Reepham WI

Post date: Monday, March 24, 2025 - 20:33

Owing to illness there was a change to our speaker this month. Reepham WI members enjoyed a presentation by Helen Murray who, on a previous visit, spoke about her forebears’ summer house, Newhaven Court in Cromer.

At Helen’s first book signing in October 2022 her cousin gifted her a leather journal, with the inscriptions “Cromer” and “J.M.S.” on the cover. This book, dated 1883/4, contained sketches of daily life on Cromer beach. Given Helen’s earlier “detective” work, her quest for further information about the artist was ignited.

By coincidence, another copy of the sketch book came up for auction which Helen later procured. This edition was annotated by a previous owner with clues as to the surname of the artist and also of the folk featured in the sketches.

By painstaking research, Helen determined the paintings were done by Juliet Seebohm, the granddaughter of a German immigrant, of Quaker stock. Juliet, her parents and siblings spent summer holidays with their cousins, the Barclays – members of the “Cromer Set”. In those days, Cromer was a genteel “fishing port” frequented by wealthy families such as the aforementioned Barclays and the Gurneys, Hoares among others.

During the summer of 1883, when Juliet was in her 20s, she spent time capturing, through her exquisite drawings, the activities of working folk and visitors alike.

Helen’s book, Fishermen, Bathers and Beach Folk, contains comprehensive historic detail. The most fascinating anecdotes were about “Old Billy”, a well-known local crab fisherman who, despite having “clubfoot” and not being able to swim, up to his 80s gave swimming lessons to youngsters, as well as goat and donkey rides on the beach.

Another standout was Lucy Miller, an entrepreneurial lady, who owned a number of bathing machines. Women, wearing cumbersome crinolines, were relieved on hot summer days to rent a bathing machine in which they changed into hired (wool!) bathing costumes, before the contraption was wheeled out into the sea for a refreshing dip.

Other fascinating characters touched on in the book are Professor Vinogradoff, an academic, the sailor Mayes Brothers and fisherman Gilbert “Leather” Rook, as well as giving an insight into Victorian life in what is still a popular seaside town.

Reepham WI’s next meeting will be held at St Michael’s, Reepham at 7.30 pm on Thursday 10 April – a week earlier than usual – with a talk by Peter Goodrum on 250 years of Jarrolds.

Dee Taylor

Post date: Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 09:22

Photo: Helen Bailey

On a dark, wet evening in February, ladies of Reepham WI were transported back to the bright days of the 1960s and 70s.

Angela Bishop, who has previously presented to the Sunshine Memory Café, brought along an array of nostalgic mementoes, reminding many of those present of their carefree, teenage years.

I wonder how many of today’s teenagers have seen LPs, portable box record players, chrome-adorned Vespas or original Mini Coopers? – with the obligatory Union Jack roof, of course!

The import of American “pop” took over from the big bands of our parents’ generation, with British artists such as Dusty Springfield, Cliff Richard then the Beatles and Rolling Stones among others ruling the airwaves.

A number of women shared their encounters with their favourite “crush”, the hours spent listening to the offshore “pirate” Radio Caroline and on Saturdays bopping away to the latest hits in record-shop booths. Top of the Pops and Ready Steady Go were the programmes to watch for the latest dance craze.

Fashion took a huge leap from the frumpy attire of the post-war years to girls wearing daring mini skirts, hot pants, knee-high white boots and into the 70s with hippy, “boho” styles. Icons such as Twiggy, Mary Quant and latterly Barbara Hulanicki of Biba led the way.

Angela brought a selection of vintage dresses, probably similar to those taking pride of place in our wardrobes back in the day; these memories caused much hilarity.

This was also a decade of more freedom for women globally. Gloria Steinem in America and Germaine Greer in the UK were social and political activists, promoting feminism and equality – campaigns which still continue to this day in sectors such as the workplace and sports.

All and all, we all agreed it was great fun being part of the “Swinging Sixties”.

Reepham WI meets at 7.30 pm on the third Thursday of the month at St Michael’s, Reepham. On 20 March our speaker will be Phyllida Scrivens, giving a talk on the Great Thorpe Railway Disaster of 1874.

Dee Taylor

Post date: Thursday, February 6, 2025 - 17:41

December’s meeting kick-started festivities with an entertaining and informative talk on “The Sentiments of Christmas” by James Stebbing from Dereham.

