December 2020 Hotpot

With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Lancashire Federation of Women’sLancashire Hotpot InstitutesDecember 2020 I 1 Federation News this idea and From the Chairman putting it into practice. ello everybody. Federation Chairman: Jackie Hobson Finally, I hope Federation Secretary: Liz Kerr Well, who would have thought you all manage Federation H Administrator: Diane Jenkins another lockdown! Survived the panic to have Tel: 01772 459020 buying on loo rolls and pasta and much Christmas, Email: [email protected] more. I hope everyone has managed to it will be Write: LFWI Offices 8 House stay safe and Covid free. I share all your different. I am Lancashire Business Park frustrations about not meeting, can we hoping my Centurion Way have a refund on subscriptions and will “bubble” will be Leyland PR26 6TU we survive? In short, the answer is - we able to get back Office Opening Hours: Tues – Thurs, will meet again face to face, refunds from Chester, fingers crossed. Am I going 10.00am – 3.00pm unfortunately are not on the cards as to do Christmas if he cannot come? Websites: www.thewi.org.uk/ lancashire Lancashire and National still have had to Of course! www.lancashirewi.org.uk pay overheads. Yes, we will survive, we Editor: Netta Brodrick are the WI!! If your WI is Zooming and Tree too big for the room, all the 01772 422978 [email protected] you cannot zoom, if you have an email trimmings, I am not going to be beaten, address or a mobile phone you could still but can I get a real tree? I might have to On the Cover: Shutterstock.com join in Zoom – if you have a problem give fly under the radar to get one. Display Advertising: me a ring, I am not a technology expert, Laurence 01536 334218 but I will try. (01772 721648). Stay safe everyone, enjoy Christmas. If [email protected] you know someone who is alone just give Design by: At Lancashire we are thrilled that so many them a ring it will make all the difference. Amanda 01536 334226 members are joining our “Lancashire At Home” events, these are proving Christmas Wishes. Printed by: Lanceprint very popular and we have had so many interesting sessions. A big thankyou to Liz and Diane in the Office for exploring

TowneleyH all, Par k & Gar dens

Three new exhibitions to see welcomes WI groups throughout the year

Wonderful historic Hall Friendly & knowledgeable guides Fabulous food Unique Christmas theme

Watercolours from the Towneley Collection

Impressions a printmaking response

Hall, tearoom & gardens open entry for visitors every wednesday 15th April-25th August.

Maxine Bristow Textile Barriers

Book a COVID secure visit (groups up to 6 people): Towneley.org.uk/book-your-visit

Hall open 12 - 4.45pm Saturday to Tuesday (last admission 4pm)

Adults: £5.00 for a 12 month pass Children and students: FREE

/Towneley towneley.org.uk 01282 477130

2 I Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 Federation News & Events Recollections of a Science Notes. Pam Coates, LFWI Science Rep Denman Ambassador. Kay Hopkinson

When I look back over my 12 years as Dried Fruit. fibre, vitamins and minerals of fresh Denman Ambassador for Lancashire Your recipe says sultanas, currants or grapes. The variations between the three the most prominent memory was of raisins, but what is the difference? are slight. All are high in natural sugar and fun and laughter on our frequent visits contain antioxidants. The downside is that to Denman. I organised six Federation They are all types of dried grapes: raisins the Vitamin C content is reduced from the Trips and five Designer Taster Weekends. and sultanas are soft, sweet and juicy fresh grapes. Our own bedroom at Denman was also whilst currants have a tangy taste. refurbished twice during my time as Studies suggest that a diet high in fibre- Ambassador. Apart from going to Denman Raisins are a type of grape dried for three rich fruits and vegetables may help reduce on Ambassador Conferences I also went weeks. The grapes darken as they dry the risk of high blood pressure, heart on a few courses myself. I visited a lot of which gives them their dark colour. As a disease and diabetes. WIs to promote the College being made range of grape varieties is used the size, very welcome and meeting some lovely shape and colour may vary, you will notice Remember that dried fruit as a healthy WI ladies. Many of these WIs were in a difference in size and colour if the raisins option is high in calories and sugar. areas that I had never visited before, so I are from Australia or California. In the kitchen dried fruit is very versatile :- learnt a lot about Lancashire’s geography helped by my trusty Lancashire A-Z and Sultanas are made from green seedless • add to salads, rice dishes, etc latterly by my Sat Nav. I was devastated grapes. They are coated in an oil-based • add to a cheese platter when I heard the news of the closure and solution prior to drying to speed up the • mix into yoghurt sad that I won’t be able to encourage our process: This is why they are lighter in • add to your porridge or breakfast Lancashire members to go to Denman colour than raisins or currants. You can cereal anymore. It was such a special place, obtain Australian sultanas which are • mix into muffins and cakes and I was so fortunate to be asked to be dried without the solution, which are • add to savoury dishes - curries, meat Ambassador doing a job that I enjoyed so darker in colour and quite often referred balls, chutneys etc much. I worked alongside five different to as ‘natural’. In America the grapes are Federation Chairman when we went on treated with sulphur dioxide to retain a I hope you had fun making your Christmas Federation Trips and they were all lovely lighter colour. cakes, and Mincemeat. to be with. The closure of Denman will Store the leave a huge hole in my WI life and I Currants are tiny, dried grapes, dried for dried fruit in would like to thank everyone who came up to three weeks. a dry cool on the trips making my job such an easy place in a and enjoyable one, also my thanks to all During the drying process the grapes sealed bag those WIs I have visited and friends I have shrink, leaving a small nutrient-dense or lidded made through my role. dried fruit, which contain four times the container.

