Bishopstone with Hinton Parva WI
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The Bishopstone with Hinton Parva WI is a very friendly, active WI that offers its members companionship, as well as a range of leisure and educational activities. We were established in 1954 and currently have 57 members (20 of whom have been recruited since April 2009) who come not only from the villages of Bishopstone and Hinton Parva, but also from the surrounding villages of Ashbury, Bourton, Liddington, Shrivenham and Wanborough, as well as from Swindon.
Our annual programme runs from May until April and we normally meet at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of each month for about two hours either in Bishopstone Village Hall or Hinton Parva Village Hall (click). Ordinary meetings comprise a short update on current business, a guest speaker, competitions, a raffle and social time over delicious home made refreshments; the annual programme for 2011 - 2012 is here. We have two competitions at each meeting: bloom of the month, and a light hearted competition related to the evening speaker's presentation. Click here for this year's topics and winners.
Bishopstone and Hinton Parva are charming Wiltshire villages sited very close to the ancient Ridgeway, Britain's oldest road. Click here for a map showing where we are. We belong to the Wiltshire Federation of WIs and to the Ridgeway Group of WIs, both of which are described in more detail below.
Forget the stereotype WI lady - our members are modern women who enjoy socialising at our monthly meetings, welcome the chance to make new friends and, as you will see below, are always up for a challenge! We organise a wide variety of events each year that try to offer something for everyone and we enjoy the company of husbands, partners and guests at many of them. Our whist, scrabble and skittles teams compete regularly against other WIs in the County, and we also have a reading circle, movie club and walking group. Meet us all here.
Why not come along to one of our meetings as a guest and see what we are all about. Come on your own or bring a friend - we won't pressurise you into becoming a member, although we of course hope that you will want to.
Don't hesitate to call Diane (710759) or Maggie (710801) for more information.
 Diane [President] |
 Maggie [Treasurer] |
 Clare [Secretary] |
.jpg) Caroline [Minutes Secretary] |
 Jean C [V. Pres & Asst Treasurer] |
 Hazel |
 Doris |
 Margaret D |
 Lynda P |
Our elected Officers and Committee Members for 2010-11 are identified above and their roles are specified here. Committee Meetings usually take place on the afternoon of the first Thursday of each month. Other WI members carry out specific duties, details of which may be viewed here.
Click on any event in the table below to be directed to the relevant report and photos.
This takes place in March and is an opportunity to review our year and elect our Committee for the new session; we always finish with something light-hearted and in March 2011 this was cheese and wine followed by a beetle drive.
Spring Events:
In March 2011 thirty four members and guests enjoyed an really excellent 3 course evening meal prepared and served by the budding young chefs at Swindon College Training Restaurant.
In April 2011 some of our members visited The Barbury Shooting School - the 2010-11 Shooting Ground of the Year. Our tutor Derrick gave us a thorough grounding in all aspects of gun safety and etiquette before kitting us out with safety glasses and ear protectors. He also explained that the guns we would use had been especially designed so that we would not feel any "kick back" on firing - something that we had worried a little about beforehand. Then we set off for the first of three different shooting stands. Derrick showed each of us in turn how to hold the gun properly, aim it and fire it, promising that we would all hit targets. With some scepticism we each fired 10 rounds at clays that came from 2 different directions and were amazed that we all hit some of them. Then it was on to 2 further stands where the clays followed 4 new trajectories. Each of us fired a total of 30 shots and we all managed to hit at least half of the clays; the best score was 21 - not bad for a bunch of WI rookies! Lunch together in the warm club house brought an end to a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Derrick explaining gun safety and etiquette
Jane McC Trish Jane R
Each year all WIs discuss and vote on resolutions that have come through a rigorous selection process and been chosen for debate at the AGM of the National Federation of Women's Institutes.
In early May 2011 there were two resolutions for our WI to debate and then vote on:
1) This meeting abhors the practice of factory farming particularly large animals such as pigs and cows and urges HM Government to ensure planning permission is not granted for such projects.
We were very fortunate to have as our guest speaker for the evening Mr David Ball, Farms Director at Kemble Farm in Gloucestershire, who told us about his own experiences of dairy farming with a herd of some 800 cows and then answered questions from our members. The majority of our members voted against the resolution on mega farms.
2) This meeting urges HM Govenrment to maintain support for local libraries as an essential local educational and information resource.
Our President reminded members of the pros and cons of this resolution as set out in WI Life and also related the results of various investigations into the subject including a recent MORI poll commissioned by the Government. At the vote the majority of our members supported the resolution on libraries.
