As always November proved a very busy month for Rolleston W.I. members, working very hard to put on an excellent Christmas Fair at Rolleston Club. There was a very happy atmosphere and everyone enjoyed raising the money to help fund the excellent speakers, who entertain us each month.

In an effort to help the Pre- School playgroup, a Christmas cookery evening also took place in November. Members made some of the refreshments, bringing along their own favourite recipes as well as sampling tasters from the demonstrator’s excellent choices. There was a chance for everyone to mix and share their ideas. All the proceeds were given to the Pre- School funds.

‘Angels’ @Advent’ held in Rolleston Church was a very successful community event, in which many W.I. members were involved. The W.I. ‘Angels’ team created the ‘W.I. Flying High’ and the tableau was much admired all weekend. Most of the materials had been recycled in line with the aim of the W.I. to reduce the carbon footprint.

The speaker helps to set the tone of the meetings and at the Christmas meeting the sound of ‘Oh no he isn’t!’ ‘Oh yes he is!’ came from exuberant members of Rolleston W.I., when Mr Trevor Lee shared his love of the pantomime with us all. Trevor was a very enthusiastic speaker, who brought back nostalgic childhood memories. Trevor had enjoyed some excellent parts in various shows, Dick Whittington’s cat being one of his favourite! The relaxed atmosphere of the evening continued with wine and mince pies, followed by carol singing.

The Rolleston W.I. choir performed two carols and all the members were in full voice as they sang some of their own favourites. Joyce Lockley, choir leader and Maureen George, pianist, were thanked for their hard work during the year and presented with a gift. The choir also took a leading part in the Group Carol Service, held this year at St. Mary’s, which was much enjoyed by members from surrounding villages.

2008 brought the closure of the ‘Portfolio’ covering our W.I. year, 2007. Joan Price, the President and her team have collected photos and text to show what an active W.I. we are. This ‘Portfolio’ has now been entered in a competition.

New members have been joining through the year and the January speaker, Mrs Spavold kept us on our toes. She gave an informative talk on the life and expectations of ‘Victorian Women’ particularly those of the upper and middle classes. The picture she portrayed was a stark contrast to the lives of women today, with Victorian women being regarded as no more than ‘chattels’ belonging to their fathers. Making a good marriage was of great importance and although it was invariably arranged on the basis of wealth, it also provided women with an escape from their fathers and a chance to take charge of their own households. Along with lunatics and criminals, Victorian women had no legal standing and surprisingly, children remained the legal responsibility of only their fathers until 1959! There was, needless to say, much indignation in the audience!

Sue Willmot also kept everyone amused and interested in a sailing trip from the Panama Canal to the Galapagos islands on which she was about to embark on with her husband, crewing for her sister in law and husband.

Rolleston members are taking part in the County General Knowledge Quiz as well as heading off for a weekend away in Cambridge in February. If you would like to join our go ahead W.I. please come along to our meetings on the first Monday of each month at 7.15pm at the John of Rolleston School or ring 01283 813414 for more details.

Cath Gamble

It was with great sadness that we learned that Cath Gamble, a Vice President and long standing member of our W.I., had died in December. Cath right up until her death was taking an active part in W.I. affairs. She had so many craft skills, which she shared with members over the years. She had been a National Federation Knitting Judge and had worked tirelessly for the Staffordshire Federation. Such a positive member, until her illness, she will be missed by us all. Members provided the ‘tea’ after her funeral to give her the good ‘send off’ that she deserved.

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Last updated: 15 March 2008