or the famous one "Do you come here often?!" 🤣 '
Jane W says... 'Would you like to join our WI and become a Baslow Darling? Never fails, I may not "get them" first time around but eventually they succumb and join, with no regrets!' Oh and a bloke? Over 40 years? Ask them how they are, and then wait patiently for 40 minutes as they recount their ailments and medication - add a minute of exciting diatribe for every additional year on their age.
Under 40? Ask them what happened at the weekend? Try not to listen or respond as you realise they live on a different planet!
Perhaps I’m meeting the wrong people! 👏
Under 40? Ask them what happened at the weekend? Try not to listen or respond as you realise they live on a different planet!
Perhaps I’m meeting the wrong people! 👏
Sandra J says... 'In the current climate one conversation starter is: "Have you had the vaccine yet?" Followed by "Which one?" 😆'
Alison H says... 'Usually I ask people if they have any holidays planned but that has turned into "Have you got any holidays cancelled?" Another very topical one at the moment which leads to very lengthy conversations is "Did you see the Megan and Harry interview?".😎'
Lorna W says... 'I sometimes ask people the question, where do they live? Or, do they have a big or small garden? I asked these questions, as a conversation starter to the man next to me at a dinner years ago and he answered that he was Lord Cobbold and he lived at Knebworth. That was a conversation stopper!'
25 March 2021 - Darling Jane is always on duty!
Roving Reporter - Darling Jane, shopping in Chesterfield spotted this, in her words... 'Pigeon waiting for a nest mortgage! Mother pigeon fifth in line for desk services at the Halifax Building Society. I’m pretty certain she had chicks in her nest so doubt she’ll be evicted!'
24 March 2021
This slide has been shared with our friends on Social Media today...
23 March 2021 - Better late than never!
Iris has waited patiently all winter for her Amaryllis to flower, it's been worth the wait, look at this wonderful four flower specimen! Well done Iris it's gorgeous.
Photo - Iris H
22 March 2021 - Let's walk!
With a 'spring in their step' Baslow WI members Alison and Ann set off from Goose Green, Baslow for a walk high up above Chatsworth to the lakes which feed the Emperor Fountain in Chatsworth Gardens.
20 March 2021 - #MyVirtualWI
Alison H started us off this week this is what she says... 'In 2006 we spent a few nights in Tokyo and stayed in a traditional Japanese hotel called Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu. I really enjoyed the completely different culture; rolling out the mattress on the tatami mat floor, wearing a yukata (cotton robe) and special shoes provided and sitting on the floor drinking green tea. I was enjoying it so much that on the first morning I thought I would be bold and have the Japanese breakfast. I had no idea what it was going to be but I was quite excited about trying something new. When it came my face fell; it was beautifully presented but didn't look like breakfast. Oh dear! I remember it being very fishy with only a bowl of miso soup to wash everything down! I did my best, nibbling on dried fish and seaweed while Robin and the children tucked into their Western style breakfasts of coffee, orange juice and croissants. I didn't make the same mistake the next morning!' 🐟
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Sandra J says... 'I like the question about the weirdest food!
A few years ago I was travelling around Thailand and came across a street food stall selling every kind of fried insect and small animal you can imagine. They proudly displayed an article written about them in the Times newspaper. Deciding I ought to try it out, I couldn’t really stomach the thought of eating most of their fare but noticed some crisps which looked fairly innocuous and decided to purchase a bagful. Trying to identify the flavour, which was pretty bland but slightly fishy, I asked what they were. Upon discovering that they were fried frog skins my appetite left me. A case of mind over matter!' 🐸
A few years ago I was travelling around Thailand and came across a street food stall selling every kind of fried insect and small animal you can imagine. They proudly displayed an article written about them in the Times newspaper. Deciding I ought to try it out, I couldn’t really stomach the thought of eating most of their fare but noticed some crisps which looked fairly innocuous and decided to purchase a bagful. Trying to identify the flavour, which was pretty bland but slightly fishy, I asked what they were. Upon discovering that they were fried frog skins my appetite left me. A case of mind over matter!' 🐸
Sue Y says... 'We were on holiday in China a few years ago and we were served stewed hen’s feet as part of our meal. Needless to say we didn’t actually eat them, but we were expected to!' 🐓
Jane S says... 'The weirdest food I have eaten is wartime food, not during a war I haste to explain. My husband and I were invited to attend the 75th anniversary of the formation of a dramatic society which was founded at the end of the Second World War. We went, suitably dressed, and looking forward to meeting up with old friends, and of course to a nice buffet. I am afraid I can't remember what we ate, but it was certainly rather strange to me!' 🇬🇧
June O says... 'I so enjoy your weekly question - I've not eaten much exotic or weired food other than a Spider Crab in San Francisco, in a lovely restaurant on the waterfront. It was the beginning of April and it was freezing! The crab was difficult to get into but the taste was absolutely delicious.' 🦀
Jayne R says... 'Whilst living in the USA I worked as the British Primitive Camping Councillor at a Girl Scout Camp called 'Hidden Falls' in Pennsylvania. To cut a long story short, snake tastes like chicken and is delicious.' 🐍
Iris H says... 'In the seventies we lived in Germany but because we were in an Army housing complex we didn’t need to learn the language in great detail. We were in Berlin in a very large and noisy restaurant - struggling with the menu on which all the items were numbered. We recognised chips and salad - not the main item - but as it was number 99 we went for it. Turned out to be pork tartare -raw pork, raw egg and raw onions. My husband ate it!!!' 🐖
This is a good one! Janet B says... 'I have always been a fussy eater, so have never tried anything weird!!' 🤣
Lorna W says... 'Years ago stayed in Vienna when my husband attended an UN conference. Rod ate lunch at the conference centre and I ate at the Imperial Hotel, where we were staying. As I speak no German I couldn’t read the menu so I decided to work my way down the main courses, a different one each day. Every dish was cooked differently but the main ingredient was pork! Not weird food but definitely a weird way of eating. I didn’t want to see pork again by the end of the week!' 🐷
Anna J says... 'Being vegetarian, we can avoid most strange animals, fish etc but it’s difficult to find a meal in some countries. In Quito, Ecuador our hotel was a bit limited but one dish was Banana with Cheese and here it is! Interesting combination. The banana was fried! The weirdest, I didn’t eat, was in Cambodia where big spiders - I mean really big - are eaten and are supposed to taste like chicken. I was worried about going into the jungle but was told that they have spider farms and would we like to visit? My worst nightmare!' 🙀
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Julia F says... 'I don’t eat very much different food the only thing John and I ever ate when we didn’t know what it was were snails in France in 1960. We quite enjoyed them but I haven’t had any since!' 🐌
Ann Mc says... 'The weirdest and probably the funniest meal I've ever eaten is a crab curry at a beach bar in the Seychelles. I got in such a mess up to my elbows, everyone was laughing and my daugher was horrified as I'd always tried to teach her decent table manners! After eating as much as I could manage I had to enter the surf to get cleaned up!' Great holiday and fun times to remember.' 🦀
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Jane W says... 'Leeds, you only need to travel as far as Leeds Market to experience weird food. Students, brave, fearless perhaps foolish? We sat on high stools and ordered Tripe. It’s slithery, slippery stuff, an attractive shade of cream but a rather lumpy bumpy surface on one side. We laughed and laughed though it was no laughing matter even with lashings of vinegar it wasn’t good. My stomach ached but I think that was with laughing.' 🐮
Sandra M says... 'The weirdest thing I have ever eaten is a Japanese Abalone. We eat all Japanese food when we visit and love it. When I was presented with an Abalone as part of a celebration dinner I was horrified because I had seen them alive sucked to the glass in a tank in the hotel restaurant. I had to eat it because my Japanese daughter in law had ordered it for us. It is an extremely expensive delicacy in Japan. Divers, predominantly women, dive for them and can hold their breath while diving for an amazing length of time. I have eaten other strange sea creatures there too, but have over time got used to it.' 🇯🇵
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19 March 2021 - #WIWalkwithWomen
Part of the message from NFWI #WIWalkwithWomen:
'...calling on WI members to show their support and solidarity with all women who have experienced abuse and harassment. Between 6pm and 7pm, we would like members to safely join in our ‘WI Walk with Women’...
'...calling on WI members to show their support and solidarity with all women who have experienced abuse and harassment. Between 6pm and 7pm, we would like members to safely join in our ‘WI Walk with Women’...
19 March 2021 - National Trust Longshaw
Two members of the Baslow WI Nordic Walking Group met for a walk at the National Trust property, Longshaw today. Tree felling is going on allowing much more light on to the paths and making room for other trees and shrubs to grow.
17 March 2021 - A Chatsworth Garden visit for one Darling & her dog!
Buds are blooming...
17 March 2021 - Baslow Bookworms
'In February 2021 Baslow WI Bookworms read 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama. This was quite a hefty read and one or two of our group decided against ploughing through it. Those if us who did, enjoyed the book, which proved to be a well written and detailed autobiography of Michelle Obama’s life so far . It is a very detailed account, starting with her early childhood, which she records in an amazing amount of detail, and ends when she and Barack Obama leave the White House. A very bright and intelligent female who has excellent people skills, the narrative shows how well she adjusts to change and although she never wanted to be involved in politics, she is completely supportive of her husband and carved out a role for herself as The First Lady. She created a garden within the White House Grounds and invited school children in to grow crops which they were encouraged to eat as part of a healthy eating campaign which was just one area in which she changed the perception of what a First Lady should be doing. Her account of life in the White House is an eye opener. Throughout we all felt she struggled with being an Afro American and felt she was permanently striving to prove herself. A fascinating lady, a good book and an excellent title. I would recommend it to you.'
Judith Barton The Bookworm's March 2021 read is 'The Keeper of Lost Things' by Ruth Hogan. |
15 March 2021 - Stunning stumpwork...
Find out more about this exquisite piece of work by visiting the craft work page of this website.
14 March 2021 - Mothering Sunday
Thinking of Mums everywhere, some long gone but not forgotten especially on this special day. 🌸
Today is a special day for two of our members who share a birthday, Anna and Julia, happy birthday 14 March 2021.
Also - It's Anna & Andy's 10th wedding anniversary today too. Enjoy the celebrations. 🥂
Also - It's Anna & Andy's 10th wedding anniversary today too. Enjoy the celebrations. 🥂
13 & 14 March 2021 - MyVirtualWI
Julia W says... 'A small Georgian side table with a central shallow drawer and two deeper side drawers. It's so useful as well as being an attractive piece of furniture with fond memories. My grandmother, Julia, was born in 1885 and could remember it being in the family home when she was growing up. She had three sisters and one brother, was lucky to inherit anything!'
Sandra J says... 'I have quite a number of things in my house that belonged to my grandmother including our kitchen table and four chairs, an Edwardian wardrobe and dressing table, a Lloyd loom style bedroom chair, plus various ornaments, vases and items of jewellery. This is my favourite vase which I remember being fascinated with as a small child. I love the colour, the lustre and the design.'
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Cate H says... 'I have a well used nutmeg grater which belonged to my grandmother and I wouldn’t be without it.'
Sue H says... 'My maternal grandmother was a Shetlander, who learned to knit when she was two. I have her knitting needles (but neither her skill nor her speed). Most of them are very fine, but if ever I use them, I love the sense of connection with her. I also have her knitting belt but have never fathomed how to use it. Her reluctance to throw anything away in case “it might come in” is another inheritance.'
Ann Mc says... 'I have a gate-leg, drop-leaf table from my maternal grandmother, 'Grandma' I called her. The dining room, in her small terraced house, was at the front where she liked to sit knitting and keeping and eye on what the neighbours were up to! There were two comfy winged chairs either side of the table and when I went for lunch they would bring in another chair for me. The table is now a perfect fit and used all the time in our summerhouse.'
Vikki says... 'This grandfather clock has been passed down through the female line of my British family. It was made in Wirksworth and originally given to my great-grandmother who lived in Troway. When I used to go and stay at Granny's in Cole Aston I had to sleep on the settee as she only had one bedroom. It kept me awake all night with its ticking and striking. No problem with sleep now, but it is in the hall.'
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Janet B says... 'I have my Grandma's bible, which was presented to her on her 16th birthday in 1885! We also have some Royal Doulton pieces, a Delft vase and also a few pieces of jewellery and some old boxed games.'
Jane S says... 'I have a small imitation pistol from my Grandmother. I remember her hiding behind the long curtains between the dining room and the hall when I was about seven years old and pointing the gun at me. She then laughed and gave it to me. I have treasured it all these years and think of her every time I see it.'
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June O says... 'I have quite a few things belonging to my late Grandmother, this I feel is the most important to me. This is a photo of my Grandmother's face powder. I've owned it for the last 36 years and, as you can see, never opened it. My grandmother powdered and rouged her face every morning almost until the end. It is a very personal reminder of her. She wasn't particularly glamorous but she had her standards! Anne Louisa Appleyard was born in 1900, she had a very wicked sense of humour and teased her own grandmother mercilessly, so she told me!'
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Wendy T says... 'My grandma was born in 1880, and died aged 74 in 1955. It wasn’t until my mother died, fifty years later, that I found an innocuous-looking brown paper parcel in the back of a wardrobe. In it were practice pieces of sewing skills: button holes, seams, covered buttons, examples of darning, patching, and cross-stitch. All this stitched onto pink paper with her name in one corner. There were also miniature hand-sewn garments made from tissue paper. The stitching is incredibly tiny. The fact that this survived from the 1890s, tells me that Grandma was proud of her work, and that her mother treasured it too.'
Sue S says... '1. This napkin ring belonged to my paternal great granny and has her name, Agnes, engraved on it. I use it every day.
2. This large linen table cloth, with fine cotton crochet edging, was made by my paternal granny. I use it regularly for dinner parties. Not recently of course! 3. This locket shows my paternal granny and my father as a young boy. The other sideshows my grandad and uncle. The central section swivels. I love wearing it. Sadly my paternal granny died before I was born. I have nothing from my maternal granny, just happy memories of a perfect granny.'
2. This large linen table cloth, with fine cotton crochet edging, was made by my paternal granny. I use it regularly for dinner parties. Not recently of course! 3. This locket shows my paternal granny and my father as a young boy. The other sideshows my grandad and uncle. The central section swivels. I love wearing it. Sadly my paternal granny died before I was born. I have nothing from my maternal granny, just happy memories of a perfect granny.'
12 March 2021 - Another sign of spring & a botany lesson from Darling Jane!
Our Roving Reporter, Darling Jane, reliably informs us that this wonderful sign that spring is coming is Blackthorn Blossom. It's from the fruit of the Blackthorn trees that we get sloes to flavour our gin. Jane says... 'beware of the vicious black thorns'! Learn more with Jane by visiting her page of this website: roving-reporter.html
Thanks Anna for sending in this photo, we are learning all the time.
Thanks Anna for sending in this photo, we are learning all the time.
Photo - Anna J
12 March 2021 - Two Nordic Walkers climb high above Chatsworth House
Two of our Baslow Darlings met up for the first time in a while to do a walk into Chatsworth and discovered a new route up through the woods to the Hunting Tower. Sunshine and showers were the order of the day with a very cold wind!
Repot & photos Sandra J
11 March 2021 - Melt & Pour...
Visit the Craft Work page of this website to find out what this is all about!
https://baslow-wi.weebly.com/craft-work.html
https://baslow-wi.weebly.com/craft-work.html
Photo - Anna J
10 March 2021 - Welcome back Nancy!
Nancy Hawksworth, returned to Baslow WI today, this time via Zoom her talk was entitled 'My life as a farmer's wife and in the WI'. She was previously our speaker in May 2015 when she did a cookery demo for us entitled 'Here comes summer'! Nancy is a WI Adviser, a former Federation Chair and an NFWI Judge. Today she told us about her work on the farm with her family and how important record keeping is concerning the business. The family milk 100 cows a day producing 2,800 litres of milk which eventually finds its way to Tesco stores. The family also breed sheep and some of their land is used for arable crops. It was good to welcome Nancy back, she's invited herself again when we are back in Baslow Village Hall! She's always welcome.
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9 March 2021
This slide was entered on our Facebook page today.
8 March 2021 - New coffee stop!
Julia and Ann enjoyed a little stroll around Chatsworth Park today. They were thrilled to find this coffee hut has been set up near to the Kissing Gate where they entered the Park from Baslow Village. It will be great later in the spring and summer to have a coffee and bacon sandwich at the end of our walks. The Darlings will love it! Sadly it was closed today. ☹️
8 March 2021 - International Women's Day
- raise your hand high and strike the #ChooseToChallenge pose showing solidarity and support
6 & 7 March 2021 - #MyVirtualWI
Caroline E says... I have bought so many things, mainly clothes which I thought looked good in the shop or online and after a couple of times of wearing decided that they were the wrong colour or the style was not appropriate. Fortunately I have three daughters in law and so the vast majority went to them.'
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Lorna W says... 'One of the bedroom drawers was stuck so I took it out and behind it was a cardigan I bought a few years ago, still in its plastic bag. It is a cream cashmere cardigan, bought at a very cheap price in an end of sale offer, still with its labels on. I bought it thinking I would wear it over a summer dress on a chilly summer evening. That never happened and it disappeared into the darkness, forgotten, at the back of the drawer. Shame on me!
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Alison H says... 'Many years ago I bought a Cross-trainer exercise machine. I wanted to get fit and thought this was just the thing for my busy life. When it arrived at home it was so much bigger than it had appeared in the shop! It was also really hard work and not much fun. My husband predicted that I wouldn’t use it and he was right! I hung onto it for a few years and then managed to sell it, although only for a fraction of its original cost. A very expensive mistake!' 😦
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Sandra J says... 'Things I’ve bought and never used would have to be clothes, reduced in the sales, which seemed a bargain at the time but then once home I’d realise they just weren’t for me! I now ask myself “If it wasn’t in the sale, would you want it?” If the answer is “No”, then I leave it on the rail!'
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Gill W says... Regarding items purchased and hardly ever used, I think of my potato ricer which I have had for over 20 years but only used once! Too much messing and cleaning afterwards. I did have a pasta machine and did try very hard to master it, but one day it got the better of me and it finished up in the bin - with the pasta still in it!'
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5 March 2021 - Help & friendship in our community
A lovely story here from the community in Baslow. We wish Ruby all the very best for a bright and successful future and more immediately good luck with her Duke of Edinburgh Award. Thanks to June and friends at Senior Citizens for pointing Ruby in the direction of Bob and Mavis. Mavis has been a members of Baslow WI for many many years and before that she was a member at Barlow.
4 March 2021 - World Book Day
Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister
by Jung Chang For those who know little of early twentieth century Chinese history this is an interesting book to read.The American educated Chinese sisters became wives of three powerful political men including Chiang Kai Shek and Sun Yat Sen. The middle sister espoused communism whilst the other sisters were nationalists. The book received mixed reviews from our group with some saying that it was too wordy and focussed too much on the men and that there was too much sympathy for the sisters who accumulated great wealth because of their positions. Others found it a fascinating insight into three little known women and also into the political divisions in China. Caroline E |
3 March 2021 - Keeping busy during lockdown...
Julia, one of our Vice Presidents and Catering Coordinator, has been keeping herself very busy during the recent lockdown. As well as knitting for charities she has been painting bookmarks. They will be laminated and sold for Baslow WI charities, ACWW and Weston Park Cancer Care when we are able to meet in Baslow Village Hall again.
2 March 2021 - The WI Bulb Scheme with 'Walkers'
Here are some of the first Tete-a-Tete bulbs to come through in Ann's garden. They were purchased three years ago from Walkers via the WI Bulb Scheme. Orders can now be placed for planting this autumn. Check with WI secretaries they will be sending the catalogues out via email about now. (Note: Baslow members check emails on Thursday 4 March.)
2 March 2021 - Welcome Millie 💖
CONGRATULATIONS: Gill, a former member at Baslow WI is a Grannie again! Meet Millie, one day old in this photo, she is a sister to Max. Here you can see her covered with a beautiful baby blanket knitted by Baslow Darling Christine. Doesn't Millie look lovely and cosy?
1 March 2021
The slide below has been posted on our social media platforms today. All members will receive a birthday message emailed to them on their special day.
