Barkby W.I.

Shirley Franklin President of New Barkby W.I. welcomed members to the September meeting for the institute.
‘Jerusalem’ was sung, followed by a one-minute silence in memory of a former president Janet Hutton, who at one time had also been a staff member for the Leicestershire and Rutland Federation of W.I’s.
A short business session followed from the tribute.
Angela Dewes gave a talk on ‘From Fleece to Finish’. As a farmer’s wife dealing with arable and beef farming, Angela decided to breed sheep for their fleece rather than meat.
With power-point presentations, members learned about different breeds and the type of wool produced. Lowland sheep have a softer texture than hill sheep, but the process for the end result is the same.
Shearing usually happens about May before the weather turns too hot, then the fleeces are washed several times to remove impurities. Angela either sells fleeces or uses them herself to make items such as scarves, hats and socks. Sometimes she experiments with dyes such as wood or plants from her garden and she has now become a member of the Guild of Spinners and Dyers. Following the talk there was a demonstration of carding (to stitch the wool) using a spindle and had brought along a portable spinning wheel. There was a question and answer time too before a social time and refreshments.
Alma Wright gave the vote of thanks and the competition for a hand made colourful knitted snake was won by Jan Oliver.
The raffle was won by M. Sewell and the tea hostesses were J. Brutnall and V Cobb.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 5th October at Syston Community Centre at 7.30pm when Flower Arrangement will be the subject with Kerry Evans.
Visitors are always welcome.