Update: At the June 2011 NFWI AGM in Liverpool, the local libraries resolution received approximately 98% support and will be now be taken forward. After all the speakers had delivered their contributions to the mega farms resolution, members considered that they either could not make an informed decision, or did not have the flexibility to vote. Therefore the resolution will not be pursued.
In mid May 2011 a 34 strong group comprising our WI members and their guests very much enjoyed a guided Tour of Hidden London and the Regents Canal. Our early morning coach took us to London Wall where we met our Blue Badge Guide and stopped for coffee in sight of the Millennium Bridge. We then walked from Aldersgate to Newgate via a narrow maze of streets and alleyways. We passed tranquil gardens within the ruins Christ Church Newgate Street, which was built on the site of Greyfriars Monastery after the dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. We visited a plague pit and saw the nearby memorial plaques initiated by G F Watts to commemorate heroic self sacrifice. Then into the grounds of St Bart's Hospital, which was founded in 1123. We left via King Henry VIII gate turned to our left and saw a striking Tudor Gatehouse rising over a Norman archway. This was once the main entrance of a Priory Church, and is now the gateway that leads to the parish church of St Bartholomew The Great. Then on to Cloth Street, where medieval merchants gathered to buy and sell material during Bartholemew's Fair. We saw the homes of Hercule Poirot and Sir John Betjeman, and then visited Smithfield, the Victorian market, now beautifully restored and still trading. Next, on to the precincts of St Pauls Cathedral for sightseeing and lunch. Then it was back on the coach again to Camden Market and Camden Lock where we boarded a classic narrow boat for a 50 minute cruise on London's Regents Canal. Finally we stopped for tea in the newly developed Paddington Basin, before heading back to the coach and home. It was day packed with many varied and interesting things to see, all put into historical context by our excellent guide.
Our guide Steven explaining the day's itinerary Standing on the site of a London plague pit
Discovering the history of St Bartholemew's Hospital
Narrow boats on the Regents Canal View from boat of the Snowden Aviary at the Zoo
This is always a popular and competitive event, with the schedule including classes for flowers, floral art, cookery, photography and crafts as well as classes for children and men. A dedicated Committee takes responsibility for organising and staging the Show, external judges evaluate the exhibits and there are trophies and other small prizes to be won (click here for details).
The photos below show just a few of the numerous entries from our June 2011 Show. At the end of the proceedings we have a raffle and then we auction off entries donated by members to raise some funds for our other activities. Click here to find out who were the 2011 winners.
Visitors viewing the Cookery exhibits Roses & Miniature Blooms
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Floral Art Drawings and Paintings
Knitwear Hand made wedding Invitations
Margaret and Lynda with the Show Trophies
In late June 2011 several of our members attended the annual end of term show "All Stitched Up" presented by fashion and textile students from New College, Swindon. The spectacular performance lasted for two hours and featured hats, capes, skirts, dresses, evening gowns, berets, scarves and aprons all made and modelled by the students, as well as fashion items designed to reflect particular themes such as red & black, black & gold chinese, cherry blossom, recyled, jungle, peacock, Matisse/Rhodes. The students not only made the clothes, but chose the accompanying music, designed the sets and developed the choreography. We thoroughly enjoyed the show and it was a delight to see such talented young people give such a professional performance.
Summer Events:
Summer provides an ideal excuse for a BBQ, Safari Supper, outing or something similar; partners/friends are invited and we socialise in a relaxed setting. Our Summer 2011 events had something of a science bias.
In June 2011 some of our members attended a fascinating one day NFWI Science meeting in London entitled "Stars in their Eyes" at which they heard lectures from two top women scientists entitled: "The Science and Beauty of Nebulae" and "Careering through Astronomy".
Then in early July 2011 a group of members enjoyed an evening with Michael Faraday - the so called "Father of Electricity" organised by WFWI, at Bromham. Faraday's life, key experiments and scientific achievements were ably described and demonstrated with gusto by David Hall, in period dress, with the help of several volunteers from amongst the 120 strong audience (see photos below).
