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November, 2014

Christine’s Chronicles

A number of clubs attended the Ross Interclub Halloween luncheon

at The Chase Hotel, with 5 of us going from Hereford. There were

also visitors from Usk Inner Wheel and one member from London.

We had chicken and a choice of desserts. The venue was lovely and

the tables were decked out in Halloween napkins with little bat and

pumpkin table motifs with which Past DC Sherry and I amused

ourselves by flicking them around making them jump! President

Eileen’s husband wore a monk’s habit and entertained us. It was

nice to speak to other IW members and all in all it was a lovely day.

Hopefully when I retire I will be able to go to a few more lunches

and get to know other members a little better.

A few members attended the Rotary Fireworks night at Jackie

Perkins’ house, at which Anne and I finished off a whole bottle of

wine between us while Alan let off the fireworks. There was a big

bonfire which was still going two weeks later when a number of

members attended a film night showing ‘Paul’ with Simon Pegg. We

had a fish and chip supper which went down very well.

Hopefully you’ve all noted my new email address and none of you

will fall victim as I did to any scams.

I would like to suggest we do the Christmas Greetings again this

year, with members who wish to participate making a donation to a

charity to be agreed, with their names appearing in our December Newsletter.

I’m retiring at the end of November, and have changed my personal email address. Please delete earlier

addresses – and note my new one!

OCTOBER MEETING SPEAKER

Our guests in October were Lillian Green, a volunteer speaker for Hearing Dogs for

the Deaf, who brought with her Janet, a profoundly deaf lady and recipient of one

of the charity’s dogs, accompanied of course by her poodle, Terry. Around 10

million people in the UK have some form of hearing loss – 1 in 6 of us. Of these,

800,000 are profoundly or severely deaf and so entitled to a hearing dog. This

number is increasing, due not only because of the ageing population but the

effects of the volume of the music played at discos in the 60s; and many young

people today who listen to loud music so regularly will have a hearing impairment

by the time they’re in their 40s. Deafness is a hidden disability, causing feelings of

isolation and lack of confidence, which are greatly alleviated when a hearing dog is provided.

Coming up!

CAKES to Ellen for MS Society

Bazaar this Saturday, 29

November, please!!

Wed. 10 December: Helpers

needed for MS Christmas Lunch

–Sue Olver + more helpers

needed, please

Wed. 10 December: Christmas

Dinner at Munstone House

Thurs. 11 December: Coffee

Morning chez Anne E.

Thurs. 11 December: Jack and

the Beanstalk at The Courtyard

Sat. 13 December: Christmas

Charity Stall in Old Market

Shopping Centre – help wanted

all day, please

Mon. 15 December: HWV Rotary

Club’s Christmas Dinner at The

Green Dragon

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The charity was founded in 1982 by Bruce Fogle, father of adventurer, author and TV broadcaster Ben.

Suitable breeds, poodles (especially suitable, being very intelligent and not moulting, so avoiding any

allergy problems), cocker spaniels, labradors, golden retrievers and some crosses of those breeds, are

either bred by the charity or sourced from reputable breeders. Puppies are homed with puppy socialisers

at 8 weeks until they are a year old and experience all aspects of normal life, though attending obedience

classes every 2 weeks at one of the 3 training centres in the country when they must learn to react to 3

basic sounds - telephones, callers at the door and fire alarms. Specific training to

suit each owner of a hearing dog is given as and when necessary.

Suitable dogs are always matched to the recipients. The cost of breeding, training

and life-long care of a hearing dog costs £45,000 and the charity has no

Government or grant funding. 1,700 dogs have been placed since the late 1980s,

with 1,500 currently working. The dogs are retired between the age of 9 and 12,

when a new dog is provided.

Janet said her life had been enhanced enormously since she was given Terry 6

years ago – and he regularly accompanies her on flights to Scotland, on the seat next to her, of course!

Liz

INTERNATIONAL

THANKYOU, THANKYOU, THANKYOU - To everybody who in any way

helped and supported the making up of Shoe Boxes and the success of

the Champagne Breakfast.

We made up 33 boxes which have now been collected and are on their

way to Montenegro.

Despite the damp morning, spirits indoors were far from damp for the

Champagne Breakfast, and a fun time was had by all!

We raised a marvellous sum for International Funds - an amazing effort

by all.

My grateful thanks, Margaret

ROSS-ON-WYE INTERCLUB

Christine, Jean, Jane, Angela and I spent an excellent day at The Chase Hotel on 31 October for the

Interclub Lunch organised by the Ross-on-Wye members (sadly Pat S was unwell and not able to come).

The visitors, including DC Jackie and members from Usk and London, were welcomed by President Eileen

Hammond, and enjoyed a very tasty lunch of Bogle Man Chicken braised in blood curdling red jus, with

dearly departed bacon lardons and spine tinglingly tortured sticky toffee pud or hysterical fresh fruit salad.

