May 2017

The late May meeting of Resolutions was preceded by a tasty ploughman's supper. The resolution on the Abolition of Micro Plastic fibres being the main contributors to micro plastic contamination of the oceans was passed. Three members delivered 240 emergency wash bags for carers of people with dementia and over 200 Twiddlemitts, Twiddle blankets and cushions to Stamford Hospital recently. Members were asked to make Bereavement Bags for a new Lincoln Centre. Trips and events are being arranged for Craft and Pottery classes, a cruise on Rutland Water and tickets are still available for the show at Thursford in November. Public Affairs and Education team have arranged a full day of talks and discussion on Can Farming Survive Brexit, at Scredington Community Hall in July. We will be running the refreshment tent at the July Rippingale Feast.

Deeping Fudge Co. with their theme, Naughty But Nice will be welcomed at the June meeting which will be on the first Thursday. Visitors are most welcome. For further information please contact President Michele Joint on 01778 440368 or e-mail radwi@btinternet.com

April 2017

This month we had a terrific sing-a-long with the Bourne ladies choir called The Tuneless Choir, with wonderful leaders Linda and Kenny. We were provided with song sheets and we sang a total of eight "Very Tuneful" songs finishing with a wonderful rendition of Jerusalem. Our regular meeting followed with our "smallest piece of jewellery" competition and raffle, correspondence and general notices. During our refreshments time we were able to see on a tablet screen the Digital Storytelling of the activities Rippingale & District WI participate in throughout a year and what the WI is all about. This 2 minute video was entered in the Elizabeth Bell Trophy, a national competition and did unbelievably well coming fourth out of all our members entries.

As our April meeting is our AGM we elected three new committee members and President Michele was voted in for another year. We were all so very happy she chose to stay in the role she has carried out so well. Along with the Treasurer's Report, the Secretary's and President Michele's Report, our Vice President gave a very informative report on her attendance at the Spring Council 2017 Meeting, held at Springfields, Spalding in March.

Events for our diaries;
Craft Club, Tues. 18th April, charm bracelets,
Tues. 16th May, box cards, Rippingale Village Hall. 2.00 - 4.00pm Can Farming survive Brexit?
Wed. 5th July, Scredington Community Centre. 10.00am - 3.30pm Quiz evening,
Fri. 7th July, Quadring. 7.30pm Willoughby Group Meeting,
Tues. 10th Oct. "Rippingale - The Home of the Archers"
Please note, Next meeting will be on Thursday 11th May (due to Elections) at 7.30pm in Rippingale Village Hall. The topic; "Resolutions", with supper.
For further information please contact President Michele Joint on 01778 440368 or e-mail radwi@btinternet.com

March 2017

At the March meeting the President welcomed many members and visitors to hear Louise Timmins, UK Country Head of Brighter Future International Trust, who strive to care for children and adults affected by Leprosy, HIV and AIDS disability and extreme poverty in India. Her talk with slides was most informative, passionate and inspiring. Members were thanked for their generous donations of Twiddlemitts, lap quilts and washbags for dementia care, milk bottle tops for Air Ambulance and used stamps for Medical Care Dogs. These are all ongoing requests. A fantastic night was had at Peterborough Greyhound Racing and a lunch at the Three Kings in Threekingham. Events for the diaries; South Lincs Federation AGM @ Springfield, Resolution meeting, quizzes, exercise campaign, Bourne Home Economics, 'Auntie The War Is Over' at the Corn Exchange, Craft Club, Lunches, Tolethorpe and the Cheese Fair in Melton Mowbray. Bookings were being taken for the 2017 Thursford Christmas Spectacular. In the pipe line is a visit to Hull - City of Culture 2017. The Annual Meeting will be held at the April meeting when the committee and president will be elected.

For further information please contact President Michele Michele Joint on 01778 440368 or e-mail radwi@btinternet.com

February 2017

At our February meeting, members enjoyed a cake to celebrate the 79th anniversary of our WI branch. Our speaker was Nigel Burn, a guide from Lincoln Castle, who stepped in when our advertised speaker cancelled. His descriptive, informative and amusing talk on the Castle before and after restoration kept us enthralled. It is now well worth visiting, as the Magna Carta is now housed in the museum.

