Weather's snow bother as WI members turnout for annual Christmas event
An impressive 600 members from Women's Institutes across Staffordshire braved the snowy conditions this week to hear Will Kirk of the Repair Shop speak at the County Showground.
The day was the Staffordshire Federation's Annual Christmas event, attended by the National Federation of Women's Institutes Chair, Jeryl Stone. There were three speakers who all had a passion for their practical skills.
Will was on stage 'in conversation' with Helen Newman, Trustee, and he captivated the audience with his easy style of talking. He shared details of how he developed his love of antique furniture, how he came to be on the TV and what he has planned. As with many life-paths, he came across the restoration of furniture after a chance remark - by his mother - who saw a course advertised in a local newspaper. This led to commissions in Mayfair and even restoring the Duke of Wellington's desk in Whitehall.
The morning was given to demonstrations. Firstly, Perry's of Eccleshall, ably assisted by members of the audience, showed how sausages, pigs in blankets and samosas were made - as with all their products these are all made by hand. Stephen and Debbie Perry have a philosophy of care from field to fork and the meat used in their products are from animals raised within five miles of their premises.
The second morning speaker was Pam Moseley of Quirky Flowers, Cheddleton who created a Christmas Wreath using home grown coloured willow, a green Father Christmas and a hand-tied bouquet using seasonal flowers and foliage. The challenges of growing in wet and often cold conditions were explained with ideas and tips liberally dispensed as she worked.
During the lunch break, members were able to view the competition entries from the year, including short stories, needle-crafted postcards and dragonflies made from recycled materials. There was also the opportunity to shop at the many stalls offering a range of goods from home baked to homemade and the unusual - a good way to start Christmas shopping.
The day was organised by the Federation's Events Committee and their Chair, Verity Conner said: "I am thrilled that everyone was able to attend. It was wonderful to see so many members enjoying themselves and to hear six hundred voices singing Jerusalem was quite emotional. Our next event at The Showground is on 8 April when the Keynote Speaker will be Kate Bottley."
Staffordshire Federation Chair, Helen Mancy, added: "I am so grateful to Verity and her Team who all work so hard to ensure that the day runs smoothly."
For information on WIs in Staffordshire, visit sfwi.org where there is a link to their Facebook page.
