SWANS WI

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Throughout the summer and into autumn SWANS WI have been very active and enjoyed good company; welcomed guests even from the USA, as well as wonderfully talented and creative Speakers;  linked with the Community;  actively involved  ourselves  in local issues and moved our meeting place to be able to welcome new Members.

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We now meet the first Thursday of each month at Wilton Community Centre at 2pm. If you are thinking of joining why not come as a guest to our next meeting by ringing Caroline on 07804 210866, or emailing the Secretary at dianeoakapplehouse@gmail.com You can be sure of a warm welcome.

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Recently, we have been wowed by the flower arrangements of Michael Bowyer MBE whose traditional and more contemporary creations were raffled off at the end of the meeting to the delight of Members. They were stunning.

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At the same meeting we welcomed the President of New Sarum WI with whom SWANS are collaborating in furthering the current NFWI Campaign ‘Clean water for people and wildlife.’ We have petitioned and set up a variety of ways to support this important cause. With Salisbury being proud of its link to five rivers and wanting pollution to be brought under control, a huge amount of interest has been shown and we are determined to make a difference. Want to know more? Contact SWANS Secretary dianeoakapplehouse@gmail.com

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We have enjoyed attending local events; games afternoons; SWANS lunch club; taking part in monthly competitions; been intrigued by talking about Dorset Buttons and much more besides.

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SWANS link with other organisations in the community. For example, we are working with Wilton Place Care Home to enjoy the company and experience of fantastic Residents. As well as some Residents being Members of SWANS we are able to attend sessions within the Home where we learn so much about the positive aspects of living independently.

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As the evenings draw in we will be adjusting our meeting time so as to come and go in daylight. This is welcomed by all Members so, don’t let the winter months drag on, come and join us for the warmth and hospitality of SWANS WI.

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October 2023 Meeting

 

Our October meeting was held at the Wilton Community Centre and was very well attended.  The topic this month was on Dorset Buttons and Anna McDowell gave us such an informative talk.  We didn’t quite know what to expect but it was fascinating to hear about how an ex-soldier Abraham Case invented a revolutionary thread-covered button around 1622 and created a large industry around Shaftesbury employing around 4000 women and children.  They used local textiles wrapped around a disc of horn from a Dorset Horn Sheep.  Who’d have known?!  Sadly the industry dwindled when the button making machine was invented.  Anna herself is now very skilled in the art and makes Dorset buttons for various period dramas.

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A most welcome cup of tea followed, accompanied by a delectable selection of cakes and sandwiches.  The raffle followed and competition results were announced - the winner was a beautiful button picture of a tree, created by one of our members and much admired.

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Our next meeting will be on 2nd November at Wilton.

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We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 2.p.m.  You would be given a warm welcome should you feel like coming along - just 'phone Phillipa, our President, on 07743101510 for more information.

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