Input and help were requested for the Lincoln Show and the Rippingale Feast. Quizzes, competitions and craft events are planned, and trips to Greyhound Racing, RAF Digby, Alexandra Palace, Theatres and a visit to Leicester's Sikh Temple and Cathedral are being arranged.

Bourne Home Economics group have arranged an evening in March with Chris Knight's 'Auntie the war is over'.

The speaker in March will be Louise Timmins with her topic 'Brighter Future' which helps children in India. Visitors are most welcome. For further information please contact President Michele Joint on 440368 or e-mail radwi@ btinternet.com

January 2017

At members' night in January we enjoyed a delicious hot meal and puddings to die for. This was followed by a most entertaining version of Room 102! So many members having such an amusing way of showing their feelings about so many diverse subjects. The Darts teams are continuing with their fixtures and the Book Club, Pudding Club & Craft Group are looking forward to a very interesting new year. There is to be an evening in March at the Bourne Corn Exchange with Chris Knight; the subject The Wars Over, The Magic Attic. Visits have been arranged to the Joint Services Command Unit, RAF Digby and a tour of Leicester to include the Girdwara Sikh Temple, the Cathedral and a King At Rest. Members are still knitting Twiddlemits, collecting Stamps and Milk Bottle Tops for various charities. We meet on the first Thursday of the month in Rippingale Village Hall @ 7.30pm. The February speaker will be from 'Second Helpings', the Community Cafe in Stamford, visitors are most welcome.

For further information please contact President Michele Joint on 01778 440368 or e-mail radwi @ btinternet.com

October 2016

At the October meeting members and visitors enjoyed a fun Fashion Show put on by M & Co of Bourne with ten members modelling on the Catwalk.

Reports were given on the very informative discussion day held in Bicker on Waste & Warmth with speakers from the Lincolnshire Recycling Plant, how it is run and what we can and cannot put into the black and grey bins. Batteries are a definite NO as they cause fires. None of our waste goes into Landfill. George Hetherington from 'Second Helpings' was so inspired by an article on Songs of Praise on using waste food that he with the help of volunteers started this café in Stamford. Ladies were able to purchase bulbs from John Taylors magnificent display.

An enlightening visit was made to the Buddhist Centre in Peterborough and trips to the Crown Courts @ Peterborough introduced us to the workings of our judicial system, being allowed to sit in the public gallery listening to some of the cases. We look forward to our coffee morning @ the Presidents house later in October to raise money for the project in Kases, Uganda, Keeping Girls in School.

The November speaker will be Patricia Rayner, the topic, Why are the Japanese so Healthy.

We welcome guests and new members, for further details please contact President Michele Joint 01778 440368 or e-mail radwi@btinternet.com

September 2016

At the September meeting we were delighted to receive a fascinating and instructive talk by the Medical Detection Dogs team whose headquarters and training centre is in Milton Keynes as unfortunately the advertised speaker had to cancel. The summer outing to Bletchley Park & Woburn was greatly enjoyed, also a visit to Hambletons Bakery. Interesting visits have been organized to the Peterborough Crown Courts, the Drolma Buddhist Centre, Peterborough and a Waste & Warmth Information day at Bicker Village Hall. There is a proposed trip to Charles Rennie Mackintosh House, 78 Derngate, Northampton, A Flower Arranging Class has been booked and a coffee morning for the WI Charity ACWW.

The October meeting will be a Fashion Show by M&Co with members modelling and where discounts can be enjoyed. For further details please contact President Michele Joint on 01778 440368 or e-mail radwi@btinternet.com

July 2016

At the July meeting Keith Appleyard gave us an exceptional and interesting insight into the work at Bletchley Park, the ultra-secret establishment which broke the Enigma code, and the scientists, academics and engineers who set it up. In August there will be the outing to Bletchley Park and Woburn Abbey. Recently, members had a very informative visit to the Forensic Science Department at University of Lincoln, and a visit to Baston WI for a talk by the Medical Detection Dogs team from Milton Keynes, when we learned about their life saving work, particularly in the field of cancer and other debilitating diseases. The weather was beautiful when we celebrated the Queen's 90th birthday at our Garden Party held at the President's home.

