Upton St Leonard’s WI Report with Sandra Ashenford and unusual objects of the past

AN INTERESTING evening was ahead of us when our speaker Sandra Ashenford began her talk introducing us to unusual objects of the past.

Sandra was always passionate about history and how objects through the ages tell a story into the ways our ancestors lived.

Fragments of pottery, terracotta from Roman times, arrow heads, flints, bones, coins even jewellery can date from Neolithic man, often found in farmers’ fields or local known sites such as Crickley Hill, Belas Knap near Winchcombe or the long barrow at Uley know as Hetty Peglars Tump, a great burial place of the stone age.

The Victorians were avid collectors of the weird and wonderful as was my grandfather, Samuel Bullock where the attic was full of stuffed birds and animals.

Sandra distributed 20 objects amongst us to recognise and name, some were obvious as most knew the butter stamp, carpet beater, skipping rope, wash dolly etc: but some mystery items were hard to detect.

Extra marks were added for those of us who spotted details adding to their identity.

Sandra has taught in many schools encouraging the young in history but after redundancy she is now freelance enjoying working with excluded children.

This was a fun evening with lots of interaction as you never know what is ahead when Sandra uncovers her very unusual objects at your WI meeting.

A warm round of applause was followed by a vote of thanks from Marlene.

Diane Thomas, President introduced visitors Marion and Sue whom we hope to see again.

The Luna Club ladies enjoyed a meal in May at Haresfield Beacon and later The Barge at Gloucester Docks.

Next date Upton St Leonard’s Flower Show, Saturday, September 9, our class is a decorated shoe box, containing tinned and dried food and socks for the homeless, please support this entry.

A new committee is needed in the autumn, think about it ladies.

On a happy note our team won the skittles against Longhope by two pins.

It was a very happy enjoyable evening.