BIMBLER'S WALK: Loynton Moss 13.2.24“We met today, in uncertain weather, on the car park at Loynton Moss. The rain quickly blew over and we made our way through very muddy paths to see the wonderful display of snowdrops. Treading carefully we made our way along the various routes seeing not only snowdrops but catkins, and many Scarlet Elf Cup fungi. Bird singing seemed to accompany us wherever we went. Stopping to read the information board by the reed beds we learnt that this area once covered the size of 5 football pitches. As Brenda remarked, we had seen nature at it’s best. Thanks to Pat for helping me with this walk, and to Brenda for most of the photos.
Carol.x BROUGHTON BIMBLERS WALK 25.1.24I left home in a thick mist and wondered if I should have cancelled today’s walk, however to my relief, by the time I got to Eccleshall the mist had cleared.
We were down in numbers today but having welcomed new member Christine Reeves we set off towards the Stone road. The walk took us across fields and tracks bringing us out on the Stafford road which we quickly crossed. After walking towards Ellenhall for about a mile, we crossed fields to Wootton, and then skirted the magnificent black and white Johnson Hall before making our way back to Holy Trinity Church. On the way we saw cows enjoying their elevenses, sheep grazing contentedly, and snowdrops coming into flower heralding Spring. We were surprised to see holly berries, which the birds either hadn’t found, or were saving them for emergency supplies later. (Perhaps they know something we don’t) Many thanks to the ladies who were able to support this walk. Carol. GASTRONOMIGALS MEET-UP January 2024Our Gastronomi-gals had a lovely meet up for a local lunch at Fletchers Garden Centre on 25.1.24.
CRAFT CLUB: GLASS FUSION WORKSHOP 25.11.23
A fabulous morning spent doing glass fusion with a Christmas theme.
Lead by Paula Andrews showing us how to do it. The ladies enjoyed creating, having a catch up and enjoying hot drinks. A lot of fun Von . x Broughton WI CRAFT CLUB 16.11.23This is a snap shot of the amazing creations made at Craft club this week. Hosted by Lesley, - we made a ‘Christmas pudding’ in Macrame and a a Shashiko card in red or green. Both crafts were learnt on a recent crafting day organised by SFWI which we passed onto our members.
Note the concentration ! And cups of tea going cold! Von x 19th October 2023.......
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CRAFT CLUB: Friday 2nd March 2024
GASTRONOMI- GALS
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Our next part of the walk took us along the right of way towards Bromley Hall where we paused to take in the spectacular view of Bromley Mill Pool where fishermen were already spread along the edge in readiness for a day’s sport. This pool would have been very important as the water power would have driven the mill wheel at Bromley Mill Farm.
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We arrived at Bromley Hall, and were met by Jesse Thompstone, who very kindly showed us the mouldings in his farm building, and told us about the history of this fascinating Hall. Originally belonging to the Gerard family Jesse told us that he is the 4th generation of the Thompstone family to live here.
Thanking him very much for his time we set off across the fields towards Ashley and over a couple of very challenging styles, before entering Charnes Road. It was then a walk along a lovely tree surrounded lane back to Wetwood.
When I was planning the walk and first approached Jesse about stopping off at Bromley, I joked and told him his Mum (Judy, a fellow WI member), would vouch for the ‘Bimblers’ all being of good character!!! Another member made a comment “do you think some of these motorists think we are part of a senior Duke of Edinburgh award.” All good fun!
Carol.
(Photos from Mandy).
When I was planning the walk and first approached Jesse about stopping off at Bromley, I joked and told him his Mum (Judy, a fellow WI member), would vouch for the ‘Bimblers’ all being of good character!!! Another member made a comment “do you think some of these motorists think we are part of a senior Duke of Edinburgh award.” All good fun!
Carol.
(Photos from Mandy).
