YOUR LOCAL AREA NEWS FOR:
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Marton cum Grafton
By Pauline Kilburn
Phone: 01423 323420
Email: paulinekilburn@hotmail.com |
Monday, July 20, 2009
Contrib from Marton cum Grafton
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Contrib from Marton cum Grafton. Pauline Kilburn. 01423 323420.
WI - There were great successes for Marton cum Grafton WI during the months of June and July.
The teas served by WI members at Amberhill, Grafton provided steaming pots of Yorkshire tea and great wedges of cake to the hundreds of visitors who came out on a hot day to enjoy 17 gardens.
The numbers of homemade cakes that arrived on the day demonstrates the commitment of members to their WI group.
Monies raised allow the WI to increase their own funds and also make contributions to the school, church and village hall funds.
July’s meeting combined a barbecue and wine tasting opportunity. Due to one of McG‘s member’s diligence at reading her WI magazine, way back at the beginning of the year, the Beaujolais wine for the tasting was funded by Sopexa with the proviso that a record would be made of the evening.
Six Beaujolais wines were tasted. It is recommended that Beaujolais is chilled slightly and served, hopefully, on a hot summer’s day (with great food and great company) – all criteria achieved then!
There is a break from WI activities for the remainder of the summer, until the second Thursday in September. Then it’s a home grown evening when guest speakers are members, Linda Bullus and Lynda Joynson who will demonstrate felting for beginners, the aim being to ‘felt’ a flower.
If you would like to join McG WI for the evening, you can contact either Hazel Smyth on 01423 330561 or June Sanderson on 01423 330494.
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Friday, January 16, 2009
Village News
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Contrib from Marton cum Grafton. Pauline Kilburn. Tel No: 01423 323420.
WI Report - Remember how one of the early WI reports began last year in 2008.
‘The challenge, to be prepared to dance at February’s WI meeting was met head-on as 22 members arrived, clad in suitable dancing shoes for a ‘hoe down.’
What a coincidence then that Marton cum Grafton WI should begin 2009 with another dance related activity. This time ‘belly dancing’ was the theme for the evening.
The meeting had been well advertised and the word well spread around the village so about 30+ women attended the first meeting of 2009. Even those members who felt unable to ‘wobble’ their midriffs could join in with raising shoulders and swaying arms, whilst those on the dance floor could go the ‘full Monty’, after tuition from the very vivacious and highly talented Helena.
Helena starts her workshops with a brief myth-busting chat about the dance and its history. She then goes on to teach all the basics of belly dance, breaking down the moves with simple explanations so that everyone can have a go.
After a whirlwind lesson of practicing moves, clad with hip scarves and swirling veils, members were taught an upbeat choreography to perform together at the end of the workshop.
Members hadn’t had such fun for a long time and felt suitably proud of their attempts and performance at belly dancing.
And so McG WI’s adventurous and exciting programme for 2009 continues. Next month on Thursday, February 12, Trevor from Otley Patisserie is guest speaker. He will demonstrate cake decoration for every occasion.
But don’t take our word for it. Check out his website, and then you’ll know what you’re coming to. Visit www.otleypatisserie.co.uk for details.
The present WI group is hoping that many of the visitors who came last month will become members.
If you’d like to join a vibrant friendly group of women, you could ring Hazel on 01423 330561 or Pauline on 01423 323420 for further details. |
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
News from Marton cum Grafton
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Contrib from Marton cum Grafton. Pauline Kilburn. Tel No: 01423 323420
THE members of Marton cum Grafton WI used their June meeting to go out of the village to
Johnson’s at Whixley, nurserymen extraordinaire.
It was an unusually cool evening but the group soon warmed to the talk given by Iain Richardson and his colleague Steve about the origins and history of the nursery and were equally warmed by the temperatures inside the propagation unit!
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Monday, February 18, 2008
Marton cum Grafton News
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Marton cum Grafton News - Pauline Kilburn - 01423 323420
WI News: The challenge, to be prepared to dance at February’s WI meeting, was met head-on as 22 members arrived, clad in suitable dancing shoes for a ‘hoe down’.
