There is so much choice!  This September  BEWI members have been involved with a visit to Russell-Coates; discussing Hazel Prior’s “September Away with the Penguins”; walking through our glorious countryside; socialising over a game of Mah-jong and tasting memorable rosé wines.

Reviewers said the book was “Gorgeous.  Unflinching, stubborn, funny and moving, Veronica is an unlikely heroine who will sneak in and capture your heart”.  At the Wine Club something else “gorgeous” was Whispering Angel, arguably the best Rosé in the World from Chateau d’Esclans, it’s definitely a very special wine.  History Group 2 enjoyed Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum which was founded by Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes and is a rare survivor as the residence of a Victorian private collector, it’s full of gorgeous items.

Our walkers had a perfect day to meander through the fields and lanes to Hengistbury Head and back to Tuckton Tea Rooms.  And if you don’t want to be outside, remember Rosemary and friends are happy to teach you to play Mah-jong.  There is so much choice!

Today we visited All Saints Church, Thorney Hill. Thank you Ingrid Tomkins for opening the church for us and for giving us an interesting talk about how it was built by Lord and Lady Manners as a memorial to their daughter Mary Christine who died in 1904 and their son, Lieutenant John Manners who lost his life at the Battle of Mons, 1914. We had the opportunity to study the beautiful mural, the theme of which is Te Deum, completed by the Arts and Crafts artist Phoebe Traquair in 1922.

Whilst a picture speaks a thousand words it doesn’t quite capture the atmosphere and excitement of  Bransgore Evening WI members getting together after 19 months.  Of course, we had been together in small groups enjoying walking, book clubs, quilting, tasting wine but this was all together different.  There was a buzz!  Everything had been carefully planned by the committee taking into account santizers, ventilation and space.  The hall looked inviting with flowers, delicious platters of cheese and friendly smiles.  We welcomed new members, celebrated birthdays, made our guests feel included and thanked Hazel for her contribution to BEWI.  We also thought about members who couldn’t attend in September and look forward to seeing them in October.

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With our first full meeting in September, the committee have been very busy deciding how to celebrate the event whilst keeping everyone safe and having fun!  Tuesday was a whirlwind of activity with flowers being cut and arranged for all the tables; cheese and delicious nuts, dried fruit and grapes were arranged on platters and, of course, the wine chilled.  At 6pm all the committee worked together at the Village Hall to ensure we were ready for members and guests.

In reality it was Tea for Twenty!

BEWI members sat beneath chandeliers, surrounded by flowers, an array of vintage crockery and objet d’art in the delightful Potting Shed for afternoon tea. Everything was a feast for the eyes including the huge scones filled with cream and strawberries plus tiers of freshly baked cakes.  Smiles, laughter and lots of chatter completed this perfect afternoon.