CHRISTMAS COFFEE BREAK QUIZ Answers on page 15

1. London’s Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is traditionally given 12. From earliest to latest date which order were cards, trees by which country? and crackers introduced to the British Christmas? 2. The song White Christmas was first performed in which 13. Which famous scientist was born on Christmas Day 1942 film? in 1642? 3. In which modern country is St Nicholas’s birthplace and 14. Which song topped the UK charts at Christmas 1957 and home town? in a medley version in1978? 4. Who is officially credited as the author of Auld Lang Syne? 15. ‘Christmas Crackers’ was the first Christmas edition of 5. Who was the first British Monarch to broadcast a Christmas which popular UK comedy series? message to the Nation? 16. What was the first artificial Christmas tree made from? 6. How many ghosts are there in A Christmas Carol? a) goose feathers, b) cardboard, c) stiffened silk 7. Which gift did Melchior bring for the baby Jesus? 17. Who was George’s guardian angel in the film ‘It’s a 8. How many gifts were given in total in The Twelve Days Wonderful Life’? of Christmas? 18. Which Christmas plant originally came from Mexico? 9. From which continent does the turkey originate? 19. How many of Santa’s reindeer have names beginning 10. A spray of Glastonbury... is sent to the Queen for the royal with D? table on Christmas Day? 20. How did Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas? 11. In which year did the Post Office first issue Christmas Stamps?

Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 I 3 Sub Committees Culture & The Arts ACWW

ere are some Winter reading hospital ward on New Year’s Day. This s we could not have our recommendations from friends is French’s first book for five years planned Afternoon Tea and H and fellow members. and could be her best yet. A Fashion Show in the Midland Hotel in April, it has been re-arranged A member who has roots in the North If you like short, sharp thought for April 29th 2021. Let’s hope that by East was drawn to an author who lives provoking stories then try “Help then life will be back to normal. This in Ponteland and writes about the local Yourself” Curtis Sittenfeld. The author date is actually ACWW day so is really area. The author, called J L Ross, writes has a wry humour and insight into appropriate. As it is also the day when gripping thrillers and I’m told they are modern times. “Women Walk the World” perhaps we hard to put down. The first book in could even plan a group walk down the series is called ‘Holy Island’ and Just a few ideas for the Winter days. the promenade in Morecambe! In is available in supermarkets so keep a the meantime, do keep up whatever look out for her books. Happy Christmas to all support you can eg. collecting stamps Lancashire members or other items for recycling, and spare ‘Because of You’ is a real tear jerker a thought for women all over the written by Dawn French about two Mary Gibson and world, many of whom live in poverty in women who gave birth in the same The C & A committee multigenerational households or single room households and don’t enjoy the freedoms that most of us have.– Climate Change especially if they do not have gardens or countryside to work in and enjoy.

uring the past few months, In June the Climate Coalition group, Ruth Gibbons many of us have realised the of which the Women’s Institute is a ACWW Rep D importance of the physical and founding member, sent the Prime mental health benefits to be found Minister a letter containing a seven in the natural environment. This may point action plan urging him to ensure Shows have been through our daily walks, that investment in Covid-19 recovery finding new areas nearby, visiting is in line with the UK’s climate goal of he 2021 schedule ‘Lancashire parks or enjoying time in our own net zero greenhouse gases by 2050. Love it!’ will be carried over to the gardens. We need to protect this Christmas will soon be with us but T2021 Show. The only changes to for future generations and the term were you aware that the during the the 2020 schedule are the dates, ‘Green Recovery’ is being discussed Christmas period, 750,000 tons more. It is important that, as the of waste (1.4M tons of CO2) and The next Show will be held on economy is rebuilt, we invest in equivalent to three weeks of normal Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd industries and infrastructures that waste, are produced? September 2021. turn the tide on Climate Change by embedding the core principles of a Keep enjoying the wonderful The Show Sub-committee missed clean and sustainable energy future. countryside around you, be mindful of greeting you all at the show this year. This is Green Recovery and not just our carbon footprint and help protect We missed seeing everything you have returning to the old normality. our world for generations to come! baked, grown, created, painted or sketched. On a positive note, we have an additional 12 months to finish our entries. Leisure Activities Maybe enter a few more classes too! As craft clubs, monthly meetings and he Leisure Activities Sub- We hope that our event planning for courses have been cancelled, a big void Committee hope that YOU ALL 2021 will take place and that we will opened up only to be filled by the internet T have been keeping well during have the pleasure of your company at and social media. They have exploded the enforced restrictions we have had our events. We have missed you all. with video demonstrations of just about imposed on us since March. everything. If you have any queries Just like the other Committees we are please contact me or any member of the Despite these restrictions, because always looking for new members to join show committee. of the Covid virus, we have still us. If you are interested please contact been working, on your behalf, from the office for further details. ‘Stay calm and Craft’. the comfort of our homes using our computers with software that enables Joan Randall, Dawn Threllfall us to see and hear each other. Chairman [email protected]

4 I Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 Around the WIs Each course is about an hour, on “Vegetarian Cookery was an excellent At Home with LFWI Zoom, and some of the subjects demo. Easy to follow and all the on offer are quite different to those ingredients within everyone's reach.” ue to the situation which physical events we would normally has evolved, all our planned have put on for members. The interest “What a truly wonderful flower D events this year had to be shown was such that a programme arranging demonstration I postponed. The advent of Zoom, and was then put together for November have enjoyed this afternoon. the Denman At Home programme, led and December, moving forward Congratulations to everyone who us to look at other ways of offering into 2021. The varied programme enables these events to happen. services to our members. The Board includes historical talks, cooking Well done the WI, please pass on of Trustees, at their September demonstrations, introduction to guided my thanks to all concerned.” meeting, agreed for the office team to meditation, crafting demonstrations investigate the possibility of setting such as journal decorating, and flower “I enjoyed the talk/demo and up a digital product, enabling us to arranging with a twist. There was afterwards my brain was buzzing display courses in a similar way to even a virtual Lancashire Day when with ideas. Some projects have to be Denman at Home, which members we learnt about the Pendle Witches. finished and a book bought before could purchase on-line, through our There is something for everyone and I can start on my own journal!” existing website. Through a variety as we move forward into early 2021 of contacts, and a not inconsiderable more courses/talks will be added. Thanks to everyone who signed up for amount of hard work, a programme We’ve had a lot of positive feedback At Home with LFWI courses since they was set up for October, and it’s fair to so far, including: “Thanks also for came into being and particular thanks say that things took off very quickly. organising such a variety of topics. must go to Liz Kerr and Diane Jenkins, So many members were eager to try Something for everyone.” “Hampton who have put in so much time and and bring a little WI normality back Court Ghosts was fascinating and effort into setting everything up on into their lives. certainly sold the Ghost Tours.” our behalf.

