A delightful abundance of colour and surprise greeted the members of BEWI Gardening Club when they visited Vicky’s garden.  Behind a beautiful Victorian cottage lay a garden crammed full of plants.  Wild strawberries grew in the paving, clematis climbed up the trees, sweet peas and roses added delicious fragrance and there were plants that we couldn’t name.  Fortunately, Vicky not only has green fingers but keeps plant labels and Bepleurum (common name Hare’s Ear) was identified.   We all had a magical time in this pretty country garden.

Bransgore Evening WI entered the Group Quiz knock out round at  Myrtle Hall, Burley.  Our brilliant, brainy members came a creditable second place with 117 points two less than the winners. Our congratulations to Crow WI

The sky was pure blue and summer was definitely forecast for a lovely day in June when four intrepid walkers put on their shoes, sunscreen and hats and headed for the countryside.   Temperatures reached 25C so being well prepared was essential.  Also on another sunny day in June one of BEWI’s History Groups enjoyed a tour of Elizabethan Mansion Breamore House.  The Camera Club didn’t go out in June but spent an interesting time viewing and critiquing photographs taken by members when they were out and about!  On each occasion members discovered and learnt new things as well as having fun.

New president Ann has had a busy first month.  At the regular monthly meeting she introduced the new committee to the members and said she was delighted to be President and assured everyone she would do her best.  Ann said if there were ever any questions she would always try to find the answers.  Following the vote at the May meeting Ann confirmed that Diane’s suggestion of “Simon Says” had been adopted as BEWI’s charity for 2022/23 and she phoned the charity to let them know.  Ann and the quiz team were getting ready for the first round of the Group Quiz and, of course, there was Crafty Girls and Nosh & Natter and the Monday coffee meeting not to mention all the other events during the month.  Being president certainly means being busy.

Our new website is one year old today and documents the life of our busy WI.

The popularity of our small groups still grows.  The Wine Club, Gardening Club, Camera Club, Quilting are all flourishing and educating members.  History clubs, Ma Jong, Book Clubs and Crafty Girls continue successfully with the latest two groups to start in 2022 the Knitting group and Walking with Dogs.  The committee’s thanks go to all of the lead members who make such an effort to create these varied and interesting meetings which allow our 80 plus members to get to know each other and share skills.  BEWI has attracted many compliments from its new members about the range of activities.  17 new members joined in the last year.  If you are interested in finding out more, please click on the “join us” tab, it would be great to meet you.

Three young Ukrainian children with smiles on their faces cuddling teddies knitted by 2 of our members.  The two boys are brothers Ilya and Misha age 5 and 8 and the girl, Vinka is their cousin, she is nearly 9 yrs.  A small gift from us and their smile a gift to us.

Please let Ann or Liz know if you wish to have the pattern.

A description of the members of BEWI?  It works but this time the adjectives are used to describe the results of a rare production process to make world famous gin.  BEWI members headed to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Laverstock for a visit of education, tasting and fun.  The combination of history, good company and the chance to taste the new flavours certainly proved to be an excellent cocktail.  Cheers everyone.

Bransgore Evening WI members were at the village Fun Run on Sunday 12th June glad to see that this annual event, organised by Bransgore Rotary,  is once again happening.  Perhaps not too many BEWI (or any) were running but their presence was greatly appreciated non the less on the sunny Sunday.  Members had kindly baked biscuits for the supporters of the event held at the Bransgore Recreation Ground.  Thank you to Ann, Glynis, Wendy, Carol, Mary and Wendy for representing BEWI

and “Well Done” to all the runners.

Caroline, president of Bransgore Evening WI had announced at last year’s Annual Meeting that she would be leaving at the end of the year.  What a year it has been!  Caroline’s vision, energy and enthusiasm has invigorated the committee. She’s been a tremendous influence on encouraging BEWI to be successful, progressive and innovative.  She reminded us in her farewell speech that the combined efforts of all the committee plus the many members who volunteer, assist and run the small groups all help to make our WI a huge successful.  Caroline thanked everyone and we also thank her for her time, leadership and friendship.  In coming president Ann presented Caroline with flowers.

 

 

It was a lovely day when several members of the gardening club visited Sandie’s beautiful garden.

It has taken 16 years of enjoyable but hard work for Sandie and her husband to create their child friendly garden.  Learning how to develop a mostly dry shady back garden has been challenging especially as all the trees have TPO’s.  Mostly consisting of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, ferns and one of Sandie’s favourites, hellebores, the garden is at its most colourful in the spring, with colourful evergreen foliage also playing an important role. There is a bark covered play area with swings, climbing frame and monkey bars for their nine grandchildren to enjoy, as well as a tree house, garden gnomes and tiny animals to find amongst the undergrowth.

Dotted around are Pieris, Heuchera (lemon coloured to stand out in the shade), ornamental grasses, Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’, hydrangea, climbers and two herbaceous borders which get full sun most of the afternoon and evening.  The back and front lawns are Sandie’s husband’s domain!!