The next meeting will be on September 1st at 7.30pm, when we have Jai Franklin with her talk and demonstration entitled 'Wynd in the Willows'. For further information please contact President Michele Joint on 01778 440368 or e-mail radwi@btinternet.com

June 2016

At the June meeting members and guests were welcomed with a glass of Pimms followed by a thrilling talk by Alan Grey MBE, a Tennis Line Judge & Umpire. Two very informative visits during May were Caythorpe Recycling Plant and South Lincs Crematorium. During June there will be trips to Gardens, Tolethorpe Open Air Theatre and the Forensic Dept. Lincoln University. A Garden Party to Celebrate the Queen's Birthday has been arranged. The President informed members of the Denman College Weekend in 2017. She also presented our first Good Neighbour Award to Rosemary Sanford for her unstinting support to the WI, friends and neighbours. Guests are invited to the next meeting on the first Thursday of July in Rippingale Village Hall @ 7.30pm when Keith Appleyard will talk on Bletchley Park. For further information please contact President Michele Joint on 01778 440368 or e-mail radwi@btinternet.com

April 2016

Members sang a rousing rendition of Jerusalem at the Annual Meeting in April. The President thanked Craft Group Leaders, Home Economics Group and all members for their hard work during the last year. Everyone was thanked for the generosity of donations to Women's Refuge, bottle tops for Air Ambulance, used stamps for Dogs for the Disabled, also knitting Twiddlemitts for Care Homes & Hospitals. There was also clean for the Queen. An inspiring report was given by the Delegate of the Spring Council Meeting with an excellent resume of the Speaker John Kettley's life as a Weatherman and of course his song. Reminders were announced of the forthcoming trips to a Recycling Plant, Afternoon Tea at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, Bury St Edmunds, and a visit to South Lincs Crematorium, Spalding. Many more outings have been organized. An amusing and very informative talk was given by a member who had recently undergone a Cochlea Implant operation in Cambridge. She asked for everyone to be more sympathetic to the hard of hearing and not to ignore them. She herself was very grateful for the support she had received from many friends, During the break a Sausage Tasting session was had with members guessing from five containers which local butchers they had been bought from. After much discussion and chewing, the Pinchbeck butchers came first and Four Seasons second. After coffee the President Michele Joint was re-elected together with a new committee. Flower and Competition prizes were awarded for the last year. The next meeting will be on Thursday 12th May @ 7.30pm in Rippingale Village Hall due to Elections being held on the first Thursday.

For further information please contact Michele Joint 01778 440368 or e-mail radwi@btinternet.com

March 2016

At the March meeting the speaker was our very own member Amanda Clare who shared her eclectic mix of poems written over many years that reflected many experiences and emotions. During the business the President read a letter of thanks from Cumberland & Cumbria WI Federation for the thoughts and donations sent to help the WI Flood Victims and their families. Knitting members were asked to make Twiddlemitts to support care of Dementia Patients while in hospital. There are two dates for Defibrillator Training in May. More trips have been arranged to a local Recycling Plant, A Wildflower Meadow & Garden Visit which encourages Bees, Bury St Edmunds and Houses of Parliament. The AGM will be held at the April meeting followed by a Sausage Tasting Competition and a Quiz.

For further details please contact the President Michele Joint. Tel 440368 or e-mail radwi@btinternet.com

January 2016

At the January meeting the Members organised an hilarious evening with a beetle drive and various quizzes to test the brain. Notices and reminders were announced for further events; craft club, yarn bombing, darts, cheese & wine evening, soup & roll lunch and the Rippingale litter pick preceded by the Big Breakfast. There will be two days of Defibrillator Training in the Hall during January. A group thoroughly enjoyed the Glenn Miller story with Tommy Steele at the Broadway Theatre in Peterborough to set us up for further trips during the year.

February meeting will be a talk by Jim Latham informing us of 'Rippingale's Wonderful Women'. For further information please contact President Michele Joint, Tel. No. 440368 or e-mail michele@vikingsigns.co.uk

December 2015

Despite the wind and rain the President welcomed 42 members and 2 guests for the annual Christmas party. This is the one event of the year when the committee does all the work, a thank you to the members who volunteer during the year, supporting the committee by serving coffee and tea at meetings, helping at special events, providing flowers for the President's table and giving "thanks" to the various interesting speakers who entertain us.