James’s presentation included a number of seasonal images such as a variety of weird and wacky Christmas trees, made from all sorts of bizarre materials; for example, one in Wells made from 200 lobster pots which took two days to build.

There were other memorable tales, the most moving of which was of the Christmas truce held during the First World War, when English and German troops briefly ceased gunfire, played football, exchanged greetings and together sang Stille Nacht/Silent Night.

James gave further insight to other memorable Christmas traditions; for instance, White Christmas, originally recorded by Bing Crosby and covered by numerous other artists, has sold more than 100 million copies over the years; that the origins of Oh Holy Night are about slavery; and how Gilbert first met Sullivan and went on to have a successful partnership. He also cited the Longfellow poem I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day: poignant words but sadly too long to quote here.

James closed his presentation with bygone images of horse-drawn sleighs dashing through the snow – happy days indeed when children used to skate on frozen ponds and build snowmen without fear of any climate change disasters.

The first meeting of this year was the annual debate on which national WI campaign to support. Four topics were tabled: “Let’s talk about incontinence”; “Bystanders can be lifesavers (knowledge of CPR)”; “Join the repair revolution (upcycling clothes)”; and “Eliminate landfill of medication packaging”.

The 33 members in attendance voted on their preferred resolution. The one with the most votes will be put forward for consideration, alongside submissions from other WI groups nationwide, with the most popular being adopted by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes at its AGM later this year.

Thereafter members had time to socialise; some played board games and enjoyed refreshments before the meeting was brought to a close.

The next meeting of Reepham WI will be held on Thursday 20 February at 7.30 pm at St Michael’s, Reepham. Following the AGM, guest speaker Angela Bishop will give members “A trip down memory lane”.

Dee Taylor

Post date: Thursday, November 28, 2024 - 09:02

Reepham’s WI’s annual general meeting was held on Thursday 21 November, when members had the opportunity to elect new members of the committee and also to put their names forward to take on various responsibilities, which keeps the wheels of this vibrant and inclusive organisation turning. Helen Bailey has agreed to continue as president for another year.

After WI business was dealt with and refreshments served, Brenda Gostling hosted a creative and entertaining quiz, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

With Christmas fast approaching, members of the WI craft club have been busy in recent weeks creating festive wreaths, which are now on display in the Art Room at the Bircham Centre.

Photo: Dee Taylor

This year’s theme is “Nursery Rhymes” – we enjoyed making them and we hope you enjoy seeing them, while perhaps reminiscing about your own childhoods. These wreaths will be for sale, with proceeds going to support the Bircham Centre. Please see the Bircham Centre Charity Shop for further details.

Craft club members have also made decorations for the WI tree, part of the Christmas Tree Festival, to be held in St Mary’s Reepham from 4–8 December. Hope to see you there!

Reepham WI meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm at St Michael’s, Reepham. December’s meeting will be held a week early on Thursday 12 December. This festive gathering will feature James Stebbings, with a presentation on “Sentiments of Christmas”.

Dee Taylor

Post date: Monday, October 28, 2024 - 20:38

In October, Andrew Sankey, garden designer and historian, gave an entertaining talk to Reepham WI on the evolution of the English cottage garden, from medieval times to the modern day.

He introduced his talk by sharing that he has given talks in America on the cottage garden, where they have formed a romanticised vision of what a typical English cottage garden is, influenced by the watercolour paintings by the Victorian artist, Helen Allingham. Her “chocolate box” images often include a young maiden in a bonnet, outside a thatched cottage surrounded by pretty flowers, with no vegetables or compost heaps in sight.

The medieval cottage garden could not be further from this perception. The dwellings, home to some 90% of the population who were peasants, were small, often housing a family of up to 13 children, with livestock sharing the inside warmth during winter months.

The land surrounding the cottage was laid out with raised beds, planted solely with produce to sustain the family, such as onions, cabbages and leeks. Herbs were important, used for flavouring the basic one-pot meals, as well as for medicinal purposes.

It was not until around 1557 that Thomas Tusser wrote a book on good husbandry, and under the influence of Henry VIII gardens became more elaborate with fruit trees and flowers introduced for more decorative uses. Rare species were brought to the UK from countries such as China, Turkey and South America.

Potatoes were not introduced until 1830; shrubs did not make an appearance until 1870/80. This period was the high point of the English cottage garden, with productivity and utility, as well as beauty, of equal importance.