In early August 2011, members and their guests visited the Diamond Light Source - the UK’s national synchrotron science facility based at the Science and Innovation Campus at Harwell. We started our visit with an illustrated talk by David Price. He explained that a Synchrotron comprises three components: i) a linear accelerator that generates electrons, which are transferred under high vaccuum to ii) a booster accelerator where they are energised and accelerated still further. When they
reach the right speed and energy they are injected into iii) a storage ring, which is 562metres in circumference. The electrons, which are by then travelling at just under the speed of light, pass through specially designed magnets and emit brilliant synchrotron light, which is channelled, as beamlines, to the experimental stations sited around the outside of the storage ring. Diamond will have 22 beamlines by 2012 with a further 10 planned by 2017. David then went on to describe, with examples, how the brilliant beams of light are being used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines, including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences. After questions, we were taken on a comprehensive tour of the facility. We walked around the perimeter of the storage ring and viewed the experimental stations and adjacent laboratories at the ends of the beamlines. We heard a lot about the rigorous, regimes and precautions that are in place to assure the safety of those working there and, since the Synchrotron had been completely shut down for routine maintenance, we were able to step inside the storage ring to see the banks of internal magnets. It was a fascinating day.
Our members in the reception area of Diamond House
David Price explaining the system of magnets Standing above the storage ring
Then in late August 2011, on a beautiful sunny day, we enjoyed a Bring and Buy Coffee Morning in Lynda's delightful garden, to raise funds for our own WI and also to make a donation to the "Do It For Denman College" initiative.
In mid September 2011 our so called "extreme sports group" (!) had a go at horse riding in Hinton Parva. As you can see from the photos, they took to it like ducks to water and are now looking into dinghy sailing for their next intrepid adventure.
Jane McC, Jean, Caroline, Hazel, Anne, Tina, Joan and Doris
Each September we celebrate our "birthday" with a fun gathering of members, partners and friends. It may be a party in the village hall, a trip on the river, a meal out, or anything suggested by a member and agreed by the rest. Everyone contributes some food to the occasion and we often have a birthday cake too. In late September 2011 we marked our 57th birthday with a Race Night and Ploughman's Supper followed by delicious cakes made by our members. All of our ladies wore Ascot hats and some of our menfolk also entered into the spirit of the ocassion by wearing hats too. Great fun was had by all with Clare taking the highest individual winnings and Joan winning the best hat competition.
Joan and the winning hat
Autumn Events:
On 3 October 2011 members and guests embarked on a tour of the Oxford Colleges, ably led by Bill and Ted our Blue Badge Guides. We began with Exeter, which is Oxford's fourth oldest college and has occupied much of its present site since its foundation in 1314. J.R.R. Tolkien was an undergraduate here, as were Alan Bennett, Martin Amis and Nobel Laureate scientist Sydney Brenner. The fictitious Inspector Morse collapsed on the lawn in the front quad. We viewed inside the chapel to the delightful accompaniament of organ practice.
Entrance to Exeter College Chapel Our guide explaining the history of the College
Admiring the "dreaming spires" from a viewing platform in the garden of Exeter College
Then it was on to Lincoln College which was founded by Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, in 1427 and is the ninth oldest of the University's 38 colleges. The colours of the ivy in the quadrangle were magnificent. Ted told us more about the history of the College from within the Chapel.
Lincoln College Quadrangle Inside Lincoln College Chapel - facing the entrance
Inside Lincoln College Chapel facing the altar Lincoln College Dining Hall
After that we visited the University Church of St Mary the Virgin which has been the focus of Christian worship and debates about religion, politics, and morality for over 700 years; it has also witnessed important historical events associated with Thomas Cranmer, John Wesley and John Henry Newman. Our next stop was the Radcliffe Camera, a large circular building with dome, built in the mid 1700s with money bequeathed by John Radcliffe (1650-1714) the famous physician; it was designed to house a library endowed by Radcliffe. In 1860 all works on natural sciences were transferred to the University Museum. Opposite the Camera we saw All Souls College which was founded by Henry VI in 1438 and has the distinction of being the only College without undergraduates. Its fellows are involved in teaching and supervision of research.
Radcliffe Camera Bodleian Tower of 5 Orders In the Quadrangle of the Bodleian Library
Our next stop was the Bodleian Library which dates from 1602 and is housed in a remarkable group of buildings which form the historic heart of the University. The Schools Quadrangle (sometimes referred to as the "Old Schools Quadrangle", or the "Old Library") was built between 1613 and 1619 by adding three wings to the Proscholium and Arts End. Its tower forms the main entrance to the library, and is known as the Tower of the Five Orders, because it is ornamented, in ascending order, with the columns of each of the five orders of classical architecture: Doric, Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite.