Zoom Monthly Meetings Many members have kept busy with their flourish. In July, Sally Mabey gave a crafting and another has made 5 quilts. very entertaining talk entitled “From Some have made items for the NHS. Eggheads to Mastermind” about the RIBBY WITH WREA WI uses Zoom as a Skype and Zoom have been used by Glamorgan Poppies WI team’s winning substitute for their usual meetings and many members to keep in touch with their appearance on Eggheads and her own events. Following a career in fashion, families. Generally, spirits are very high. appearances on Mastermind. Another local resident, Susie Carey set up her BELMONT WI members have been speaker. to entertain the members own business which is called “Sorted keeping in touch since lockdown, was Misba Khan, talking about the “All etc.” Susie provides a service to help using WhatsApp with many photos and Female Expedition to the North Pole” people to declutter their wardrobes, articles sharing what members have that she undertook two years ago. The she will come to your home with a been up to during this period. Most of Book Group Zoom meetings continue rail and two bags. The end result is a the pictures will then be put into our to be popular and well attended. closet of clothes that fit you and that WI photo Album for posterity. It was WI hosted the you want to keep, a bag of clothes to realised that many members were not WI Wanderers website to enjoy a talk donate to a charity shop and a bag of being reached, so in June the first by Susan Douglass from the Friends clothes that she will sell for you. Susie of their Lockdown Newsletters was of Winkley Square, Preston. The told us that this process often has a introduced and sent to each member various past residents of the Square therapeutic effect, the decluttering together with Hotpot. Members are have been researched by Susan, her of the wardrobe seems to promote a being asked to contribute photos, talk focussed on Henrietta Mary Miller better frame of mind. In place of the articles and quizzes for the magazine. (1852 – 1926) her early life, marriage summer outing the ladies had a Zoom 28 members of WI and love in the Victorian era. This was talk on Bees and Beekeeping from managed to get on to a Zoom meeting a period during which women became John Kelso, all the way from County for an excellent talk on 'The History their husband’s property once married Tyrone where he was visiting family. of Gin’ by Dr Kate Vigurs. They held a and females had no recourse in law to During lockdown WARTON CRAG WI raffle for a lovely bunch of flowers to be their own finances. Henrietta married kept in touch with other members by delivered later. Their Annual Meeting and young, giving birth to her first child having a twice weekly online quiz. There fifth birthday celebration attended by 31 just seven months after the wedding. were also a couple of competitions members and Ruth Grimley their Adviser. Her husband, Sutherland Dumbreck (gardens and recipes) and an effort to SADDLEWORTH WI was delighted to was physically and emotionally record for THEIR archives 'How the welcome Alison Marsden of “Gardening abusive. They eventually divorced lockdown affected you and yours'. One by Design” in Kent, Alison an approved and she remarried Guthrie Hylton member has kept them amused with RHS speaker guided them through Jessop. Susan gave an interesting her stories as she is on lockdown in the aspects to consider to give a new and engaging talk which was Tasmania and can't get home. plant the best situation in which to well received.

Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 I 5 Around the WIs Community Champions

COTTONOPOLIS WI hosted a joint Through their crafting skills, FAB WI BRETHERTON WI meeting with Helen Pankhurst of have supported their local hospital by Reached out to Coalition for Greater Manchester making knitted mask extenders, blankets village residents Women 2028. The initiative is for the bereavement suite and “traffic with offers of help committed to seeing a better future for light” beanie hats and buddy squares with shopping the women of Manchester. Its’ areas for the neonatal ICU. In addition, an and other various of focus will be education, safety, online auction fundraiser meant that necessities health and culture, participation and staff at Royal Oldham Hospital were for those who employment. Helen spoke about the gifted supplies of chocolates, biscuits, were sick or work of the Coalition and the fight for crisps and coffee for their ‘wobble room’ quarantined. With gender equality locally by 2028. plus hand creams and lip balms to help the assistance of deal with the toll taken by the constant the headteacher Cottonopolis WI look forward to wearing of PPE. Oldham Foodbank and of the local working alongside GM4women2028 as Pennine Animal Sanctuary were also able school, vulnerable it moves forward. to add to their funds at this critical time families were identified and supplied thanks to members’ generosity. with supermarket vouchers to ensure that nobody went hungry during the pandemic. When money for this There has been needle and thread wonderful initiative started to run low, a-plenty at GREAT HARWOOD WI as Bretherton submitted a successful members have made facemasks, aprons bid to the Lancashire Community and re-useable bags to raise money for Fund, which enabled them to continue East Lancs Hospice and, latterly, poppy their work right through to the end facemasks in aid of the British Legion of September. To further keep spirits Poppy Appeal. Their masks have been high, members organised a village sold through local retail outlets and have Scarecrow Festival (including a mapped been winging their way as far afield as trail!), which proved hugely popular Wales and Canada. and, undeterred by the weather, 42 wonderful, book-themed scarecrows stood resplendently on show over an entire week – and let’s not forget ‘The Phantom Knitter’ (aka a Bretherton WI crafter) who secreted knitted rainbows around the village that proved so popular they became another fundraising initiative for the local foodbank. On top of all that, scrubs have been sewn for Royal Preston Hospital; microwave pouches knitted and sewn for Blackpool Hospital’s Oncology Unit; household items gathered together for the local women’s refuge and, not forgetting our spikey friends, a donation collection point for Hedgehog Rescue.