27 February 2021 - #MyVirtualWI
Our first responder is this week was Sandra J she says... ’I'm not sure which decade I love the most as various joys and sorrows occurred in all of them, but the one that sticks mostly in my mind is the 70s. I started the decade as a young teenager with my first taste of freedom, being able to get the train to Manchester with a school friend to go shopping. We used to visit George Best’s sports shop in the hope that he might be in there (he wasn’t). We went to youth clubs and discos, met our first boyfriends and enjoyed live music and pop festivals for the first time. The decade progressed to leaving home to go to university with all the exciting new experiences that brought and ending by getting married, moving to Derbyshire and starting my career. I suppose it was the decade of greatest change in my life.'
Ann Mc says... 'I think the 80s was my most contented decade. We moved to Baslow, my husband worked in Sheffield, my daughter was at St Anne's School, and my parent moved to live nearby. We enjoyed our animals, holidays and weekend visits with friends and our love of outside cooking, at home, began. I joined the WI and life has been busy ever since!'
Mary B says... 'I agree its diffucult to pick a decade but I think I'll plumb for the 60s, just for the pop music!'
Julia F says... 'I suppose the 60’s and 70’s where good years for me. I travelled abroad for the first time to Italy then to Tunisia. When at school I dreamed I would ever leave England after loving geography and learning about foreign countries. Then I met John and we were married in 1961. We then had our two girls and by the 70’s they were growing up we had ponies and loved riding moving to Holmesfield travelling and leading a happy fulfilled life.'
Jane S says... 'I love the 70s best because that is when my children were young and we still lived in the village where we had all been born. We knew so many people, and the rest of my family were near by. I remember happy afternoons watching the village cricket, and trying to discourage the cairn terrier from joining in the game, particularly when my husband was bowling! Life seemed far less complicated in those far away days.'
Jane W says... 'Favourite decade. Oh! The sixties, mini skirts, music. My hair was coloured silver grey at Penmore House - a lengthy procedure but well worth it, may even have been watched by Sue P who trained there! I only wore black, with long black Jet earrings, stiletto black leather boots and eyes like a Panda Bear!'
Janet B says... 'My favourite decade was the 60s. I left school (hooray!), and although I went on to a college, it was obviously not as rigid, and I went on a great holiday to Italy with other students. Of course the music was great, and before starting to go with Paul seriously, my friend and I went ice skating in Manchester where every Friday and Saturday night they had live bands! They also played all the “hits” while you were skating around. Then it was lovely to be with Paul, ending the 60s with getting married in 1970. That wasn’t the end of good times obviously - just different.'
Anna J says... 'For me it has to be the 70s: I loved the music and the fashions. In 1971 I married Mr Wrong and I’m sure you’ll have a laugh at my bridesmaid’s hat! I’ve just realised that this was fifty years ago - where did they go? Later in the decade I met my (now deceased) second husband and my new mother in law didn’t speak to me for two years, partly because I smoked and partly because I came from the north. Despite all this, I had a lot of fun.'
27 February 2021 - Signs of spring around the Derbyshire Dales
Photos - Sandra J
Photos - Anna J & Jane S
26 February 2021 - Iris says... 'Our garden is waking up!'
Iris is one of the 'Darlings' who loves to garden and arrange flowers she sent us this photo last week and tells us... 'The hyacinths were in the greenhouse until last week but hopefully the hellebores will be ready to pick soon. I miss picking garden flowers.'
26 February 2021 - What a treat, thank you DFWI!
'Blood Swept Lands & Seas of Red' A number of Baslow WI members were present at the Question & Answer session presented on Zoom by Derbyshire Federation with Paul Cummins MBE. Paul answered questions about his 'poppy' idea from conception to completion and beyond. This was great way to spend an hour this morning. Our thanks go to Paul and to DFWI for organising this for us at no charge. 🌺
25 February 2021 - More signs of spring
Anna's been walking in Rowsley and says... 'It really feels more springlike today! Daffodils, hawthorn leaves and celandines.'
24 February 2021 - Walking Mindfulness a message from Phill...
Hi, some of you WI members know me as a Nordic Walking Instructor. However, in addition I am a UK Athletics Registered Coach - Fitness in Running and Walking.
I am developing a programme with Professor Lettie Bishop of the University of Loughborough (and some of her colleagues), relating to the development of an online coaching method to coach people from Walking Mindfulness, through Fitness Walking, to Nordic Sport Walking (an advanced form of Nordic Walking), to trekking and run/jogging. For the purpose of this pilot study the programme is free of charge we only ask that you try it out. If you would like to be involved in this project, which is very relevant to the current pandemic, please contact me at [email protected] Very best wishes, Phill Alcock British Nordic Walking, UK Athletics Coach and Member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. |
23 February 2021 - Book Lovers report
In January 2021 our book choice was 'EDUCATED' by Tara Westover, suggested by Sandra M:
This was a very unusual book as the subject was a girl brought up in a Mormon community by a radical father who spent a lot of his time and money preparing for the "End of Days". He believed that his extreme hoarding of food, fuel etc. would allow them to survive when the world of non believers came to an end. There are many twists and turns to this tale some of which are hard to believe, for instance she had no education as she wasn't registered at birth, but ended up being educated at Harvard and Cambridge. Her mother was a self taught midwife and herbalists, they didn't believe in doctors or modern medicine, who became extremely wealthy through her talents. June O |
23 February 2021 - Scarves for the homeless
Baslow WI member, Denise, her Mum and sister, have knitted these fabulous scarves for the homeless. The total length of the scarves will be added to the Cumbria Way Homless Scarf Challenge and the scarves given to Canon Dave for the Padley Project in the City of Derby by Baslow Team Member, Lorna. Well done Darlings.
22 February 2021 - Spring has sprung in this Edensor (Enza) garden
21 February 2021 - A sunny get well message on a winter's day
Last weekend Baslow WI's 'Roving Reporter', Darling Jane, had a nasty fall on the ice resulting in a visit to hospital and suffering muscle damage and severe bruising. She says she was cheered by a sunflower card wishing her well from us all at Baslow WI and made by former President, Christine. 🌻
21 February 2021 - Day 21 #ShowTheLove 💚
Baslow WI's President, Judith says... 'We have left a space under one of our sheds, just big enough for the hedgehogs to get under and were rewarded with seeing baby hedgehogs this summer. I stopped using any slug pellets so as not to harm them or the birds.
The other thing I am quite passionate about is buying food grown and produced in Britain, in an aim to reduce my carbon footprint. It means not having some things when they are not in season and I really struggle with citrus foods, so I just have to buy those . A girl can’t manage without some lemon in her gin and tonic!' 🍋
The other thing I am quite passionate about is buying food grown and produced in Britain, in an aim to reduce my carbon footprint. It means not having some things when they are not in season and I really struggle with citrus foods, so I just have to buy those . A girl can’t manage without some lemon in her gin and tonic!' 🍋
Two more green hearts from Darling Marion, one worked with her grandsons using stickers via Zoom! Marion tells us that she has sent her WI #ShowTheLove postcard off to her MP, Sarah Dines. Our members have worked hard for the Climate Coalition campaign this February and no doubt will continue to #ShowTheLove through the rest of the year.
20 & 21 February 2021 - #MyVirtual WI
Mary B was our first responder today! She says... 'I've always wanted to go to Machu Pichu knowing I just couldn’t, even in normal conditions, scale those heights. I’m such a wimp when it comes to heights! I’d have to be anaesthetised to take a helicopter which would drop me off at the top! Then I’d have a little stroll around the terraces.'
Vikki says... 'I would fly to Crete, meet up with my friend Yiannis, take the ferry from Iraklion to the island of Spinalonga. We would then take a leisurely walk around the island, reliving Victoria Hislop's book.
Sandra J says... 'This question of where I would go for my virtual walk is a really tough one with so many fascinating parts of the world to choose from. I remember many years ago I stayed briefly at Lake Lucerne whilst touring around Europe. I took a trip up Mount Rigi on the Funicular railway and have never forgotten the beautiful scenery and wonderful air quality up there, remembering the Heidi books! I would like to return to Switzerland to enjoy some fabulous scenic walks, not forgetting the chocolate and cheese that the country is so famous for also.'
Jane S says... 'I would like to go on a virtual walk in Argyll, Scotland, where we spent many happy holidays. I would walk around Loch Etive taking a rucksack with food and drink as it's quite a long walk. My Nordic poles would be essential.'
Caroline E says... 'If I could go for a walk it would be on the country lanes around Waddington near Lincoln. One of my sons and his family moved back from America last year and we have seen them only twice because of covid illnesses and lockdown. Having waited so long to have them back near to us it would be wonderful to meet up with them and give them virtual hugs. This is a short term wish. Longer term, walking on Islay with my school friend would be wonderful.'
Cate says... 'I would love to walk the trail from Te Anau to Milford Sound, South Island New Zealand. It has to be a virtual walk, I don't think my old legs could make it!'
Julia says... 'My walk would be impossible but I like to think in my dreams I could walk around the summit of Mount Kilamanjaro in Kenya and watch all the wild life in their natural habitat altogether without going on safari also get a glimpse of the Victoria Falls.'
Mary W says... 'A coastal walk anywhere, holding my grandchildren’s hands and hearing them chatter! It’s simple things I am missing most.'
Janet B says... 'For my virtual walk I would be in Australia, alongside the Murray River, with the red gum trees on either side, the steam boats lazily chugging along, the sun shining down, and my little grandchildren and daughter by my side (and Paul of course!) perhaps it won’t be too long!!!'
June says... 'For this is a virtual walk I could head for Machu Picchu. The walk would be 26 miles long starting from Cusco, along the Inca Trail and usually takes 4 days and 3 nights. It winds its way through the Andes Mountains in Peru and must be so beautiful. What a wonderful trip and at the end the fabulous site of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. This adventure would have to be fully accompanied of course, with porters to carry the baggage (wine included).
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Alison says... 'I would fly to Christchurch, New Zealand and drive up to the Sign of the Kiwi in the Port Hills. The hills are a remnant of an extinct volcano and there is a fabulous walk along the crater rim with views to Lyttleton Harbour on one side and the Southern Alps on the other. We lived in Christchurch for 8 months in 2006 and this was a favourite family walk if we happened to be spending the weekend at home.'
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20 February 2021 - Day 20 #ShowThe Love 💚
Reducing single use plastic is something I am extremely conscious of. My moto is 'use what you've got' do not buy new. Many of us have drawers full of plastic storeage boxes which are perfect for use in the fridge/freezer they keep food fresh and save food waste too. Ideal for picnics on WI walks, take your lunch in a box and bring the rubbish back in the same box! Save waste and keep Britain tidy are two things I do every day to #ShowTheLove 💚
Ann Mc
Ann Mc
19 February 2021 - Day 19 #ShowTheLove 💚
Our Membership & Minute Secetary, Caroline tells us...
'I made 2 green hearts with the significant help of my sister in law Barbara. They are hanging on the kitchen cupboards as a reminder to me to eat more plants! The leaves on the hearts represent the forests lost to livestock farming. There is lots of evidence that sourcing meat responsibly and eating less of it reduces the vast environmental footprint of livestock farming. There are so many wonderful vegan and vegetarian options these days. One of my favourite cooks, Donna Hay, has brought out a book with mainly veggie recipes that are easy too!' |
18 February 2021 - Another sign that spring is coming... 🐝
18 February 2021 - Day 18 #ShowTheLove 💚
Lorna says... 'Here is my green heart, ready to go in the window to show the love for the environment and later to be part of the Baslow WI bunting.'
17 February 2021 - 'Spring is in the air...'
Snowdrops in full bloom on the Derbyshire verges, spotted by Ann when walking Tommy today. 🐾
17 February 2021 - Day 17 #ShowTheLove 💚
My husband and I had solar panels fitted to our garage roof around eighteen years ago as we were concerned about climate change then. Most of our married life he grew the majority of the fruit and vegetables we ate and, if they needed watering this was provided from two large water barrels which had captured the rainwater from the house gutters. I used to drive a Subaru Impreza which guzzled petrol, eventually realising the error of my ways I bought a hybrid car which uses a small amount of petrol and recharges the electric battery as I drive.
Jane S
Jane S
17 February 2021 - A day of joy for one family...
Baslow WI member Barbara has become a grandmother again today. Her daughter, Lucy, has given birth to a baby girl at 4am. The new little 'Darling' is named Romy and weighed in at 8lb 3oz. Welcome sweetheart, we look forward to seeing some photos soon. Keep well everyone. 💖🧸
16 February 2021 - More signs of spring!
Our WI Walks Coordinator, Jane, asked members recently for photos and reports to be sent in showing signs of spring spotted whilst out doing our daily exercise outside during Lockdown 3. These three photos have been sent in by Anna one of the most prolific photographers amongst our members and the most busy on social media too! Thanks Anna for sending these photos of catkins, daisies and pussy willow seen near your home whilst walking. Great to know that spring is on the way.
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Photos by Anna & Clipart - Kids Love To Know
16 February 2021 - Day 16 #ShowTheLove 💚
Janet B and her husband say to #ShowTheLove... 'We do our best to recycle whatever we can, try to pick up litter along our way, put plants in the garden which bees and butterflies etc. like. We don’t eat a lot of red meat now. We are open to any suggestions!'
15 February 2021 - Day 15 #ShowTheLove 💚
Alison tell us... 'Another thing I do to showthelove is use wax food wraps. I made mine at a WISA workshop with Janette last year, it must have been back in January 2020 when life was still normal. I made three and they are in constant use, mostly for wrapping cheese to store in the fridge. By using the wax wraps instead of using clingfilm I have cut down on plastic waste going to landfill. I know it's only a tiny reduction but it all adds up and I feel as if I am helping the planet a little bit more.'
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15 February 2021 - Happy news
Anna and Andy have a new family member born to Andy's son Gary and Fiona in Sydney. His name is Frankie River Allen. What a cutie!
14 February 2021 - Day 14 #ShowTheLove 💚
Today we are talking Fast Fashion, ie inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends. Fast fashion makes shopping for clothes more affordable, but it comes at an environmental cost. The fashion industry produces 10% of all humanity's carbon emissions, is the second-largest consumer of the world's water supply, and pollutes the oceans with microplastics. Avoid fast fashion instead buy good quality and make it last longer. 👗👔👔
Image-From Air & Sea
Image-From Air & Sea
14 February 2021 - Valentine message shared on our social media platforms
13 & 14 February 2021 - #MyVirtualWI
Mary B was our first responder this week she says... 'I knew my husband when we were children but I never played with him. He moved away, but we re-met when I got a new job. I only stopped there 3 months by which time we were already courting! The odd thing was my new boss told me, after I had accepted the job, that David worked there, and I just knew that I would marry him!
Caroline H says... 'Steve and I first met in our early twenties, in a pub in Whiston (Rotherham). I was still at Uni and we were both with other partners. Our eyes met and we both remember that moment to this day! We married other people, always stayed friends and eventually got together almost 20 years later! I always like to think of us as Harry and Sally!!'
Ann Mc says... 'I first set eyes on Gordon at the local swimming pool then met him to talk to in a record shop. Our first date was to see 'Bullitt' staring Steve McQueen at the cinema. Love at first sight!
Caroline E says ... 'I met Ron when I was 14 in Graves Park in Sheffield. We arranged to meet up again but I chickened out as I knew my father would not like it. We met occasionally in passing and eventually he joined the Royal Navy and I went to study for a history degree. We finally got together when I returned from four months in America and he returned from the Far East. That was 50 years ago!'
Sandra J says... 'Colin and I met on the internet, then after a few messages back and forth our first date was at the Devonshire Arms at Beeley for a drink. We got on so well, never running out of conversation, that I think we were the only ones left in at closing time!'
Anna J says... 'I met Andy in a bar in Oman, well it was Muscat airport where our flight was delayed. We were both going on the same holiday to India for Christmas. We didn’t really have a first date - we were both vegetarians so sat together in the veggie group and got to know each other as friends. Back in England we lived 175 miles apart but by then we were an item.'
Janet B says... 'Paul and I have know each other all our lives. At our local church we held “socials”, all sorts of dancing went on, and when we were 6 and 3 (I was the 6 year old - he’s my toyboy!!) we won the “hands, knees and bumpsy-daisy dance together! Of course schooling came along and didn’t see so much of each other as we went to different ones, but then joined the youth club in our teens. Paul was in a brass band, and a few of them were in a little band which played at dances, and on New Year’s Eve 1966/67 my sister and I went to where he was playing. We all walked home together, the clock struck 12, and that, as they say, was that!!'
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13 February 2021 - Day 13 #ShowTheLove 💚
Linda tells us she is very concerned about the increasing number of coal mines in the world, she does her bit here avoiding products that will add to more landfill and both she and her husband changed from using diesel cars.
12 February 2021 - Walking on Stanton Moor, Derbyshire today
There was still plenty of snow on Stanton Moor this morning at the Nine Ladies Stone circle and Earl Grey Tower. Legend has it that the circle was created when nine women were turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath! A single stone slightly further away was the fiddler who provided the music. A little more recently, the tower was built to honour Earl Grey who introduced the Reform Bill in 1832, giving every man the right to vote.
Report & photos by Sandra Jenkins |
12 February 2021 - Day 12 #ShowTheLove 💚
Our Roving Reporter, Darling Jane is a great gardener and recycler. She says... 'I recycle and compost, most of my bin waste is plastic packaging from weekly shop. My shopping bags are all long lifers! I organise litter picks with DDDC with Baslow WI. It doesn’t seem enough though!'
Jane Walker We say 'everything helps - thank you.' |
11 February 2021 - Paul Cummins, daffodils
Supported by DFWI. I've thoroughly enjoyed myself this morning 'colouring in' my Paul Cummins daffodils to display in my window as a symbol of hope, new beginnings and spring.
Mary B
Mary B
11 February 2021 - Day 11 #ShowTheLove 💚
Karon says...
'To have an impact on climate dhange I am a huge believer in minimising waste and recycling rather than wasting. I often give things to others on a local group call Freegle where you can either have 'OFFERS' or 'WANTED'. The items can be anything from part filled tins of paint, tables and chairs to fridge freezers. Just because you have finished with something doesn't mean its no use to someone else. After all they say 'ones man's junk is another man's treasure'.
Another thing I found was Derbyshire Adult Education are doing some online courses at the moment on Nearpod which is a prerecorded class you log onto and work through at your own pace and is available for a month. Spotted this one on climate change which might be good to let people know about too!'
'To have an impact on climate dhange I am a huge believer in minimising waste and recycling rather than wasting. I often give things to others on a local group call Freegle where you can either have 'OFFERS' or 'WANTED'. The items can be anything from part filled tins of paint, tables and chairs to fridge freezers. Just because you have finished with something doesn't mean its no use to someone else. After all they say 'ones man's junk is another man's treasure'.
Another thing I found was Derbyshire Adult Education are doing some online courses at the moment on Nearpod which is a prerecorded class you log onto and work through at your own pace and is available for a month. Spotted this one on climate change which might be good to let people know about too!'
10 February 2021 - Baslow WI Monthly Meeting
President Judith welcomed Kevin Little as our speaker at this month's WI meeting held on Zoom. His talk was entitled 'A fishmonger for 54 year.' This meeting was attended by 82 members and visitors. After the speaker members heard a few items of WI news and information before heading off into chat rooms.
10 February 2021 - Day 10 #ShowTheLove 💚
Darling Kate is a keen gardener and enjoys growing food on her allotment, she says '... from plot to plate is best, the shortest distance your food has to travel. I do try and grow fresh vegetables for most of the year. We’re still eating our own potatoes, garlic and onions are stored from the summer, as well as frozen beans. I’m just waiting to harvest the first of my purple sprouting broccoli, if the birds don’t get there first!'
9 February 2021 - Animals & snow! ☃️
9 February 2021 - Day 9 #ShowTheLove 💚
The one New Year resolution I haven't broken is not to buy anything not made with natural fibres, not only clothes but all the other things especially household items.
I have tried to plant bee friendly plants for some years. Unfortunately one of the most bee friendly plants is the dandelion, so when you can't get on top of the dandelions be happy the bees are.
Cate
I have tried to plant bee friendly plants for some years. Unfortunately one of the most bee friendly plants is the dandelion, so when you can't get on top of the dandelions be happy the bees are.
