This was an extra Zoom meeting where we could share whatever
we liked about Autumn – traditions, occasions, stories, photos, crafts or
anything else.
8 members attended the zoom meeting – Barbara, Caroline, Kaz,
Karen, Jo, Sue Adams, Sue Dunford and Mary.
Jan P sent photos and a writeup in her absence. Caroline started the meeting
as Mary had technical issues, with a few photos shared on screen as well as
other items on camera.
Karen showed us a pumpkin face she had made from a satsuma –
drawing on the face with pen which was going to her granddaughters in lieu of trick
or treat sweets. Simple but brilliant.
Barbara spoke of loving the colours of autumn and this year
we have more time to notice them. She missed the Carnival season – previously
they could watch in Shepton from the office window, whilst she served chilli
and bread to the team. Happy memories on Bonfire night as a child and of
organising the bonfire at Holcombe way back.
Sue D like to renew her learning in the autumn and has
previously tried Italian and pottery. This year she and her daughter have done
a “learn to sew” course – making a zipped purse, drawstring bag, lunch bag and
bunting which we all admired.
Caroline talked of Mischief Night – a northern tradition on
the 4th November, tame fun knocking on doors and running away etc –
she’d read of this going back to the C16, it eventually died out, went to the
US and came back as Trick or Treat. Things can now get more serious with under
16s being unable to buy eggs and flour that week.
Karen’s father was a grocer and she remembers treacle toffee
and parkin for bonfire night. Origins go back to sweet biscuits, fig rolls and
gingerbread men which became a symbol of Guy Fawkes.
Jo enjoyed the colours changing, the smell of leaves, leaves
blowing in the wind. She had been making chutneys from her produce, pumpkin
soup and pie. Tomatoes have been roasted then frozen in ice cubes to add to
future dishes.
Jan P had sent us two photos from Stourhead taken just
before the colours turn. One was a plant with both flowers and berries which Jo
identified as a Viburnum
Tortuosum
Mary spoke of feeling cold already, but enjoying preparing
the garden for winter and making chutneys - improving by the year. Showed a
picture of her children kicking up leaves many years ago. Memories of fireworks
in the garden when young and Catherine Wheels nailed to the shed.
Sue Adams had been to Clarks village with Karen, but it was
too wet to walk and then tried to walk at Stourhead, but couldn’t get tickets
for that day. She reminded us that Stourhead Lights start on 27th
November (if still permitted by then).
Mary then briefly reminded all of the following business
items:
Somerset Autumn council meeting on Zoom - Sat 7th
Nov. Names taken and forwarded to County for invites.
SCFWI talks continuing last two have been brilliant
ACWW walk success at short notice. May try to run more ad hoc with
weather/leader offers.
Items added to the Blog http://leighonmendipwi.blogspot.com/
Collection for Food Bank Christmas treats – everyone will be contacted – to
Mary by 16/11
Newsletter reminder – News, Stories, Book review, Speaker review, Recipe,
Photos – to Caroline by 16/11
First Hall meet-up this week went well. Plan for one most weeks from now if
possible. Jan P doing next week – attendees sorted.
Zoom subs have been paid on a yearly deal – but will probably still use when we
can meet up as one.
Resolutions 2021 shortlist – MM will send round info. More details in December
WI Life. Voting by mid January.
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