6 I Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 Around the WIs Community Champions

A team of neonatal knitters from GRINDLETON WI has some truly SADDLEWORTH WI produced breath-taking statistics from their 18 baby blankets and nearly 70 strong group of sewing, delivery 200 bonding squares for Royal and logistical volunteers… 1800m Oldham Hospital. Ladies very of fabric sewn and over 1.6 miles of generously donated not only their elastic deployed meaning that 4500 time but also all the materials and masks, over 450 headbands, 850 a warm thank-you was received washbags and 316 sets of scrubs from the Ward Manager of the were made in the Ribble Valley and hospital’s Maternity Department. distributed entirely free of charge. With the knitters knitting, the bakers baked and 550 “cakes of kindness” were made for those Finishing on a festive note, who had significantly helped their DOVESTONE WI bring us “Secret Santa communities during lockdown, on Steroids”! In a bid to ensure families including pharmacies, refuse using the local foodbank also get a gift collectors, Oldham Mountain at Christmas – no matter how small – Rescue, to name just a few of the Dovestone WI members, led by Chief local heroes. Elf Jess Moreland, have launched a Give A Gift donation station. Members of the community will be anonymously How I Spent My Time in Lockdown donating gifts which will then be sent to the Dovestone WI elves to be sorted, wrapped, labelled and then magically ormally a very busy person, The choir consists of more 25,000 transported to families that really need Liz Farr, from ATHERTON people, from the UK and across the them. Hundreds of gifts – don’t know NWI, struggled having time on world. It was a fantastic experience who’s giving them, don’t know who’s her hands in lockdown so, as well - happy, sad, funny and emotional at receiving them! as finishing off knitting, cross stitch times. Gareth promised to continue and rug making projects, she and with weekly rehearsals and, when the her daughter, Victoria, joined Gareth pandemic is over, to arrange for the Malone’s Great British Home Chorus. choir to meet for a concert – probably in 2021 in a very large venue! It was fantastic to be coached by Gareth Malone. Starting with half-hour SALFORD ANGELS WI salute their sessions every weekday, they moved member, Margaret O'Hare, as a to a longer, weekly session. Gareth community champion. As one of their worked from his ‘shed’ in his garden, older members, Margaret started where he has his piano, keyboards to shield even before the lockdown and computer. They started with ‘You was imposed and has remained at are my Sunshine’ and, after that, home alone since then. She decided learned many songs, including ‘I’m to write a daily blog about being Still Standing’ by Elton John. They alone under lockdown which is also sang songs for pleasure and held forwarded weekly to the whole WI. a virtual concert for VE day, singing The blogs have been hilarious, with ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and other songs with anecdotes about eating and the theme of hope. Gareth announced chocolates for breakfast, not fitting that a TV programme would be made into her clothes anymore and giving about the choir, inviting all members strong views on the handling of the to apply, but Liz couldn’t take this up pandemic. She has also shared because filming was done in peoples’ her feelings of fear, isolation and homes and her husband was shielding. loneliness, with which all could identify. The programme was shown in Margaret has helped WI members June (The Choir – Singing for stay in touch and receives lots of Britain). Decca also released all the responses to her weekly email. She choir’s songs, accompanied by the has really made everyone laugh and London Symphony Orchestra. kept spirits up during a difficult time.

Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 I 7 Around the WIs Our First Thanks to the good weather through the summer months many WIs were able to hold some socially distanced al fresco activities!

Congratulations to CABUS WI member, Clara Thompson, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Clara joined the WI in October 1947 when the institute was formed. A very different first! For HUTTON & HOWICK WI their first walk of 2020 was the challenge of Longton Marsh with the occasional stile, the reward was lunch at the Dolphin!

Bowling was the only LADYBRIDGE WI activity to take place during Bolton’s brief relaxation from the full lockdown in August. By early September, all group sports activities ceased again!

‘We met again! The cry from TATHAM FELLS members who met in a beautiful local garden. Time spent exploring winding paths, hidden grottos and the lake, was followed by a chat over their own Lunchtime picnic at Lytham Green provided the afternoon tea. They were joined by two prospective new members. What a wonderful introduction backdrop for WARTON WI members first face to to the WI. face meeting since March. It was a great success!

Members of SOUTHPORT SCARLETS WI were out and about with a visit to Levens Hall to admire the topiary and the Walking Group went on an adventurous ramble through Cuerden Park.

THORNTON WI Walking Group were just getting back into step when the new local restrictions put a stop to their walks. A few days previously, five members had enjoyed a walk along the banks of the River Wyre and a chat over a brew outside the café. For a change, the sun was shining, this was a first as most of their walks were in the rain. Although they don’t know when they can walk together again their boots and waterproofs are ready and waiting!

8 I Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 Around the WIs Craft Gallery

CROSTON WI members’ fingers have been busy crafting and one member, has been making bunnies & selling them for charity, while others have found a use for empty tins!

Members from WARTON CRAG WI have also been very busy during the lockdown and have sent photos of a variety of crafts!

Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 I 9 Around the WIs Denman College – Happy Memories

ince the closure and sale Sheila Ellis LITTLE THORNTON WI Straight from the oven biscuits at of Denman College was likened it to staying in someone’s morning break, the splendid work S announced we have received Country House, like many members of other students. Evenings spent in many reports of happy days spent she has done a variety of interesting the bar and lounges, where laughter at Denman. Because of a shortage and informative courses... The added prevailed and last but not least, the of space it is not possible to bonus was meeting WI members concert on the final night. reproduce them in their entirety. from all over and Wales who immediately become your friends. Val Andrews ST.ANNES ON SEA Gill Stamp ST.ANNES ON SEA WI has WI. I have been fortunate in having been many times working her way Janet Curran ST.ANNES ON SEA WI enjoyed the excellent hospitality through the Denman Brochures... heard so much about Denman when and tutelage offered by Denman on When she won the LFWI bursary she joined the WI that she determined several occasions. I have looked with she kindly shared it with me so to go. She enjoyed it so much that she awe and admiration at the wonderful that we could learn about Murder, has been back a number of times, in things produced by other very talented Mayhem and Sex in Medieval spite of one horrendous trip when she people... Shirley Thornton touched churches – absolutely hilarious. spent the return journey sitting on her on the revue held on the last night of sewing machine. She refers to herself the LFWI courses, I am sure modesty Liz Williams, LADYBRIDGE WI asks as a ‘Denman addict’. Janet is now an prevents her from mentioning her “where do I begin”. Every visit, enthusiastic member of the Denman at “Oscar” winning performance of “Petey and there have been many, has its Home set. the Snake”. I have enjoyed the Musical highlights. Liz’s last one being the course strutting their stuff and the Federation visit in 2019. The magic Susan Grant BOOTHSTOWN & vicissitudes of buying a swim suit, and was still there and will continue in WORSLEY WI was devastated, as making a Christmas testing the friendships that were forged. A were so many, when she heard that the alcohol the while. All free – what heartfelt thank you Denman, from Liz. Denman was to close. She had been more can you ask. on a number of courses and met Pauline Bearcock, WI many wonderful people. On a visit There is an atmosphere of tranquillity writes of the lovely memories she last year Susan picked a seed from a about the place. On my last visit has and of meeting up with complete Passionflower in the garden... and it I was sitting on the lawn and the strangers with whom, it turned out she grew. Now she has a living reminder of bell ringers were practicing. It was had links. What a small Denman world. her happy times at Denman. a beautiful evening and I know that had I been a poet I could not have Patricia Forder Tracey Garvey ELSWICK WI whilst done that moment justice, but as the HUTTON & enjoying the Denman experience street vendors tell us – once it’s gone HOWICK WI commented on the inconvenience of it’s gone. extolled the virtues the journey for members of the LFWI. of the cookery That of course is the beauty of the school, better LFWI trips they were practically door to equipped than door service. many a domestic kitchen, and used most successfully Shirley Thornton LYTHAM GREEN WI when she went on a jam making course has a great fondness for Denman and back in 2009, returning home with was looking forward to enjoying many 18 jars of jam. Pam was not resident more courses. Alas it is not to be. She in the College and was delighted shared the role of College Chairman on and amazed to find that when they several occasions and lists a number arrived at 9.30 am there was a mouth- of things which left a permanent watering array of pastries, biscuits memory. Helpful and friendly staff. and small cakes. So very Denman!

Pam Aspden CROSTON WI was a lucky Bursary winner using it on a literature course, including three novels, Northanger Abbey, The Uncommon Reader, and Cold Comfort Farm. Thus illustrating not only the excellence, but the diversity of the Denman courses.

10 I Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 Around the WIs lockdown was eased, the Committee About 65% of members use Zoom, Lockdown Activities organised outdoor get-togethers on so a series of online meetings with the local playing fields, which were speakers were planned, which the uring lockdown, PARBOLD WI, well attended. Committee hopes will provide a assisted by volunteers from the varied, interesting programme. When D village, delivered essentials, The Committee kept in touch smaller groups could meet, the hall mainly medical supplies, to members throughout the lockdown via Zoom, manager did a sterling job ensuring of the community who needed it. and, looking ahead, conducted a survey it was Covid-safe, allowing Knit and Local businesses also arranged free of members’ views on holding meetings Natter and the Book Club to return. In delivery services, which were much in the WI Hall. Since then, additional September the Friends of Parbold WI appreciated. During this period, Lyn restrictions have been placed on social held an outdoor, socially distanced, Field, from the craft group, handcrafted gatherings in West Lancashire, meaning takeaway coffee and cake morning. a personal card for each WI member, full meetings were not easy because of This was a great success, raising which was a real morale booster. Once social distancing rules. funds for Macmillan.

On-Line Addict concise instructions and plenty of good However, what Spikey Jean didn’t say tips, from stuffing the doll, to what type was that, once you know how to make Hayley Dell, of fabric worked best for the T-shirt, and them, it can become a little bit addictive! SWINTON WI how to fold the headscarf. There were So, the following morning sitting with President, attended plenty of opportunities to ask questions coffee in hand, she decided to recycle a Denman At Home and using the Zoom ‘speaker view’ her WI Life and Hotpot Magazines. She workshop entitled option made it an almost ‘one to one’ is now planning to do the same with the ‘Make Do and experience. Hayley is very pleased with next few issues until she’s made a vase Mend - Make Your her first attempt, and thinks her doll full - next project sorted! Own Land Girl Doll’, is ‘a bit like me – imperfect - and I like as she had seen the that!’ She would encourage anyone to dolls on Facebook try a Denman At Home course. Many and enjoys sewing. LFWI members have now heard of the Online booking was WI Wanderers. Hayley Dell loves it, and simple, the confirmation email contained is often spoilt for choice, sometimes the pattern and instructions, and all she zooming two or three events a day. Her had to do was print them off – all for a favourites are always the craft ones and fiver! In a light-hearted session with lots she recently attended Spikey Jean's of laughter, tutor Claire gave clear and Kusudama Flower session.