Cate
8 February 2021 - Daisy loves snow! ⛄️
8 February 2021 - Day 8 #ShowTheLove 💚
8 February 2021 - Capturing signs that spring is coming
Jane, our Walks Coordinator at Baslow WI has requested that members report, and if possible, photograph the first signs of spring spotted whilst walking either out on their daily exercise or just around their own gardens. These are the first four photos received...
Sandra J spotted these signs that 'spring is coming' yesterday in the gardens at Chatsworth House.
🧡 Signs of spring in Anna's Bakewell garden 🧡
7 February 2021 - Day 7 #ShowTheLove 💚
Darling Jane S says...
'My climate change list would include: Ground or air source heat pumps powering electricty for home heating and cooking instead of gas or oil and use of solar panels.'
Jane S
'My climate change list would include: Ground or air source heat pumps powering electricty for home heating and cooking instead of gas or oil and use of solar panels.'
Jane S
6 & 7 February 2021 - #MyVirtualWI
The first responder today was our WI President, Judith she says... 'Oh - what a question this week! It’s fair to say I could never contemplate writing a book. I have neither the patience or the desire to remain seated long enough to get the words on paper and work out a plot. With a gun at my head I would have a stab at a travel diary! Whilst away in our motor home I could probably manage to write up a diary of the places visited each day with our thoughts and experiences of each event. The model of our motor home is the Chatsworth and our friends often ask if we are “going away with the Duchess” so I guess the title would have to be “Vacations with a Duchess".'
Lorna says W... ' I would write my life story, with its travels and up and downs. I think the title would be, 'Stranger Than Fiction', but I think that title might already have been used!' 🌏
Mary B says... 'My book would be a spy thriller with me, a member of Baslow WI, actually a 'plant' to suss out infiltrators and I would be the leader of the local 'protecton service'. We're based in Baslow to ensure no foreign powers, such as the KGB, try to take over the Chatsworth Estate, especially the house, and to ensure that the Devonshire family are not kidnapped! Of course I would have to enlist some members into my team: Christine has inside info, Jane is a great source to gain more info, the other Jayne is a great actress and has security experience. We gave yet another Jane who has knowledge of local terrain a job with Anna who is up for anything, they would be great as a diversion! Ann would be based off-site on the moors with tech skills, do we have any pigeon fanciers for communication purposes?!'
Linda Y says... 'I would love to write in the vein of Dorothy Dunnett’s 'Lymond Chronicles' - an historical saga with a hero visiting a number of countries in the 1500s. Her research seemed very sound and I could really picture the events that took place. Her series all had titles to do with chess. Very inventive. Perhaps I could try something similar.'
Janet B says... 'Hi Ann, I fancy myself as a little Miss Marple, so my book would be about mysterious happenings in the village of Baslow!! Perhaps called “The disappearance of the WI outings money”! Given time I would come up with a much better title!'
Ann Mc says... 'This is something we, as a family have often discussed doing. Our story would be based around life as horse/pony owners renting stables and land along with a number of other people. The characters in the book would be very diverse some with a huge amount of equine knowledge and others just starting out. All of them would be very competitive particulary against other yards. The horses would be well looked after, doted on even! There would be plenty of cannine companions and partying in the story and of course love interests! Farriers and vets all get a look in, it would be a bit like a Jilly Cooper novel! The title would be "The Livery Yard from Hell!" some of the story would be based on truth but names WILL have to be changed!' 🐎
Julia F says... 'When I took my School Certificate in English Literature I had to write an essay on the adventures of the travel of a penny. I thoroughly enjoyed making up so many different places it went to and did not have to do any research, just my imagination. I probably now would write about my own travels so far in my life and not have to make it up, no research just my own experience.'
Jane S says... 'If I had the time to write a book I would continue my late husband's story. I already have three chapters he wrote before he died. It's title would be "Frank Stone - an Ordinary Life"; or possibly "Never Volunteer" as that is how he managed to end up in Prison of War Camp after only 6 weeks in the RAF. On reflection, "Never Volunteer" would not go down very well with the WI!'
Janette L says... 'The Life and Times of Runaway Walker’s.
Escaping the invisible steps of puddle boot eaters and twitching jumpers.
Freedom - the Hedgehog
Sunshine - the Hare & Walker - the Cat set about restoring the natural balance of the footpaths & landscape of Derbyshire
Phew, thank goodness someone is.'
Escaping the invisible steps of puddle boot eaters and twitching jumpers.
Freedom - the Hedgehog
Sunshine - the Hare & Walker - the Cat set about restoring the natural balance of the footpaths & landscape of Derbyshire
Phew, thank goodness someone is.'
Anna J says... 'I’m writing a book - a diary of Covid times - which I called Journal of the Plague Year after Daniel Defoe’s book. When I started, I wondered if I’d fill the whole notebook but, as you can see, it’s now well into the third volume.'
6 February 2021 - Day 6 #ShowTheLove 💚
Caroline tells us today what she does to #ShowTheLove in an effort to slow climate change...
We have seven water butts in our garden to water the vegetables, fruit and flower pots. We also have a trio of large compost cages which we use for food and garden waste but we also put coffee grounds, cat fur and cardboard into them. Recycling of plastic, glass bottles etc is done every day, particularly the wine bottles!! When I am out walking I have spare blue gloves in my pocket and if there is a waste bin close by I will pick up empty cans and deposit them and shout out to the folks who throw them in the hedgerows and of course they hear me!!
Caroline E
We have seven water butts in our garden to water the vegetables, fruit and flower pots. We also have a trio of large compost cages which we use for food and garden waste but we also put coffee grounds, cat fur and cardboard into them. Recycling of plastic, glass bottles etc is done every day, particularly the wine bottles!! When I am out walking I have spare blue gloves in my pocket and if there is a waste bin close by I will pick up empty cans and deposit them and shout out to the folks who throw them in the hedgerows and of course they hear me!!
Caroline E
5 February 2021 - Day 5 #ShowTheLove 💚
Today Janette tells us what she does to #ShowTheLove ... 'Everything I can! Take my litter home when out in our wonderful countryside. Use my own shopping bags to shop in supermarket & our local town. Recycle boxes that come in the post, some are now used for craft. Paul and I would like to be greener, for example an electric car but unfortunately we cannot afford one at the moment. We have all been trying for so long, I think the world needs to unite on the future of the planet.' Janette's ideal #ShowTheLove present - 'Adopt a Hedgehog' organised by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. 🦔🦔
Janette |
4 February 2021 - Baslow Bookworms
Baslow Bookworms, a WI book club, held a Zoom meeting today to discuss the much acclaimed book by Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club. The plot revolves around four elderly residents, living in a retirement village, who meet up each Thursday to review unsolved murder cases. Their lives are suddenly changed when they become involved in solving a real life murder connected with their village. There are a lot of characters, who some of our group found difficulty identifying with at first and we agreed that the characters of the police officers were a little unrealistic! We liked the way it was written and in particular the diary entries of one of the characters who pulled the whole plot together. We felt it had, charm, humour, and gentle sarcasm, all of which made it a lovely gentle book to read, particularly at the moment when we are all surrounded by doom and gloom. We could recommend it to you. One of our members listened to an audio version of the book read by Lesley Manville which she thoroughly enjoyed, so if you don’t fancy reading it try listening to it instead.
Judith B Note: This book is also available on BBC Sounds abridged by Sara Davies and read by Haydn Gwyne. Very easy listening! |
4 February 2021 - Day 4 #ShowTheLove 💚
Today's submission is from our Vice President, Lorna. This beautiful piece of gold work was made using threads leftover from a previous project and backing material from a pre-loved silk blouse donated by another Baslow Darling! This is a fabulous way to recycle and at the same time create something truly beautiful for the future to... #ShowTheLove
3 February 2021 - Day 3 #ShowTheLove 💚
I’ve spent a lot of time making greeting cards and gift boxes during lockdown, so here are my Show the Love ones, hoping it shows a link to ‘nature’. These will be ‘up-cycled’ and made into Karen's birthday card - her birthday is on Valentine’s Day - I will also remind her of our WI initiative.
Mary B
Mary B
2 February 2021 - Day 2 #ShowTheLove 💚
Encourage birds and wildlife into your garden!
Last weekend I completed the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. We had blackbirds, robins, long tailed tits, blue tits, dunnock, a solitary wren and of course wood pigeons! The more our wildlife thrives close to home I hope the more nature thrives across the UK. Watching these beautiful birds enjoy our garden is also very good for the soul.
Caroline H
Last weekend I completed the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. We had blackbirds, robins, long tailed tits, blue tits, dunnock, a solitary wren and of course wood pigeons! The more our wildlife thrives close to home I hope the more nature thrives across the UK. Watching these beautiful birds enjoy our garden is also very good for the soul.
Caroline H
1 February 2021 - Day 1 #ShowTheLove 💚
I have made a poster to #ShowTheLove for our beautiful countryside with its diverse trees, flowers, grasses, birds and insects. I think it’s a nice idea to have it displayed in my window, along the same lines as rainbows for the NHS and hopefully some neighbours might see it and take some inspiration. Even though we live in an area surrounded by beauty we can still do our bit in our own gardens to encourage biodiversity. I love wildflowers and grasses and last summer I planted a wildflower area in my garden to attract insects and birds. It was so easy to do in a neglected corner. Once the ground had been dug over, we just scattered a box of wildflower seeds over the area, gave them a little bit of water and waited. We had beautiful flowers for 4 months, all for less than £10! The insects loved the flowers and I’m sure that they in turn provided food for the birds. I’m definitely going to do it again this year.
Alison H
Alison H
February 2021
February is the month of love! #ShowTheLove 💚
WI members all over the world will be taking part in the 'Show The Love' campaign this month. From 1 - 21 February each day we will be publishing ideas from our members about how they hope to protect what they love from climate change. Members will be making and displaying green hearts to raise awareness of the campaign. The heart in the centre of the poster we will be using this month has been made by Baslow WI member, Janette. 💚
30 & 31 January 2021 - #MyVirtualWI
June O was our first responder is this week she says... 'If I were a farm animal I would be a shire horse in days gone by. Working out in the fresh air all day earning my feed. At the end of my working life I would still be valued as a faithful companion and put out to grass to the end of my days. Most importantly, no one would eat me..........hopefully!'
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Lorna W says... 'I would like to be the farm cat. What a wonderful life with no work to do accept having fun chasing a few mice! I could sit in the sun watching the world go by and occasionally walking around the farm yard checking up on the other animals. Sometimes I could sneak into the kitchen and snooze by the fire. I would ignore all orders to go outside and continue on my independent way, as usual. I would only eat food I fancied and when I wanted it. Paradise!'
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Judith B says... 'I would like to be the sheepdog. Most dogs are valued by their shepherd / farmer and as such are well treated. I’d enjoythe work and think I would be good at rounding up sheep. It’s a sort of tactical job and you are in charge.'
Vikki W says... 'I would be the sheep dog, only chance of not being eaten!'
Marion H... 'I think, if I had to make a decision I too would like to be a farm sheepdog and run around guiding sheep when needed! I hope the farmer would let me curl up by the farmhouse fireplace after a busy day!'
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Caroline E says... 'I found it hard to choose a farm animal as most of them are used for food and I did not fancy being a male, strutting my stuff! After a little thought I decided that an Alpaca would be my choice as when I am sheared the fibre makes up into beautiful garments. I could also help to guard against predators and we are well loved by all!'
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Jane S says... 'If I was a farm animal I would like to be a horse with a nice warm stable to go into on cold nights. Being groomed and looked after would be really nice, and I would be happy to take my owners for long walks with them on my back. I would expect to be well fed and treated by a vet if I was ill - better than having to phone the Doctor's Receptionist to ask for a telephone appointment!'
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Sandra J says... 'I think the farm animal I would most like to be is a sheep. I wouldn’t be expected to produce food everyday, no one would ride on my back, I would be in a grassy field with food delivered when it’s covered in snow and I’d only need a haircut once a year! Please could I be a Chatsworth sheep?'
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Alison H says... 'I would choose to be a lamb in springtime, assuming that all humans are vegetarian and I wouldn’t end up as someone’s Easter lunch. I love seeing lambs dashing about in spring, especially when they suddenly shoot vertically into the air without warning. They look as if they haven’t got a care in the world. I think it would be quite nice to spend the days frolicking in the spring sunshine with my lamb friends.'
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Lesley P says... ' I would be the farm cat. I could be independent, either in the farm house to keep warm and comfortable on an old chair or somebody’s lap. In the milk parlour hoping for some fresh milk. In the barns catching mice and rats. On a warm wall enjoying summer days. I think I sound fairly content.'
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Julia F says... 'I would wish to be a strong shire horse wearing the old horse hames and in ploughing harness. It can still be in use today showing the younger generation the skills. Or otherwise a farm mouser along with a friend to play with when I’m not sleeping in a barn of hay I would not like to be a cat that walks alone!'
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27 January 2021 - Clicking & Clucking...
Julia has been busy clicking away with her knitting needles during this 3rd lockdown. The scarves shown here she has made for 'The Cumbria Way Homeless Scarf Challenge 2021'. Our other Vice President, Lorna, is also knitting and collecting scarves as are many WI members.
Sasha, Julia's granddaughter keeps hens in the rather grandly named 'Cluckingham Palace'! Bird Flu is still a risk here in England so 'Sasha's ladies' are being protected from infection at the moment. This place mat was given to Julia by a friends she met on her World Cruise last winter, don't you just love it? 🇬🇧
Sasha, Julia's granddaughter keeps hens in the rather grandly named 'Cluckingham Palace'! Bird Flu is still a risk here in England so 'Sasha's ladies' are being protected from infection at the moment. This place mat was given to Julia by a friends she met on her World Cruise last winter, don't you just love it? 🇬🇧
26 January 2021 - Get well soon Darling!
Baslow WI member, Linda, had her second hip raplacement operation last week. We have heard that the operation was a success and she is home now. A card wishing her a speedy recovery has been sent on behalf of all WI members. We hope to see her out and about soon and back at WI meetings when coronavirus restrictions are lifted. Take care Linda. 🌷
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25 January 2021 - Wonderful Chatsworth today & within COVID travel rules!
25 January 2021 - Caroline kick starts the week...
Photos - Caroline Hobson
23 January 2021 - #MyVirtualWI
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic at Baslow WI we have organised a weekly Q & A session for our members via email. It has become a way of connecting with our members and getting to know them a little better. We are grateful to all the members who regularly join in. Thank you for your support. The question this week is...
Our first responder was June O she says... 'My mother was an excellent bread and pastry cook. I can still remember the wonderful smell of freshly baked bread that greeted us when we came home from school. We always liked to eat some whilst it was still warm and dripping with butter. She was useless at cakes though so I used to don my school cookery cap and apron and try to make cakes. I still enjoy making cakes, any kind of cake really but recently I have been making Baklava. It is so rich in honey and butter that it has to be rationed. I only make it once a month. Absolutely delicious!'
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Caroline E says... 'I was only given fruit for "afters" as a child and I would do the same when my children were small and then my eldest came home with flapjacks from his cookery teacher. They were delicious and I began to experiment with cakes and biscuits and before too long I began on meringues. I really enjoy baking and eating the resulting concoctions but the disasters go in the bin!'
Mary B says... 'Err.... I don't like cooking!' 🤣
We say... '😮 Well at least she's honest!'
We say... '😮 Well at least she's honest!'
Vikki W says... 'My favourite is cooking for a dinner party so not a particular thing. I spend time looking through my cook books and I have a note book where I write down who comes & what I have cooked. I try to cook different things each time but never practise so just hope it comes out ok on the night. I do like a Burns Night though as the menu is pretty strict. By the time we get to the “Tipsy Laird” we are usually well, tipsy, so it doesn’t matter any more. Tonight is Burns Night for the 2 of us: Salmon & prawn starter. Haggis with neeps & tatties. Roast beef. Raspberry trifle to finish. Whiskey with the haggis of course but no speech & piper! Next year hopefully with friends. I would like to say my domestic science teacher inspired me, Mrs Barefoot, but we once spent 3 lessons making a mug of cocoa!!!'
Sandra J says... 'To be honest, I don’t enjoy cooking. I do it because we need to eat and I don’t buy ready meals. In the days before the internet, my cookery bible was Marguerite Patten’s Everyday Cookbook. I could find all the recipes I needed in that.'
'Kate T says... 'My inspiration for my cooking came from my mother-in-law. She was an excellent cook and as she had several Asian friends her cooking was much more adventurous than my own. My first cookery book was given to me by Andrew, my husband, when we were first married, I’m not sure whether this was to improve my repertory or the fact that we didn’t have any cookery books! As you can see over the years it has had a lot of use.'
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Julia F says... 'I have never liked cooking but had to for the family so never had a favourite. However I did enjoy a lesson (with other ladies) taken by our Spanish teacher Anna on how to make a proper tortilla de huevo of (Spanish omelette). I don’t like to cook just for myself now, can’t wait for pubs to open again!'🍷🍴
Liz B says... 'My favourite dish to make is risotto. I can usually rustle one up at fairly short notice. There are so many variations to choose from and no one has complained so far! I learned to cook as a teenager as my mother hated cooking, although she enjoyed baking. If I asked for some particular dish she would say, "Well, why don’t you make it then?" So I started then and still carry on!'
Ann Mc says... 'Both my Mum and Dad liked to cook, so I learnt from them. When I first got married Saint Delia was on TV and I bought all the books in her cookery course and found them easy to follow. After joining the WI I started going to Denman and enjoyed many cookery courses. The most memorable being my first ever course 'BBQ Cooking' My fellow Cookery School fans wouldn't forgive me if I failed to mention the most inspiring Peter Lien! (See Cook Bristol - his new company.) I love cooking soups, stews and curries probably because I am not fond of deserts and cakes. During lockdown it has been quite a comfort getting the big pan out chopping and blending soups and curries and batch cooking for the freezer.
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Lorna W says... 'My mother influenced my love of cooking. She was, of course, a stay at home Mum as most were when I was young. Apples and plums were bottled, plum jam made which lasted until the following summer. Roasts and rice pudding every Sunday and whilst the oven was hot a large square fruit cake was baked to last the week. A large round scone was put in the oven, as we got in from school, and cut up for our tea. Cooking happened almost every day, stew and dumplings, rabbit stew, pea and ham soup, syrup steamed pudding, the list seems endless; and she was famous for her apple pie. Plain food but excellent as no ready-made food was available.'
Iris H says... 'I love cooking and it has kept me sane during lockdown. I was a total novice when we first married as my mother was very fond of opening tins! I gained all my experience through being a Forces wife and having to entertain on a regular basis. Like Vikki I enjoy putting together meals and get most of my recipes from the web or word of mouth. My favourite food is fish so tonight we are having Hake with red pepper sauce, new potato bake with thyme and roasted cauliflower.'
Caroline H says... 'My inspiration was 'The Hamlyn All Colour Cook Book'. This was a firm favourite for Domestic Science lessons. The only problem was that most of the mothers of my friends also had it. So many similar dishes were presented to our teacher, the fastidious Miss Jenkins!'
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Judith B says... 'I love cooking. All types of savouries, curries, pastries, cakes, preserves - anything - although I no longer bother to make my own puff pastry as the frozen variety gives better results than I ever manage. I think my love of cooking is in my genes. Both my grandmothers were excellent cooks and were used to making meals with whatever was available. My mum loved to cook and was very adventurous with our meals. We never knew what we were going to get and she never had a set meal for each day of the week. When my father died, mum would bake when she was upset. On many occasions she has arrived on our doorstep at 8am, with a batch of scones, a cake or a quiche depending on what she had available at 4 am. Both my children learned to cook with me at an early age and I am now trying to pass those skills on to my grandchildren. All great fun, but these days the results do tend to end up on the hips!'
22 January 2021 - A walk in the park
22 January 2021 - Judith Coker
Today is a sad day for Baslow WI. We received the news that Judith Coker has died peacefully of cancer at home with her family. She was a member of Baslow WI for a long time and a close friend to many of us. Judith was a Team Member from 2000-2009. Her roles during those years were Programme Planning, Walks & Outings Coordinator, Meet & Greet, Derbyshire Link delivery and Vice President. From 2011 until recently she was our ACWW representative and encouraged members to support ACWW as much as possible. Judith loved recyling and supporting charity shops, she coordinated the Baslow WI Jumble Sales working with a small team on the last two occasions we held them. She opened up her home on numerous occasions for fundraisers. As well as WI Judith was heavily involved and a strong supporter of other groups including, Inner Wheel, NSPCC, Choir and Old Brampton Church. Judith's funeral will be held on 10 February at a woodland burial ground in her beloved Devon. She was loved and will be missed.
