New Barkby W.I.

President Shirley Franklin welcomed New Barkby W.I. Members to the Institute’s March meeting.
‘Jerusalem’ was sung, followed by business matters. Thanks were given to everyone for supporting the fun auction in February.
The speaker for the evening was Sam Dobson, a member of the Elgar Society, which promotes his music. With power-point presentation, the talk revealed the life and times of Edward Elgar (1857 – 1934) and how, from an early age, he learned to play several instruments and made jottings on his notebooks of musical notes. His father was an organist and pianist and young Edward often accompanied him to grand houses to entertain guests.
Edward wrote dance music for staff at a local mental hospital and drew ideas from the areas where he lived in Worcester and in particular, the Malvern Hills where he did plenty of walking; there are statues commemorating his life around the area.
In 1889 he married Caroline Roberts, a pupil, despite her aunt’s disapproval. Their life together produced one daughter. By 1900 he had a knighthood bestowed on him.
He was very involved with the Three Choirs Festival (Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester Cathedrals in turn) and also wrote music for the opening of the Carillon Tower in Loughborough in 1923.
As well as the talk, there was the opportunity to hear a few bars of music from Elgar’s vast repertoire, including ‘Nimrod’ (from the Enigma Variations) to Land of Hope and Glory (without words when first composed). His legacy still lives on today.
The vote of thanks was given by Valerie Cobb, the competition, Flowers from one’s garden was won by Jean Brutnall and the raffle was won by Shirley Franklin. Teas were served by Julie Malam and her team for the evening.
The next meeting will be Wednesday 5th April at Syston Community Centre at 7.30pm. Visitors are always welcome and the speaker will be Ian Retson from The Woodland Trust.