Another New Wave weekend at Denman College

Last weekend, 10 SHWI members went to the 'New Wave weekend' at the WI’s own Denman College.  Some of us had been before, a couple of years ago, but for others, it was our first time to Denman, and we didn’t quite know what to expect.  What we found was a glorious Grade II listed Georgian house, filled with around 70 women from other WIs, and the most accommodating and friendly staff (except for one slightly disrespectful barman, but he was more than made up for by the lovely Matt!).

Joanne, Lauren and Lucy outside Denman

Once we’d settled into our comfortable rooms, Friday evening started with a welcome talk and cocktails.  The slight tardiness of the cocktails (don’t keep a roomful of thirsty women waiting for free drinks!) was thankfully no indication of the organisation of the rest of the weekend, as everything ran like clockwork.  Dinner followed, and although not Yorkshire portions, was delicious.  After a cookery demonstration by Peter Lien, Head of the WI Cookery School, the evening drinking could begin in earnest…

The SHWI gang enjoy the food and wine

After a hearty breakfast on Saturday morning, we separated to go to our workshops.  We each got to choose three activities from a range including making textile decorations, biscuiteering, Bollywood dancing, meringues and vintage corsages.  To ensure our energy levels didn’t drop during the day, there were plenty of coffee breaks with homemade cakes and shortbread, a lovely salad bar or hot meal for lunch, and another three course dinner.

I found all the workshop tutors to be excellent, although they each had their own teaching style.  I enjoyed all of the sessions I attended, even if biscuit icing turned out to not be one of my greatest skills! (They still tasted good, though).

Grace's iced biscuits

I also really enjoyed the tour of the house – it gave some fascinating information about the history of the building, and sneaky peaks into some of the other bedrooms!  Most of the rooms on the first floor were quite grand, with original features and large windows.  My room was on the second floor, in the old servants’ quarters, and featured the call bell for the previous owner inside the wardrobe.  Luckily it didn’t ring whilst I was in residence!

Laura made this at the papercutting workshop

Saturday evening split our group between the two entertainments laid on.  Some partook in the lively salsa/zumba dancing, whilst others entered the quiz.  After the organised entertainment was over, it was back to the bar for some more drinking!  SHWI managed to be last up on both nights, and I heard stories of a game of hide and seek in the early hours.

Sunday morning gave us time for one more workshop, then, after lunch, with our waistlines and horizons broadened, and new friendships forged, it was time to say farewell. 

I feel like I am running out of superlatives, but I really did thoroughly enjoy the weekend, much more than I was expecting to.  My main question now is 'can we go again next year?'

Mary Beckingsale

SHWI Member

How to make an apron from a pillowcase...

SHWI ladies with their aprons

June's meeting was a crafty meeting. It seems, to me at least, that SHWI can normally be a bit of a foodie haven, but when there is craft, everyone really enjoys it.

Jen in Blue Peter mode!

When I got there, there was a rather delectable quiche made by Laura Bainbridge, (bacon and blue cheese, if you were wondering), and moreish, to the point of indecent, strawberry cupcakes, made by Julie Grigg.

The meeting's activity was headed by the lovely Jennifer Marsden, who had discovered the genius idea of 'pillow pinnies', a way to create a pretty apron very easily, out of a surplus pillowcase. 

One can never have too many pinnies, indeed, some of the ladies have specific 'baking' and 'serious cooking' aprons; here's looking at you, Vickie Riley!

Jen had, in true Blue Peter style, come with three ready-made versions with different levels of difficulty. Duly, the women of Seven Hills WI came equipped with ribbons, trinkets, buttons and knick-knacks with which to decorate their creations. 

The first version was simply a pillowcase turned lengthways with the opening at the top, with the top corners folded inwards, so the apron had a trapezium shape. It was all secured by a running stitch, so even the most fledgling sewer could take part. You could make this a little more jazzy by adding a pocket, by sewing across the pillowcase, creating an open compartment. Then, to make it into an apron, you just had to sew ribbon around the top, for the neckline, and then halfway down the pinny for the back-straps.

The second was a skirt pinny, using the pillowcase sideways so it created the more traditional shape. Sophie Harrold's included fabric inspired by the Hungry Caterpillar, so very apt for an apron, I think!

The third used two pillowcases; one longways, one sideways, to create a full length pinny in a butcher-style. That was my favourite way, as it would cover up any splashes!

As always, the night was full of laughter, chatting and catching up with everyone. It was also the night when I went on the helter skelter for the first time, and I screamed all the way down and fell over when I landed; smooth. I'll do it again though.

There's no meeting in July, but we had the calendar photo shoot and picnic in the Botanical Gardens on Sunday 7 July and for once had amazingly sunny weather!

Zoë Loveday

SHWI member

Photos by Laura Bainbridge