BROUGHTON BIMBLERS WALK 23.9.22
“The sun shone down on us as we assembled on the Parish Room car park in readiness for our monthly walk. New member Judy Maitland was given a warm welcome to “The Bimblers”. We set off towards Charnes and then across the fields stopping to admire the spectacular panoramic view over Whittington, Standon and Beech. The path brought us out at Blackwaters by the Vernon Younge. Crossing the road we followed the track up the lane veering right into a field which brought us out by Greatwood Lodge. It was then a short walk along the lane back to the Parish Room. A lot of discussion took place about the excellent meal we had participated in at Tern Hill the previous evening, and as some of the walk was uphill we were able to burn off some of the calories consumed!!! Many thanks to Wendy and Mandy for organising this walk. Details of the October walk will follow shortly”.
Carol x
Carol x
BROUGHTON BIMBLERS WALK 8.8.22.
Broughton Bimblers walk around the Langot valley on a hot Tuesday August 9th. Mandy’s photos and Carol’s report are attached…..
“Today “The Bimblers” repeated the walk we did last month. We started at Pam Trafford’s and headed up the track by Blore Pipe Cottage leading to an area called California. A left fork took us into a field belonging to Greatwood Lodge, a former hunting lodge once owned by the Bishops of Lichfield, and where they would stay when hunting in the nearby Bishops Woods. Cattle grazed peacefully and surprisingly they didn’t even come over to see if we had food. A left turn took us along the valley leading to Pudding Bank Lane. The view from here is spectacular and we remarked that this walk was one to be repeated in the Autumn when the colours would be amazing. The lane led us onto Langot Lane and from here we entered the Bishops Woods. After a short walk around the edge we came out into fields and eventually emerged onto the lane leading to White Farm and back to base.
A very enjoyable walk, a gentle breeze, the shaded tracks and the woods helped to keep us cool.
Many thanks to Pam Trafford for organising this for both our July and August walks.
Details of our September walk will follow shortly”.
Carol x
“Today “The Bimblers” repeated the walk we did last month. We started at Pam Trafford’s and headed up the track by Blore Pipe Cottage leading to an area called California. A left fork took us into a field belonging to Greatwood Lodge, a former hunting lodge once owned by the Bishops of Lichfield, and where they would stay when hunting in the nearby Bishops Woods. Cattle grazed peacefully and surprisingly they didn’t even come over to see if we had food. A left turn took us along the valley leading to Pudding Bank Lane. The view from here is spectacular and we remarked that this walk was one to be repeated in the Autumn when the colours would be amazing. The lane led us onto Langot Lane and from here we entered the Bishops Woods. After a short walk around the edge we came out into fields and eventually emerged onto the lane leading to White Farm and back to base.
A very enjoyable walk, a gentle breeze, the shaded tracks and the woods helped to keep us cool.
Many thanks to Pam Trafford for organising this for both our July and August walks.
Details of our September walk will follow shortly”.
Carol x
BROUGHTON BIMBLERS WALK
20.6.22
Carol Benbow's Report:
"Today, in glorious sunshine, “The Bimblers” met on Fairoak Green and welcomed new member Maggie (whose family had connections with this area), before proceeding to the Bishops Woods. Much discussion took place about the ceremony of crowning the May Queen by those of us who remembered it, and how it would be nice to see it revived. Once in the woods we were struck by the peace and tranquility and glad of the shelter offered by the trees. Our first stop was at the glass house, where an explanation was given about how 14th century Flemish refugees, escaping religious persecution, settled here and made their glass.
The next stop was at a feature of pipes suspended from a beam between 2 trees, Pam and Mandy tried very hard to make music using a stick. We could hear the cuckoo singing overhead and hundreds of ants scuttled about under our feet. Carrying on along the path we came to a clearing containing stone animal sculptures and there was much discussion as to how they got there. We came out of the woods by the Park House, a home loving resorted from a ruin in the 1980’s, as overhead the Red Kite circled. It was then back to base and everyone agreed it has been a very enjoyable and informative walk. Thank you Mandy for organising this.