Perhaps the give away that some members had forgotten the nature of the activity was some dodgy footwear, especially needed for the pivots and slides they were asked to do by Margaret Whitcombe, guest speaker for the evening.
The most challenging aspect was holding hands with the dancing partner, left and right of them! It was a bit like a Mason’s handshake. But the group learned quickly and enjoyed the circle dancing largely to music from Eastern Europe, which was gentle and soothing.
As WI members danced first and then had the business meeting, supper couldn’t come soon enough. Liz Lancaster, Mavis Wells and Pauline Sneddon had creatively prepared heart shaped sandwiches and cheese biscuits to enable members to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but without their partners!
But then the Christmas meal had been celebrated at the end of January and magnificently so too. It had been a resounding success, attracting members and guests alike to number forty four attendees.
Next month the WI meets on Thursday, March 13, at 7.30pm and the guest for the evening will be Julie Clarke who will give a demonstration of Cookery for Easter.
If anyone would like to come along, as a visitor, with the possibility of becoming a member please contact either Hazel Smyth on 01423 330561 or Sharon Thomson on 01423 324400.
Jennyruth Fund Raiser: Jennyruth present a Wild West Evening tomorrow, Saturday, February 23. Barn Dancing to a live Ceilidh Band at Great Ouseburn Village Hall from 7.30pm.Tickets are £12, concessions £10 or free (accompanied youngsters under 15 if dressed in Wild West costume).
The ticket includes ‘cowboy’ meal and there is a competition for the best dressed cowboy or ‘injun’. Tickets from Anne and Andy Thewliss on 01423 331234, Sue and Barrie Evason on 01423 323877.
See you there, ‘pardner’. |
Friday, January 11, 2008
Village News
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Contrib from Marton cum Grafton. Pauline Kilburn. Tel No: 01423 323420
WI News - At this time of year to have 23 members attend January’s WI meeting is evidence of a thriving WI group.
£170 was raised following the Carol singing evening in December.
Thanks to Linda and Jenny for their hospitality before and after the singing.
Now there are urgent preparations for the group’s Christmas celebrations, at the end of January. The theme for the evening is the 60s. Members are invited to come in costume if they wish. Again all members bar one are attending plus many guests.
The group now have two teams of four prepared to have a go at the Dominoes Competition to be held in March. Dominoes were last played by participating members as children so first of all they need to find those domino sets and practise.
Guest speaker for the evening was Ann Gargett who demonstrated four flower arrangements to cover a variety of ability levels, becoming progressively more difficult and intricate. Each one was stunning and effective in its own right. Terms like ‘basket,’ ‘flower and plant pot,’ we understood but ‘Dutch paralleling’ certainly woke a few members from their comfort zone. It’s a European style of composition that means using groups of plants of different textures or shape at the base of the arrangement.
Next month the WI meet on Thursday, February 14 at 7.30pm and the speaker for the evening will be Mrs Whitcombe who will lead us for a ‘circle dancing session.’
It is a ‘hands on’ meeting. Appropriate dancing shoes are the order of the day. It will be interesting if the membership for that evening falls or we meet the challenge head-on!
If anyone would like to come along as a visitor, with the possibility of becoming a member, please contact either Hazel Smyth on 01423 330561 or Sharon Thomson on 01423 324400.
McG School Fund Raiser - ‘How could women who chained themselves to the railings still be so fettered to fashion?
An attempt is made to answer this question at a unique fashion show to be held at Aldborough Village Hall on Wednesday, January 30 at 7.30pm.
The ‘History Wardrobe’ company dresses two ladies from the bottom up using authentic costumes and accessories: firstly a 1903 lady preparing for a march on Westminster and then, moving forward in time, a debonair ‘Flapper’ of 1928 who is about to motor off to vote.
Tickets are £10 (to include a glass of wine and nibbles). For tickets and further details, contact Tamara Hartley on 01423 325456.
