News

The March meeting of the Hawkinge Acrise and Paddlesworth WI was well attended and the speaker, Imogen Corrigan, who had given a riveting talk last year, was given a warm welcome back by the President as we were very pleased to see her again. 

Imogen’s talk “Seeing is Believing” tackles the subject of art produced in churches during the medieval period of our history. It covers a huge time span (1000 to 1600) and is, therefore, packed with a massive assortment of information. 

Not only were we shown a wonderful collection of slides but entertained with a hugely enjoyable medley of facts and figures from medieval times; during the years of the plague some 60% of the population died – it is almost impossible to take that in; but it was also nice to see that not all the art was religious but a telling comment of the mores of that time – women brawling and husbands being bashed! 

Our WI is fortunate to be meeting up with Imogen in Canterbury later in the spring to have a guided tour of St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martins Church (the oldest parish church in England), when I’m sure we will be treated to a further feast of amazing information. 

Earlier, at the start of the afternoon the president had accorded birthday greeting to Mesdames Bruce, Lamb and Godden. Unfortunately only Mrs Lamb was present as the other ladies were poorly and we hope that by the time this appears in April they are well again. Such a shame because the cake provided for the Birthday Table looked absolutely delicious! I think I saw the speaker have two slices!

In keeping with the theme of the afternoon the monthly competition was for a “Medieval Headdress” and was won by Janet Cripps who had made her entry completely from natural resources.

Members were reminded of the trips being planned for this year; in May a guided walk in Canterbury at no cost to members; in July a trip on a Paddle Steamer; in October a visit to Westminster Abbey. And that is just the outings that our WI is arranging, apart from regular monthly meetings there is so much more going on in East Kent Federation – why not come along and find out what you can enjoy by becoming a member (some twenty of us are going to Margate later in the month when the main speaker is to be Clarissa Dickson-Wright). 

You will be given a very warm welcome; at the next meeting on April 3rd we are to be whizzed “Around the World in 50 Minutes” by Mrs Dunkley; commencing at 2pm in Hawkinge Village Hall. Should you like more information please contact the secretary on 863146. 

Linda Barnes 

Committee Member