News

ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY

HAWKINGE ACRISE AND PADDLESWORTH WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

In our yearly calendar July is always held as a Garden Party, an event that we all look forward to. A change of scene from the Village Hall, fresh air, surrounded by lovingly cared for plants and hopefully some sunshine, of course in the event of inclement weather we have to retreat to the hall. 

There lies the problem this year as the weather has not been kind and although on waking the weather was bright and clear there was a rather cold wind blowing, and later in the morning an occasional black cloud scudding by – what to do!. 

A last minute change of venue had already occurred due to unforeseen circumstances and we were going to Christine Allard’s garden for the afternoon, Christine having put off going on holiday to accommodate us, many thanks are sent to her and Tim for this very kind gesture. At midday, the President still undecided, a wonderful conversation took place with Christine who said the members were welcome indoors should they get too cold and if it rained, double thanks to her, (no mean feat to suddenly have over thirty WI ladies in your home – where is the duster?!) Everyone assured that they wouldn’t have to shiver all afternoon and yes after all that, the sun shone! 

The afternoon was hugely enjoyable, after a welcoming glass of punch and a little bit of business, there were several activities to take part in; egg and spoon races, quoits, a treasure trail (with numerous gifts to find – kindly donated by Nora Cole) and a rather difficult quiz to keep the grey matter active (we even spotted one member phoning a friend!). 

The committee had worked tremendously hard to provide a visually stunning and tremendously tasty tea, many thanks go to them. The monthly competition was “A Fan�; won by Janet Cripps. The winner of the written quiz was Joan Bassett, Christine Allard had the highest score at Quoits, and winners of the Egg and Spoon races were, Margaret Wood, Madeleine Egleton, Hettie Quinn and Linda Barnes (Madeleine going on to win the “Winners Race�).

The afternoon simply flew by and all too soon it was time to call the meeting to a close with the singing of the National Anthem. And then the rain came! My thanks go to everyone who made the afternoon such a success, for without a willing and hard working committee these events would not take place. 

The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 2 August, starting at 2pm, when Mrs Ellman-Brown will give a talk on “What You Didn’t Know About Buttons�; guess what, the competition is for “An Unusual Button�. If you are free do come along and enjoy the afternoon with us or for more information please contact our Secretary on 893858.

Linda Barnes
President