County Life magazine came into being around this same, igniting the creation of “show” gardens – with space gradually given over to lawns and ornaments there was little space for growing vegetables. But as times and diets changed gardeners once again yearned to grow their own produce, hence the creation of allotments, certainly a popular pastime in Reepham.

Reepham WI meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm at St Michael’s, Reepham. The next meeting on Thursday 21 November will be the AGM, followed by an interactive quiz hosted by Brenda Gostling.

Dee Taylor

Post date: Friday, October 18, 2024 - 17:21

With the recent media coverage of overcrowded prisons and the controversial decision to release prisoners early, it was timely that our September speaker, Geoff Dyett JP, gave a talk to Reepham WI on the role of the magistracy.

There are three magistrates’ courts in Norfolk: Norwich, Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth. Magistrates, some 12,000 in the UK, are volunteers aged between 18 and 75 and come from all walks of life; more than 50% are women. There are three magistrates at each sitting, with the benefit of additional counsel from a legal adviser.

Cases are heard in the criminal, civil, family and youth courts, such as anti-social behaviour, non-payment of council tax, domestic abuse and vulnerable children. The magistrates also deal with appeals against other bodies, such as contesting parking fines.

Around 95% of all criminal cases are dealt with in the magistrates’ courts. Defendants, if they plead guilty or are found guilty, usually receive a fine or a community service order – the court can also impose a maximum of 12 months imprisonment for a first offence.

However, it is the aim of the magistracy to encourage rehabilitation and reduce reoffending by avoiding prison sentences. More serious offences are referred to the Crown Court.

Reepham WI meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm at St Michael’s, Reepham.

Dee Taylor

Post date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - 17:47

The last few months have provided Reepham WI members with diverse and interesting events.

At the end of April, walks around Reepham took place to support the Associated Country Women of the World, followed by tea and cake in the Bircham Centre.

In May, we held a final debate on the 2024 Resolution on Dental Matters, in which government should be called upon to increase investment in the training and retention of dentists.

Thereafter, we were given a talk by Saffron Summerfield, a musician/song writer, who, while artist in residence at Rye Harbour, nurtured her passion for birdsong. Saffron shared her fascinating knowledge of when and why birds sing.

The incredible work done by the Medical Detection Dogs charity was the topic at June’s meeting. Norma Howell explained how Bio Detection Dogs are trained to detect odours associated with diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s and bacterial infections. The Medical Alert Assistance Dogs support people who have complex health conditions and are in danger of having a potentially life-threatening medical event.

Last week our members listened to a terrific tale about Newhaven Court, Cromer, a book written by Helen Murray who shared the story of her forebears’ home and the intriguing list of characters who stayed there between the wars, including Einstein, Shackleton, Tennyson, Oscar Wilde and others too many to mention.

Helen’s story of how she researched the history of the house and its occupants for her book is quite remarkable in itself. Who knew Cromer held so many secrets?

A number of WI ladies produced delicious cakes and helped with refreshments at the Norfolk Day festivities with games and fun for young and old alike.

Our next meeting, on Thursday 15 August, will be our annual summer social, to be held in the Bircham Centre garden from 2.30−4.30 pm. Our speaker will be Angela Bishop, taking us on a trip down memory lane.

Dee Taylor

Post date: Monday, April 22, 2024 - 21:18

In January, Reepham WI members were invited to vote on their chosen resolution, with “Dental Health Matters” going forward to form the basis for the WI’s 2024 national campaign. This was followed in February by our AGM, with new members joining the committee.

So, it was a pleasure to invite to our March meeting Jeni Neill, our first speaker for 2024, who gave us a brief insight into how she took up writing, then successfully self-published her first novel The Devil’s Dye.

This is an intriguing tale of the de Hems family, weavers who emigrated from the Low Countries to Norwich and became known as the “Strangers”.

The story, which centres around Jowan, a dyer, and his wife Eliza, takes us to Bungay, where they settle, and beyond in his the quest for indigo, a rare and expensive commodity in those days.

It is a warm tale, with fascinating, authentic historical detail such as references to Black Shuck, the legendary Suffolk giant black dog. A future visit for members to Strangers’ Hall is planned.

In April we were privileged to have Mary Newton, a retired forensic scientist, give a presentation – “Blood, Sweat and Fears” – to members, family and friends about her long and fascinating career with the Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory, as well as a brief stint as an adviser on the Silent Witness series.

