Helmdon Branch WEA – Activities 2002

Helmdon Branch WEA – Activities 2002
Charity reg. no: 1112775

WEA Event Christmas 2002 – 3rd December 2002

In early December, the Helmdon branch enjoyed another visit to The Old Glebe, Will Watson’s lovely home. This time we had chicken and chips, followed by delicious “puds” made by members (thank you all of you).

Then came another “treat”. Maureen Jeffery, the new administrator of Sulgrave Manor (congratulations, Maureen) talked about typical food served at Christmas in Tudor times. However, she not only talked about it, she had made and brought for our delectation, samples of the Christmas fare she talked about, and whilst most of the sweetmeats were delicious, members were invited to take one away to eat in the privacy of our own homes – one felt that Maureen did not feel that we would like it very much and take avoidance action! It was interesting hearing the real story of the blackbirds baked in a pie, and to learn about the origins of the Banbury cake, later to be imitated in various forms all over the country.

A TUDOR CHRISTMAS
Members of the public can visit Sulgrave Manor to see The Great Hall bedecked with seasonal greenery, with the log fire burning and beeswax candles glowing. Hear from the Lord of the Manor of the customs and traditions of Christmas past, and from his cook of food and feasting. With music by Wynndebagge the piper. Timed tickets issued on arrival. Adults £6.50, children £3.25. December 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 20th – 22nd, 27th – 30th 10:30 am – 4:30 p.m. For more information please visit: http://www.stratford.co.uk/sulgrave/

The Summer Event – An Evening With Jenni Murray – 6th July 2002

Helmdon branch WEA were very pleased to welcome Jenni Murray to their Summer Event at the Old Glebe on Saturday 6th July 2002.

Jenni is the presenter of Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4.

Jenni joined BBC Radio Bristol in 1973, and went on to be a reporter and presenter for BBC TV’s South Today. In 1983 she joined Newsnight. Two years later, she moved to Radio 4 as a presenter for the Today programme. She became the regular presenter of Woman’s Hour in 1987. In the Queen’s Birthday Honours 1999 she was made an OBE for radio broadcasting. Jenni is the author of The Woman’s Hour: A History of Women Since World War II and has recently published Is It Me or Is It Hot In Here: A Modern Woman’s Guide to the Menopause. She was a weekly columnist for The Daily Express from 1998 to 2000 and now writes for various newspapers and magazines, including The Daily Telegraph.

Over 40 WEA members enjoyed listening to Jenni talk about the changing role of women over the last 50 years, and how Woman’s Hour has helped bring women’s issues to the fore.

Woman’s Hour was created by Norman Collins as a “daily programme of music, advice and entertainment for the home”. Early items ranged from the instructive and entertaining (including a guide to knitting your own stair carpet!), to controversial social and educational issues. The programme was the first to tackle subjects such the menopause (in 1947), cancer (1950) and contraception (1962).

The talk was preceded by a delicious pot-luck supper which had been provided by the members, and the whole evening was set against the backdrop of the wonderful house and gardens of host Will Watson.

To learn more about Jenni Murray and the Woman’s Hour programme please visit the Radio 4 web site.

Outing to Bath – 13th April 2002

Bath was cold but sunny when forty six WEA members and friends visited the city on Saturday 13 April.

The city was welcoming with its displays of spring flowers and there was much to see, the Jane Austen Museum, the Royal Crescent, the Postal Museum and the Pump Room being amongst the many attractions. The Abbey was fascinating with its epitaphs around the walls to eminent Bathonians and the Roman Baths were brought to life by the hand-held “guides”.

Some of the party went on the bus sightseeing tour which whetted appetites for a further visit , and two intrepid souls went to the American Museum just outside Bath which has a particularly fine collection of patchwork quilts. An added bonus for some of us were the street buskers outside the Abbey, one of whom, a Roman statue, held us mesmerised for many minutes.

Where shall we go in 2003 I wonder? Your suggestions are welcome!

Brackley Bygones Day – 6th April 2002

Over 400 people packed in to Brackley Town Hall on 6th April 2002 to see the display of local history information and artifacts.

The event was organised by Brackley History Society and opened by MP Tim Boswell.

The organisers were very pleased with the turnout, and even more pleased with the support from the villages surrounding Brackley.

Helmdon’s display commanded pride of place and featured the work of the Local History Group of the Helmdon WEA. The Helmdon web site also got a good mention and it is hoped that many people will use our considerable local history resources.

If you have an interest in Helmdon history, or would just like to get more involved, please contact Audrey Harwood.

See Previous Year’s Activities
and also…
WEA Posters 2000 – 2004

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