3 days ago
Jane Austen themed summer party among activities for the Island's women's groups
The Isle of Wight's women's groups have been busy. Here are the latest submitted reports.
Freshwater Bay WI
There were two Mr Darcys and dozens of eligible ladies when Freshwater Bay WI threw a Jane Austen-themed garden party.
Members were keen to mark the 250th anniversary of the birthday of the Hampshire-born author with an Austentacious celebration including a literary quiz and an afternoon tea with prosecco.
There was even a prize for the most authentic headwear.
More than 40 members, many of them in costume, enjoyed a wonderful afternoon, including "Strictly Come Prancing", their own version of the Assembly Rooms dances at the time of Austen.
Ventnor TG
The group welcomed Ann Evans who is presenting Roman Foliage and judged Best Summer Bloom
Everyone had a 'jolly good time' at the Lakeside Garden Tea Party.
A September lunch including entertainment is planned for Thursday, September 18 at Warners Hotel Bembridge.
Members will enjoy a trip to Quarr Abbey on Monday, August 18, and then the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on Wednesday, August 20. On Friday, August 22 there is a visit to Godshill Model Village.
The Poetry and Prose meeting in September will look at Roald Dahl excerpts.
The next guild meeting, following an August break, will be on Wednesday, September 17, when Cheryl May will be singing sea shanties and others may join in.
Sandown Evening TG
All the members who attended the Federation Together day had a wonderful time, especially being involved with the entertainment.
The June meeting began with a very interesting and informative presentation on hedgehogs by Will Taylor, who is one of a small group of people passionate about the survival of this wonderful creature.
July events started with 11 members going to Lakeside in Wootton for Afternoon Tea. Everyone enjoyed Bertie Everson and his Dad for the entertainment, providing a chance to put dancing shoes on.
A competition for a homemade cake was arranged and duly eaten at tea break accompanied by wine, tea or coffee. A quiz and picture quiz was played for the rest of the evening.
Another visit was arranged to the pottery venue at Fakenham Farm, for those who missed out at the last outing.
A small contingency have arranged trips to the theatre.
Lunch and supper clubs remain well attended.
Group chair Mavis has stepped down from the position and in the interim Babs and Michaela will take over as chair and secretary, from September.
There is no official meeting in August.
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