Our Lockdown Recipes

n spite of lockdown flour shortages, contain a mixture of metric/imperial Method many BUCKSHAW VILLAGE WI measurements and Gas/Electric oven Preheat oven to Gas Mark 8. I members continued the WI tradition settings. (A handy conversion guide of baking, and shared photos of their is included.) Mix together the flour, sugar and creations. They therefore decided baking powder. Rub the butter in, to create a collection of members’ Christine’s Grandma Wild’s Scones then add the sultanas. Mix together lockdown recipes. As well as being I chose this recipe as it is one my the egg, vanilla and milk. Add to fun, it formed part of their archive of Grandma made for a celebration and the dry ingredients forming a loose members’ activities and challenges when there was a crisis. I make them dough – using an extra dash of milk if during historic times and members every Friday and have continued needed. were asked say why they had chosen during lockdown. their recipe(s). (See Christine’s Turn out onto a floured surface. Form Grandma’s recipe below) Ingredients into a flat, round shape about 1 inch 2oz butter high, press flat with your hand and The recipes were overwhelmingly 2oz caster sugar cut into approx. 6 rounds – don’t a reminder of pre-lockdown happy 8oz self raising flour handle too much or roll out. memories. Where known, the original 1 egg source was included, but, as some 4 tbsp milk Put the cut-out scones on a greased are from old handwritten collections, 1½ tsp baking powder baking tray and bake for 10 mins until this wasn’t always possible. For 2oz sultanas golden and well risen. authenticity, the recipes are included Drop of vanilla extract as submitted by members, so Enjoy.

Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 I 11 Around the WIs

On the First Day of Lockdown Newsletter advised postponed or For those living alone, shopping cancelled events, and hoped ‘normal trips, Zoom, emails and phone calls service’ would be resumed by October spread cheer. he usual monthly meeting on the at the very latest!!! Well????? second Tuesday in March saw The Newsletter became more THOGHTON WI enthusiastically Six months down the line and 26 adventurous with pictures, jokes, planning a large fund-raising event for Newsletters later, it’s a very different recipes, quizzes, book reviews, ‘Nightsafe’, a charity for homeless 16 story. However, thanks to her dedication Federation news, and plans to get -25 year olds in Blackburn. On the third and members’ contributions an exciting together. However, Boris had a spy in Tuesday it was a very different story! weekly Newsletter wings its way. At the camp as every plan they had to get first these were filled with activities to together in a socially distanced way was In ‘normal times’ Secretary Lorraine help the cause. Members were making stopped before reaching fruition. compiles a monthly Newsletter for scrubs and other items for the NHS, members, listing events and activities, flags and small hearts for those in Were they downhearted? oh, no!! even delights to come ! On this hospital and aprons and goodies to sell They are making it all work well and memorable third Tuesday an interim at a sometime later coffee morning. remain optimistic.

A – Z in Lockdown for the archive. For the second year BLACKPOOL WI members have been HOOLE WI Knit and Natter ladies keeping themselves busy with a AUGHTON WI are supporting the have planted ten plant troughs, variety of activities: local Food Bank by opening the Hut, mainly dressed in red and white in (their own meeting hall) as a drop- Hoole Village. Members and friends Lynn Crouchley in centre for bags of required food have been busy knitting for Hospital and her husband found a speedy items. With so many people and Baby Units and members have been and eco-friendly their families in need of help at this given Chocolate Bunnies and little way of delivering copies of Hotpot to difficult time, they were hoping for a pots of ‘Sunshine Jam. Blackpool members. great response! MILNROW & DISTRICT WI celebrated As a thank you to local NHS workers, their 4th birthday with a Zoom party BARLEY WI ladies have created and each member received a plain colourful planters to decorate the calico shopping Gift Bag containing WI garden in Barley. Also colourful sweets, a Victoria sponge recipe Members and next- door neighbours, ‘yarnbombs’ have been crafted to and a letter with decorating details. Christine Lambe decorate trees and bushes. Many Inspired by the NFWI ‘Summertime and Barbara Kirkman, held their local businesses have been extremely tWIst Festival’ RAINHILL WI hosted own sunflower generous with sponsorship. their own socially distanced festival competition which covered all seasons in one which was a close run thing. afternoon. Committee meetings are Christine won by held at FOLD WI through a flowerhead and a half. Zoom, and monthly drop in quiz and bingo afternoons. Socially distanced walks and afternoon teas at Cricket Club were enjoyed. For Ladies of BILLINGTON, LANGO the 2018 Craft and Produce show & DISTRICT WI have been busy one member had made a hedgehog knitting little hats, cardigans and and winning quilts for Blackburn Birthing Centre, a naming and for the Serenity Suite at Burnley competition Hospital. Christine Seedall, their own gave Billy ‘sewing bee’, his name. He made a beautiful is now their heart for every mascot with member. a life of his own and a At the start of lockdown in early April, when all In August photo album is the garden centres were closed, Rita Mahoney’s members of WI being formed garden was in her words ‘looking very sad.’ Rita sent for some seeds which she planted in pots, received packets containing card and to record his tended lovingly. They were eventually trans- craft materials with a remit to each adventures, namely all their institutes planted into the garden and the photo shows the colourful results. The project helped Rita feel make a lockdown card or picture events, on staycations with members, positive at a difficult time, as she said, “when the this resulted in some lovely pictures even a trip to Wales. world is in turmoil, nature carries on as usual.”