After a short business meeting a delicious buffet provided by the committee was served with festive drinks enabling the members to sit and chat at tables decorated with greenery and crackers. It is also a tradition at the party to have a "secret Santa" so after eating and drinking the members were invited to take a present from the overflowing basket of gifts on the stage. This year, as well as the "secret Santa" it had been decided to bring presents for the Women's refuge. Again an overwhelming number of gifts had been donated and these will be taken to the refuge in time for Christmas. A bonanza raffle was then drawn followed by a draw for the "Denman Bursary", one member delighted to be the winner.

Our evening finished with the speaker, Karen Weingaertner, being introduced. She showed us how to wrap Christmas presents, giving us ideas which would make this task easier, a bonus to those who find this daunting. She suggested it was a good idea to put as many presents as possible in boxes, showing us how to wrap the box and decorate it with various ribbons, old Christmas decorations and even jewellery. Another idea was to make our own Christmas bags with pieces of wallpaper or any thick paper. She finished her demonstration by wrapping a wine bottle, making it look so simple!!

The next meeting will be on 7th January when members organise the evening; sausage tasting and games are on the agenda. The first meeting of the Craft club will be on 19th January. New members are always welcome, for further details please contact President Michele 440368.

November 2015

At the November meeting the President gave a warm welcome to members, ladies and gentlemen guests. She introduced our Speaker, Mr. Richard Adams who took us through a magical journey of Rutland, the small but beautiful county with an illustrated talk combining digital images set to appropriate music.

Christmas lunches have been booked, also Theatre Trips. The Craft Club will be meeting on the third Tuesday of every month in the village hall 2-4pm. In the New Year members can look forward to listening to John Kettley, British Freelance Weatherman at the Spring Council meeting in Spalding, and to a holiday in the Cotswolds. Members are continuing to collect milk bottle tops for the Air Ambulance, Postage Stamps for Hearing Dogs for the deaf, clothing items for the Women's Refuge and the women of Zimbabwe.

Meetings are on the first Thursday of each month, except August, at 7.30pm in Rippingale Village Hall. For further details please contact President Michele 440368 or email michele @vikingsigns.co.uk

October 2015

At October's meeting, there were several visitors and three rejoining members who were all welcomed by the President. Thanks were given to all who helped make the Centenary tea party a huge success and to those who displayed their crafts at the Centenary exhibition in Sleaford.

There were proposed outings to Jesus Christ Superstar and the Glenn Miller Story at the Broadway Theatre in Peterborough, a Ghost walk at the museum and a Christmas lunch.

Next year's resolutions shortlist was announced, including ones on the very topical banning of microbeads, equal funding for mental health and food waste.

Although the expected speaker could not attend, the committee had organised a Chinese themed evening, with members enjoying making paper fans and money envelopes, answering quiz questions, reading chinese proverbs and playing a chopsticks game.

Next month's speaker will be Richard Adams on 'Rutland, small but beautiful' on 5th at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Visitors are always welcome, please contact Michèle Joint on 01778 440368 for more information.

September 2015

At the September meeting the President extended a warm welcome to Members old and new and Visitors. She congratulated the past President on becoming a WI Advisor. Thanks were given for the help at the Rippingale Feast and the summer bbq. Also for the generous donations for the Women's Refuge and items still required for them. Dates for the diary were announced with Nuborn WI, Bourne Abbey hosting a coffee morning on 19th September, a McMillan coffee morning in Rippingale Village Hall on 25th September and a coffee and chat morning on 22nd September at the President's home. Lincolnshire South Federation celebrate 100 years of the WI on 19th September in the North Kesteven Council Offices 10am - 5pm. There will be displays, workshops and demonstrations throughout the day and entertainment by the Federation Choir. On the 17th September Rippingale will hold a Centenary Tea Party.