20 January 2021 - Neighbours get together using Zoom #MyVirtualWI
This evening Darlings at Baslow WI were invited by our neighbours, Chatworth WI, to a Zoom presentation given by a member of both Baslow and Chatsworth WIs, Deb, with her husband. The talk, entitled 'Iraq - Lines in the Sand', was about the 12 years they spent living and working in Iraq and included interesting background information regarding the geography of the country. This was a wonderful presentation a real 'eye-opener'.
Image - Wilson Centre |
19 January 2021 - Wicked wicker work! 🕷
Carolyn, Ann's sister-in-law, went on a topiary course in Kent last year and was inspired to make this garden spider! The body and head are made using prunings from wisteria the legs are made of metal rods which were easier to bend than the hazel sticks she had planned to use. One of these days she's going to join the WI in the village where she lives, she'd be a brilliant member!
18 January 2021 - Keep Baslow Tidy 🚮
Since 1925 the National Federation of WIs has campaigned for a tidy Britain. Baslow members have done their bit too in an attempt to keep Baslow and the areas they live in clear of litter. Recently, littering in and around Baslow has become worse than ever. Now filled dog poo bags are the problem and they are found regularly on our pavements and footpaths. Some Baslow WI members have got together during Lockdown 3 and displayed home made posters and also some from Derbyshire Dales District Council. Members are regularly out and about litter picking, on their own complying with the present government guidelines.
16 & 17 January 2021 - MyVirtualWI
This week's question was sent out at 09.03 and our first reply came through at 09.19 from Caroline E she says... 'The boots I remember are my knee high white plastic boots in the late 60's and I even wore them with purple shorts and matching jacket as a "going away" outfit. Not a good look!!'
We say... Hot pants and long boots were a great look and now quite iconic. Bet Caroline looked awesome on her 'big day'! |
Sandra J says... 'When I retired from work I decided to treat myself to a special new pair of shoes. They are incredibly comfortable, even on my wide feet, and I love the beautiful leather and style. As the saying goes, “a thing of beauty is a joy forever” but I must admit, they haven’t been worn as much as my hiking boots which I bought at the same time!'
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Christine T says... 'The shoes that I will always remember are my first pair of kitten heals. They were ordered by my Mother from a Littlewood's catalogue, in fact she ordered two pairs and I was allowed to keep them both. One pair was cream and the other a very pale sage green. I must have been about twelve years old at the time, and felt very grown up!'
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Lorna W says... 'I have two favourite sorts of footwear, one to wear and one to look at. My favourites boots were a pair of knee length black ones bought from Kurt Geiger in 1968 for £15. That was an enormous amount to pay for a pair of boots, at that time, and I felt really guilty spending the money. The boots lasted me for years and I worn them constantly. When they, eventually, came to the end of their useful life I put them in the bin and Rod asked me if the last post sounded as they went in! They owed me nothing for the amount of use I got from them. My favourite shoes to look at are a pair of sandals that I bought in France. I’ve hardly worn them and they no longer are comfortable but I get them out, occasionally, just look and admire them. They should go to the Charity Shop so that someone else can wear and enjoy them.'
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Marion H says... 'Shoes! I have always loved them! In the past boots with large platforms (ABBA style) or stiletto type high heels have caught my eye! There are similarities currently very much in fashion in magazines & on tv! Not sure I’ll have them on my future shopping list now though! Waterproof walking boots seem the way forward !?!'
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Jane S says... 'I don't have any favourite shoes, but one pair of boots was very special. They were shiny maroon leather boots with 2" heels and they came just below my knee. They were shiny because I took great care to polish them after every wearing. My daughter's favourite boots were my bright red wellingtons and one day she asked me if she could have them after I had died! She was all of four years old at the time so I just laughed it off. Years later she asked me the same question, but I had to tell her they had been sent to the jumble sale many years earlier!
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Ann Mc says... 'I have a pair of black patent stilleto shoes. One very memorable time I wore them was to a tribute night at Chesterfield Football Stadium. Judith C kindly collected me, I got my shoe caught in the seat belt as I got out of the car and went flying head first onto the tarmac which I might add was covered in sleety snow! My arm and leg were grazed but no other harm done. Friends including Caroline E were there to cheer me, help clean me up and we went on to enjoy a fabulous night with 'The Jersey Boys'!
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Sue S says... 'My favourite and most expensive shoes were bought for my daughter’s wedding. They were/are, (I still have them), pale pink suede, peep toe and wedge heels. They matched my outfit exactly and were comfortable all day and into the evening; dancing the night away. The wedges were brilliant for not sinking into the lawn! Memories of a perfect day.'
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Valerie B says... 'My favourites would have to be my beloved pair of black ruched PVC platform boots. I bought them about 15 years ago in a quirky little shop in London. I last wore them about a year ago as they were just right for an outfit that I had made to wear to a Japanese heavy metal concert in Manchester. I didn’t realise that the platform soles had started to perish, and midway through the evening my boots started to disintegrate! By the end of the concert they were in a terrible state and most definitely beyond repair, but I still had to walk about a mile in them to where the after-party was taking place. (My brother Tim and I were then barred from the after-party, but that’s another story...) I took this photo the next morning for posterity (the damaged sections were on the inner sides of each boot so not visible) before reluctantly disposing of them. I still miss them.'
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Julia F says... 'I remember my first pair of court shoes. My mother asked my uncle who had a share in a tannery company if he could get a pair for me. I was 17 and I was looking forward to going to a dance. They duly arrived and were red (and you know what they used to say about about girls who wore red shoes) after a lot of arguing with mum I was allowed to keep them and wore them lots even though I was not one of those girls!'
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Sandra M says... 'I really wanted a pair of knee high white boots, but my parents wouldn't let me have a pair. So my friend and I decided to compromise and wore white knee high socks with flat white shoes. We were mortified when walking passed some boys we liked when they shouted. "When's your operation?" We ditched the socks, neither of us managed to get the white boots we wanted, or the hot pants!'
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14 January 2021 - It's that time of year!
Judy D, one of our WI members, writes... 'I was having difficulty finding Seville oranges so asked a couple of friends if they saw any to buy some...... All of a sudden I had 4 kilos so it has been a lockdown marmalade week and I've still got 1kilo to go! It will be great to share some of these jars with family and friends when we can all get together again.'
13 January 2021 - Monthly meeting - MyVirtualWI
The speaker at our Zoom Meeting today was Peter Bull from Hathersage. He is a retired ENT Surgeon and worked at the Shefield Children's Hospital where he knew our President Judith who worked in the theatre there with him. His amazing presentation, containing fabulous photography, was all about flora and fauna in his garden and nearby during the coronavirus pandemic year, 2020. We have received many messages of thanks from members and visitors saying how much they enjoyed it.
Below are some screen shots taken during the meeting. |
12 January 2021 - Resolution 2021 voting by Baslow WI members
12 January 2021 - A Christmas present loaded with memories
Darling Julia received this lovely printed canvas containing some wonderful memories for her. A coloured and a black and white photo of her wedding to John, one of her granddaughter, Sasha, as a baby wearing her Paddington Bear sleepsuit, and lastly a much loved pet, Jess, who sadly died recently. 🌈 🐾
11 January 2021 - Monday's shout out!
Each Monday at 7am on the Baslow WI Facebook page we have a 'Shout out', see what we did this week and how many responses from our followers we had. 50! Join us on Facebook soon!
Words submitted today in alphabetical order were...
banana bread, Blursday, bubbles, can you see me?, community, confusion, covidiot, CPAP machine (continuous positive airways pressure), deep cleaning, depressed, distancing, efficacy, epidemiologists, exponential growth, exponentially, face coverings, furlough, Hancoock’s Half Hour, hand gel, hands face space, home schooling, isolation, key workers, lockdown, masks, mental health, mingling, more positivity, negative press, next slide please!, NHS, overwhelmed, pandemic, PPE, protect, r number, rainbows, ramp up, roll out, rules, save lives, shielding, social distancing, the science, tier, transmission, unprecedented, what day is it?, working from home, your’re muted! and of course Zoom! |
9 & 10 January 2021 - MyVirtualWI
This weekend we thought we would try to remove ourselves from the terrible news concerning the pandemic and the worry of family and friends being ill and transport ourselves for just a few minutes into the imagainary world of the TV...
Our question for you is: If you had to be trapped in a television programme for a month which one would it be? |
Sandra J says... 'What an interesting one and it got me thinking! If I was trapped in a TV programme for a month I think it would be one of Simon Reeves’ travel adventures to unusual places in the world. He’s so interested in the people as well as the landscape and history. I’d find it fascinating. However, if we were all still subject to travel restrictions I would choose “Who do you think you are?”. I love the social history unearthed by the research in this programme.'
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Alison H says... 'What a good question and on a cold January morning it didn't take me long to think of somewhere warm and sunny! I would chose the Italian detective programme Montalbano which is set in Sicily then I could spend a month eating and drinking delicious Italian food and wine, swimming in the beautiful sea and practising my Italian. I wouldn't want to get involved in any murder enquiries and would keep well away from the Mafia! Robin and I went to Sicily in 2017 with my sister and her Sicilian husband and as we're all Montalbano fans we went and visited some of the main filming locations so I have already spent some time hanging around outside his house and the police station in the hope of getting in on some of the action! No luck though! I've attached a couple of photos.'
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June O says... 'If I had to be trapped in a television program for a month it would have to be Gardeners World. I would prefer it to be in the spring when so much has to be done and if it was cold or wet I could retreat into Montys greenhouse or potting shed. With Monty of course!'
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Lorna W says... 'At first I thought I would like to spend time in Dynasty so that I could see those wonderful houses and wear designer clothes with sun shining every day. But, then I remembered that they were constantly arguing and there was a good chance of dying or becoming a bankrupt alcoholic. Or, I would like to be the Quiz Master on University Challenge and know all of the answers all of the time!'
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Judith B says... 'A tricky one this. I love the idea of going around the world in 80 days with Michael Palin, but if I only have 30 days, I’m not sure where that would leave me! Also I get terribly sea sick so if it left me somewhere on the high sea I could be in a terrible pickle. So I think I would go with Gardeners World, but could I go back to when it was hosted by Alan Titchmarch? It’s not that I dislike Monty Don - I think he’s lovely - but his garden would drive me mad - it’s far too unruly for my liking. I much prefer Alan’s garden and gardening style, and who knows after a month I might learn something and be able to transform my own garden.'
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Jane W says... 'Gardener’s World, without a doubt, wearing several layers of old comfy clothes, no make up and no bra. “ Potting up” in the old wooden greenhouse during bad weather and sowing seed in the Spring sunshine. I’d spend brew time sitting on an old rickety chair in the shed, sipping tea from a heavy pot mug, browsing through seed catalogues and give thanks to my month of Heaven.'
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Ann Mc says... 'I would love to spend a month with the cast of Home & Away in the fictional Australian seaside town, Summer Bay. I've watched this since it began and love it for a number of reasons. It's so very different from Derbyshire, the characters seem real although all rather beautiful apart from the father figure, Alf! He's one of my favourites, he commands respect, he's feared but loved too! During the month I'd enjoy watching the actors, surfers, and boats, swimming in the sea and drinking coffee in the 'Pier Diner' and wine in the bar, 'Salt'! Good things about Summer Bay... The climate, no Christmas, no Easter and best of all no coronavirus - yet!
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9 January 2021 - Caroline visits Chatsworth
A new year visit to Chatsworth for our Membership Secretary, Caroline. It was a cold, misty morning great to be out and about though.
7 January 2021 - Baslow Bookworms
Book review:
Small Pleasures: by Clare Chambers This book was very well liked. A story of two tales that came together at the conclusion. This novel is structured in such a way that you just want to read on, to see what happens next! The characters are superbly written and their inner lives are richly evoked in the context of the petty restrictions of suburban England in the 1950's. The main character, Jean, has her life restricted by her caring role for her Mother, a condition many women can still relate to today. Some amazing sunny days are nostalgically described so it is a joy to read but the end is very thought proving. Next month's book choice is : The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Lorna W |
6 January 2021 - Team Meeting - #MyVirtualWI
This afternoon the twelve members of the Baslow WI Team met via Zoom to make plans for the coming weeks and months. Even though we will be unable to meet there was plenty to discuss regarding keeping in touch with our members, booking speakers, dealing with correspondence and sadly cancelling things too. There's still plenty to do! It's good to have a chance have a virtual get-together too!
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6 January 2021 - Baslow Book Lovers
Book review:
'The Bee Keeper Of Aleppo' by Christy Lefteri' The story traces the route taken by a Syrian couple from Aleppo to England.Written by a woman with experience of working in refugee camps and the Hope Centre in Athens, t has the ring of authenticity. The book certainly meant that our group did extra research into the war in Syria and enhanced our understanding of the background to it and also what is happening now. We cannot say that the book is enjoyable because of the atrocities that took place but it is above all about love and endurance.We are all pleased that we read the book and would recommend it. Caroline E |
4 Januay 2021 - What's on...
More information available on the diary page of this website.
3 January 2021 - New for 2021, the Peak District gets it's own stamp!
1-3 January 2021 - #MyVirtualWI
Ann Mc says... I think New Year Resolutions are a good thing because making one starts the year off on a positive note. If I'm honest I don't usually stick to them for long but I will try harder! My resolution this year is to recycle more and sort out things for the jumble sale which I hope we will have some time this year. I need to wear the things I have not leave them hanging in the cupboard 'saving them for best'!
Caroline E says.. 'I have never made a new year's resolution, I just know that I do not have the willpower to stick to them for very long. Shame on me!'
Mary B says... 'Well, I hope I'll be hearing you too! I'm determined to go for a hearing test.'
Lorna W says... 'I’m not going to attempt a resolution this year as I don’t need more stress. I’m going to carry on as normally as I can and I’m not planning any more changes. I don’t keep resolutions as they are usually things I don’t want to do. I will be positive and try to throw things out or send them to jumbles or charity shops. I’ll try to be tidier and remember things I have to do but, if I don’t succeed I won’t feel I’ve failed.'
Anna J says... 'My resolutions are: Don’t overthink and sit down at the table to eat breakfast.'
Lesley P says... 'My new year resolution is to make a determined effort to read the books on my bookshelf that are waiting to be read!'
Jane S says... I think New Year's Resolutions are a good idea, even if they don't last very long. My New Year's Resolution is one I usually fail to keep but would like to attain. It is to show more tolerance, patience and understanding - all things that I struggle with!'
Linda Y says... 'I’m with Jane W on this one. It is really difficult getting into our store room now and the loft will also get my attention once I have my replacement hip and can confidently climb the ladder. Our garage also needs a good clear out but no doubt hubby will tell me we need all those pieces of wood/bricks/buckets/old vacuum cleaners!'
Marion H says... 'I too think ‘sorting out’ is my project for the next week (or 2)!
Sandra J says... 'I always make New Years resolutions and they tend to be the same every year. Firstly to lose weight. At the beginning of last year I was within 2 pounds of my goal weigh after chipping away for a long time. This year, after lockdowns and restrictions, I’m much further away but I feel some determination with a new start in the new year. Secondly, to clear out unwanted junk. I tell myself to tackle one drawer or one cupboard at a time. Instead there’s usually a blitz of clearing and going to the tip or charity shop, then no action for many months. The third one I used to make was to get more exercise. Fortunately since retiring I now get lots of exercise which I enjoy doing in our great outdoors. I never did get on with the gym.'
Janet B says... 'I don’t really know why, but I have never made a New Year's resolution! Not because there is nothing for me to give up,but more like I can’t be bothered! That says a lot doesn’t it? - Too lazy!'
We say... Not at all Janet it's not for everyone and very few of us stick to ours anyway, it's just a bit of nonsense!
We say... Not at all Janet it's not for everyone and very few of us stick to ours anyway, it's just a bit of nonsense!
Jane W says... 'New Year Resolutions - definitely good, definitely difficult and definitely defeating. But every year we have another “crack at it”. This year - as last year - I’m overcoming my “squirrelling” habit! This is the inability to throw anything away because it may come in useful and, as a consequence, my roof space is crammed with “useful junk”, cupboard contents spill to the ground when the door is opened and drawers stubbornly refuse to close. Those “close to you”, your loved ones, add to your junk, storing their “treasure” in your roof or garage because they don’t want clutter and because, you “understand “ how necessary it is to keep “stuff". Much of my life has been spent deliberating the fate of “useful“ items, with midnight excursions to my roadside bin retrieving “treasure” a serious problem but this year it’ll be different - definitely! 🤣
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1 January 2021
31 December 2020 - Well done to Paul, Janette's husband
These are some of the charities and groups Paul has given his time to: Derbyshire Carers Association, Friends of Derbyshire Carers, Ripley Town Council, St Luke's Church Parochial Church Council, Babington Hospital League of Friends, Derbyshire Federation of WIs, Medical Action Research (Heage group), Heage Speedwatch, Derbyshire County LD Partnership Board, Leonard Cheshire Eastern Region, First Movement Charity, CNCS - NHS, Heage Primary School, Heage School PTA, Heage Carnival, St Lukes Church, Heage Cubs, Derbyshire Video Footage Ltd, Amber Valley Access Group, Heage Carnival and Police Key Individual Network.
31 December 2020 - A smile as we end the year...
Text from Janette's WhatsApp Group
30 December 2020 - Great news today
The good news is: The coronavirus vaccine designed by scientists at the University of Oxford has been approved for use in the UK. This means that the vaccination programme will immediately be accelerated here in the UK. Fabulous news to end this pandemic year. 😊
The bad news is: Derbyshire moves into Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions as from midnight tonight. #StayAtHome 🙄 |
30 December 2020 - Maria's hooked!
Darling Maria tells us that she too has 'the jigsaw bug' like Vikki, this is her 5th this year, they are very addictive! Maybe when we get back to having meetings in the Village Hall they can arrange swaps.
27 December 2020
Throughout December we have been using Peanut posts on our Facebook page for the goodnight slot at 10.30pm. Couldn't resist sharing this one here!
25 December 2020
25 December 2020 - Sad news at Christmas
We were very sad to hear that a former member of Baslow WI, Olwen died today. She lived at High Meadows, Over Lane and her daughter, Laura, went to St Anne's School before they moved to live in Wales, Olwen's home country. Olwen was a great craftswomen and gardener and she joined in many competitions and events whilst a member of Baslow WI. She followed our WI on Facebook and we never lost touch with her. She will be remembered by friends here.
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23 December 2020 - Get to know the Team
MEET THE TEAM AT BASLOW WI #MyVirtualWI
During recent months our Membership Secretary, Caroline, has been 'virtually' interviewing team members starting with our President, Judith. Visit the 'Our Team" page of this website to see the interviews: https://baslow-wi.weebly.com/our-team.html
During recent months our Membership Secretary, Caroline, has been 'virtually' interviewing team members starting with our President, Judith. Visit the 'Our Team" page of this website to see the interviews: https://baslow-wi.weebly.com/our-team.html
22 December 2020 - Last Nordic Walk before Christmas 🎄
Four Baslow WI members joined Nordic Walking Derbyshire, for a walk from Bamford led by Izzy. A really good four mile walks with fabulous views all around, an excellent get-together before Christmas.
19-20 December 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Julia W was our first responder she says... Waterproof trousers, 10p!
We say... WOW MEGA BARGAIN! Thanks for starting us off Julia.
We say... WOW MEGA BARGAIN! Thanks for starting us off Julia.
Anna J says... 'I went to the WI jumble sale right at the end to collect unsold books to take to India. Valerie said this was just me and offered it for 10p. I wasn’t sure but gave her 20p then wore it in India where I was complimented on it several times. It was brand new and has lots of gold thread in it which you may not be able to see in the photo.'
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Sandra J says... 'Over the years I’ve had a lot of charity shop buys after my daughter introduced me to the delights. I’ve had an M & S dress which I’d wanted from the store the previous year but they didn’t have my size, then found it in a charity shop in Chesterfield. A friend of mine knows I like Radley bags and sent me a little crossbody bag she found in a charity shop in Hull. I was delighted and use it for most of my walks as it’s just the right size for my essentials. I think my most used charity shop buy was an oatmeal coloured House of Fraser jacket which I wore to go on many trips to far flung places, as it never creased and was so easy to wash and didn’t need ironing. I forced myself to part with it last year on a big clear out of my wardrobe but I’ll probably wish I hadn’t when I can start going away again!'