12 I Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 Around the WIs She used to say she knew Lancashire Netta found the Shows Sub-committee Netta Brodrick – Face to Face better in the dark than in the daylight, great fun. and all this travel down country lanes recently spent was done without a sat nav or a mobile a lovely couple phone. Visiting Tatham Fells one dark I of hours with night, she thought it would be beautiful Netta in her in the day but then couldn’t find it in beautiful garden daylight! Netta has always worked to in the sunshine, involve younger people in the WI and chatting about represented County at Young Farmers’ her time in the clubs, encouraging them to join the WI WI. I’ve known as their next step - quite a few are now Netta for four WI members. years and, whilst I knew that she Netta’s most memorable moment came Readers will be unsurprised to hear was well known across the WI and was when she met the Queen at the opening that Netta progressed to the become a positive, ideas person, who welcomed of the Denman Home Economics Federation Chairman. Then, as now, new ideas to keep Hotpot magazine Demonstration Kitchen. Unusually, the the annual meeting moved around the current and responsive to members, Queen arrived late, having stopped en county, and was held at places like our chat revealed so much more about route to visit the widow of Airey Neave, Ashton Hall, Lancaster, Whittingham this remarkable lady, who has given so a cabinet member who had just been Hospital and Lowton Hall. Netta is much to LFWI and has helped to make it assassinated by the IRA. Netta recalls also proud to have been the first what it is today. that the Queen wore a mustard coloured Chairman to have worn the unique LFWI coat and beret. The WI dress code was Chairman’s badge. After relocating to ‘good clothes and a hat’, and, ever the north-west, Netta resourceful, Netta and her travelling Netta took over Hotpot Editorship in joined HOOLE WI companion stopped in a layby to get 1986 and oversaw its development in 1967. As a young changed en route! from a newsletter to a magazine. She mother, she would has thoroughly enjoyed leading the have a meal ready for Talking of dress codes, there was also Editorial Sub-committee, which used Alan, her husband, on one for the Annual Meeting at the Albert to write, edit and compile everything, his arrival home from Hall - hats were obligatory. She had to measure column widths and set the work, then he took make her own way there and back and it print layout. (Today’s members of the over the childcare and off she would was quite daunting, but Netta made the Editorial Committee don’t know they are go to her meetings. Gradually, she got most of these experiences. born!) Editor of Hotpot is still a time- more involved, joining the Committee consuming role, but modern technology and becoming Secretary, Treasurer and Netta served on the International Sub and a professional print company do President. Netta enjoys drama and was committee, which organised study days help. Netta’s mantra is that Hotpot must a member of Hoole’s active concert and overseas holidays linked to the reflect LFWI and all of its members, party, which produced lots of shows and countries being studied. This was the be responsive to members’ requests variety events for over 60s and disabled start of the Tours and Excursions Sub- and welcome contributions from all peoples’ clubs. She also performed in committee and sparked a project on the WIs about their activities. Sometimes, ‘A History of Women of Lancashire’ at Solomon Islands, which became part of additional articles are needed at short the Charter Theatre. the International Sub-Committee’s remit. notice to fill the space, but that doesn’t happen often and, if it does, Netta Netta was invited to join the LFWI Board The Shows Sub-committee, which always has an idea up her sleeve. of Trustees as Denman Rep, and in organised the WI Show (now the County this role visited many Wis, promoting Show) also flourished under Netta’s After ‘retiring’ from Hotpot, Netta Denman, encouraging WI members to leadership. In her true style, she brought intends to perfect crochet and spend go, and keeping track of their visits. She creative new ideas and the event was time in her greenhouse and garden, was also on the speaker circuit giving extended from one day to the two-day nurturing and propagating new plants. talks on her adventures on: a trip to event we now have. The Shows Sub- She will also continue singing in her Ireland in a horse drawn caravan; old committee also organised the LFWI choir (on Zoom for now) and I’m sure remedies; and ‘where my membership flower arranging competition, exhibits she will continue to keep very busy. card has taken me’. and teas at the Royal Lancs Show Netta – the Editorial Sub-committee when it took place in Chorley. Another will miss you so much as our friend and As VCO – Voluntary County Organiser highlight was ‘Follow the Rainbow’, a inspirational editor. We will do our best (now Adviser), Netta was prepared Flower Festival at Hoghton Tower. to keep alive your spirit of ‘have a go to travel anywhere helping to set up Each LFWI area was invited to take part, and it will be wonderful’ and continue to new WIs, giving the outlying villages there were beautiful displays and it was take Hotpot from strength to strength in as much attention as the larger towns. a lovely event. your honour.

Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 I 13 Summertime Challenges The chance to watch the sun go down what we’ve been doing, so maybe their over the sea from a different vantage creativity will reach beyond the WI. point, It was lovely to have the change Communication - They have been of scene and to finally see different very conscious that many members faces, whilst remaining safe. Various don’t have access to the internet, seven day challenges were also held so they have tried to keep in touch with a theme posted every day for the and have activities which are not week, which involved things as varied internet -based. Members kept in as a heart made with a dog lead, writing touch monthly, more or less, by paper with lentils, chalk, pebbles and flour, newsletters, in addition to electronic uring the late summer months, and images, in words or pictures, of our versions, and yes, this has sometimes THURNHAM WI have been invited heroines. The biggest project, which is meant posting out letters. Newsletters Dto visit gardens belonging to five of now nearing completion, is the lockdown often contain contributions from their members who opened them for the wall-hanging. Everyone was invited to members, a quiz and a topical exclusive WI Open Gardens event at the take part by contributing something wordsearch along with some of the beginning of September. They also had which spoke of their lockdown: staying LFWI Blog content (the only way a Walking Church Yard Quiz, which was safe, birds, VE Day, friends, poems, some members could see it) and LFWI held over a week, so that members could views and a great deal more. A local news. Zoom committee meetings and go singly or in family groups whenever gallery, King Street Studios and Gallery WhatsApp to share photos connected the weather was good. in Lancaster has expressed interest in with the creative challenges.