The ladies then enjoyed a Strictly Fun Dancing session with Michaela Murthwaite. At the October 1st meeting in Rippingale Village Hall at 7.30pm the speaker will be Jai Franklin, her topic 'Wynd in the Willows'. For further details please contact Michele 440368

July 2015

June 2015

At the June meeting the President welcomed Stuart Gibbon a retired policeman, who enlightened members on how robberies happen to family homes. Excellent advice was given on how to deal with scams and mobile phone theft.

Michele reminded members of coming events, BBQ, afternoon tea and chat at her home, also an afternoon tea organised by a member to raise money for a defibrillator at Rippingale Village Hall.

Members were asked for contributions of cakes for the Lincolnshire Show also help and cakes for Rippingale Feast.

The speaker for July will be Veronica Hewins with Indian Cookery. For further information contact President Michele Joint

May 2015

At the May meeting John Kimbrey, a Mountaineer Instructor took us through his year on an Antarctica Expedition. Using slides he explained the Flora & Fauna. showing the spectacular scenery. highlighting the extreme conditions and isolation. He amused us with anecdotes of being the camp dentist and how to cope sharing with eleven men with no contact with the world beyond.

There followed a healthy discussion on the WI National Resolution. It was voted that the Delegate should use her discretion when voting at the Annual Meeting to be held in the Albert Hall. The President announced a very busy summer with outings; Highgrove, Harrogate, Theatres, Darts Matches, Quizzes, Coffee Mornings and BBQ. Request for baking for the Lincs Show and Harley Davidson Super Rally. Members were asked to take part in the Rippingale Feast Day Competitions.

Stuart Gibbon, How Safe Are We?, will be the speaker in June. Guests most welcome. For further details please contact Michele Joint 01778 440368 or michele@vikingsigns.co.uk

April 2015

A Ploughmans Supper was enjoyed at the April AGM. Michele Joint was elected the new President as Rebecca Main had served her three years, also a new committee was voted in.

The 100 years of the WI celebrations are in full swing with one of our members chosen to attend the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and an evening with Bunny Guinness, the Designer & Gardener at South Holland Centre, Spalding.

The visit to Highgrove in Gloucestershire has been booked.

The date for the next meeting will be on Tuesday 5th May due to the General Election. The speaker, Jim Latham, will enlighten us on Rippingale's Wonderful Women. For further details please contact Michele Joint 01778 440368 or michele@vikingsigns.co.uk

March 2015

February 2015

We had an hilarious February meeting when Dawn Blunden, a Cake Maker to Royalty explained how she was selected to make the wedding cake for Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, which lead on to making many cakes for the rich and famous. Her creativity with sugar icing is a sight to behold and she shared photographs with us.

During this 100 years celebration of the WI many interesting things have been organized with the finale at the National AGM in the Albert Hall, London in June.

The president asked for donations of underwear and toiletries for the womens refuge which will be our project this year.

The speaker in March will be Jim Bailey, his subject is Heckington Mill. For further information contact President, Rebecca on 440411

January 2015

Members organised the January meeting taking us to London and the Theatre in the comfort of the village hall. We were welcomed at the box office and shown our places for a film sketch of French & Saunders dancing with Darcy Bussell. Followed by a spoof on Swan Lake, named the Duck Pond after members had enjoyed the production in London 2014. Once members had dried their eyes pavlova and coffee were served. An auction of musical posters professionally made by a member completed the evening.

February meeting will be 'A Cake Maker to Royalty' with Dawn Blunden. For further information please contact: Rebecca 01778 440411 or e-mail rebeccamain1@yahoo.co.uk

Thursday 2nd October 2014

Lunch at Ufford

Rebecca welcomed six new members.

Lincs South Federation Choir gave a rendition of songs which was a warm up to the Competition Heats to be held in Ilkley. Following refreshments Zoe Tant demonstrated making Christmas Cards using Stamps. Members then made their own. Bowling and Lunch at Ufford have been enjoyed recently.

Trips to the BBC Studios, London, Poppies at the Tower of London and Rooster, the ballet in Nottingham have all been arranged for the next two months.

Appeals were made for someone to take over the Poppy Appeal Collection in Rippingale during 25th October - 8th November. Also help needed for catering and serving at the Glen Miller evening in Rippingale Village Hall.

Click here to visit WI Reviews and Meeting Notes from May 2006 to September 2008