June O says... 'I have never found anything of value, fortunately, I think I would have to tell the charity, and my house if full of "stuff" which should go to the charity shop. So yesterday I went in to donate and had to buy this lovely apple made of small pieces of glass. Another item which should be donated in the future. I will enjoy it for a little while first though.'
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Janet B says... 'My Best Buy from a bric-a-brac stall at a school fair, was a little Royal Doulton dish, which matched exactly a plant pot that was my grandmas. Then a few years later at our old church’s Christmas fair I found another little jug of the same pattern. I love pottery items when looking in charity shops.'
Sue S says... 'Many years ago when my children were small I was helping at a jumble sale and tried hard to sell a dark wood bookcase. No one was the least interested so I ended up buying it myself. I still have that bookcase, painted white, and it has always been in constant use. At the moment it is in my daughters old bedroom and is full of her and my favourite books from childhood. The grandchildren love reading them.'
Cate H says... 'I bought jumper at Labels the second hand shop in Baslow at least twenty years ago and I am still wearing it. My favourite sun hat was bought at the last WI jumble sale.'
Angela B says... 'My first visit to a jumble sale, at the age of three, resulted in the purchase of a chain link bracelet which caught my eye. I still have it but am loathe to wear in case the catch fails. I would hate to lose it after all these years. The best thing I ever bought at a jumble sale was a vintage electric coffee percolator. It makes lovely hot strong coffee and I still use it from time to time.'
Lorna W says... 'I bought a red wool Basler jacket from the jumble sale. I wore it and enjoyed it and when I lost weight I sent it back to the jumble sale where it sold again. Jumble sales are the very best way of recycling, you get pleasure from your purchase and someone else gets to use it as well.'
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Anita B says... 'My best buy from a jumble sale was a lovely knitted scarf in bands of many colours. Every time I wear it, it is admired and only cost me 50p!'
We say... Brilliant that's what we love to hear!
We say... Brilliant that's what we love to hear!
18 December 2020 - The vaccine is here!
16 December 2020 - Our Christmas wreath for 11th Duke & Duchess of Devonshire
Today Baslow WI's President, Judith placed a wreath on the grave of the 11th Duke of Devonshire and his wife Deborah. They were both always very supportive of Derbyshire WIs and especially Baslow. We will not forget them.
16 December 2020 - Christmas gift from our Link WI in New Zealand
Today our WI Team Members met at the Baslow Sports Field to share out Christmas cards to be delivered to all WI members along with their membership booklets and programmes for 2021. A parcel had been delivered from our Link WI, Hukanui-Hamua in New Zealand, a home made reversible apron, a New Zealand WI Calendar and a beautifully crafted Christmas card. The rain didn't stop our fun. Judith treated us to some of her mince pies, very yummy!
14 December 2020 - Nordic Walking in Chatsworth
Today six Nordic Walkers met at Edensor Village on the Chatsworth Estate to do a four mile walk up the Edensor Bridlepath nearly into Bakewell then back across Chatsworth Park to Edensor. A great circular walk which started in rain and ended in glorious winter sunshine. We witnessed a sheep fight, upsetting and unusual as it was two ewes and there were no youngsters and no ram about. 🐑
12 & 13 December 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Linda Y volunteered to start us off this week and Tony joined in too!
Linda says... Oooo, that’s difficult but I guess a prawn and lobster starter, followed by fillet steak, mushrooms, tomatoes, asparagus and sauté potatoes finished off with panna cotta and raspberries.
Tony says... Coquilles St Jacques starter, Italian lamb cutlets with fine beans, asparagus, carrots and sauté potatoes, followed by panna cotta.
Linda says... Oooo, that’s difficult but I guess a prawn and lobster starter, followed by fillet steak, mushrooms, tomatoes, asparagus and sauté potatoes finished off with panna cotta and raspberries.
Tony says... Coquilles St Jacques starter, Italian lamb cutlets with fine beans, asparagus, carrots and sauté potatoes, followed by panna cotta.
June O says... 'I would order exactly the same as Linda Y. My absolutely favourite food. As a second choice I would have mushroom soup with truffles, lobster salad and lemon pavlova. This would have to be a celebration meal, so expensive but entirely delicious.
Jane W says... 'Oak smoked salmon and prawns with a little salad; followed by medallions of tenderloin pork in one of those delicious but unidentifiable sauces, with homegrown or organic vegetables and tiny roast potatoes. Pudding has to be the sweet and sticky - Eaton Mess but I want home made Meringue - not powder dry shop bought. Yummy , yummy, my tummy feels full already.'
And what would Taylor like... 'Thursday treat - we’re having fish and chips from Stoney Middleton. Six year old Taylor is not hungry, he doesn’t want anything. Not even a battered sausage. No chips, nothing! We order our chips at the front entrance. It’s pouring with rain, cold and there’s no shelter, we wait patiently in a queue until our order is ready to collect from the other side of the shop. The smell coming from the carrier bag is delicious, hungry now, we can’t wait to eat the contents. A small querulous voice urgently says “ battered sausage” then louder “and chips”. This is repeated again and again getting louder and louder, more desperate each time. Face begins to pucker! It’s decision time - cold wet queue or full wobbly? No contest! Peace and tranquility restored in the form of a battered sausage held by Angelic looking Grandchild.' 👼🏻
And what would Taylor like... 'Thursday treat - we’re having fish and chips from Stoney Middleton. Six year old Taylor is not hungry, he doesn’t want anything. Not even a battered sausage. No chips, nothing! We order our chips at the front entrance. It’s pouring with rain, cold and there’s no shelter, we wait patiently in a queue until our order is ready to collect from the other side of the shop. The smell coming from the carrier bag is delicious, hungry now, we can’t wait to eat the contents. A small querulous voice urgently says “ battered sausage” then louder “and chips”. This is repeated again and again getting louder and louder, more desperate each time. Face begins to pucker! It’s decision time - cold wet queue or full wobbly? No contest! Peace and tranquility restored in the form of a battered sausage held by Angelic looking Grandchild.' 👼🏻
Mary B says... 'My daughter is ordering: French onion soup. Roast beef dinner. Sticky toffee pudding with loads of custard.Thank goodness that is in her imagination!'
Iris H says... 'Peter would have a black pudding salad then a T-bone steak with chips, followed by creme brûlée and a high cholesterol reading! I would have smoked salmon pate, grilled lemon sole with chips and salad and then ice cream and warm coffee which I now know is Affogato.'
Anna J says.. 'The main would be Baigan Bharat (an aubergine curry) followed by selection of sorbets but only if I can eat it at the Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur! Favourite starter is artichoke with butter.
Julia F says... 'A three course meal for me would be starting with smoked trout with horseradish sauce or scallops. Roast Duckling with sage and onion stuffing garden peas and roast potatoes. Blue Stilton and crackers. Red wine with the meal then black coffee. We always had this at the Riverside in the 60’s and 70’s.'
Ann Mc says... 'Prawn and crab salad, followed by rack of lamb with fresh veg with sautéed potatoes, for desert coffee ice cream. I will be trying the Affogato recommended by Iris as coffee ice cream is rarely on the menu.'
Gordon says... 'Seabass fillet with orange segmants and basil yoghurt, Beef Wellington with green vegetable and to follow Tiramisu.
Gordon says... 'Seabass fillet with orange segmants and basil yoghurt, Beef Wellington with green vegetable and to follow Tiramisu.
Sandra J says... 'My chosen meal would depend on the time of year. In Summer it would be prawn cocktail followed by chicken Caesar salad and fresh fruit salad with ice cream. In Winter I think a hot pear, walnut and blue cheese salad for starters, main course of fillet steak, mushrooms, peas, onion rings and chips then chocolate pudding and custard.'
Lorna W says... 'As my friends and family know there are not many foods I don’t like so making a choice is almost impossible.
Any three courses cooked by Adam Harper, head chef at the Cavendish Hotel, would be more than acceptable especially as I wouldn’t have to cook it. Adam is a finalist of the famous Roux scholarship competition. Starting with faux gras in a citrus dressing, any of Adam's fish dishes, and a fruit based dessert would do nicely.'
Any three courses cooked by Adam Harper, head chef at the Cavendish Hotel, would be more than acceptable especially as I wouldn’t have to cook it. Adam is a finalist of the famous Roux scholarship competition. Starting with faux gras in a citrus dressing, any of Adam's fish dishes, and a fruit based dessert would do nicely.'
12 December 2020 - Lorna & Ann visited St Anne's Church to see the trees decorated by groups and businesses in Baslow...
9 December 2020 - Christmas Meeting via Zoom #MyVirtualWI
Forty WI members and friends joined Baroness Bolsover for an etiquette lesson regarding 'Afternoon tea'. The participants brought along a cup, saucer, spoon and table napkin and were shown the correct way to sip and stir tea and 'dab' their mouth using their napkin. They heard a little of the history of afternoon teas in the Victoria era and answered some questions regarding tea bags and the first London hotel to host afternoon teas. A very entertaining afternoon with Linda Jane Holmes aka Baroness Bolsover.
8 December 2020 - Nordic Walkers' first outing after Lockdown 2
Great to be back out today at National Trust, Longshaw with our Nordic Walking instructor Izzy. It was good to welcome Jayne as a new Baslow WI member to the Nordic Walking Derbyshire group. See you soon Darlings!
8 December 2020 - Baslow WI's Christmas Tree in St Anne's Church
A number of groups and businesses in the Baslow community have provided and decorated a Christmas Tree for a display in St Anne's Church, Baslow. Baslow WI members wished to join in this community activity and chose to decorate the tree with hand-made ornaments lent or donated by members showing the craft work they enjoy. Due to the coronavius pandemic only one member of WI was allowed into church to erect and decorate the tree, Team Member, Kate volunteered to do this on our behalf. Thank you very much Kate, our thanks also go to members who provided the decorations they really are beautiful. The church will be open to visitors on 11,12 and 13 December from 11am - 4pm, do go and take a look if you are able to. More photos coming later see 12 December.
Photo - Kate Treves
8 December 2020 - Kate's kittens
Kate, Darling Gill's daughter, has two Sphinx cats Lira and Prune. They have both had kittens, eight between them! They are so full of fun it will seem quiet when they have gone to their new homes on 19 December. Good luck sweeties. 🐾
7 December 2020 - Happy 80th birthday to Mick the postie!
Baslow's postman, Mick, is 80 this week. His fans in Derwent Drive greeted him with balloons & a gift today & BBC reporters and cameras followed him on his round. He is the oldest postal worker still doing deliveries & greatly appreciated by Baslow residents. 'The Derwent Groovers' (living on Derwent Drive) went all out with the red themed celebrations! What a wonderful surprise for Mick when he walked along the road!
Photos from residents of Derwent Drive
5 & 6 December - #MyVirtualWI
Caroline E is our first responder she says... 'I was the first girl be born in my father's family for over a decade and his extended family was quite large. My grandparents were wonderful and gave me time, experiences and lots of love. They had lived through both the 1st World War and the 2nd World War and were very resilient. Looking back, I realise that I was spoilt and very fortunate. My maternal grandmother died having mum and sadly mum was illegitimate, I never knew those grandparents.'
Denise K says... 'Yes I knew both sets of grandparents. I was first grandchild on both sides so at Christmas got sacks of presents until my cousins and sisters came along. I didn’t mind I was thrilled not to be an only child anymore. My paternal grandfather used to tells us stories about Icky the fire bobby based on his experiences of being a fireman in Second World War. He had been at Ypres in WW1 but called it Wipers. My grandma (Nanna) told me all about her family emigrating to the US in 1924 leaving her in the U.K. as she had to choose between them and my grandfather. She inspired by love of family history. My job allowed me to build strong relationships with my US family. My Nanna would be thrilled. It was the Seventies before I lost any of them. I feel blessed to have known them for so long.'
Jane S says... 'I remember my maternal grandparents, sadly my paternal grandmother died before I was born and my paternal grandfather (an interesting character) when I was too young to remember him. We used to spend Christmas day with my grandparents every year. They lived in a large house in Littleover that had been built for them after my grandfather's Gentleman's Outfitting business in Derby became successful. Grandpa retired early to allow his son to take over the business. He loved roses and had a wonderful display of them in the garden. Grandma was deaf, but had a hearing aid and was well known for switching it off if her visitor was rather boring and she occasionally said yes or no at the wrong times! Thankfully she kept it on for all her conversations with me and my two brothers.'
Ann Mc says... 'I didn't know either of my grandfathers but my grandmothers both lived to be a great age! My maternal grandmother lived near to my childhood home in Kent and used to visit us every Thursday so I knew her well. My Dad's Mum lived in Brighton, 60 miles away which was a long day trip when I was a child before the motorways! The fact that I never new my Mum's Dad always upsets me because I am told he was a lovely man, very kind hard working, generous and considerate. He died in his early 50s when my Mum was first pregnant so he never knew I was on the way. I hear he loved a pint on a Friday with friends. He was called Tom, my Labrador is named after him!' 🐾
Sue Y says... 'I was lucky enough to know 2 of my grandparents. My Grandmother on my father’s side was a lovely cuddly lady, and very kind. She used to make me homemade chocolate spread, perfect on toast - I so wish I had asked her for the recipe as it was delicious. Another treat was banana and sugar sandwiches for lunch. I never had either at home. My grandfather on my mother’s side was very strict and distant but he did open a bank account for me when I was in my teens with the princely sum of 10 shillings!'
Janet B says... 'Hi Ann, I only knew one grandparent - my dad's mum, who we actually lived with until she died when I was 19. My dad's dad had died before even my dad was married, but he founded the Engineers Merchants firm which my dad then took over, and then Paul managed. My mum's dad had died when she was 11, and her mum died when I was 2, so I didn’t know her, although she had known me!! It is so nice that all our grandchildren have two sets of grandparents.'
Alison H says... 'I knew both my grandmothers but only one grandfather as my father’s father died when my father was only two years old. Fortunately for me the three grandparents I did have all lived to a very great age. My father’s mother lived with my aunt and when I was young we saw her a couple of times each year. I didn’t know her very well but remember her as a sweet little old lady. She had the patience to teach me how to knit when she was staying with us one time. I do remember that she was always very generous at Christmas. I knew my maternal grandparents much better as they lived quite close to us in London and we saw them very often. My grandfather was my favourite grandparent as he was exactly as I expected a grandparent to be – cuddly and indulgent. He was from Northern Ireland and full of entertaining stories. He ran away from Ireland when he was fourteen, lied about his age and joined the Merchant Navy. He was in the Royal Marines in WW1 and was a volunteer fireman at night during the Blitz in WW2. He is our family hero. I’ve recently claimed Irish citizenship thanks to him. My maternal grandmother could be quite strict but she definitely had a softer side. She used to make delicious marmalade and always made our Christmas pudding. Unfortunately, I didn’t ever ask her for the recipes!'
Sandra J says... 'My paternal grandparents retired to a village near Abergavenny before I was born. It was a very long journey so I didn’t see them often but they lived in an old vicarage so could accommodate lots of the family at once during the holidays.
My maternal grandparents lived just a few doors from us. Sadly, my grandfather died when I was two so I don’t remember him, but do remember the little tricycle he bought me. I saw my grandmother pretty much every day. She started saving for my 21st birthday when I was ten, because she didn’t think she’d “still be here”. Fortunately she lived until I was twenty-two.'
My maternal grandparents lived just a few doors from us. Sadly, my grandfather died when I was two so I don’t remember him, but do remember the little tricycle he bought me. I saw my grandmother pretty much every day. She started saving for my 21st birthday when I was ten, because she didn’t think she’d “still be here”. Fortunately she lived until I was twenty-two.'
Lorna W says... 'I didn’t know any of my grandparents. My maternal grandfather died when I was 2 months old. My maternal grandmother died when my mother, an only child, was 21. It would have been lovely to have had grandparents to visit when I was a child.'
Jane W says... 'During WW 2 my paternal grandfather caught TB in the trenches and died leaving my grandmother Lottie with two young boys, my father was only ten years old. Lottie went to teach at the local school enabling her to care for her boys and earn a living. I think she was alone with no relatives. What hardship these war widows must have had. She was a gentle soul, very patient, I never remember seeing her angry even when I was naughty! When I stayed with Lottie and went to her school, I can remember her tall wooden teachers desk with a hinged lid, it seemed to tower above me. At break time there was always a treat for me taken from the the tall desk! Why didn’t I ask her about her life? And why didn’t my father ever speak of his childhood?'
Iris H says... 'My father’s parents lived in Ayr so I saw them infrequently although they lived to a great age - Grandpa was 96 and Grandma was 100. I can remember her showing me the telegram from the Queen. We lived near to my Mum’s parents so knew them well. My “Nanna” was very creative and showed me how to knit and sew and cook which is something I have tried to pass on to my grandchildren - with limited success!'
June O says... 'I was lucky enough as a child to have 3 great grandparents and 3 grandparents. My paternal Granny was President of her village WI, Garthorpe near Scunthorpe, and an enthusiastic member of the WI choir. Here she is in the front row middle with her daughter Aunty Mary directly behind. A typical WI member, she was a wonderful seamstress, she made all my bridesmaids dresses, and a wonderful cook. Grandad was the local butcher and she made all the pork pies etc. She really was a pillar of her community, everyone knew her and she knew everyone.'
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4 December 2020 - Darling Anna has been busy throughout the pandemic preparing for Christmas...
This is what Anna says:
'This is what Ive been doing! The first two pics are the basic wooden models from 'The Works' and it was so relaxing and such fun to decorate them. The houses look great in the dark with a salt lamp behind.The boxes have a little light inside already and I gave them in two different looks.'
Our web editor says:
'Thanks for sharing these photos with us Anna, I am going to use one for the welcome page of this website during the winter months.'
'This is what Ive been doing! The first two pics are the basic wooden models from 'The Works' and it was so relaxing and such fun to decorate them. The houses look great in the dark with a salt lamp behind.The boxes have a little light inside already and I gave them in two different looks.'
Our web editor says:
'Thanks for sharing these photos with us Anna, I am going to use one for the welcome page of this website during the winter months.'
3 December 2020 - Baslow WI Book Clubs November reads...
Baslow Book Lovers and Baslow Bookworms meet monthly to discuss the book read in the previous month.
On a cold miserable Thursday morning the cheery Bookworms gathered for their Zoom:
Our book this month was 'Girl, Woman, Other' by Bernadine Evaristo who had won the Booker Prize in 2019. It does not really have a plot but describes the lives of twelve black British* women and their struggles, pains laughter and longings. The book has been very well received throughout the world but not with our group. We found it hard to read (there is no punctuation) and it is quite disturbing at times, but most of us struggled to the end! The author devotes a chapter to each character and links them up for the final one which brings everything together. It did make us realise how much ideologies are constantly changing and what a different world it will be for our grandchildren. Anyone want to borrow the book? Iris Holt *Edited on 7 December 2020. We apologise for any offence caused. |
Book Lovers November Read - Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker:
WI book Book Lovers group is a group of people with a love of books, who meet monthly to express their opinion, likes or dislikes about the chosen book they have just read. Being a member of a book group also give an opportunity to read books we might sometimes choose not to read. 'Silence of the Girls' was a book I would not have chosen to read. It is based on The Iliad by Homer written in 800 BCE about the 10 year siege of The City of Troy, Ilium, by a coalition of Greek States which I had read at school and also again in adulthood. 'Silence of The Girls' is based on the Iliad but from the point of view through Briseis the dethroned Queen of Troy, given to Achilles as a war prize. I am pleased I did get the opportunity to read 'Silence Of The Girls' as it made an impact on my understanding of The Iliad. It is a feminist version of the pointless, terrible destruction caused by male aggression. Breseis was one of thousands living behind the scenes of a war as slaves, prostitutes, nurses, laying out of the dead, all of them erased by history and historical detail. An excellent couldn't put down book. Sandra Marshall |
1 December 2020 - They were busy in the garden at Chatsworth today...
Ann and Vikki met for a short walk in the garden at Chatsworth today enjoying the warming winter sunshine. An 'essential visit' is now planned to see how this massive bulb planting project outside the Orangery turns out in spring! 🌷
1 December 2020
This slide will be posted on our social media pages today. On their special day Baslow WI members will receive an email containing birthday wishes from us all at WI sent by our correspondence secretary.