"Today, in glorious sunshine, “The Bimblers” met on Fairoak Green and welcomed new member Maggie (whose family had connections with this area), before proceeding to the Bishops Woods. Much discussion took place about the ceremony of crowning the May Queen by those of us who remembered it, and how it would be nice to see it revived. Once in the woods we were struck by the peace and tranquility and glad of the shelter offered by the trees. Our first stop was at the glass house, where an explanation was given about how 14th century Flemish refugees, escaping religious persecution, settled here and made their glass.
The next stop was at a feature of pipes suspended from a beam between 2 trees, Pam and Mandy tried very hard to make music using a stick. We could hear the cuckoo singing overhead and hundreds of ants scuttled about under our feet. Carrying on along the path we came to a clearing containing stone animal sculptures and there was much discussion as to how they got there. We came out of the woods by the Park House, a home loving resorted from a ruin in the 1980’s, as overhead the Red Kite circled. It was then back to base and everyone agreed it has been a very enjoyable and informative walk. Thank you Mandy for organising this.
Broughton Bimbler’s walk May 20th 2022
“Another enjoyable walk by 7 Bimblers starting from The Millennium Green at Bishops Offley. Janet explained that The ‘Terence Trail’ we were about to embark on was devised by local resident Terence Marsdon, and that The Millennium Green is well used for outdoor functions by the residents of Bishops Offley.
The first part took us to high ground behind The Manor overlooking Four Lane Ends and many local landmarks were pointed out to us by Pat and Janet. We came out on Pat Kennedy’s lane and learnt where the pop star Ozzie Osbourne had lived in the 1970’s, before pausing for a while to take in the mill pond at Howell’s Mill, and for a photo session. We then proceeded down the lane passing Jackson’s Coppice and turning into a Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (Boardwalk area) called Jackson’s Marsh. On entering the lane we watched a robotic lawn mower in action and remarked how we could do with one that would do housework!
It was then back to base passing through a blue bell coppice by the Millennium Green. It was here that we encountered a gentleman (Ken Hanlon) clearing undergrowth and he was last seen taking Wendy and Mandy into the coppice to find wild flowers. (they did emerge eventually) We remarked that we often aren’t aware of the beauty on our doorsteps.
Many thanks to Janet Palin for organising this most interesting and peaceful walk, and to Mandy Moore for the photos”.
Carol x,
“Another enjoyable walk by 7 Bimblers starting from The Millennium Green at Bishops Offley. Janet explained that The ‘Terence Trail’ we were about to embark on was devised by local resident Terence Marsdon, and that The Millennium Green is well used for outdoor functions by the residents of Bishops Offley.
The first part took us to high ground behind The Manor overlooking Four Lane Ends and many local landmarks were pointed out to us by Pat and Janet. We came out on Pat Kennedy’s lane and learnt where the pop star Ozzie Osbourne had lived in the 1970’s, before pausing for a while to take in the mill pond at Howell’s Mill, and for a photo session. We then proceeded down the lane passing Jackson’s Coppice and turning into a Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (Boardwalk area) called Jackson’s Marsh. On entering the lane we watched a robotic lawn mower in action and remarked how we could do with one that would do housework!
It was then back to base passing through a blue bell coppice by the Millennium Green. It was here that we encountered a gentleman (Ken Hanlon) clearing undergrowth and he was last seen taking Wendy and Mandy into the coppice to find wild flowers. (they did emerge eventually) We remarked that we often aren’t aware of the beauty on our doorsteps.
Many thanks to Janet Palin for organising this most interesting and peaceful walk, and to Mandy Moore for the photos”.
Carol x,
Broughton WI Craft Club: Thursday 21st April
Another really enjoyable Craft Club held at Pat Kennedy's where we made little ‘flower pot plant’ pin cushions.
Decisions were also made for the forthcoming Jubilee week as to where to secrete the adorable WInnies knitted by Lucy Gleave.
Decisions were also made for the forthcoming Jubilee week as to where to secrete the adorable WInnies knitted by Lucy Gleave.
Broughton Bimbler’s Walk 22nd April 2022
Carol reports:
“Today we welcomed Alison Davies to ‘The Bimblers’. The first part of the walk took us through the housing estate where the Loggerheads Sanatorium had stood between 1930's until the mid 1960's Carol told how TB patients were sent here from all over the country to recover. This spot was ideal because Loggerheads is high up and the air was very fresh and clean - being by the pine woodland of The Burnt Wood. (before the large housing estates were built and we all had cars).”