All proceeds go to The Friends of Marton-cum-Grafton C of E School. |
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Village News from Marton cum Grafton
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Contrib from Marton cum Grafton. Pauline Kilburn. Tel No: 01423 323420.
WI Report - November is traditionally McG’s WI group AGM meeting. So lots of business: reports to listen to and financial statements to question, boring! Not so. The group have plenty to celebrate and be proud off.
Six new members means that actual membership has increased by 25%. Member numbers at monthly meetings have averaged twenty plus.
November’s meeting was unique in that one member brought along her very tiny baby who slept peacefully through the whole proceedings. The programme of speakers has included a forensic psychiatrist to a barbershop singing group, a tiger hunt (to snap not trap) to visiting a local prison. As well as learning and enjoying themselves this WI group has raised funds for Martin House Hospice, the Village Hall and Church funds.
Next month, Thursday, December 13, Chris Abbot will come to the group and speak on Wild Flowers and Folklore. Hazel Smyth, as the new president, welcomes newcomers to join a proven thriving WI group. She can be contacted on 01423 330561. |
Monday, September 17, 2007
VIllage News
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Contrib from Marton cum Grafton. Pauline Kilburn. Tel No: 01423 323420
WI Report - To keep the momentum of WI in the minds and hearts of members during the month of August when traditionally there is no meeting, June invited those still at home and not in foreign climes to join her for a ‘cuppa’ and natter. It proved successful and so droves of members and guests returned to attend the first WI meeting in September.
It was a back to front meeting for September’s gathering. Carol, as Chorus Director, led and encouraged the Straysound Chorus, a barbershop group from Starbeck, through a melody of love songs for the evening’s entertainment. Dressed in purple to match the mood of love ‘waxing and waning’ members were spell bound. The hairs definitely stood up on the back of the member’s necks, especially with their rendition of ‘Bridge over troubled water.’
The WI even had a go at barbershop chorus work, singing four nursery rhymes at four different pitches (not sure of technical accuracy here) from low, very low singing to high, even squeaky high notes!
As the supper ladies had accounted for 13 singers joining them, the tables were groaning with homemade cakes and sandwiches. Unfortunately, or not, the chorus could not join us for supper so members were full to bursting that night!
Next month Doreen Jacques, who will be making Christmas cards, will entertain the WI GROUP.
If anyone would like to join an active and expanding WI group then contact either June Sanderson on 330494 or Sharon Thomson on 324400.
Marton cum Grafton Memorial Hall Fund Raiser - A car treasure hunt will commence from the Memorial Hall in Marton between 2pm and 3pm (last time dependent on how many cars).
The run will be around 30 miles and will end at the Punch Bowl Inn, Marton, where a chilli and rice meal will be available for those that want it. Cost is £4 per person (food extra). Children up to 16 years free. Come along and enjoy yourselves. If you would like to eat afterwards, please let Barrie Hall know on 01423 324650, so the Punch Bowl can be advised of numbers.
Water colour Painting lessons - Lessons start again in late September. Local artist Linda Bullus, teaches small classes to give individual tuition in water colour painting.
The group meets in Marton Memorial Hall on Thursdays between 2.15pm and 4.15pm. First session is September 27 and further lessons are on October 4 and 18 and continue through November.
During this session Linda will introduce some collage techniques to try.
For more information on equipment and costs, please ring 01423 325955.
Christ Church, Marton, Harvest Service - Notice of the Harvest Service to be held on Friday, September 28 at 7.30pm, followed by a Harvest Supper in the Village Hall.
All proceeds from the supper and raffle will be donated to Niger appeal/ UNICEF. All produce received will be donated to Springfield Garth Residential Home. Everybody welcome. Price for supper: Adults £2.50 and Children £1.50.
JRW - JRW stands for Jennyruth Workshops.
The workshop based in Ripon is for craftspeople that have learning difficulties. Coming up is a Hog Roast to be held in the very attractive beer garden at The Black-a-Moor, Bridge Hewick, Ripon on Sunday, September 30 at 3pm.
