HOLT WI
Who Are We? Holt Women's Institute was founded in 1936 and continues to meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 'The Venue' in Holt from 2.00 - 4.00pm.
What does the Holt WI do? Why Join?
Firstly, the Holt WI provides a meeting place for like-minded women to enjoy each other's company, learn more about the world and issues we face in everyday life, make friends and support causes. This year our chosen charity is the The Poppy Cafe who provide free support those who suffer with dementia, and their carers, in and around Holt. The WI also vote nationally for a campaign resolution which is currently "Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife".
Each WI member receives a monthly WI Life magazine and full access to a huge range of online resources, courses and events.
Please scroll down the page to see photos of recent activities
Click on this WI logo to link to the National WI site to find out more about this organisation:
October saw our WI enjoy three events: entertaining other WIs in the Nor'Easter Region with a short production of "Red Hot Cinders"..... a talk on 'Guarding the Royals" .... and a lovely lunch out at The Roman Camp.
September's meeting was all about 'Medical Detection Dogs' with Harry the beagle and his owner Norma.......
In August our Annual Garden Party was held at Holt Bowls Club.....a superb venue and a lovely chance to catch up over a cuppa!
Mary Newton, a retired forensic pathologist who used to advise TV series such as 'Silent Witness', came to speak about her work at our July meeting and how to work out what had happened at murder scenes: 'Give Us A Clue When The Dogs Don't Bark' was both thought provoking and entertaining - we hope to have her back soon!
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June ... a great talk by one of our members on the importance of old photographs and family documents for future family history tracing ... do write names, dates and places down on photos, etc.... and then a lovely trip to Norfolk Lavender at Heacham, near Hunstanton.
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May... "Bring Your Bling" & Resolution Meeting: Lorraine talked about her years working for the diamond merchants, De Beers, and shared memories of handling millions of pounds worth of diamonds for clients. We also heard from Bridget about the work of the ACWW [Associated Country Women of the World which has 82 countries as members, and their work to improve education, health and hygiene.
Several members also attended a really informative walk-about with Dr Tony Leach on the Spout HIlls learning more about the biodiversity, flora and fauna on our doorstep - a great evening's stroll!
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February....our Annual General Meeting was attended by Wendy Nash, WI Adviser. Reports on Holt WI activities were received from Paula [President], Chris [Treasurer] and Lorraine [Secretary]. Paula Hewitt then stepped down as President and Lorraine Waskett was voted on as our new President.
Eirian gave a very informative presentation on what led her to become a Holt First Responder and what it involves. This was followed up by a quiz on all things medical - our thanks to Alison! A new 'Trade Table' had its first outing where members bring and buy as a fundraiser too.
January....a new year and a new speaker! Great to have Dr Tony Leech join us for an illustrated and informative talk on the green spaces around Holt. We now know the difference between types of gorse, can identify a Cambridge Blue Keeled Skimmer and understand more of the importance of our heath land and its management. Hopefully Tony will lead us on a guided walk during the summer months!
December......our 87th Birthday/Christmas Celebration was held at the Venue in Holt with the "Music is Magic" choir led by Angela Dugdale and a seasonal quiz by our very own Alison Sloman.
Superb refreshments, Christmas decorations and cards to buy.....and the obligatory raffle!
A good time was had by all 40+ attending.
November....another great lunch at Holt Garden Centre and then a 'Members Meeting' with talks on being a Mayoress, a holiday in Tasmania and the life story of a Jewess rescued from Nazi Germany
October....and a fascinating talk by Gianna Knowles of 'Knorfolk Knots' on the history of knitting and the impact on Norfolk of the wealth developed through the wool trade....think medieval churches and Norwich being the second city of England in those days.....and did you know that the oldest knitted sock discovered by archaeologists was found in Egypt with two toes only [to facilitate the wearing of sandals!]
September....a meeting exploring the theme of "The Fabulous Fifties", a quiz with Roughton WI and a really enjoyable trip to Langham Glass with demonstrations and a chance to blow your own glass too!
And creating a whisky tumbler...blowing in the air,
pushing into the mould, and then cutting off the surplus!
In August we enjoyed our Annual Garden Party
In July we held our coffee morning for Holt First Responders...raising £556....and also enjoyed an excellent talk on the National Coastwatch by Clive Mattson of Wells.
Our June activities included a lovely lunch at the Holt Garden Centre...
...discussion of our next outing to Langham Glass in September.....
...and an excellent talk by Paul Laurie of 'Bird Ventures', Chapel Yard, Holt on the birds of North Norfolk [varieties to be found in different habitats, impact of climate change, migration and feeding patterns....and how we can help!
A selection of photos from our May meeting where we discussed the 'Clean Rivers' Resolution and celebrated our new king with a special tea, themed raffle and Royalty Quiz. Twenty-nine members attended.