Bridge of Sighs which links the quads of Hertford College Learning about the history of the Sheldonian Theatre
On leaving the library we saw to our right the Bridge of Sighs which despite being almost as famous a landmark as its Italian counterpart, was in fact modelled on the Rialto Bridge in Venice. It was built in 1913 and links together the Old and New Quadrangles of Hertford College. To our left was the Sheldonian Theatre, erected in 1664 to a design by Sir Christopher Wren and described by the European Commission in 1994 as one of the architectural jewels of Oxford. It provides a secular venue for the University's principle meetings and public ceremonies. That marked the end of our tour, but as we took the route back towards our bus stop we passed the Museum of the History of Science which houses an unrivalled collection of early scientific instruments in the the world's oldest surviving purpose built museum building, the Old Ashmolean on Broad Street, Oxford.
There is always a “Members' Meeting” in October, which gives two of our ladies the opportunity to experience being President and Secretary for the evening with a view to perhaps becoming future Committee Members. In 2011 these duties were undertaken by Jane W and Janne respectively. The business part of the meeting was preceeded by a talk from our guest speaker Sue Elliot - an NFWI judge - who explained in a light hearted way how to present Show entries to best effect and what judges look for in making their assessments. We then had a picture quiz during the refreshments break, won by Hilary.
The DVD Club met at Lynda's house in mid October 2011 and much enjoyed a showing of "Coco Chanel" - in french with translations. This was followed a few weeks later by a showing of The King's Speech, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
Our Christmas meeting is an ocassion for celebration with husbands, partners and friends. This year our Committee did us proud with a buffet style main course of roast turkey and ham plus vegetarian quiches, accompanied by posh salads, crusty bread and butter and a cheese board. Our members additionally provided a fabulous array of desserts. We were entertained by the 20 strong Wrag Singers from Highworth who treated us to a very varied programme of songs, and finished their performance with carols which we all joined it with. It was a super evening.
The Wrag Singers entertaining us
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2010 Highlights
At the beginning of October 2010 a small group of our members was privileged to visit the Medical 
Research Council's Mammalian Genetics Unit based at the Science and Innovation Campus at Harwell. We were welcomed by the Director, Professor Steve Brown, heard about the Unit's ongoing research programmes from several members of the scientific staff and were then taken into one of the laboratories where, with expert tuition, we each extracted some DNA from a banana! Some of the ladies even took their DNA sample home, firmly sealed within a tiny plastic tube with super glue, to show to their families. After a buffet lunch during which we had an opportunity to talk informally with the staff, we had a guided tour around the laboratories and inspected the latest lab equipment at close hand. This was not only a unique opportunity, but a highly memorable day and we could not have received a more friendly and enthusiastic welcome.
Research Council's Mammalian Genetics Unit based at the Science and Innovation Campus at Harwell. We were welcomed by the Director, Professor Steve Brown, heard about the Unit's ongoing research programmes from several members of the scientific staff and were then taken into one of the laboratories where, with expert tuition, we each extracted some DNA from a banana! Some of the ladies even took their DNA sample home, firmly sealed within a tiny plastic tube with super glue, to show to their families. After a buffet lunch during which we had an opportunity to talk informally with the staff, we had a guided tour around the laboratories and inspected the latest lab equipment at close hand. This was not only a unique opportunity, but a highly memorable day and we could not have received a more friendly and enthusiastic welcome.
On 11th October 2010 some of our members enjoyed a craft afternoon, organised by Maggie and Lynda P, where they learned how to make Fabric Covered Boxes from one of the recently introduced NFWI Action Packs. Frances and her husband John, who were familiar with the techniques involved, pre-cut the card and material which would be used to fashion two boxes. Everyone then had a go at lacing the fabric over the card and stitching the pieces together to make the completed box and lid. Ten of our members made the trip to Oxford to see a matinee performance of "Hairspray" at the New Theatre in mid October 2010, brilliantly chosen and organised by Joy. It was a fantastic production with all the London cast and starred Brian Conley and Les Denis. The performance was one of "non stop energy"; the singing, dancing and humour were incomparable and were rewarded at the end with a standing ovation from the audience. Other members had an equally enjoyable time, also organised by Joy, at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon where they saw a much praised production of Beauty and the Beast.
Our Christmas meeting is an evening party to which we invite partners, husbands, friends, and members of other local WIs. The Committee provides the main course and our members contribute desserts. There is often some form of entertainment, either from our own members or an external group, a raffle, competitions and carols. It is always a good evening as well as a great opportunity to celebrate Christmas together. At our 2010 Party, we were royally entertained by the very accomplished Geoff Walters and his singers - "Encore". After a huge ovation and cries of "more" we enjoyed three more songs before the performance finally ended. The group very generously donated their fee to Prospect Hospice - one of our local charities.