Carol reports:
“Today we welcomed Alison Davies to ‘The Bimblers’. The first part of the walk took us through the housing estate where the Loggerheads Sanatorium had stood between 1930's until the mid 1960's Carol told how TB patients were sent here from all over the country to recover. This spot was ideal because Loggerheads is high up and the air was very fresh and clean - being by the pine woodland of The Burnt Wood. (before the large housing estates were built and we all had cars).”
" We continued through the wood along the many paths, at one point jumping over a small stream. It was very peaceful and must be a favourite haunt of many Loggerheads residents. We came out on Chapel Lane at Hook Gate and came back to our cars via Lower Road and the Turner Hodgkinson nature reserve. Many thanks to Janet for helping me recce this walk a couple of weeks ago.
Details of the next walk will follow shortly”.
Details of the next walk will follow shortly”.
Craft Club 30th March 2022
Easter Chicks were being created at Broughton WI Craft Club today. Yvonne said, “It is really called a ‘prosperity chicken’. The original idea hales from India where they make them up into garlands. The idea being that each time the bell rings it may bring prosperity into the home!”
What a lovely idea.
What a lovely idea.
Broughton Bimblers’ enjoyed their 19th March walk on a lovely spring morning.
Carol Benbow writes ….
“Another very successful walk on a lovely sunny spring day which saw Jayne Frawley joining us for her first walk with The Bimblers. We set off from the Lych Gate at Eccleshall church, through the churchyard, and across the fields to Pershall. On our way back to Eccleshall we were able to admire the stunning panaramic views over the surrounding hamlets. Once back at base it was off with our boots and then 5 of us made our way to The Flour Cafe for lunch, which we all agreed was very enjoyable. Many thanks to Brenda Howe for organising this walk and for booking the cafe.
Details of our next walk will follow shortly.”
Thanks to Mandy Moore and Pam Trafford for the photos.
“Another very successful walk on a lovely sunny spring day which saw Jayne Frawley joining us for her first walk with The Bimblers. We set off from the Lych Gate at Eccleshall church, through the churchyard, and across the fields to Pershall. On our way back to Eccleshall we were able to admire the stunning panaramic views over the surrounding hamlets. Once back at base it was off with our boots and then 5 of us made our way to The Flour Cafe for lunch, which we all agreed was very enjoyable. Many thanks to Brenda Howe for organising this walk and for booking the cafe.
Details of our next walk will follow shortly.”
Thanks to Mandy Moore and Pam Trafford for the photos.
DECEMBER 2021 CRAFT CLUB
Final Craft Club of 2021… Christmas trees made by Patricia Kennedy, Vicki Evans, Yvonne French and Rosalind Langford with some little Santa gifts made by Von. Thanks to Von for all the preps. and Pat for the delicious cake. Happy Christmas everyone.
OCTOBER 2021 CRAFT CLUB
Nine of us met at Pat’s on Thursday 20th October 2021 at 2pm for another crafty afternoon making beautiful autumnal wreaths. Thanks to Yvonne for the preparation of the materials and Pat for the delicious cake. A fun time was had by all and colourful wreaths completed and now adorning our homes in the run-up to Halloween. The next Craft Club will be held at Brenda’s at 2pm on Friday 12th November. Please let Yvonne know if you would like to join in, … we will be crafting Christmas cards.
Broughton WI Craft Club restarted today (30.9.21). A fabulous afternoon saw Susan , Pat, Anne, Ros, and Von making intricately embroidered Dorset Buttons. Some had previous experience and others were novices, but everyone completed an ‘Apple tree design’ using kits put together by Von. So lovely to learn a new skill and a very enjoyable afternoon with lots of fun and lemon drizzle cake (made by Ken!) to sustain us.