The members were marking Halloween, with black and orange serviettes, table decorations and flower

arrangements, as well as some spiders on the tables, and many were suitably dressed for the day, with

witches’ hats, etc.

After lunch the programme listed ‘Halloween Surprise’ – and indeed this is what we had. With curtains

pulled and lights dimmed, the sound of Plainsong was heard, and a hooded monk appeared through a cloud

of smoke, walked into the room and told us his story:

His name was Brother Dominic, whose spirit had roamed for over 500 years. He was born in 1517 on the

spot where we were assembled, and had a good mother but very hard father, who attacked his mother in

anger. Horrified, Dominic struck his father, who fell into the river and drowned. Dominic then ran away,

following the river until he saw the beautiful building of Tintern Abbey, and heard the monks singing. He

was taken in by the Abbot and lived as a monk. Always remembering his mother, he wanted to confess to

the Abbot the killing of his father and leaving his mother hurt and alone, always losing the courage to do so.

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After 2 years he went home, where a neighbour said his mother had

died after being left by her husband and son. Brother Dominic

returned to Tintern Abbey with a heavy heart, arriving on All

Hallows’ Eve (now called Halloween) to find the door locked, the

Abbot having surrendered the Abbey and all its effects to attacking

soldiers. With his mother dead he had no home and no friends, so

he walked into the river and was soon drained of all his strength.

For nearly 500 years he had been wandering back and forth

between his birthplace and the Abbey, carrying his burden of sin.

He thanked the ladies for hearing his confession, which had

provided him with pardon and would allow his spirit to rest in peace.

This was a highly original entertainment, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, and President Eileen called back

Brother Dominic, now transformed into her husband, Alan. Congratulations to him and thanks to all the

Ross members for a very different outing!

President Eileen told me later that Alan had written this story himself and even she had not heard it before

the performance!

Liz

CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST – 8 NOVEMBER

9.30 in the morning on a chilly

and distinctly dismal Saturday,

but everyone’s spirits must

have soared as mine did when

greeted by the welcoming glow

and warmth of bright fires, a

delicious smell of bacon drifting

from the kitchen, and a glass of

bubbly in the hand.

As guests arrived we chatted

over our champagne until one

of the merry band of helpers

took our breakfast order, and

we were seated. The dining

room was abuzz with

conversation, and fast becoming very full. Four large

tables were ready set, and eventually 36 breakfasts were

served – and very efficiently too!! We really needed to

give up our diets this day with the enormous Full English

Breakfast on offer. Each helper had an allotted task –

cooking in this case was the men’s job, and Inner

Wheelers were coffee makers, toast makers, and table

waiters. Of course, there was also a raffle with super

prizes (see Bill and Alan folding the tickets!!).

There was one really short straw job, however, and whilst

we were all comfortable and warm, enjoying our chat and food, we did spare a thought for poor Alan who

was outside under an umbrella, directing the parking as the hordes arrived. I’m hoping he made up for it

with a large drink and a hearty plate of bacon and eggs!

Photo courtesy of Eileen Hammond

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One of the loveliest aspects of the Champagne Breakfast is always the totally relaxed and sociable

atmosphere. We met Inner Wheelers, husbands, family members and other friends. And it was wonderful

to see Jill Edwards there too, with Bill, and seeming very well.

This really is the best way to start a wet weekend! So thank you, Margaret and Rob, for opening up your

house to us all, and bringing us together in this way. It’s great to know that once again the event has raised

a very good sum for the International Fund.

Ruth

THE REMEMBRANCE POPPIES

On 30 October I was very fortunate to be

able to visit the poppies at the Tower of

London with my friend Ann. We had

arranged our trip to London months ago

and decided, rather at the last minute

when we knew we would have time, that

we would like to see the poppies,. We

were so glad we did, and found all the

people also visiting most courteous and

friendly – when they were near to a

viewpoint they would take a photograph

and have a moment or two, then move

back to let someone else into their place.

It was very crowded, but worth every

moment of queuing and waiting. Riding back to Trafalgar Square on the top deck of a red bus gave us more

views, not only of the poppies but all the other familiar landmarks and lots of new ones, like The Shard. A

very moving experience on our visit to London and one I will always remember, along with all the other

millions of people who were fortunate to see this amazing tribute to all those who died during the First

World War.

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On Tuesday 11 November we had a good get-together

for our craft morning – 12 of us working hard with

Hazel and Eileen just popping in for a short while.

Come 11 o’clock we all stopped our work to respect

the 2 minute silence, which was quite amazing as it had

been really full on chatter up until then and afterwards

normal noise resumed!!

The act of remembrance on Armistice Day seems to

have been more poignant this year for obvious

reasons, but I for one will never forget the feelings I got

from the sight of all those incredible poppies in London

on a perfect autumn day.

