Stroud Shambles WI

PRESIDENT Joan welcomed the ladies present at our June meeting.

There were four apologies.

Various notices were read and put on display.

There were five birthdays this month, and posies of flowers were presented to Sue, Rachel, Alicia, Helen and Joan.

We then sang Happy Birthday.

Payment is now due for our August outing.

The lunch menu has been chosen.

Unfortunately we are unable to use our funds to pay for Jenny's day out at Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

A letter of apology was sent to Anne Turner County Chairman, no payment has been made as yet, so there is no problem, Jenny kindly agreed to pay for herself.

Interest was shown in the bookmark competition.

The new lunch club for members will meet at the Old Nelson on July 15, at 12.00 for 12.30 start.

Jenny gave a report on her day at Buckingham Palace garden party.

Unfortunately she couldn't wear her hat as the wind was so strong, although the weather remained dry.

There were over 8,000 ladies present.

Princess Alexander looked extremely elegant.

Jenny thoroughly enjoyed her day, it was a wonderful experience.

Then June our Delegate, gave her report on the centenary A.G.M. at The Albert Hall.

There were 5,000 ladies there.

The Royal party arrived at 11.00am, the Queen wearing a pale grey outfit, looked charming. Jerusalem was sung.

The baton arrived after travelling over 1,800 miles.

The Queen then left the stage to cut the centenary cake.

There were three very interesting speakers.

June will finish her report at the next meeting when more details about the Resolutions are known.

It was then time to introduce our speaker, Mr. Alan Pilbeam, to talk about Old Paths of Gloucestershire.

The best way to know an area is to walk the county footpaths, to take a look at the actual footpaths why are they there, who used them.

Some footpaths date back to the Saxon and Roman times, every village had footpaths around them leading to the mills, to the woods for fuel.

There was always a footpath around the Parish boundaries.

A pathway was thought to drive evil spirits away.

It also made sure everyone knew where the boundary was.

There were no maps then.

There was a significant pathway east of the Severn which radiated to villages and to 20 Minsters

There was a Minster at Bisley and a lane goes round in a circle at Bisley Minster which would have been the wall around the village.

Minsters became markets for every rural parish.

There were Pilgrimage paths to Shrines and Drovers used paths from Gloucester to London for their cattle to sell in London.

There were also tow paths along the Severn where men pulled the boats.

If a sunken pathway is seen, it usually indicates it dates back to Saxon times.

There were paths for pack horses to carry wool over many miles.

Gloucestershire has 100 listed deserted villages.

Joan thanked Mr Pilbeam for a very unusual and interesting talk and slide show, and we are sure to pay more attention to any footpath we walk upon.

We then enjoyed our coffee and chat.

We meet the second Wednesday in the month (except August) at 10.30am at the Congregational Church Hall, Stroud at 10.30am.

We would welcome your company at any of our meetings.