Eastcombe WI with Susan Stayte of Dizzibirds Textiles

EASTCOMBE WI ladies February meeting was opened with the sad news of the death of a long standing member of our group, Margaret Kershaw.

A busy year lies ahead of us.

A Group Summer Fund Raising event, in collaboration with Brimscombe & Thrupp, France Lynch, Oakridge and Bisley, on June 10, at Eastcombe Scout HQ, featuring tombola, jewellery, crafting, books, refreshments, etc.

A selection of shows – HMS Pinafore, and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Coffee mornings; pub lunches; mid-week walks; trips and holidays; Craft Club meetings; interaction with Thomas Keble Year 8 pupils; Clean Up Britain activity. Presence at the Chalfest Event July 22 at France Lynch; The Three Counties Show; and the Open Gardens.

This year, May 13, we shall be hosting the County Walk – 2, 4 and 6 miles around Eastcombe area – followed by a lunch.

We are a very active and participative WI.

If you would be interested in joining the Eastcombe WI, please do not hesitate to contact Margery Lambert (01453 886697, or email marglambert@btinternet.com) for further information and to arrange to sample one of our meetings.

Business matters concluded we were enticed into spring with a display and demonstration of an unusual way of crafting all things floral.

Susan Stayte of Dizzibirds Textiles – previously a speech therapist – has crafted herself a whole new occupation, producing exquisite floral arrangements and accessories.

We were shown how to choose suitable fabrics, then with the heat from just a tiny candle the magic began.

Susan demonstrated her technique and explained the safety aspects - no draughts, and all dangly bits – hair, scarves, sleeves – safely dangling behind!

Under Susan’s tuition, we experimented with fabrics such as chiffon and organza. Skill comes with practise, and it was obvious our Group would need a lot more practise, but what an absorbing, new to our Group, crafting technique.