From the Archives

Christmas Celebrations in the WI - parties were not considered to be One committee record documented Ruth Grimley, Hon. Archivist. one of the objectives, so speakers ‘The next meeting is the Christmas were booked and advertised in Do. Invitations to be sent! ' It's been rather hard delving into programmes: the last days of the archives to find about Christmas Sawley and Whalley Abbey; The WIs held carol services, WI choirs in Lancashire Federation of WIs Hoghton Rapier Sword Team; held memorable concerts, some WIs when the archive is shut, you are German Christmas Customs; Duties had parties for evacuated children wearing a mask and your glasses of a Small Hostess; In Search of during the war years, and they are steamed up, not to mention the the Golden Eagle; Yesterday's donated and decorated Christmas ever present faint whiff of hand gel. Fashion;and Tow Paths, are just trees for villages, teamed up with Something I think will be familiar to a few subjects that educated other WIs to share the festive you all, even it's only trying to look and informed members at past season. Refreshments at your shopping lists. But LFWI has December meetings. For many were served, perhaps been through tougher times than this years, my own WI teamed up with a glass of mulled and if one thing was certain from a neighbouring WI to produce a wine and or a warmed the records I did manage to read, pantomime to entertain members at , though WIs weren’t going to let anything a joint December meeting, fulfilling more often a buffet supper was get in the way of them having a the drama element of the objectives, arranged and served by the host WI. Christmas celebration at any point followed by a Jacob’s Join. during our 100 years history. This 2020 festive season will hold Many WI programmes featured great challenges for all our Wis. For Members were recovering from a Jacob’s Join supper or a the first time in 100 years, we will World War I, living through the social half hour with a Christmas not be able to meet up, talk face depression years, helping to feed the theme - some even dared go as to face and share things with each nation during World War II, housing far as saying Christmas Party. other as we have done in the past. evacuated children, coping with Competitions to be judged included Despite any problems there may rationing, and declining membership 4 mince pies, Christmas table have been, we have always had - and now a pandemic. Thankfully, decorations, decorated candles, each other’s company and support. numbers increased, urban WIs were cake decorations, the funniest formed and a further resurgence of Christmas cracker joke, most Whilst doing the searches for this the WI took place in the late 1990s. attractively wrapped Christmas article, what struck me was the It's also worth noting that lots of present, handmade paper doily hospitality, warmth and kindness the events mentioned in this article etc. WIs didn’t just keep to their shown to other WI members and carried on until last Christmas 2019. own monthly meeting; they made the ingenuity shown in trying to put arrangements with other WIs in together memorable events for fellow Throughout the years, WIs tried to their groups or invited other WI members. This year will stretch us – I stay within the objectives of the WI members to attend their meetings. wonder what we will come up with!

14 I Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 Membership Subscription Extension Diary Dates

he NFWI was obviously very The following Zoom events are scheduled for December 2020 and January 2021. concerned about the disruption T the lockdown period had on At Home with LFWI Programme Date Time WI meetings and activities and your Christmas Cook along with Heather Williams 2 December 7.00pm membership experience this year. Gillian Walnes Perry MBE, talk on Anne Frank 3 December 2.00pm Consultations were held with all Christine Ramsay, Festive Flower Arrangements 5 December 2.00pm federations to discuss ways in which this could be acknowledged in our Peter Lawrence – Around the Cotswolds 7 December 7.00pm membership subscription this year. As Christmas Cook along with Heather Williams 11 December 10.00am a result, a three-month extension to this year’s membership subscription Siobhan Clarke – A Royal Christmas 16 December 7.00pm was offered. The next renewal date At Home with LFWI Programme Date Time for membership subscriptions will be 1 April 2021. In addition, from this Vegetarian Chef Alex – 12 January 2.00pm point onwards, membership renewals cooking demo will always be in April. This is to acknowledge the feedback many of Each event costs £5.00 and should be booked via the website https://lancashirewi.org.uk/ you shared with us during the recent When you purchase the talk you will receive an order acknowledgement showing a small cloud Strategic Vision consultation about the and a request to download your file. Click download to save the Zoom link, don't forget to check challenges of the January payment your Spam/Junk Folder. The host will allow entry from 15 minutes before the start time. date and how you wished to see this changed in the future. We hope the Please note that you DO NOT need a PayPal account to purchase our events. You will be given additional three months will provide the option to pay by debit/credit card. As a back-up you will be sent the link again when the some compensation to acknowledge event closes. the disruption you will have experienced this year.

Lancashire Federation Tributes comes to Blackpool BLACKPOOL WI – Gladys Marshall, a dear friend and talented member. he 25th September 2020 ECCLESTON WI – Miriam Wadge, a loyal long was the day all Lancashire serving committee member. members were going to T FENCE & DISTRICT WI – Marianne Lonsdale, a celebrate our Centenary. The lovely lady. Member for many years. switch-on of our Bench was LADYBRIDGE WI – Norma Little, a popular member organised. Valerie from Treales remembered for her humour and delicious WI and our Charman Jackie scones. were ready with posh frocks, OVER HULTON WI – six members. Beryl Shaw, even bubbly at the ready. Milly Healy, Edith Holden, Jean Bonney, Connie Suddenly only six could attend Brodrick, a founder member, Olive Walker, former in the light of new restrictions president. which would have left some PEARLS OF POULTON WI – Pat Wolsoncroft, a very disappointed members. founder member a lovely lady. The decision was taken, and the WARTON CRAG WI – Gill Easterby, a long standing event was cancelled – another and well thought of member. blow for us all. However, on the day, Blackpool Council did Each of these members will be sadly missed in her WI. We send condolences to all their WI Friends and Families. us proud, they Illuminated an arch across the promenade saying “Celebrating 100 Years Coffee Break Quiz Answers of the Lancashire Federation of Women’s Institutes. “A big 1. Norway, 2. Holiday Inn, 3. Turkey, 4. Robert Burns, 5. George V, 6. Four, Thank You to Blackpool. All 7. Gold, 8. 364, 9. North America (domesticated in Mexico), 10. Thorn, 11. 1966, our Centenary Events had to 12. Trees 1800, Cards 1843, Crackers 1861, 13. Isaac Newton, be postponed so let us think 14. Mary’s Boy Child, 15. Only Fools and Horses, 16. a) Goose feathers, of this September 2020 as the 17. Clarence Odbody, 18. Poinsettia 19. 3, 20. Crisp & Even. beginning of our Festivities bring on 2020 Plus One! Please do not reproduce any articles in the magazine without the Jackie permission of the Federation Secretary.

Lancashire Hotpot December 2020 I 15 ComRinegm 2sao0k2oe0n on Channel 5

The World of James Herriot... where it all started