Jane

HEREFORD MS SOCIETY - CHRISTMAS LUNCH – 10 DECEMBER

Helpers are needed for the MS Society Christmas Lunch on 10 December (it is the same day as our Club

Christmas meal). Normally we’re not required at this event, but this year we are very much needed. Any

volunteers? Please let me know if you can be there.

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Final Call: If you can bake some cakes for the MS Society Bazaar this Saturday, 29 November, please get

them to Ellen before then!! Secretary Anne

GLOUCESTER INTERCLUB LUNCHEON On 11 November, Liz, Norma and Eileen attended Gloucester’s Interclub Luncheon at Brickhampton Golf Club. After President Christine Ellson had introduced the top table, DC Jackie Matthews brought greetings from the District, describing many of the Gloucester Club’s fund-raising ideas and contributions made during World War 2. We had an excellent lunch of traditional roast beef and apple tart, after which we all relaxed for an hour to listen to our very entertaining speaker. “There is a war on, you know” was the theme of guest speaker, Lady Atherton, who told us she had been invited to tea at Tiffany’s in 1938 by a friend, Lady Stella, when she and 7 other acquaintances were all persuaded to join the WVS. Apparently Lady Stella only understood ‘No’ when she was saying it, so they had no choice but to join. They would provide food for air

raid wardens and help at village halls being used for shelter, by making and serving meals. Evacuated children were looked after in the villages, but often tried to run away home. When war started, 45 million ration books were distributed and many thousands of refugees needed homes. ‘Make do and mend’ was the new campaign when clothes rationing came into force. The book cost 3d and gave suggestions encouraging people to set up sewing and knitting groups to make clothes last and pass on ideas to others. Apparently clothes crease quicker when warm, so needed to be washed in cooler water then hung up to dry, so saving energy. Carbolic soap should be cut into small pieces then grated into a dish of boiling water for liquid soap - but remember to wash the grater before grating foods! Dress shields were used to go under arms and also knicker liners too, to save washing. These could be made from old sheets or hankies and were press-studded in place. This meant items only needed washing once a week – unless a bomb went off! Stockings could last longer with extra cotton where the suspenders went and ladders could be repaired by hooking the thread back in place and sealing with nail varnish. Conscripts’ old clothes could be remade for the family – boys’ shirts from pyjama tops and vests from the legs, men’s trousers cut into shorts, men’s vests turned into liberty bodices and grey flannel trousers made girls’ knickers - usually having to be held together with cotton braces as the weight of the flannel pulled them down! With 7 clothing coupons needed for a dress, old dresses could be reused to make new ones. Saved scraps of material were made into bags useful for buying items like flour and sugar, so saving paper bags. Leftover fabrics from clothes and blankets could be remade into patchwork items and rag rugs, with scraps turned into compost. People were urged to keep busy by knitting and sewing. Moth holes could be mended with muslin with a pattern sewn over. Lady Atherton knew her vicar kept moth balls near his clothes (he smelt of them!) - she recommended using lavender or conkers instead. A knitting and crochet pattern book costing 1s 6d included a knitted swimsuit, not ideal when wet as it could stretch leaving one nearly naked when leaving the water!! People were encouraged to share ideas and wools and recycle, just as many more do today. Hilary Cass then thanked ‘Lady Atherton’, who is actually Nadine Carr, for her enlightening and amusing talk giving a light hearted insight into war-time activities at home. Gloucester is always an excellent Interclub with a high attendance – 74 this year – and is a good way to catch up with old and new friends in Inner Wheel. Eileen

Norma enjoying the day with PDC Mary Murphy

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WOMEN’S AID

We are doing well with the collection this year. There are some gaps and we still need:

2 Deodorant 7 Shampoo 8 Conditioner

2 Bath Gel 6 Shower Caps 9 Face Cloths

4 ‘hotel’ shoe shine 9 ‘hotel’ slippers

I can put the shower caps and shoe shine together – some bags will get one and some the other. We

are really short on the shampoo and conditioner.

Any donations are, as always, welcome to fill the bags. Anne Ellis has agreed to collect the items in

November as I cannot come to the afternoon tea. I hope that you all have a lovely time.

P.S: The bags are all ready as they were finished last weekend.

Thank you, Angela

WORCESTER SEVERN CHARITY LUNCH

On a glorious Wednesday Liz, Pam and I had a most enjoyable lunch at Peopleton Village Hall with

President Sally and members of the Worcester Severn Club. Before lunch the guest speaker, Karen Van

Hoff spoke about her life and how she finished up making inspiring jewellery. She always knew she was

artistic, having painted the family pet dog at the age of 3½ years – not a painting, but the actual dog!!

Karen hated school and college as she had to study academic subjects not art, and eventually went to the

QE Hospital in Birmingham working in a laboratory, but decided it was not for her, so then she tried a job in

a law firm, getting fired for shredding some important documents. Time as a clerk for some barristers

followed and then, in her mid-20s, she tried a different job as a children’s nanny in London.