There will be lots of entertainment including live music.
Tickets for the Hog Roast cost £5 from Jennyruth workshops, contact number 01765 606620 or from the Black-a-Moor itself.
For details of this and all events view the website on www.jennyruth.co.uk or e-mail info@jennyruth.co.uk |
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Village News
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Contrib from Marton cum Grafton. Pauline Kilburn. Tel No: 01423 323420.
WI Report - The evening was a barbecue at Sharon
Thompson’s. The evening threatened rain but the laughter and gossiping at the garden picnic tables remained noisy and lively. Wine was brought in bottles, disguised in flasks and drunk with the barbecued fishes, meats and vegetables. The backdrop to the barbecue was tranquil and spectacular, rolling fields and waving trees.
After chocolates and coffee or tea WI members retired to the comfort of a fabulous room for the business part of the meeting.
Despite July being the ‘holiday’ season, 17 members came to the barbecue. June gave a warm welcome to everyone and extended thanks to those who brought salads and puddings and a special thank you to Sharon and Dave for their hospitality and cooking facilities. She reported that Open Gardens had raised £250 for WI funds but that they would be sharing this with two other groups in the village.
In June, Pauline Sneddon had attended the WI AGM and she gave a very informative account of the occasion. On a light note delegates from the NY West region were asked to curb their enthusiasm in the light of the election of two members to the Board of Trustees being home grown from this area, namely Anne Harrison and Stephanie Fort. Tony Christie ended the proceedings with a rendition of ‘Amarillo.’
There is no meeting in August but on Thursday, September 13 the Barbershop Group, performing a ‘Straysound Chorus’, will entertain members.
If anyone would like to join an active and expanding WI group then contact either June Sanderson on 01423 330494 or Sharon Thomson on 01423 324400
Marton cum Grafton School News - Ann Kennedy, one of the teacher’s at McG School has been granted a term’s sabbatical, from September 2007, to make a dream come true and along the way a difference to other people’s lives.
She is embarking on a walk of 500 miles along the pilgrimage road to Santiago de Compostela, having set out six weeks previously from a village, St John Pied de Port, just north of the Pyrenees. The walk is part of her fund-raising efforts to raise money for the Cambodia Community Challenge, one project of which is to help construct a vital building that will act as a school, a surgery and a refuge.
Anne wishes to raise £3,000 for Action Aid who try to fight global poverty and tackle the injustice and inequality that cause it.
If you would like to show support for Anne by making a donation, please contact the school on 01423 322355. |
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
McG school News
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Ann Kennedy, one of the teacher’s at McG School has been granted a term’s sabbatical, from September 2007, to make a dream come true and along the way a difference to other people’s lives.
She is embarking on a walk of five hundred miles along the pilgrimage road to Santiago de Compostela, having set out six weeks previously from a village, St John Pied de Port, just north of the Pyrenees. The walk is part of her fund raising efforts to raise money for the Cambodia Community Challenge, one project of which is to help construct a vital building that will act as a school, a surgery and a refuge.
Anne wishes to raise £3 000 for Action Aid who try to fight global poverty and tackle the injustice and inequality that cause it.
If you would like to show support for Anne by making a donation contact the school on 01423 322355.
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Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Marton cum Grafton WI Barbecue evening
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The evening was a barbecue at Sharon Thompson’s. The evening threatened rain but the laughter and gossiping at the garden picnic tables remained noisy and lively. Wine was brought in bottles, disguised in flasks and drunk with the barbecued fishes, meats and vegetables. The backdrop to the barbecue was tranquil and spectacular, rolling fields and waving trees.
After chocolates and coffee or tea WI members retired to the comfort of a fabulous room for the business part of the meeting.