Craft Club will meet next on Wednesday 20th October, 2pm at Pat K’s when we will be making an autumnal crafted wreath. Please let Ros or Yvonne know if you would like to take part so materials needed can be organised.
Craft Club will meet next on Wednesday 20th October, 2pm at Pat K’s when we will be making an autumnal crafted wreath. Please let Ros or Yvonne know if you would like to take part so materials needed can be organised.
Face masks being made by Craft Club
Zoom Our second Craft Club was held on the 17th June 2020. Co-ordinated by Pam Trafford, Craft Club members have volunteered to make Face masks to give out to WI members who need them but can't make their own.. The government has said that Face masks must be worn on Public Transport, in hospitals and inside areas with restricted space.
Pairs of hearts made by Diane James
in response to an urgent request from the Dudley Scrubs Hub. One is given to a child and the matching heart given to their parent.
OUR FIRST ZOOM CRAFTING
On the morning of 3rd June we held our inaugural Craft Club meeting via Zoom
video conferencing. Margy, Pam T., Di, Yvonne and Ros attended and had a very good natter and shared news and projects we have been doing since lockdown. There was a remarkable range of craft projects on the go....
Yvonne showed us a knitted rainbow jumper she is creating for her grand daughter, and Margy has been embroidering apple blossom and up-cycling and plaiting strips of old t-shirt for an as yet unknown item! (We wondered why husband Tim was walking around shirtless in the background! :)
Di was working on her drop pearl earing designs and exploring the Burntwood with her lovely labradors. Ros has been painting on feathers and experimenting with photography, and Pam was celebrating her beautiful blue garden which has now in it's full glory. The garden was inspired by a WI trip to Sissinghurst with Beryl, Jean and Ruth some years ago.
On the subject of gardens, both Pam and Yvonne are linking-up with a WI Life project which celebrates members' gardens. Yvonne has had her garden recently re-worked based on a design she saw in WI Life. So fingers crossed these are followed up by WI Life. (see [email protected], ‘Gardens’)
video conferencing. Margy, Pam T., Di, Yvonne and Ros attended and had a very good natter and shared news and projects we have been doing since lockdown. There was a remarkable range of craft projects on the go....
Yvonne showed us a knitted rainbow jumper she is creating for her grand daughter, and Margy has been embroidering apple blossom and up-cycling and plaiting strips of old t-shirt for an as yet unknown item! (We wondered why husband Tim was walking around shirtless in the background! :)
Di was working on her drop pearl earing designs and exploring the Burntwood with her lovely labradors. Ros has been painting on feathers and experimenting with photography, and Pam was celebrating her beautiful blue garden which has now in it's full glory. The garden was inspired by a WI trip to Sissinghurst with Beryl, Jean and Ruth some years ago.
On the subject of gardens, both Pam and Yvonne are linking-up with a WI Life project which celebrates members' gardens. Yvonne has had her garden recently re-worked based on a design she saw in WI Life. So fingers crossed these are followed up by WI Life. (see [email protected], ‘Gardens’)
Margy told us all about the Wild Swimming that she has taken to ...
'like a duck to water'. She loves it and is now able to swim all the way around Alderford Lake, near Whitchurch.
'like a duck to water'. She loves it and is now able to swim all the way around Alderford Lake, near Whitchurch.
There was a great discussion about sewing/craft/ art rooms, and because
we were videoing from home, we were able to show and share useful objects,
e.g. Yvonne was able to show and demonstrate the bias binding tool she uses.
This would not have been possible had we been meeting-up in each other's homes... so a bonus of Zoom! It was a great meeting, but we did however
miss seeing everyone .
We have decided that whilst we are unable to meet-up face to face, we wanted to continue to meet-up fortnightly by Zoom. So the next meeting will be on Wednesday 17th June at 10.30 am. Let Ros know if you would like to join in
and the login details will be emailed to you. You will be very welcome.
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we were videoing from home, we were able to show and share useful objects,
e.g. Yvonne was able to show and demonstrate the bias binding tool she uses.
This would not have been possible had we been meeting-up in each other's homes... so a bonus of Zoom! It was a great meeting, but we did however
miss seeing everyone .