30 November - A short morning walk...
Two Baslow Nordic Walkers met by the Christmas Tree on the Village Green in Baslow to walk into Chatworth Park today. At the coffee kiosk this duck took a real shine to Julia and wouldn't leave her side!
28 & 29 November 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Mary B agreed to start us off this week she says... 'Oh take me back to the 60s when we wore very full skirts with layer after layer of gathered net underskirts to make the skirt stand out. Preferably in a vibrant colour that clashed with the skirt colour. They were always slipping down - accidentally of course - so everyone could see them. Our school had a very strict uniform code so how my best friend Maureen got away with wearing one I don’t know. Think chewing gum pink under her green and white stripped summer uniform!'
June O says... 'I love the Twenties style. The photo is of three WI members, Pauline Wilkie, myself and Carol Hull. We are dressed to celebrate Paulines 70th birthday in an Art Deco hotel in Llandudno, Caroline Enoch was also part of the group. I like to paint ladies of this period in their lovely gowns, looking so slim and beautiful and languidly looking at equally handsome men!'
Caroline E says... 'Definitely the 1920's.I love the era with not only the cloche hats and mid length dresses but also the decor in houses.Of course I am talking about the fashion of the rich and famous.Although having said that ,some of the dresses of the poorer in society were beautifully hand sewn and stylish in a different sort of way.'
Janet B says... 'I would love a “duster coat”. Do you remember them - very full and floaty. I couldn’t find one anywhere to fit me, as at the time I was too small!! I was so disappointed.'
Iris H says... 'I agree with Mary. I loved the early sixties. I met my husband because of my royal blue net petticoat. We were at Edgehill college in Ormskirk and I was in the Christmas concert doing a can can with a group of friends who loved to dance. My wavy skirt frills caught his eye and the rest is a 56 year history!'
Sandra J says... 'In my early teens platform shoes were all the rage. To the vertically challenged like myself, these were wonderful! I had some cork soled sandals with two inch platforms which meant I was almost on eye level with my friends (unless they were also wearing them) without the pain of high heels. I often think I’d like some now just to be able to reach the top shelf of the kitchen cupboards without my little step stool!'
Maureen G says... 'My big sugar-starched underskirt started descending during a tour of the Houses of Parliament in 1960. Fortunately I had a pocket in my homemade tweed dress and could bunch the petticoat up underneath until I found a hiding place to remedy the embarrassing situation with a safety pin. Not an idea to bring back! In the ‘50s, though, I had a wonderful circular skirt, second-hand from the butcher’s daughter, in a red satin tartan material, that I wore for local square dances. That was my favourite.'
Linda Y says... 'I can’t fit my legs into these skinny jeans and trousers so, although they haven’t entirely disappeared from the fashion pages, I would like to see more boot cut styles again. I’ve been wearing a pair of Maine denim leisure pants so much during the pandemic a crease has worn into a split. So comfy!'
Jane S says... 'In my late teens and early twenties I loved the mini skirt. In those days I lived in London and worked at the BBC, which meant travelling by underground - no problem to me when I had to stand and strap hang as I'm tall. My shorter flat mate, Angie, suffered acute embarrassment when strap hanging as her bright red M&S long pants would appear below the hem of her skirt. Happy days!'
Lorna W says... 'Hats! Bring back wearing hats, they can make you feel so smart but we only wear them when we are going to a wedding or a Buckingham Palace garden party. We had such great fun making, and wearing, Easter bonnets in previous years. I remember Vikki wearing a hat with little chicken hanging from the rim. We will have to do it again, at a meeting, when we are back in the hall.'
Vikki W says... 'I would like to go back to a fashion where people actually get dressed up to go out. It seems to be ok now to go out for a meal in jeans, horror! I notice it especially on holiday where women and men are really casual, flip flops shorts etc. Surely it’s all part of the holiday to put on a nice dress at night. Maybe I should go on a cruise!'
Sue S says... 'There are so many historical fashion trends to love. I like regency dresses; so elegant if a little revealing! The clothes in Downton Abbey were lovely, and the hats just finished the outfits. The first Chanel clothes were so smart and simple and Frank Usher evening dresses - just gorgeous and so flattering. What a pity jeans are the order of the day now!'
Anna J says... 'I loved 60s fashion and miniskirts. It was great to have so many boutiques selling dresses we wanted to buy and our mothers hated!'
Jane W says... 'Don’t wrinkle your face when I say this, hear me out! Track suits, not the early nylon fabric ones, I mean the later jersey ones, remember the easy wearing, the unrestricted movement, the easy wash, the joy of instant dressing, no buttons, zips or hooks. With young children and no time to spare they were perfect outfit.'
Alison H says... 'I'd definitely like a revival of the1920s flapper style. Lots of lovely fabrics, beads, feathers and fun!'
Julia F says... 'I think my favourite time was when the After Six dresses came in and you could go out to dinner and know exactly what to wear. I also liked the fuller skirts rather than the mini which I wore in the 60's.'
Lesley P says... 'For me it would have to be shoulder pads. They gave women such a smart shape.'
Ann Mc says.. 'Hotpants, although I doubt I would wear them these days!'
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27 November 2020 - Happy birthday to our Roving Reporter, Jane
It's no surprise that Royal Mail couldn't deliver this birthday present from Jane's son Jonathan!
27 November 2020 - Nordic Walkers
Two of our Nordic Walkers met up for a walk in Chatsworth park today and enjoyed a lovely sunset as they headed home.
Report & photos - Sandra Jenkins
BLACK FRIDAY - You could help Baslow WI when you shop from home not just today every day!
Baslow WI now benifits when friends and members shop at Amazon Smile and choose Baslow WI as their charity. Any money gained will be used for the running of our WI which includes educational bursaries for members, supporting our two chosen charities, Weston Park Cancer Care and ACWW and of course providing excellent speakers and entertainment for our members throughout the year. Please give it a go it will not cost you more always compare prices though!
26 November 2020 - Time to be wowed!
Darling Lorna has completed this most incredibly intricate and fabulous piece of gold work on a tiny scale.
'Goldwork is the art of embroidery using metal threads, or threads with metal leaf wound round a normal textile thread. It is particularly prized for the way light plays on it. The term "goldwork" is used even when the threads are imitation gold, silver, or copper.' Wikipedia
25 November 2020 - Team Members @BaslowWI
Today two more of our Team have added their answers to the Q & A session put together by our Membership Secretary, Caroline. Visit the 'Our Team' page of this website to get to know the Team a little better!
23 November 2020 - Happy families
Two of our members, Linda and Sandra, have had additions to their families lately as we have reported. A grandson for Linda and a granddaughter for Sandra. These are photos taken last week, we thank them for sharing these with us at Baslow WI.
21 & 22 November 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Iris H agreed to start us off this week she says... 'I would bring a Raspberry and Cinnamon Torte which is a recipe I have had for twenty five years. It is from the original Masterchef series presented by Lloyd Grossman. It is made in a flan dish and is basically a rich cinnamon, almond sponge with raspberries topped by a raspberry coulis and then served with an equal mix of whipped d cream and yoghurt which has been chilled with a generous coating of dark brown sugar. The torte is best served warm. It was my fail safe standby when we had to do a lot of entertaining in Army life.' Thanks Iris
Jane S says... 'I would take a large bowl of my special fresh fruit salad, which always used to be enjoyed in the days when we had a large garden. I am a cooking cheat, and I used to freeze our home grown raspberries and add them, still frozen, to the hot syrup for the salad. This gave the fruit salad a very refreshing flavour.
Ann Mc says... 'Coronation Chicken with crusty French baguette and butter. This always goes down well!'
Caroline E says... 'Definitely some champagne as a pre dinner drink and of course chocolates with the hope that both would be opened so that I could have some!!'
Kate T says... 'My shared lunch option would be the easily transported savoury quiche. Sausage and sweet corn for children, quiche Lorraine for the adults.'
June O says... 'I would bring a lovely seafood platter. Crab, prawns, mussels and, if I could afford it, lobster. I would also bring along a tasty dressing and something bubbly to wash it down!' Sounds delicious doesn't it? My favourite food ever.
Mary B says... 'Well at the moment I'm making sure I have all the necessary ingredients for a sherry trifle. David and I love them but our daughters don't! However, at Christmas it's our annual treat so if you like I could bring one of them along.'
Lorna W says... 'I would bring to a shared lunch a dish that I’ve been making for years, Fusilli with Smoked Salmon and Chives. I found the recipe on the back of a packet of pasta and I cut it out and stuck it in the back of a recipe book. It’s easy and quick to make and I’ll pass the recipe to our web page editor to put on or Tried and Tested page so you can try it.' Web editor says 'Great, thanks Lorna. I will look forward to trying this myself. The recipe is now on the Tried & Tested page of this site together with my wine pairing suggestions!'
Cate H says... 'I would bring a large pot of butternut and sage soup, carried very carefully, and some crusty french bread.'
Anna J says... 'Well, I wouldn’t go to the lunch. Over the years I’ve made various vegetarian meals like baked aubergine, tomato and goats cheese or sweet potato and leek frittata only to have every bit eaten. This is, I suppose, a compliment but it’s meant that I’m left with nothing to eat except a bit of salad. I can’t eat the meat or fish and you’d be amazed at the number of people who use the same serving spoon first on meat, then on the vegetarian dish. As I’m not a fan of desserts, it’s easier to refuse the invitation. Sorry if I sound like a grumpy old woman but this has happened so many times, it’s easier to stay home.'
Alison H says... 'I would bring a spinach and feta filo tart which is from an Australian Woman's Weekly cookery book and I have made it many, many times. It's very tasty hot or cold and to go with that I would also bring a simple cherry tomato salad with basil leaves and olive oil. Hmmm, I could eat it now!'
Jane W says... 'Well, obviously, darlings, a bottle, or even two, dependent on the company and then a salad. A great platter of salad with red, ragged and oak lettuce leaves forming the circular base, cucumber slices, oval or circular in an over lapping edging, sliced Peppers, radishes, avocado, tomatoes, celery a courgette and watercress topped with healthy scattered nuts, of course. Salad centre piece a small melon carved like a waterlily. All served with Prawn cocktail and oak smoked salmon. Hope someone has brought a good pudding!'
Sue H says... 'Probably spicy chickpeas. It was my standard dish when we had “fuddles” (shared meals) at work.'
Sandra J says... 'I would take a Waldorf Salad, first presented at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York in 1893. It’s got fruit and nuts as well as salad, so crisp and tasty! What’s not to like?'
Julia F says... 'I would bring Lobster Thermidor and a proper old fashioned sherry trifle from my grandma's recipe which has no fruit in which I prefer: Sponge cake cut up and spread with raspberry jam and soaked in cream sherry then custard poured over and allowed to cool and set.Whip up double cream and spread over the custard and then sprinkle over chopped burnt almonds, it's delicious. Wish we could all get together and share these recipes!'
Vikki W says... 'I would bring my friends who I've not been able to see this year, around the table. It doesn't matter what we eat, it's that we're together.'
19 November 2020 - WI Programmes 2021
Baslow WI programmes for 2021 are now printed and ready to go out to members at the beginning of December. Due to the coronavirus pandemic the speakers are all by Zoom and are arranged up until our Annual Meeting in May 2021.
18 November 2020 - Is this the way to Amaryllis?
17 November 2020 - 'Just to cheer us...'
This is Julia F's 16 year old Datora plant. At the moment it has 30 blooms and more to come! Julia keeps it outside during the warmer months but brought it in two weeks ago. It is cheering to see plants blooming at this time of year. Julia says... 'I have found out more about my plant. It is called Brugmansia and has several names one being Angels tears. It is now extinct in the wild and an endangered species of plant life. I must look after it all the more now! The plant behind is a Strelizia brought from Tenerife as a tiny plant 28 years ago. It flowers twice a year.'
Photo - Julia Foster
16 November 2020 - More happy news from one of our members!
Baslow WI member, Sandra J is thrilled to announce the arrival of her granddaughter, Evelyn Marian, born to Sandra's daughter Helen. She arrived today, weighing in at 8lb 7 oz. all is well. Dan, the proud Dad, was able to be present via a video link. Her 'big' brother, Theo, will be waiting to welcome her at home. Strange but happy times! We wish them every happiness.
16 November 2020 - Family news from one of our Team members
Baslow Team Member, Jane S, has shared some news about her youngest granddaughter, Molly:
'After taking her GCSEs Molly was apprenticed as an equine groom and was lucky enough to work for a show jumper and eventer who has competed at Blenheim and Chatsworth Horse Trials. She completed her apprenticeship and has now started a college course in childcare and hopes to combine a career as a competition groom and nanny. Molly has taken part in Pony Club competitions on Minnie mainly competing in show jumping. Minnie is retired now due to ill health. She now rides seven year old Florence and is bringing her on to compete in one day events.' We wish Molly all the very best for her future career. |
16 November 2020 - New skill for Julia
Baslow Darling and Vice President, Julia, has always been a keen knitter and recently she has been knitting for the premature baby unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital as well as for overseas charities. This blanket was very challenging for her and with a lot of help from Christine, our former President, she has completed this very intricate pattern. It is fabulous. Whoever gets it will love it. Well done Julia!
14 & 15 November 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Sandra M is starting us off this week she says... 'Mine is one from the 1st lockdown... My son went to his local shop, he was searching in his pocket for a mask before going in... A woman came out of the shop and asked him if he was ok. He told her he had forgotten his mask. She took hers off and said here you can borrow mine. He tried to explain why she couldn't lend anyone her mask. It'll be ok if you're only going to be a minute she said. He had to say "no it's ok I'll buy another one". Don't know whether to laugh or cry at her mask confusion!'
Caroline H says... 'Friends and family! Enjoying aperitifs with friends on Zoom, sharing the latest 'funny videos' on WhatsApp, engaging in enthusiastic debate on FaceTime about the latest government strategy (with a glass in hand!), trying to interpret Chris Whitty's slide presentations! In essence spending time (virtually or in person) with people that are curious, humorous and fabulous!'
Mary B says... 'Each Thursday evening we’re doing a virtual quiz with friends and family. We’re doing quite well - the only thing is if you win you have to organise the quiz the following week! We’ve had to do this too many times so last week we tried so hard not to win so deliberately were a bit ditsy with our answers, only to find we were successful yet again. The rest of the gang knew what we were attempting and it caused so much laughter.'
Julia F says... 'A friend of mine was asked after the first lockdown: 'Do you know when Dronfield swimming baths are opening and can we swim again?' 'Yes,' he replied 'you have to book and you will be allotted a time and a lane.' 'Oh good,' she replied 'how do they manage that?' He replied 'Well there has to be a lane apart so they just drain the appropriate lane and you will be socially distanced.' 'Oh I see.' she said.
Janet B says... 'The things that have made me laugh during the lockdown are the lovely videos of our grandchildren - dancing, telling jokes, dressing up, etc.'
Janette L says... 'Old comedies, well from the 70’s onwards anyway!'
Iris H says... 'I have been racking my brains to try to remember If anything has made me laugh and I can honestly say that I have smiled but not really laughed during lockdown. These smiles flittered at events in Downing St, my efforts at baking sourdough, and making a tartan pencil skirt. The last item was probably the most laughable!'
Sandra J says... 'What made me laugh in lockdown? My eldest son on his video calls about being an eligible bachelor in these restricted times. He secretly screenshot me laughing then sent it afterwards! On tv it was Jack Whitehall’s “Travels with my Father “on Netflix. It combined foreign travel (much missed at present) with the lovely, humorous relationship between the two of them in the classic funny man/ straight man style.
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Ann Mc says... 'Some Baslow WI members went to Hathersage in July this year for a walk led by Jane S, it was Gala Week. Due to coronavirus the Hathersage Gala week was much quieter than usual. Villagers had had some fun though putting scarecrows into a theme of board games, some are very inventive. 'Cummings and Goings' was my favourite it makes me laugh now when I see this photo!'
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Anna J says... 'Four weeks ago we acquired a 6kg, really scared, five year old cat called Sooty. As you can see, he’s very regal and the naming of cats is very important so we asked relatives for suggestions. These ranged from Caspar through Sid, Bert, Black Panther and .... Sparkle Pants which was suggested by our four year old great niece. As we couldn't imagine standing in the garden calling for him, we chose Ziggy which kind of suits him. So he’s now Ziggy Sparkle Pants which makes us laugh, though we shortened it to just Ziggy of course.' 😸
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13 November 2020 - Happy news!
One of our members, Linda, is a Grannie for the third time. This time it's a first baby boy for her daughter and son-in-law. The little one is called Hudson Anthony. Congratulations to all the family from all the Darlings. 💙
13 November 2020
12 November 2020 - When 6 became 4
Six Darlings @BaslowWI had planned to walk in Chatsworth Gardens today following the Zoom talk by the Duke & Duchess yesterday. Sadly two members from Sheffield had their tickets cancelled due to the 'Tier System' so only four went walking in twos as is permitted by the government coronavirus rules at present. The golds and reds in the garden are still fabulous and the outside lighting already in place for Christmas is looking good. We look forward to more autumn and winter walking at Chatsworth.
11 November 2020 - Armistice Day - We will remember
11 November 2020 - Monthly meeting via Zoom
The Duke and Duchess returned to us at Baslow once again as our speakers. This time via Zoom due to the current pandemic. They told us about life at Chatsworth in 2020 and plans for the future including hoping to be able to open Chatsworth House for Christmas this year. Not surprisingly this was our best attended Zoom meeting so far with 88 faces on the screen! It was lovely for our President, Judith, to welcome members from WI Wanderers, other WIs and Derbyshire Federation Chair, Chrissie Booth.
10 November 2020 - Autumn roses
10 November 2020 - Baslow today
Outside St Anne's Church, Baslow today, it is so beautiful with the afternoon autumn sun peeping through and the river rushing past.
Photos - Caroline Hobson
8 November 2020 - Remberance Sunday
This Remembrance Day Marion, a member of Calver, Curbar & Froggatt WI before she joined Baslow has written a piece for us about her Father:
My Dad was in the RAF during the Second World War. He would never talk about it to me, my brother, or indeed, my Mum. He was a lovely man and went on to become a Headteacher, unfortunately he died when he was 57.
I can understand that there were many difficult things the generations living during the war have had to face but have also noticed how, in recent years, many of them, as they got older have shared their history.
My husband & I had one of our “coast exploring holidays” a few years ago. We were staying in Kent and visited a new memorial for The Battle of Britain at Capel-le-Ferne near Folkestone. The memorial is very beautifully crafted and fascinating. We started chatting to a member of the RAF and I happened to mention my Dad. The RAF staff member was interested and tried to find Dad’s record. No record was found but we were given more advice about how to investigate further.
Gosh, this is becoming a bit of a complicated tale! ......I shall cut a long story short.
It transpires that my Dad's name had been spelt wrongly on the record. Eventually we received dates and the names of places he went to. This lockdown will give me the chance to find out more!
My Dad joined the RAF in November 1940 when he was 20 to train as a pilot and navigator. He left in July 1946.
Had he survived to 2020 he would have been 100 and would have been remembering friends that didn’t survive the war and hoping that it will never happen again.
I’m proud that our WI represented by Lorna, will be laying a wreath on behalf of us all on Remembrance Day this year.
Marion Hartley
I can understand that there were many difficult things the generations living during the war have had to face but have also noticed how, in recent years, many of them, as they got older have shared their history.
My husband & I had one of our “coast exploring holidays” a few years ago. We were staying in Kent and visited a new memorial for The Battle of Britain at Capel-le-Ferne near Folkestone. The memorial is very beautifully crafted and fascinating. We started chatting to a member of the RAF and I happened to mention my Dad. The RAF staff member was interested and tried to find Dad’s record. No record was found but we were given more advice about how to investigate further.
Gosh, this is becoming a bit of a complicated tale! ......I shall cut a long story short.
It transpires that my Dad's name had been spelt wrongly on the record. Eventually we received dates and the names of places he went to. This lockdown will give me the chance to find out more!
My Dad joined the RAF in November 1940 when he was 20 to train as a pilot and navigator. He left in July 1946.