Our Christmas Celebration 2010
Geoff Walters and Encore
1. A Circular Walk from Ashbury Near Swindon (click here to open)
Our WI provides a bursary of £200 every second year to enable one of our members to attend a course at Denman College, the WI's own adult education centre near Abingdon in Oxfordshire. The lucky recipient's name is drawn out of a hat at our Members' Meeting in March. The 2011 Bursary winner was Jane W.
In April 2009 we successfully attracted £9,900 in grant funding from the National Lottery's Awards for All Scheme to permit each of our members to attend a Denman College course of her choice up to the value of £250. To maximise value for money of the grant, our members produced illustrated reports about the courses they attended and these were compiled into an end-of-grant booklet. As well as this, we organised a series of "See and Try" events to cascade the skills we learned at Denman College to other members of our WI, to other WIs and to the public. Three such events were held as part of our regular monthly WI meetings. In addition, three events were open to the public in April, June and July 2010; a final open event took place in October 2010. In total, our WI has participated in 36 different courses at Denman College; this opportunity not only enhanced our skills set beyond our imagining, but has enabled us to meet many new people and broaden our horizons.Our members would like to express their sincere gratitude to Awards for All for the unique opportunities the grant afforded us.
Visitors viewing the demonstrations Some results of the Church Flowers Workshop
As well as making sumptuous dishes for our own special events and refreshments for our monthly meetings, our members help prepare and serve refreshments in our two Village Halls for other WIs and external Societies who pass through our villages on day outings. We sometimes also cater for celebratory events at other venues. This is a good way for our members to meet new people and also makes a little extra money to fund our other activities. Click here for more information on menus and to see photos of some of our recent events. Don't hesitate to give Lynda a ring on 791722 to discuss your event and requirements. The photo on the right shows Hinton Parva Village Hall prepared for a cream tea.
Bishopstone Village Hall Hinton Parva Village Hall
Both Halls are situated in delightful Wiltshire villages close to the ancient Ridgeway - England's oldest road. They both have a kitchen, disabled access, an audio system and a car park. Bishopstone Hall also has an elevated stage.
Institutes can choose to link together with neighbouring WIs to form a Group. Our WI for example, belongs to the Ridgeway Group, which is currently convened by our Val and comprises seven WIs; the others are Stratton St Margaret WI, Upper Stratton WI, Chiseldon WI, Ermin Street WI, Liden WI and Ellendune WI. The Ridgeway Group holds Spring and Autumn evening meetings each year, with tasks being organised on a rotational basis. There is always a guest speaker, a competition and a raffle, plus light refreshments. Group events offer an opportunity not only to meet members of other local WIs, but also to exchange ideas about guest speakers and leisure activities. In April 2011 the speaker was Paul Evans who entertained us with an evening of Poems and Monologues. The competition involved writing a poem about the WI in no more than 12 lines; there were ten or so entries including two from our WI (see below), one of which was judged by Paul Evans to be the winner.
| THE WI (poem A) | THE WI - (poem B) |
|
In your 30’s, leaving kids with Dad, you join the W.I.
Full of energy, joie de vivre, enthusiasm, and very spry
You join in everything, reaching for the sky
In your 50’s, you’ve enjoyed most things, done your bit
Been on the committee, won a cup, in the skittles made a hit
You still partake in most events, but now happy to listen and sit
Now you’re nearly 80, almost the oldest member
A bit stiff but still got all your marbles and can remember
Past events and speakers; but now prepared to sit back -
even slumber
|
In a moment of weakness I gave the WI a try
Are you mad my friends asked, you’ll soon say goodbye
Football and sailing are much more your style
Jam and Jerusalem are certain to rile
But that didn’t happened, the doubters were wrong
The WI stereotype has truly long gone
Instead we tour vineyards, go shooting and learn crafts
Make DNA from bananas and go to the theatre for laughs
Enjoy Ridgeway Group meetings and Denman too
Have a voice on key issues that affect me and you
Climate change, mega farms, honey bees and more
The WI offers friendship and opportunities galore
|
In October 2011 Chester House Productions entertained us with a stage version of "Florence" - the story of Florence Nightingale. The competition was an antique lamp or candlestick; Jane Mank from our WI won the runners up cup.
9 March 2012 - Science Visit to the Functional Magnetic Resonance Institute for the Brain at Oxford.