She met her first husband and became pregnant very quickly, so moved to Dorset to live with her mother-

in-law, who suggested she should join the local WI. Entering a craft competition by mistake she came 1st

and started a career making hats, fancy dress costumes and christening robes. Unfortunately her marriage

ended in divorce, so with 2 young

daughters she moved to Ludlow,

found a job in Liberty’s of London

and for 2 years she commuted from

Ludlow to London.

She then returned to a small-holding

near Ludlow, met her present

husband and decided to launch her

new career doing embroidery and

making tiaras for weddings – and so

Van Hoff Designs was established. At

the age of 43 she became pregnant unexpectedly and decided, with 2 teenage daughters, a husband and

new baby to look after, her business was suffering and, with the recession just starting, she closed it down.

As things became easier at home, she started making jewellery using silver wire and thread, and these

designs now sell from Ludlow to Hong Kong. She now spends her time running her business – taking

workshops and giving talks to groups such as IW ladies and, of course the WI, who gave her the first

experience of talking about her life!

Karen really entertained us with her witty remarks about her life experiences and how she eventually

ended up doing things she really enjoyed, even if it wasn’t painting.

After the talk we had a lunch of fish and chips, delivered by a local chip shop. They were delicious and were

followed by members’ equally delicious home-made puds! A different lunch, but very enjoyable and a huge

sum was raised for their chosen charity, Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign – a brilliant result!

Many thanks to the Worcester Severn members, and a good journey home in the evening sunshine finished

a most enjoyable day perfectly. Jane

L to R: Liz, Jane, Janet Moore (our founder President and now a member of the Worcester Severn Club) and Pam

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Christmas Dinner at The Pinnacle Restaurant, Munstone House

Wednesday 10 December, 6.30 for 7.00pm

Cost: 19.50 for 2 courses – if you’ve not already signed up for this, please ring or email President Christine

if you are going and give her your choices of starter and main course ASAP

Starters:

Spiced parsnip soup Wild mushroom risotto Smoked salmon with avocado salsa Duck liver pate, toasted brioche and beetroot chutney

Main courses:

Roasted Norfolk bronze Turkey crown, stuffing and pigs in blankets

Oven baked Scottish Salmon, roasted winter vegetables and pesto

Braised Rib of Beef, chive and pancetta mashed with a thyme jus

Roasted Onion and Goat Cheese tartlet

Tea and Coffee

In addition, puddings will be available to choose on the day.

And remember to bring a gift for the Bran Tub!!

RED BOOK

Christmas cards: Please sign up (and pay up!) if you wish to make a donation to a charity - to be decided – in lieu of sending cards to fellow members. The names of those sending greetings this way will be included in the December Newsletter. Wednesday 10 December Club Christmas Dinner at

Munstone House £19.50, 2 courses

Thursday 11 December Jack and the Beanstalk, adult version, at The Courtyard

Tickets £20 - ask Maggie ASAP

Saturday 13 December Christmas Charity Stall in Old Market Shopping Centre Monday 15 December HWV Rotary’s Christmas Dinner at The Green Dragon

NEWS OF MEMBERS Alan Creighton is now recuperating at Hillside in Hereford after his 3 operations in Cheltenham in 3 weeks, and is making excellent progress. He’s having physiotherapy and hopes to be back home very soon. We’re all delighted to hear this wonderful news and send both Alan and Pat our very best wishes. Jill reports that she is still making slow but satisfactory progress. This is great, and it was good to see her at the Champagne Breakfast with Bill! Pam has now had her 2 cataract operations, and is seeing things clearly and brightly, with better vision than she’s had for about 50 years (is she that old?!!), and is thrilled with the results – marvellous, Pam!

Change of Address: Margaret and Malcolm have moved house. Please note their new address. We hope they’ll be very happy in their new home!

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COMING UP SOON:

MS LUNCH: Wednesday 10 December: Sue O and other volunteers needed, please

CLUB CHRISTMAS DINNER: Wednesday 10 December at Munstone House, 6.30 for

7pm – don’t forget your Bran Tub gift!!

CHRISTMAS CHARITY STALL: Saturday 13 December in the Old Market. Please sign

up to do your turn on the stall, which will run all day

Coffee Morning on Thursday 11 December from 10.30am chez Anne E.

We wish a very happy December birthday to

Pat C, Ruth and Carol

So much going on so we have a record sized bumper edition Newsletter this month!! Many thanks to all the

contributors – and keep things coming in!! Ed.

NB: Copy for the next Newsletter to Liz by 4 December

www.innerwheelherefordwyevalley.org

Next Meeting: Wednesday 10 December,

Munstone House – 6.30 for 7pm

Christmas Dinner