We have decided that whilst we are unable to meet-up face to face, we wanted to continue to meet-up fortnightly by Zoom. So the next meeting will be on Wednesday 17th June at 10.30 am. Let Ros know if you would like to join in
and the login details will be emailed to you. You will be very welcome.
_________________________________________________________________
A good turnout and lots of 'Knit and natter'
going-on at our first Craft Club meeting of 2020
going-on at our first Craft Club meeting of 2020
Craft Club: Art Workshop, 2nd October 2019
Broughton W.I. members had a lovely time at a Craft Workshop led by Ros
Langford. Ros guided the members in the use of water colour paints to create a variety of Christmas cards. Vicki Evans and Pam Trafford were quilting and Audrey Malpas was painting a landscape.
Many thanks to Margy Horton for arranging the day and to Ros for all the
preparations and guidance which went in to making it such a success.
Langford. Ros guided the members in the use of water colour paints to create a variety of Christmas cards. Vicki Evans and Pam Trafford were quilting and Audrey Malpas was painting a landscape.
Many thanks to Margy Horton for arranging the day and to Ros for all the
preparations and guidance which went in to making it such a success.
20th March 2019
"Lovely session at Craft Club, this morning. Lots of discussion about County Show entries, thank you Yvonne for tuition on Harry Potter😂. A big Thank you to Pam Trafford for hosting it, at short notice." (Di.)
Craft Club visit Hodnet Hall gardens 18.7.18
Thank you to Margy Horton for organising a lovely trip out to Hodnet Hall & Gardens, for the Craft Club. A light lunch was followed by a leisurely stroll around the grounds and then tea and cake. A great way to spend the afternoon.
Craft Club: making the Spring Floral Wreath shown on the front cover of WI Life
Felting pumpkins at the Lana Mutado workshop, Mill Meece.
Pat Kennedy and Ros Langford attended a needle-felting course run by Lana Mutado at Mill Meece on Sat. 7th November. We thoroughly enjoyed the course (and the delicious cake) and came away with the characterful pumpkins we made ready for Halloween. They will be going to the next workshop on 21st October to create some needle-felted Christmas gnome decorations.
'Florabundance' at Chatsworth: a Craft Club trip organised by Margy Horton on 28th June 2016.
Craft Club trip to Swinfen, Lichfield
3rd December 2015.
After lots of shopping in the at 'Heart of the Country' stores, we had an enjoyable lunch at the Pear tree Creperie ( see photo below). Many thanks to Tim Horton who kindly drove the minibus for us once again, and to margie for organising the trip. The next Craft Club meeting is at Pam Trafford's on Wednesday 6th January ( all welcome), and of course we look forward to the Christmas wreath-making workshop tutored by our talented Lucy Gleave.
Craft Club December 12th 2014
Members of the Craft Club have been busy over the last few weeks making Christmassy lavender bags to give as presents at the December WI meeting. At the Craft Club on December 10th over forty lavender bags had been created. Lucy Gleave has also been busy making hundreds of craft items to sell for Charity and Ros had asked her if she would make her a charming robin tea-cosy. It arrived for Craft Club, but is so beautiful, it will never be stained with tea!
Craft Club Afternoon Tea 8th August 2014t 2
Broughton WI Craft Club celebrated its first year in style with a superb afternoon tea at Lucy's home on 8th August 2014.
The sun shone all afternoon and we were glad of the shade provided by Lucy's gazebo!
The sun shone all afternoon and we were glad of the shade provided by Lucy's gazebo!
CRAFT CLUB
A 'Craft Production Day' was held at the Broughton Parish Room on Wednesday 7th May 2014 at 10.30am where lots of things were crafted' and created to sell on our stall at the 'Eccleshall Street Market on Saturday 21st June. Below are a few photos......
A 'Craft Production Day' was held at the Broughton Parish Room on Wednesday 7th May 2014 at 10.30am where lots of things were crafted' and created to sell on our stall at the 'Eccleshall Street Market on Saturday 21st June. Below are a few photos......