Had he survived to 2020 he would have been 100 and would have been remembering friends that didn’t survive the war and hoping that it will never happen again.
I’m proud that our WI represented by Lorna, will be laying a wreath on behalf of us all on Remembrance Day this year.
Marion Hartley
Flowers in church photos - Iris Holt
Wreaths from the community groups in Baslow including one from Baslow WI placed by Lorna Wilson.
Photos at St Anne's Church memorial Rod Wilson
7 & 8 November 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Denise K says... ' I have lots of knitting and patchwork projects to complete so am trying to be productive every day. Some potential Christmas gifts in the making!'
Mary B says... 'I've been clearing leaves, trimming trees and generally clearing the garden ready for winter. Left the sweet peas as long as possible but the frost has finished them off. I've been lent Jeffrey Archer's Clinton Chronicles series of 7 books so huddling down and reading. I've also been doing some embroidery so hoping to frame them this lockdown month. And of course, following Baslow WI on Facebook!'
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June Oldham says... 'Keeping in touch with family and friends has to be my priority during lockdown. Also, I have plenty of projects to complete. I am making masks and giving the proceeds to Nenna Kind a charity in Chesterfield who help people who are supporting people with cancer. Our Inner Wheel club make up baby bundles to send to mothers in need overseas and I have loads of baby sheets to sew. Also I have oil paintings of flowers from my garden to do as well as tidying up the garden and collecting leaves for leaf mound on nice days.Oh! and on dark, dreary afternoons, if I have time, I love to bake! I'm definitely not going to be bored.'
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Sue Y says... 'I have been knitting ever since I was little and made doll’s clothes and have continued ever since. Something I have never tried knitting is a pair of socks, so I have pattern and wool and I have ordered double pointed needles and a small circular needle, once they arrive I shall start. They may take me longer than a month but they will hopefully keep my toes warm in bed in the winter!'
Caroline E says... 'Like Ann, we are surrounded by trees including a large beech tree at the end of the drive and the leaf clearing is on the agenda but clearance is still on going from wardrobes and drawers. I kid myself that I can eventually wear my size 8 clothes but have decided that someone else might as well have the benefit of wearing them. However, they will have to stay in large bags until the charity shops open again and clutter the house in a different form!'
Judith B says... 'My project will be to be in the garden too. Cleaning the greenhouse, cutting down and reshaping a silver birch which has got a bit out of hand, and of course planting loads of tulips, my ray of hope to brighten up next year! Also writing Christmas cards and decorating the four Christmas cakes. (I only keep and eat the one!)'
Sandra J says... 'My next job in lockdown is to move my large planters to more sheltered areas of the garden then wrap them in the bubble wrap I’ve saved from my parcel deliveries. Hopefully this will protect the plants in them from any severe frosts over the Winter.'
Jayne R says... 'Simple, I am going to sort out my drawers again! I am currently weeding my wardrobe and selling items on eBay, the money raised is to go towards Baslow Neighbourhood Watch. I am also proud to say we had a Derwent Drive ‘end of road groovers’ book sale and we donated £60 to ‘Helen’s Trust’.
We say... Great work for the local community, thanks Jayne and the 'end of road groovers' - love the name! 💚
We say... Great work for the local community, thanks Jayne and the 'end of road groovers' - love the name! 💚
Jane S says... 'I intend to wrap up all the Christmas presents and post them to my family and then to write all my Christmas cards. It will be the first time I have completed this job before December and I hope I will find time to write personal letters to the friends I only communicate with at Christmas.'
Alison H says... 'Ancestry research is my winter hobby and I might be starting a bit earlier this year. I would really like to type up some of my notes from previous years so that they become more of a family story and then I could send it to my brother and sisters for Christmas. The only trouble is my family tree has become more like a forest and I’m not sure where to start!'
Marion H says... 'There is indeed plenty I want to sort out during our second lockdown but my plan is to continue with family research started in the first lockdown.'
We say... Marion has sent a lovely story about her family in the war years. We will be publishing it very soon! Thanks Darling!
We say... Marion has sent a lovely story about her family in the war years. We will be publishing it very soon! Thanks Darling!
Janet B says... 'I think the project I am going to tackle this month is to write our Christmas cards!!'
Sue S says... ' We have a rather tedious job, which we keep putting off; so now is the time. The stair bannisters and uprights need re-waxing. Wire wool and Bri-wax do not do wonders for your hands and nails!!!'
Iris H says... 'I plan to do all of my Christmas present shopping. Part of my family is in Denmark so I have to source”lightweight” packages. I have six teenagers to buy for and they are extremely fussy so I have many consultations with their parents. The worst thing is that I probably will only see a few of them in person. We are planning an outdoor Christmas BBQ with our Sheffield family. My daughter won’t let us meet indoors as she said we don’t know where the older children have been! It will be an experience!'
Judith E says... 'I am now having my chemo every week on a Monday so my lockdown project is just to stay well for the next 12 weeks. My daughter is with me for a few days but has to go home. I’ll try and keep in touch with everyone, I know you I’ll be thinking about me. I would of course be hoping to Zoom on Wednesday afternoon to see the Duke & Duchess speak.'
We say... Keep well and do let us know if there is anything we can do to help in any way. #StaySafe
We say... Keep well and do let us know if there is anything we can do to help in any way. #StaySafe
6 November 2020 - Photobombed in Baslow!
Photos-Lorna Wilson
5 November 2020 - Baslow Bookworms report...
Baslow WI Bookworms have had to resort to Zoom again, the weather being too inclement for us to meet outside, and some of us being banned from crossing the boundaries and mixing with you Derbyshire folk. On Thursday 6th November we Zooooomed! We discussed our book of the month which was “Those who are loved" by Victoria Hislop.It was generally thought that, although we liked her style of writing, it was quite a hard read. It is set in Greece, at the time of the Greek civil war and deals quite extensively with the German occupation and with communism. There is a great deal of sibling rivalry and conflicting political views expressed but there does not seem to be a satisfactory conclusion to all the turmoil and the book tends to fizzle out rather than end on any positive note. It was well researched.
Those of us who had read other novels by the same author felt it was much of the same and not as good as some of her earlier work. She seems to be stuck in a bit of a rut. It was not a book we felt inclined to recommend to you all, but these are of course, just the views of a small number of us. Next month we will report on our read for November which is "Girl, Woman, Other" by Bernardine Evaristo. Judith Barton |
5 November 2020 - A walk in the park
Sadly many WI walks have been cancelled for 'Lockdown 2' here in England but these two Darlings are keeping within the rules and enjoying walking in Chatsworth Park together. We hope other WI members will arrange to meet up to walk or cycle with one other person and share photos with us. Thanks Alison and Caroline. Happy walking! 🚶♀️
4 November 2020 - Baslow Book Lovers report
The book is set in the 21st century. The main Characters are involved in the daily life of living in a small coastal town in Maine USA. The book has 13 stories within the story, all connected in some way to Olive the main character. Friendships and relationships are the main theme of the book and what makes people kind or unkind. We all enjoyed reading the book and reading each other's reviews. We now, as we can't meet face to face, do a review after reading a book. We all agreed we enjoyed the book, even though most of us didn't like Olive, but you do not need to like the main character of a book to enjoy it. The book made us all think and ponder over why Olive behaved the way she did. We could all identify with some of the issues Olive and the other main characters have and also the characters in the13 books within the book. Ollive Kitteridge is worth reading, everyone enjoyed it. For for me it is not one of the best books I have read but it is thought provoking.
Sandra Marshall Book Lovers |
4 November 2020
3 November 2020 - Flowers for Angela
Former WI President, Angela Swindells died recently her funeral, a private service for her family, was held today in St Anne's Church, Baslow. Flowers in church were arranged by Kate Treves, also a former President of Baslow WI and a long time friend of Angela.
(See web entry on 13 October.)
(See web entry on 13 October.)
3 November 2020 - 2nd lockdown here we come...
Today Baslow WI members met with Izzy and Linda from Nordic Walking Derbyshire for their last walk together before the 2nd coronavirus lockdown comes into force. They met at National Trust Longshaw and walked for two hours into freezing wind across the beautiful rugged moorland between Sheffield and Baslow enjoying fabulous long reaching views in all directions. The Government rules are that two people from a different household can meet outside so we hope that our members will arrange walks and share photos and walking routes with us for this web page.
2 November 2020 - Cafe au lait
Dahlias picked from her garden by Iris probably the last ones this autumn. They are a wonderful colour, named Cafe au lait.
1 November 2020
31 October & 1 November 2020 - MyVirtualWI
Linda Y was our first responder this week she says... 'Contrary to the photo of last December that was not the reason I joined! Once I had retired I had time to pursue leisure activities and since 2007 I have enjoyed being a member and seeing the membership grow to about double. The Teams have done wonders with the number of activities that are now on offer and, like you all, I am missing the contact and enjoyment (and also the wine)!'
We say... Whats not to like in the WI? - WINE WOMEN & SONG!
We say... Whats not to like in the WI? - WINE WOMEN & SONG!
Kate T says... 'It’s very simple why I joined; my mother! Mother was already a member of the WI and as always keen to get involved in anything that was going on.The Derbyshire federation were running a drama festival and mother decided that Baslow WI should have an entry, to that end she roped in enough members just about to put on the play "Isolation at Eyam" (very topical just now), alas she was short of an actress, here I enter the scene! I told mother that I could not perform if I wasn’t a member, so quick as a flash she had paid my membership and I was duly a member of Baslow WI, that was in the early 1970’s and I have been a WI member ever since not always in Derbyshire but even when we moved to Kent; but that is another story!
We say... Lovely memories of the famous 'Mrs Village Hall'. Nell to her friends!
We say... Lovely memories of the famous 'Mrs Village Hall'. Nell to her friends!
Mary B says... '45 years ago a colleague of my husbands encouraged me to enter the open class at Bakewell Show. She was active in Derbyshire WI Craft Group. Over several years she would take my entries and collect them for me. Always so helpful and encouraging. She invited me to join Old Brampton WI but I was too busy with three young children who had to be collected from school. Fast forward 25 years. I had to finish work with work related stress and struggled. By this time she was also a close neighbour so we regularly saw each other. When she popped round with her Christmas card she again invited me so I took the offer up and 10 years ago next January my life opened up and before me. Never for one second have I regretted joining. Then several years ago Judy Bennison came to us to organise Kurling activity and she invited me to visit Baslow WI. I had read several of Jane's reports in the Peak Advertiser which amused me so followed Baslow WI on Facebook.... Well, the rest is history. How lucky am I?'
We say... Mary is a dual member of Baslow WI, a total jewel!
We say... Mary is a dual member of Baslow WI, a total jewel!
Alison H says... 'When we first moved to Baslow from Norwich, my new neighbour, Pat Chambers, invited me along to Baslow WI. I had never been to a WI meeting before and was really impressed with the friendliness, confidence and happiness of all the women around me. I went along to a couple more meetings and got all the paperwork for joining up however we were living a double life back then and spending half of our time back in Norwich so I decided to leave it for a future date. About a year later I met Caroline Hobson at an exercise class and as we walked home together through the village Caroline waved and said hello to quite a number of women who were also out and about. I didn’t know who these women were and was surprised that Caroline had so many friends in the village as she had moved to Baslow after me. When I asked her about it she revealed that they were all members of Baslow WI. That did it, I joined up and made a point of arranging our Norwich trips to fit around the WI meetings! That was about three years ago but having become a member it didn’t take long to decide to get more involved and join the team. I think that being in the WI is a great way to make friends and get involved with the local community.'
Sandra M says... 'I went as a visitor to a WI in Lytham St. Anne's about 15 years ago and for reasons I will not disclose I did not join.Moving to Calver 6 years ago I decided to give WI another try and I found I really enjoyed my first meeting. I joined and I am so glad I did, the committee do an excellent job. The speakers are informative and interesting. There are extra group activities too, cycling, walking, book groups, luncheon club to name a few. I would definitely recommend WI especially to those moving to a new area.'
We say... Thanks for a lovely recommendation Sandra, we are looking forward to seeing all our members together again soon.
We say... Thanks for a lovely recommendation Sandra, we are looking forward to seeing all our members together again soon.
Caroline E says... 'When I was teaching in Plymouth and Saltash I was always fascinated by the WI. I had friends who were housewives who enjoyed participating in a variety of interesting activities but I could not join because the meetings were always in the afternoon. I did,however, support their fund raising such as jumble sales, fashion shows and their annual pantomimes.I did not know anyone when I moved "up North" and I became a magistrate, sitting on a regular basis and had very little time for joining other daytime organisations. Eventually, I asked Judith Coker if I could join her when Baslow WI had a meeting and I was struck by the friendliness of those who came to chat with me.They asked about me and I felt that members were genuinely interested and very welcoming. I always enjoy the meetings, even doing the refreshments and helping at the jumble sales. I am impressed by the effort that this Team have made to keep us in touch during a most difficult time.One of biggest disappointments has been the closure of Denman and particularly because I was able to meet up with a great friend who belongs to Pillaton WI in Cornwall. I am looking forward to meeting up in the future.'
We say... Thanks so much Caroline for your very kind words. The WI is all about getting to know people, sharing and working together for the WI, its members and the community. Even in lockdown we are managing to do this in a round about sort of way! #MyVirtualWI
Vikki W says... 'I would like to say it was all my own choice, but Ann McPhie knows better! After taking early retirement, I had been looking for a WI that met in the daytime. On visiting the WI tent at Bakewell show in 2009, I was chatting to a lady, Ann, who invited me to visit Baslow WI and their afternoon meeting. Little did I know that within a year I would be on the committee and following that, Treasurer. When I joined there was a push to increase to 50 members, now we have 82 which ensures a diverse range of skills and personalities, of which we have many! I cannot wait to get back to normal whenever that will be, miss my weekly WI fix, yes something going on every week.'
Ann says... Oh my word I've got to reply to this one personally! The day I met Vikki was one of my best recruitment days ever! She's been a brilliant member at Baslow WI, hard working and great fun. We never fail to end up laughing at her dedicated guardianship of the WI funds! Well done Darling. 🤣
Ann says... Oh my word I've got to reply to this one personally! The day I met Vikki was one of my best recruitment days ever! She's been a brilliant member at Baslow WI, hard working and great fun. We never fail to end up laughing at her dedicated guardianship of the WI funds! Well done Darling. 🤣
Maria M says... 'I joined when I was working as I wanted to make new friends and also have the chance of broadening my skills and knowledge - there were always fantastic talks advertised which I would have enjoyed listening to had I not been at work so a chat with my boss and agreement reached that I could have a Wednesday afternoon off once a month. Joining gave me the chance to learn about completely new things which I perhaps wouldn't otherwise have even thought about exploring, and take part in outings, again to places I might never have gone to, with a lovely bunch of ladies. I've added to my skills by training to be a WI Independant Examiner so despite no longer working, I still do something which keeps my brain in gear! I also love all the chit chat about various crafts (and bakes!), comparing notes and seeing what can be achieved by those oh so talented ladies is always an inspiration and yes, we all need to make time to try new things and yes, it is always possible!'
We say... Thanks Maria to you for your great contribution to community in Baslow as well as to the WI locally and in Derbyhire Federation as an IFE.
We say... Thanks Maria to you for your great contribution to community in Baslow as well as to the WI locally and in Derbyhire Federation as an IFE.
Ann Mc says... 'I moved to Baslow in 1983 and didn't know a soul. The church delivered a Welcome Pack including the Parish News, I noticed that the WI was meeting on the next Wednesday evening so took myself down to the Hall for 7.30pm meeting. Mrs Hoole was the President, things were pretty formal as far as the running of the WI was concerned with the officers sitting on a top table with flowers. The members were not at all formal, very friendly and welcoming, I was invited for a drink at The Rutland after the meeting and that was it, I was sold on The WI. It's been a huge part of my life ever since!'
Liz B says... 'At least four of my friends were members I went to a Dabble Day and Christine and Jane Walker really impressed me with their skills. I really enjoyed that day. The meetings are in the afternoon and I get to enjoy the drive through tue countryside on the way. Speaker schedule was very interesting.'
We say... It's great having small groups of friends joining together living outside Baslow, your friendship group Liz has become a very important part of Baslow WI, thanks for all the help you offer the Team.
We say... It's great having small groups of friends joining together living outside Baslow, your friendship group Liz has become a very important part of Baslow WI, thanks for all the help you offer the Team.
Sandra J says... 'When I moved house thirty-three years ago, I went along to a local WI to meet new people. Unfortunately, being a new mum and working, I found it difficult to make it to meetings. Also, I didn’t find anyone of my age group attending. Fast forward many years and I was newly retired and looking for new activities. I’d joined a local cycling group and there met Ann McPhie who introduced me to Baslow WI with its cycling, walking and Nordic walking groups. I joined in all of these and have made many new friends and had lots of laughs along the way.'
Ann says... Great having you with us Sandra, can't imagine WI without you now. Thanks for joining Lorna and me as an Admin on the Facebook page, good fun isn't it?
Ann says... Great having you with us Sandra, can't imagine WI without you now. Thanks for joining Lorna and me as an Admin on the Facebook page, good fun isn't it?
Julia W says... 'Blackmail! I attended a meeting as a visitor to listen to a speaker I was interested to hear. The business discussion included details of forthcoming visit to Highgrove. On contacting Ruth, President, to express interest in the visit, she was very firm that I would be welcome on condition I joined Baslow WI. So that's how it happened. I have never regretted it. I made good friends and had lots of fun!'
We say... It was good to get you onboard Julia, Ruth was a great recruiter as well as a wonderful leader. Thanks for all you do and have done. Your correspondence, keeping us in touch with our Link WI, Hukanui-Hamua in New Zealand is so important. Long may it last. We have so many good memories in this WI. It's good that we are gaining new members each year to keep things rolling on.
We say... It was good to get you onboard Julia, Ruth was a great recruiter as well as a wonderful leader. Thanks for all you do and have done. Your correspondence, keeping us in touch with our Link WI, Hukanui-Hamua in New Zealand is so important. Long may it last. We have so many good memories in this WI. It's good that we are gaining new members each year to keep things rolling on.
Anna J says... 'This is a difficult one! I joined in another part of the country when I was a carer for my husband because the Village Hall was just across the road and I could pop back at tea break. Eventually they changed the venue and I stopped going. A few years later I met the President of another WI a couple of miles away and joined there but I’m afraid it was too cliquey for me and I didn’t last long. Then we moved to Derbyshire and I joined my local WI. At the time my husband (a different one) was working away and walking home in the dark became too scary for me. I’d met members of Baslow WI on a day course and found they met in the afternoon - so that was ideal. On the first walk I did with them, Ann produced two flasks and some lovely china cups. “ How nice” I thought “tea and coffee” but no, it was mullled wine (or coffee) at 10.30 am! When I went back for a refill I told Ann my cup was "leaky". She looked at me, realised what I was saying and said...“You’ll fit in well here Anna!” '
We say... We didn't realise Baslow was Anna's fourth WI, she has been a great supporter of our Facebook page, sharing lots of entertaining posts with us and joining in walks, litter picks and WISA as well as monthly meetings.
We say... We didn't realise Baslow was Anna's fourth WI, she has been a great supporter of our Facebook page, sharing lots of entertaining posts with us and joining in walks, litter picks and WISA as well as monthly meetings.
Iris H says... 'I joined the WI twelve years ago when we first moved to Baslow from Camberley in Surrey. I knew nobody in the area (only my daughter and family were in Sheffield) so I I had to be proactive and meet the “locals”. Glad I did.'
We say... We're glad you did too Iris! Thanks for all you do for Baslow WI, love this photo of you at Apple Day.
We say... We're glad you did too Iris! Thanks for all you do for Baslow WI, love this photo of you at Apple Day.
Kath S says... 'The reasons I joined WI was mainly friendship, recreation and education. Of cause coffee and cake play a good part as well!'
We say... Can't beat a nice WI cake and a cuppa with a chat!
We say... Can't beat a nice WI cake and a cuppa with a chat!
Janet B says... 'When we moved here from Lancashire 7 years ago we didn’t know anyone, but one of our nearest neighbours are Linda and Tony Young. Straight away Linda suggested I go with her to a meeting, which I did, and the rest is history! I was a member of a WI before though, so knew I would soon make friends.'
We say... So many of us have joined to get to know people locally the WI is great for that.
