Shakespeare’s women explored at Lee Brockhurst WI meeting
Lee Brockhurst WI members heard about the women who influenced William Shakespeare’s life and career at their October meeting
President Judith Lester welcomed members and guests to the meeting, where speaker Clare Smout explored the women associated with the playwright, from his family to prominent historical figures.
Her talk covered Shakespeare’s mother and sisters, his wife and daughters, as well as Queen Elizabeth I, who was a patron of his theatre company, and Emilia Lanier, considered by some historians to be the “Dark Lady” of his sonnets.
Jackie Clarke gave the vote of thanks before members received updates on the health of those who had been unwell and news from the national, Shropshire and Wem groups of the WI. The Wem group has appointed a new convenor, Pat Hibberd.
Members heard about the group’s forthcoming autumn social in Cockshutt, where Paula Bell will appear as the Hon Mrs Victor Bruce, “minding her motoring manners 1920s style”.
Other events include a Christmas carol service at Shrewsbury Abbey on December 1, a trip to Birmingham Hippodrome to see Cinderella and a silk-painting workshop in the new year.
Lee Brockhurst WI’s own October activities included a clay pigeon shooting taster session at Midlands Shooting Grounds, where members tried their hand at hitting the clays.
The craft group also enjoyed a polymer clay workshop, while 15 members gathered for an afternoon of tea, cake and looking through old scrapbooks and photographs.
Members were encouraged to identify people in photographs that lacked names or captions. Betty Williams, Liz Addis and Margaret Marsh proved particularly knowledgeable, helping to fill in many of the gaps.
Looking ahead, the November meeting will feature a talk by Hannah Moore about Mary’s Meals, a charity which began by feeding local schoolchildren and has grown to provide meals for three million children every day.
The book and craft clubs will continue their regular meetings, while a brunch at the Old Piggery in Prees is planned for mid-November. A Christmas wreath-making workshop will take place at the village hall on December 10.
The October meeting concluded with tea, biscuits and conversation. Annette France won the raffle, while June Jackson won the monthly competition.
For more information about Lee Brockhurst WI, contact Julie Woolfenden on 07840 935856 or email [email protected].