Little Bookham WI
Little Bookham WI In February Matthew Alexander told us about ‘Victorian Guildford’ and we learnt the history of many of the buildings we are familiar with today. We heard about the changes in forms of travel and types of industry that were prominent in Victorian times. ‘The people and Wildlife of Bookham Commons’ by Ian Swinney was our March talk and Ian has promised to take us all on a guided walk later in the year. We are hoping to see and hear a nightingale. April’s talk was a little different as we all upped sticks, pots and bowls and went to the Vineries Garden Centre and nursery where we had a guided tour followed by a demonstration of how to plant some striking flower baskets and troughs for the summer.
The final highlight this spring was a bursary day with a talk in the morning by Pinky Lilani on her amazing life in England since arriving from India in 1978 followed by a lunch and a demonstration in the afternoon by Janet Gale of how to paint in watercolours. As she painted, Janet explained the different techniques used and the preferable equipment for someone taking up this hobby. There has been so much to write about because we have had such a busy spring. There will be lots more organised for the summer including a trip to Mottisfont in Hampshire. Fay McGregor |
2012 started with a marvellous talk by Jonathan Jones about ‘the Role of the Town Crier’. He arrived in full regalia and amused the members with anecdotes and stories of his experiences. His finale was a demonstration of some of his ‘cries’ - he certainly didn’t need a microphone. 
As well as enjoyable club and group meetings there have been three highlights this spring. The first was a delightful stroll around the area of Holland Park in London organised by Barbara and Doug Templeman. The day began with coffee at Kensington Roof Garden still known to many as Derry and Toms Roof Garden - an amazing oasis of one and a half acres 100 feet above street level with ponds, bridges, trees, shrubs and even some flamingos! We finished our interesting walk with a late lunch at the Elephant and Castle pub. Many of our members also went on a wonderful trip organised by Jenny Carlier to see the Olympic site in London.