We say... So many of us have joined to get to know people locally the WI is great for that.
Jane S says... 'My mother was a WI member and I first thought about joining the WI when we were living in London prior to our move to Derbyshire. I dreamt of living in a village and getting to know people through joining a local WI. I joined Abney in the early 1980s and thoroughly enjoyed all our activities. I came to a meeting at Baslow in 2010 because the speaker was someone I was considering for my local historical society and I was made to feel so welcome that I came again, and subsequently became a member.'
We say... Good to have you with us Jane, what a change from Abney WI to Baslow! |
31 October 2020
30 October 2020 - Sad news today
We received sad news today, Joan Grounsall, a former member of Baslow WI died. Joan and her husband, Tom, lived in the heart of Baslow Village and were both involved in community groups. Tom was a great photographer, they loved to travel and on a number of occasions presented talks at WI meetings for us. Joan will be missed, our thoughts are with their family at this time.
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28 October 2020 - Nordic Walking plus a typically British lunch! mmm delicious 😋
Just four members walked in Chatsworth Park today. The sun shone in the morning but at lunch time it’s started to rain. Julia W had the good idea that we should go to the Cavendish club for refreshments. It was just like old times before the lockdown, chatting as we walked then large glasses of wine were drunk with the Whitby diet (fish and chips).
Lorna Wilson
Lorna Wilson
24 & 25 October 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Sue Y was our first responder she says... 'My favourite show is Joseph and his technicolour dream coat. The first time we saw it was when our daughter sang in it at her primary back in the 70’s. We have seen it many times since from big lavish presentations in London to something very different at Kilworth outdoor theatre near Leicester.'
Caroline E says... 'A hard challenge this week but I would probably choose "Les Miserables ". Such memorable music and lyrics which stay with the audience long after the performance has ended.It is also a real tear jerker.'
Judith E says... ' Cats without a doubt is my favourite show I saw it in London when it very first came out and then I saw it again in Manchester and I saw it done by an Amateur group, The Croft Operatic Society, in Sheffield every production wonderful.'
Jane W says... 'Phantom of the Opera - magical.'
Sandra J says... 'I love musicals and have found it very hard to decide which I would call my favourite. I think it has to be the London production of Miss Saigon. I love the music and the storyline but the arrival of the helicopter in the West End show was so incredibly realistic it felt like one was actually flying over your head to land on the stage!'
Janet B says... 'When we were young and in Manchester, our mum and dad used to take us to the Palace Theatre to see the Gilbert and Sullivan productions. My sister and I loved them - still do, but of course they are sadly not so popular now.'
Mary B says... 'One of the best we've seen is our own Sheffield home grown 'Everyones talking about Jamie'. Saw it with the family in London. Had a walk through China Town during Chinese New Year which was spectacular. Ate in a Vietnamese restaurant - a really special day.'
Sandra M say... 'The Broadway stage musical South Pacific came to London in 1952 when I was 4 years old. I am not sure how long it ran for in London, but I saw it in Dury Lane when I was about 6 with my parents and older sister. It was my first big theatre outing. I sang the songs for years after, it had a big impact on me.'
Jane S says... 'I wanted something special to celebrate my daughter's 21st birthday in February 1986 which took place when she was on placement at a London hospital. I was lucky enough to get centre stall tickets for the London production of Les Miserables. We both were completely mesmerized by the show and whenever I hear the music now it takes me back to that fantastic experience.'
Iris H says... 'I have been an avid “Musicals” girl and having lived in Surrey for 25 years I went uptown London a lot. However, one of the best was at the Crucible in Sheffield - My Fair Lady with the naughty Dominic West playing Professor Higgins. I can’t remember the name of the actor who played Eliza but she was superb. Because of the size of the theatre you felt part of the production and we left feeling quite emotional!'
Vikki W says... 'This is very difficult for me, as I love going to the theatre and miss it at the moment. Years ago I was in London on a bank training course. A few of us got tickets to see "Singing in the rain" that night at the London Palladium. Staring Tommy Steele and Roy Castle, it was fabulous. But I cannot forget all the Christmas musicals at the Crucible and of course War Horse at the National.'
Anna J says... 'The Producers, so clever, so funny.'
Julia F says... 'The most memorable show I saw was Gone With The Wind at a London theatre in 1969 can’t remember the name of the theatre but it was a spectacular production. The second best was Starlight Express.'
Janette L says... 'We will Rock you in London. This one stands out the most. I could have watched the performance all day!'
June O says... 'My favourite show has to be "We Will Rock You". I first saw it years ago in London and thought it was good but not what I expected.Last year I went to the Manchester production and it was F a b u l o u s. The very up to date jokes were really, really funny and the whole show was just great. We had a lovely afternoon.'
Alison H says... 'My favourite theatre show is The Lion King. I love musicals but was a bit hesitant to see this after watching the Disney film countless times with my children. My sister persuaded me to go and I am so glad that she did. It was fabulous from the opening seconds when an enormous sun rose on the stage and 2 giraffes walked down the aisle of the theatre. The puppetry and the costumes were astounding and the music wasn't bad either!'
Christine T says... 'Starlight Express was my all time favourite, the staging of that was just fantastic. We saw it in London, followed by a meal in Leicester Square, a night to remember!'
Julia W says... 'Onassis staring Robert Lindsay in Derby.'
23 October 2020 - Spotted at Curbar
Baslow WI member Anna saw this snake at Curbar and has posted it on various Facebook pages including Derbyshire Wildlife. They asked her to report the siting and the location and she got an interesting reply, see below. Andy, Anna's husband, kicked it thinking it was a stick but Anna immediately thought it was an Adder, it reared up and was hissing so they turned back. A good escape.
23 October 2020 - A tour around Chatsworth's Kitchen Garden
A big thank you to our Roving Reporter Jane who, because of her membership of the Baslow Garden Society and use of their WhatsApp, got an invitation for a few WI members to join Sarah one of the gardeners on a tour of Kitchen Garden. The way Sarah speaks anyone could tell she was a person who very obviously loves her job and has learnt a tremendous amount during her time at Chatsworth. She loves chatting with the public and says she would never want to work in a private garden. A great morning out when WI friends could get together in the open during the pandemic. #MyVirtualWI
21 October 2020 - Amazon Smile
21 October 2020 - Bakewell Nordic Walk
Two Sue's, Liz and Ann met in Bakewell and enjoyed a four mile walk along tracks and footpaths through farmland, woodland and over Bakewell Golf Course. A walk made easier with the use of Nordic poles especially on the muddy hilly sections. Thanks for leading this walk Sue S.
20 October 2020 - Chatsworth
Today five Baslow WI Nordic Walkers joined the Nordic Walking Derbyshire Group led by Izzy for a walk into Chatsworth from Baslow. Stopping to chat and have a giggle along the way as always! We saw stags fighting and racing to cross the road dangerously in front of traffic. Chatsworth House looked magnificent as always from accross the park.
17-18 October 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Our question to members this weekend was suggested by
Jayne Rawlinson. What was your first pet, if you didn’t have one what would you have liked? Our first responder was Judith B, our WI President, she says... 'My first pet was a kitten - I wasn’t too impressed with my baby sister at the time and the kitten was much more fun!' 😂 |
Lorna W says... My first pet was a cat. I’m not going to tell you his name as that might be one the answers to a security question online. We also had a budgie and goldfish.
Mary B says... 'Our first pet was a collie dog. Dad brought him home unexpectedly...'
Caroline E says... 'We have always had cats. My childhood home was close to a river and not far from a factory in Sheffield and the cats were useful for keeping the vermin at bay. I continued to have cats but now, instead of them being my pets, they are my husband's. (He carries them around like babies!)
Janet B says... 'When I was young I had wanted a pet, so my grandma, who we lived with, and my mum decided I could have a hamster. We went to the pet shops in Manchester - there was a street called Tib Street which had many different pet shops. When my grandma saw the hamsters she was horrified and said I couldn’t have one - said they were like rats! So we went further down the street, saw the puppies, and bought one of those. A little Black and Tan one who lived to be 15.'
Liz B says... 'A black and white female cat rescued from the local farm.x'
Jane S says... 'My first pet was a tortoise who developed a wanderlust and had to be retrieved from other gardens near to where we lived.'
Sandra J says... 'At the age of five I was given two goldfish. Unfortunately, one didn’t live long he died the next day. The other, however, went on to spend the next eleven years swimming around his bowl with only some green weed for company.'
Angela B says... 'When I was four years old and about to move house my next door neighbour, who was like an extra grandfather, gave me a beautiful yellow budgie as a parting gift. He had bred the bird himself in his aviary. My grandmother was frustrated that we failed to teach him to talk but she rectified that when looking after the bird for two weeks while we went on holiday. The poor creature must have had intensive lessons because there was quite a change on our return!'
Julia F says... 'My first pet was a 3 day old kitten, the mother had been stoned to death by some horrible boys. There were 2 other kittens which went to two neighbours. We all had to share a syringe and feed warm milk every three hours. He never grew very big and was an adorable loving little cat we had him for about 5 years but he died from a cat bite on his leg which went septic, no penicillin in those days. Forgot to say he was a tabby!'
Iris H says... 'I never had a pet as a child and I can’t remember anyone in our family having one. I can remember the Rag and Bone man swopping goldfish for any donations to his cart. My daughter was keen on animals but was only allowed a hamster as our Army postings were for about two years - just about their lifespan! Poor girl.'
Cate H says... 'My first pet was a cat, she produced kittens on a very regular basis. Dont know why she wasn’t spayed! We supplied most of Curbar and all of Dads office staff with kittens!'
Mary E says... 'When I was a child we had a black cat. My first dog that was really mine was a Gordon Setter.'
Ann M says... 'I had a tortoise first of all who mainly lived in the greenhouse. I always wanted a dog and eventually we did get one a liver and white Springer Spaniel who lived to the age of 14years. She was very clever and so kind and gentle.'
Jayne R says... 'My first pet was a beautiful Black and Tan miniature dachshund. He entered my ‘only child’ world on a Saturday morning in 1962 on my 6th birthday, he was put onto my bed wearing a red ribbon around his neck. He was my first love, a strong and wilful dog, putty in my hands, full of typical dachshund character, but very obliging when I dressed him in doll’s clothing, and fed him milk from a bottle whilst wheeling him around the street in a doll’s pram. Much loved, never forgotten and regularly in my nightly dreams. PS: The tracksuit birthday gift the following year really did not pass muster!'
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16 October 2020 - Baslow Bikers - 50 shades of pink!
Today some of the Baslow Bikers went on a 24 mile cycle including National Cycle Route 6. They headed into Clowne centre and then out across country to Stavely using the old disused railway route which has been recently renovated, no mud! They picked up the Trans Pennine Trail to Rother Valley Lake where they had their picnic lunch before heading off through the Country Park to Wales and Woodall finishing their ride on the back roads through Harthill and Clowne. A great day out as always with the bikers, especially good as we had no punctures! 🚴♀️
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16 October 2020 - Baslow's Nordic Walkers
15 October 2020 - Touchstone Walk Bamford
Lorna was our leader today on the Village of Bamford's 'Touchstone Trail'. She is well informed having set up the Bamford History Society when she lived in the village before moving to Baslow. The stepping stones at Bamford Mill were a bit of a challenge but the Darlings carefully and safely negotiated them. Lorna told us about the boundary markers, made to celebrate the Millenium. They show what life in the village was like and were designed by Bamford's residents. A great idea and a shocking reminder that they have been in place 20 years!
14 October 2020 - 'Mindfullness, sleep & posture' a talk by Becky Lyne
optimising_energy_-_mindfulness^lj_sleep_and_posture_wi.pdf | |
File Size: | 1765 kb |
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14 October 2020 - Someone's managed to get away on holiday!
13 October 2020 - Tuesday's walk sunshine & showers!
Five Baslow WI members joined Izzy and Nordic Walking Derbshire on a two hour walk in and around the Holmesfield area on the Sheffield/Derbyshire border. They met at 10am in bright sunshine and ended the walk in pouring rain. They are determined to keep walking all through the autumn and winter to get out and about enjoying the exercise and company. 😎☔️
13 October 2020 - Angela Swindells
Today we have received some very sad news. Angela, a very long standing member of Baslow WI died last night at the Cottage Hospital Bakewell. Angela first served as a Team Member in 1970 when she was our Handicraft Leader. She always loved entering competitions and helping to stage entries for the WI at Bakewell Show. Angela took on many different roles at WI including Produce Leader, running the Bring & Buy stall and Vice President. She was President from 1988 - 1990, Joint President in 2006 and again President in 2009. Angela was a very keen walker and encouraged many of us at WI to start 'proper' walking... She often said we were too slow for her! We will remember her fondly and miss her greatly. Two photos of happy days spent with Angela.
12 October 2020 - Harvest time
We have such a wide range of skill sets in our WI. This fabulous harvest arrangement by Baslow WI member Iris is in St Anne's Church Baslow. Iris has used flowers form the allotment and garden. 🌻
11 October 2020 - Baslow WI crafts
Many of our WI members are very skilled craftswomen. During lockdown we have encouraged them to share photos of their craft with us for our website. Please take a look at the 'Craft work' page of this site which is building nicely with photos of many different sorts of work being done by our members.
10 -11 October 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Our question to members this weekend has been sent in by Gill Watson:
Tell us one thing you’d never do!
Tell us one thing you’d never do!
Ann Mc is starting us off this weekend she says...
The one thing I would never ever do is a Bungee Jump! When my daughter went to Australia and NZ I begged her not to do one but of course being young and adventurous she did. She didn't tell me until she was home safely and then showed me the video! How could I be cross with her then? |
Gill W says... 'I couldn’t milk a cow - it’s too personal!'
Mary B says... 'I don't think pole dancing would be for me!'
We say 'good one' thanks Mary! 🤣
We say 'good one' thanks Mary! 🤣
Anna J says... 'Eat meat or fish.'
Janette L says... 'Kill a large house spider. I just shut the door and walk into the next room hysterically calling for Paul to do something with it!'
Denise K says ... 'Sky dive.'
Caroline E says... 'There are many things I would not do at the moment but my great 'No No' would be caving. The thought of being trapped underground is very scary.
Lorna W says... 'Anything that involves going to a great height, bungee jumping etc. I didn’t used to be afraid of heights but now I don’t like looking down, even from the top of buildings.'
Janet B says... 'The one thing I would never do is abseiling, or even walking, up a sheer rock face! How people do this I will never know!'
Sandra M says... 'Pot holing would definitely be a no no for me. The thought of crawling along a narrow passage underground, in the dark, not knowing what lies ahead is horrific to me.'
Sandra J says... 'Definitely agree with the “diving” theme - no skydiving, bungee jumping or diving into water!'
Julia F is also with the 'heights theme' she says... 'I would never bungee jump, especially from the Tower in Aukland New Zealand!'
Jane W says... 'Cycle down the cobbled Gold Hill in Shaftesbury that the Hovis boy pushed his delivery bike up. I know I’d crash and break an arm or leg.'
Iris H says... 'I could never touch, let alone pick up a frog or toad. There was one on my doorstop this week and I couldn’t walk past it. Had to call for help!'
Judith B says... 'I would never go underground - no visiting coal mines or, heaven forbid, potholing. I feel very claustrophobic in small spaces so even entering caves is a no no for me.'
Sue Y says... 'The one thing I could never do would be to scuba dive anywhere, especially in flooded caves.'
Liz B says... 'Pilot a plane.'
10 October 2020 - Judith's lockdown project
Baslow WI President, Judith Barton has sent these photos of her 'lockdown project'. It measures 60 x 45 inches and is now quilted .
Photos Judith Barton
9 October 2020 - Chatsworth visit in pictures...
9 October 2020 - Nordic Walkers go to Longshaw
Photo Julia Foster
8 October 2020 - Super skills in the WI
Photo Vikki Watson
7 October 2020 - Today's news
1. Our correspondence secretary woke up to a lovely email from our Link WI, Hukanui-Hamua, this morning. See the New Zealand page on this website.
2. This afternoon our Team will meet, via Zoom due to the current coronavirus restrictions. Check Diary page for all Baslow WI activities going forward. |
6 October 2020 - Derbyshire today, cold & wet but it doesn't stop us!
Baslow WI members joined 'Nordic Walking Derbyshire' for a walk on Big Moor, between Baslow and Sheffield today. Organised sporting or other fitness related activities are allowed under current Covid guidance in groups of more than 6 including personal training or coaching. Our Nordic Walkers can continue to meet for socially distanced walks led by this group. The rain and mud made some of the paths a little difficult but with Izzy leading the way and the poles to propel them our walkers managed well!
5 October 2020 - Another tricky puzzle conquered by Darling Vikki! ✨
3 & 4 October 2020 - #MyVirtualWI
Kate T was our first responder, her menu would be:
Use the berries to make a sweetened compote to have with individual cheesecakes. Easy cheesecakes digestive biscuit base, cream cheese with whipped double cream, leave in freezer to set.'
- Risotto with side salad
- Mixed berry cheesecake
Use the berries to make a sweetened compote to have with individual cheesecakes. Easy cheesecakes digestive biscuit base, cream cheese with whipped double cream, leave in freezer to set.'
Ann Mc's menu would be:
- Spicy squash soup
- Fillet steak with corn slaw - Using the cabbage, corn & tomatoes + avocado red onion & red pepper. (See BBC Good Food)
- Cranachan - Using the berries & following the T & T recipe on the WI website, July 2020.
Vikki W's menue would be:
- Minestrone soup
- Warm berry compote with greek yoghurt and honey
Anna J's menu wuld be:
- Roasted vegetables with garlic
- Fruit crumble
Iris H's menu would be:
Stew the berries and stir into a mix of yoghurt and double cream which has been covered in dark brown sugar for an hour or two.'
- Savoury Traybake
- Iris's very own Raspberry Surprise!
Stew the berries and stir into a mix of yoghurt and double cream which has been covered in dark brown sugar for an hour or two.'
Baslow Bear's menu would be: 🐻
- Butternut risotto with sage.
- Raspberry & summer fruit tart with honey glaze & custard
Janette L's menu would be:
- Spiced squash cheesecake with tomato relish & stewed vegetables
- Banana & berry cake
Lorna W's main course would be:
Here's Louise's recipe: Chop into bite size pieces - 1 onion, 3 mixed peppers, 1 aubergine. Toss in 1 tblspn olive oil, add p&s. Roast 45 mins. Lay halloumi on top, drizzle with oil, under grill until brown. Scatter torn basil leaves before serving. Delicious with butternut squash, carrots, parsnip too - just make sure all bite sized!
- Scrummy halloumi and vegetable traybake!
- Raspberry Baked Alaska with chocolate sauce
Here's Louise's recipe: Chop into bite size pieces - 1 onion, 3 mixed peppers, 1 aubergine. Toss in 1 tblspn olive oil, add p&s. Roast 45 mins. Lay halloumi on top, drizzle with oil, under grill until brown. Scatter torn basil leaves before serving. Delicious with butternut squash, carrots, parsnip too - just make sure all bite sized!
2 October 2020 - Five go to Hathersage!
Five Darlings from Baslow WI ventured out this morning with Jane as their leader on a six mile walk starting from the centre of Hathersage. They walked uphill onto the moors for their picnic lunch above Green's House, crossed Sickleholme Golf Course and down towards Thorpe Farm where they enjoyed a sit down with their homemade ice creams. Fabulous choice available... Chocolate to die for! This was a tricky walk including numerous stiles with varying degrees of difficulty but the walkers all managed, most of them helped by their Nordic Walking poles. Highly recommended! Thanks Jane for plotting an excellent walk. We'll do it again for those who missed it.
1 October 2020 - Baslow Bookworms
This last month we read "After the end" by Claire Macintosh. We all agreed it was an extremely well written book, although some members found the subject matter rather difficult and at times, distressing to deal with. The book is divided into two parts and concerns a terminally ill child. The first section deals with the parents reactions to time spent in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. The second part of the book looks at the choices made by medical staff and the parents, what reactions these caused and how the outcomes would have been different depending on the choices made. Analysing it like this makes it sound grim and heavy going, but it wasn’t. I would recommend it as a good read.
Next month we are reading "Those who are loved" by Victoria Hislop. Judith Barton |
October 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 our members. Keeping in touch is even more important now that we are in lockdown. #MyVirtualWI