Despite July being the ‘holiday’ season, seventeen members came to the barbecue. June gave a warm welcome to everyone who had come to the barbecue. She extended thanks to those members who brought salads and puddings and a special thank you to Sharon and Dave for their hospitality and cooking facilities. She reported that
Open gardens had raised £250 for WI funds but that they would be sharing this with two other groups in the village.
In June Pauline Sneddon had attended the W.I.AGM and she gave a very informative account of the occasion. On a light note delegates from the NY West region were asked to curb their enthusiasm in the light of the election of two members to the Board of Trustees being home grown from this area, namely Anne Harrison and Stephanie Fort. Tony Christie ended the proceedings with a rendition of ‘Amarillo.’
There is no meeting in August but on Thursday September 13th the Barbershop Group, performing a ‘Straysound Chorus’, will entertain members.
If anyone would like to join an active and expanding WI group then contact either June Sanderson on 330494 or Sharon Thomson on 324400
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Friday, June 15, 2007
Tiger tracking!
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WI Report for May's meeting
Ladies were packing into Marton cum Grafton Memorial Hall for May’s WI meeting. Twenty-eight in fact, including one new member and three guests, hopefully prospective members.
Business affairs included final arrangements for our outing in June to the Georgian Courthouse in Ripon. The evening will be a hands-on affair with dressing up opportunities and role-play for thespians. Barring any imprisonments members will stop off at the Blackamoor pub for refreshments.
Next month, on June 17th, it is Open Gardens in Marton cum Grafton. The WI will be serving teas and cakes at Highfield Croft, Grafton. There are always plenty of sitting out areas in the garden with fantastic views over the Vale of York to the White Horse at Kilburn.
Guest speaker for the evening was home grown this month! Pauline Kilburn gave a presentation on ‘Tiger tracking in India.’ Pauline admitted that it wasn’t often that members could own up to their fetishes and obsessions but hers was cats whether tame or wild, as in this case. It was mainly a story of optimism matched with some fabulous images of tigers lazing on rocks or flopping in pools. There is also the only lion sanctuary in Gir, India where there are the original line of lions that are part of the Old Testament Bible stories. However
the final message was one of sorrow and sadness, as recently, at least eight lions had been deliberately killed in Gir sanctuary and there is a growing pressure in China to lift the ban on the sale of tiger meat and parts. Once again the tiger and even the Asiatic lion populations are threatened with extinction.
The next two meetings are away from the hall. In June there is the trip to the courthouse and in July members will enjoy a barbecue in Grafton. |
Friday, June 15, 2007
The Case of the Missing Tools!
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WI Report June 2007
June’s WI meeting was an outing to the Georgian Courthouse Museum in Ripon. Some members went via the Prison, by mistake, but luckily were not detained!
The museum is housed in the former Quarter Sessions Courthouse, originally built in 1830, which later became a Magistrates Court until it closed in 1998. For the museum’s purposes of education and tourism the building has been reverted back to reflect court proceedings as they may have been in the 1800’s. Bess and Charles, volunteer guides, informed and entertained us on the history and workings of the courthouse.
For a general introduction we sat on benches around the outside of the hub of the court activities alongside some rather dodgy looking model figures. And then we donned bonnets, caps, shawls and cloaks to become the accused, the witnesses, the clerk, the defending and prosecuting solicitors and the three wise Justices! The evening, aided by a script, became an opportunity for thespians amongst members to perform ‘The Case of the missing tools’ and certain WI members did not disappoint! The two defendants, Doe and Roe were accused of stealing a bag of tools from Sam Smith on a very dark night. The only witness, Mary West, was sure of one man’s identity but was unable to identify the second defendant with the same confidence. The police constable called to the scene found them in the pub and their behaviour on questioning was suspicious and guilt ridden. The three Justices, retired to deliberate all the evidence and pass judgement and then sentence. One of them would certainly end up on a Victorian hulk ship before being transported to Australia. This was an original and entertaining way to learn the workings of the nineteenth century legal system.
So, no imprisonments then, members drove to the Blackamoor to enjoy a welcome supper and final arrangements were made for Open Gardens, Sunday 17th June.
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