Mary explained how analyses are carried out, to establish the presence of blood and DNA at a crime scene, on weapons and clothing.

We were astounded to learn that from the use of Sellotape, a basic household item, incriminating fibres can be obtained and this evidence kept intact for years to come.

Mary explained that with the advance of new technology cold cases are being re-examined and prosecutions are now able to be made years after the event. She used two harrowing murder cases, committed in 1993 and 1996, to illustrate how ultimately justice can be achieved with meticulous and tenacious forensic science.

Mary donates fees from her speaking engagements to local food banks, so was extremely appreciative of the larder items brought along by our members to complement her worthwhile initiative.

Reepham WI meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm at St Michael’s, Reepham. Next month, on 16 May, Saffron Summerfield will give a digitally illustrated talk with birdsong and music entitled “When Birds Sing”.

Dee Taylor

Post date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 - 17:29

This month Reepham WI held its meeting via Zoom, when members were given an opportunity to listen and debate four resolutions, before voting on which campaign to support.

Similar meetings will be held during January by WI groups across the country. The majority vote from each group will then be sent to the National Federation of WIs for this year’s chosen campaign to be ratified.

The four matters of concern this year are:

  • Dental health matters. There is an acute shortage of dentists in both the NHS and private sector. This resolution calls on the government to increase investment in training and retention of dentists by improving their employment contracts.
  • Impacts of poor housing. The appalling condition of a large proportion of rented accommodation was highlighted. Tighter control and legislation on the conditions of rental accommodation, in both the private and social sector, is needed to ensure rental properties are safe, clean and fit for purpose.
  • Say ‘No’ to gambling advertising. This resolution calls for the government and other organisations to implement a total ban on gambling advertising. As everyone is aware, advertisements and sponsorship by gambling outlets are to be seen everywhere, especially in sports venues, on attire and via media during sporting events. Gambling addiction can have catastrophic effects: financial hardship, mental health issues, breakdown of relationships and careers.
  • Improving outcomes for women in the criminal justice system. A large number of women in prison, often incarcerated for non-violent offences, have children or are pregnant on committal. A non-custodial sentence, with monitoring from social services, would surely make more sense for women and, more importantly, their offspring. The WI’s “Care not Custody” campaign is an example of what could be achieved.
     

The Women’s Institute has a long history of campaigning, indeed in the 1950s one of its early initiatives led to the “Keep Britain Tidy” lobby.

All the above resolutions are complex, require committed co-operation and, of course, funding. Striving to improve aspects of grave concern in society by campaigning is at the core of what the WI stands for.

Reepham WI meets at 7.30 pm on the third Thursday of each month at St Michael’s, Reepham.

Dee Taylor

Post date: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 - 20:28

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

A passionate “crib” collector since childhood, Georgette Vale brought along her impressive collection of Nativity scenes for us to see at the Reepham WI meeting on Thursday 16 November, as well as a selection of amusing, home-crafted characters in Biblical settings.

St Francis of Assisi is thought to have introduced the first living Nativity scene in the Italian city of Greccio on Christmas Eve 1223. This was to encourage his flock to reflect upon the magical story of the birth of Jesus.

Georgette shared anecdotes of “Santons de Provence” – dainty clay figurines, no bigger than “Thumbelina” created in the south of France, not only of the usual Nativity groupings but also tradespeople and residents of rural villages – now highly collectible.

Another French festive tradition is the “fève” – a small trinket originally made from fava beans to represent religious symbols, then hidden in cakes, notably Gateau de Rois, traditionally served at Epiphany, similar to our custom of hiding old sixpenny pieces in Christmas puddings.

While writing about all things Christmas, a shout out to the Reepham WI Craft Club who have been busy working on decorations for our tree for the forthcoming Christmas Tree Festival in St Mary’s, as well as for the Bircham Centre art room, during the Festival of Light, to be held on Sunday 3 December. We hope many of you will come along and have a great afternoon.

Reepham WI meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month at 7.30 pm in St Michael’s. The speaker at our next meeting on Thursday 14 December (on this occasion a week early) will be Penny Doe on a “Folk Christmas”, an assortment of Christmas songs and music.

Dee Taylor

Nativity scene figures brought along by Reepham WI members. Photo: Rosemary Black

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