Although we had a few members missing, there were quite a lot of us present for the first meeting in the newly refurbished Ashford village hall. It really is a great improvement and felt a lot lighter and airier.
The March bowling trip was a great success and the contest was a real nail biter right to the very last when Di-ana Stone had a double strike and snatched the winning score from Ann Hughes. There were no hard feelings, we had a lovely meal, and a great time was had by all. Many thanks to Sue and Ann for organising it.
Eight of our brave ladies, in conjunction with Knowbury members, risked life and limb to do a litter pick starting just above the Grete turning, down the Caynham Road to the junction of the A49. Their hard work is appreciated and the roadsides certainly look a lot a lot tidier and cleaner. Keep Britain Tidy was originally set up by a confer-ence of 26 organisations in 1955. The conference was initiated by the British Women’s Institute after a resolu-tion was passed at its 1954 AGM to start a national anti-litter campaign.
Our guest speakers for the evening were Gary and Jan and Ball, based at Ty Mawr Medieval Hall just outside Castle Caereinion, Welshpool, who gave us a talk on Medieval Living History. They brought with them many arti-facts and were authentically dressed in costumes of the middle class. It really was an enlightening amusing and interesting talk. Gary told us that the men had to be dressed in a respectful manner, which meant always wearing a hat and, after marriage, the ladies always covered their hair. I think that had history been presented in this way when we were at school then it would certainly have invoked a lot more interest and enthusiasm. They have open days and living history displays at Castle Ceareinion which would be well worth a visit.
Our next meeting is at Caynham on Wednesday 13th May, the speaker is Carol Dowding who will tell us of her experiences as a helicopter pilot. Everybody is welcome. SMW