Pakenham WI News - April 2011

March 24th 2011 - Parish Plan Meeting.
The catering teamed excelled yet again when they provided an excellent range of cakes for the Pakenham Parish Plan Presentation Evening, thanks to all concerned.

March 30th 2011 - The Pakenham Village Hall A.G.M.
At the start of the meeting members of our institute gave a carved village hall sign board to go above the hall door plus a brass plaque to say it was presented by the members of Pakenham W.I. to commemorate their 90th birthday. Three W.I. members stood for election on the committee; Carol, Lesley Ann and myself were all elected.

April 11th 2011 - Sleep over to Harrogate.
Sixteen members of Pakenham W.I. headed northwards on Monday 11th April to accept Betty's and Taylor's long standing invitation to visit their Yorkshire Tea Factory.

Yorkshire Tea were one of the main Tea Time in Texas sponsors resulting in a firm friendship ever since. The invitation was originally for me but as always the team decided to come along for the ride. One thing led to another and before I knew what was happening sixteen of us were booked on a Harrogate sleepover, and what fun it turned out to be.

We arrived at Yorkshire Tea for lunch time almost in time to clash with David and Samantha Cameron who just happened to be guests that day. Even if we had met up they would never have recognised us as we were fully clad in white overalls and wait for it, matching white hair nets; a bit like the Rag Trade ladies of the sixties. After a cup of good old Yorkshire tea we had a demonstration at the cookery school. Then fully kitted out in the white uniform plus brilliant yellow ear plugs we toured the coffee and tea factory. We were then invited to taste many of the tea mixtures in the blending rooms - those of us who attempted the procedure managed to dribble a substantial amount of that tea down our pristine white outfits as we misfired into the spittoons.!!!!

Our 26 seater coach then took us on to Betty's Tearooms where a cream tea was served courtesy of my friend Sarah Wells. The scones were not up to the Tea Time in Texas team's standards , but very acceptable after a long hard day.!!! We spent a fun packed evening in a local hotel recharging our batteries for the now famous Pakenham W.I. retail therapy experience the following day. This involved two discount designer centres at Batley and then Castleford. Great fun and lots of bargains thus the reason for the extra seats on the coach which returned overloaded with a substantial range of designer handbags.

I can highly recommend such an adventure as one member quoted on the way home 'that was horrible when can we do it again'. I do recommend giving the driver a clear and comprehensive route map - our Adrian got lost three times and managed to make a thirteen minute journey last one and a half hours. The plus point being we saw far more of this beautiful county than intended.

Our association with Yorkshire Tea will continue as the friendship between us will last a lifetime and we will wear our red aprons with great pride for all our future catering events.

April 14th 2011 - Mary Ellis ( Poetry reading ) !!!!!!
Dr John Cannon was due to be our April guest speaker he unfortunately had to cancel at the last minute. Our August speaker very kindly stepped into his shoes. Mary gave an hours rendition of her own poetry. We tested our new lapel mic for the first time which made an enormous difference to those of us who are hard of hearing - thank goodness for 20th century technology. Refreshments were provided by Francis, Maggie and Mollie - thank you ladies they were delicious.

April 27th 2011 - Lilies of the Land.
The team are away to Cambridge courtesy Mr Perry's charabanc service to see this much acclaimed play.

May 12th 2011 - Resolution Meeting.
We join forces with Great Ashfield and Badwell Ash to discuss and approve one of two resolutions to be put before H.M. Government. The first to stop the closure of local libraries and the second to abolish large animal factory farming. After the debate and vote we will be joined by guest speaker Gavin of Gavin Ashley fame who will demonstrate the art of good hair cutting. Gavin and I have been friends for many years so I am one of his biggest fans and clients.

May 15th 2011 - Pakenham Water Mill Food Fare.
We will be having a cake stall not only displaying our culinary master pieces but showing our new packaging and stall banner for the first time.

Future Events
June 15th Strictly Gershwin Concert in the Royal Albert Hall
June 26th National Gardens Open W.I. Teas at Squires Gate
July 27th Trip to Sandringham Flower Show
July 30th Pakenham Village Fete
August 2nd Trip to Althorp

I think that is quite enough to keep us busy for the next few months join us if you can

Mary S Kirby.
Pakenham W.I.