The heart of the Allertons in the heart of Somerset

Allerton Women’s Institute was founded in 1949 and is part of the National Federation of  Women’s Institutes. 

We meet in The Old Schoolroom, Stone Allerton on the second Tuesday in the month at 7.30pm unless otherwise indicated.

We are a lively and friendly group who aim to reach out to the local community by having extra open events during the year. However visitors to our regular meetings will also find a warm welcome. We try to keep our business sessions short so we can enjoy our Speakers to the full and then have time for socialising over tea or coffee afterwards.

Officers are:
Jenny Nixon President 712135
Jean Bevis Secretary 713445
Treasurer: Margaret Binning 712383

Illustrated Journey

The first meeting of the New Year will be on Tuesday 12th January at 7.30pm when Kate Durston will take us on an illustrated journey around some of the markets of the world - from Axbridge to Zhongdian.

New Members and Visitors will find a warm welcome.

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60 year Celebration

2009 is a very important year as Allerton WI will be 60 years old in November. It is hoped there will be something for everyone as the topics range from The History of the Theatre, Wild Oats and Baby Farming, Somerset during the Civil War, the Parrett Trail and a Jam & Jerusalem Evening.

Social Events

We also intend to look out for social events to attend in between our normal meetings. As usual all our meetings are open to visitors but some will also be specific Open meetings when we invite other WIs and villagers to attend.

Calling all Birders: Great Crane Project

Somerset WIs have learned of a plan to reintroduce the great crane, absent for 400 years, to the Somerset Levels next Autumn.  The Levels and Moors provide just the right habitat, mild climate and rich in insect life.

Chicks will be bred at Slimbridge next spring, where you will be able to see them next summer.  The RSPB will need help to monitor the young cranes.

Anyone interested in assisting with monitoring and who can talk to the public about the project should contact :-

Damon Bridge – Project Manager
Dewlands Farm
Redhill, Curry Rivel
TA10 0PH
01458 254414 or damon.bridge@rspb.org.uk

More about the project on the Slimbridge website at:- http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/slimbridge

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Jam & Jerusalem

There was a good attendance for our ‘Jam & Jerusalem’ September meeting when we enjoyed a delicious culinary treat from Margaret Tinney who showed us, among other things, how she makes Spicy Tomato Relish, Blackberry Vinegar and Apricot Mincemeat. She also whetted our appetites with Tutti Frutti Jam and a House of Commons Mincemeat Cake, which we were able to sample and enjoy in our coffee break. All her concoctions seemed surprising easy to make and tasted so good that we all left the meeting enthusiastic to try them out for ourselves.

During the evening Members also discussed some interesting ideas for next year’s programme, which we hope to make even more attractive to the wider village community. There were also some exciting fund-raising suggestions including a Cabaret and Casserole Evening already in hand for November organized by Jenny Skidmore, Carolyn Mallet and Carol Morris – see separate notice.

Jean Bevis drew attention to the photo in WI County News of our Skittles evening with Wedmore WI earlier in the year and to the opportunity for members to attend the County’s Christmas Food, Craft and Flower Day at Keinton Manderville on October 28th – a sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner!!

Kate Durston

 

May Skittles Evening

Our May meeting took the form of a Social Skittles Evening against Wedmore WI at the Panborough Inn and what fun we all had. Firstly a small amount of formal business was swiftly dealt with.   A short discussion about the demise of the Honey Bee and the need for more Government money for research followed, this is to be the main Resolution at the National AGM in June when Jean Bevis will be representing both Wedmore and Allerton WIs.  We all agreed that the importance of the work of pollination by bees is fundamental to the whole world’s food supplies and not just this country’s and so money for focused research (with no wastage on unnecessary administration) is urgently needed.

The main focus of the evening, however, was an energetic game of ‘Killer’ skittles when the Allerton players, especially, seemed to lose their 3 ‘lives’ all too quickly! After a delicious supper of meats, cheese and salad to revive our energy we resumed the contest at the end of which Vera Banwell from Wedmore was declared the winner. Everyone agreed the event was a great success and a good way to get to know other WIs.  Wedmore members have already suggested another get-together soon.

Some Allerton Members will also be joining Wedmore on their annual outing on July 1st -- this year to Powderham Castle near Exeter.