April 2025 marks 25 years since Crowlas and Ludgvan WI was created. In celebration a beautiful cake was made and decorated by two of the founding members, Ann Tilly and Pat Gloyn, shown above with current President Chris Phillips.
With beautiful Spring Sunshine the doors stayed open and cheerful birdsong serenaded members at the April Coffee Morning. There were delicious hot bacon rolls and cake to eat alongside the tea and coffee, and friends enjoyed the chance to catch up.
It was a glorious afternoon for the Snapper’s April outing. Cape Cornwall, or more precisely Priest’s Cove, was chosen for it’s stunning scenery and varied fishing boats and equipment dotted around the cove. The group worked on keeping their horizons straight as they looked out to sea and getting interesting compositions from the stone and boats.
Elfrida Phillips loves her life in the pretty Hampshire village of Dibton. She has a tiny cottage, her faithful dog Horace and the friendship of the neighbouring Blundells, particularly Oscar a very talented musician – to ensure that her days include companionship as well as independence . She goes away for a few weeks to spend time with friends but on her return an unforeseen tragedy upsets Elfrida’s tranquility: Oscar’s wife and beloved daughter Francesca are killed in a terrible car accident. Oscar finds himself homeless when his stepchildren claim their dead mother’s inheritance and puts his home up for sale.
Oscar and Elfrida take refuge in a rambling house in Scotland – half owned by Oscar and his cousin. The house becomes a magnet for various waifs and strays who converge upon it. Carrie, Elfrida’s niece has returned from Austria at the end of an ill-fated affair with a married man only to find her mother and sister sharing a home and squabbling endlessly. With Christmas approaching, Carrie agrees to look after her sister’s awkward and quiet daughter Lucy so that her mother might enjoy a romantic fling in America. Lucy’s grandmother has her own plans for Christmas and these do not include Lucy. Carrie approaches her Aunt and is invited to spend Christmas in Scotland.
Sam Howard is also trying to pull back his life after his wife has left him for another. He has returned from America without a home or job, but he has been offered the opportunity of a job in Scotland. He makes his way to Scotland and on his way to his new work area, takes the opportunity to look at a house which Oscar’s cousin (whom he had recently met socially) says he is going to sell. The house in which Oscar and Elfrida have taken up residence. The snow fall has been particularly heavy whilst he is at the house and no transport is able move because of the blocked roads – hence he is offered a bed which leads on to him becoming part of the Christmas party.
The outcome is predictable – somehow Christmas weaves its magical spell and for Elfrida and Oscar, in the evening of their lives, the wintering solstice brings love and solace.”
The members scored the book an 8 – although very predictable, a jolly cosy read.
If you would like to join our Book Club Meetings please see Pat G. The books for the following months are listed below:
March Frankie by Graham Norton
April Persuasion by Jane Austen
May All the colours of the dark by Chris Whittaker
June Orbital by Samantha Harvey
July The other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Emma, aka The Lady Time Traveller, paid a visit to the Murley Hall to instruct members on how to dress as a fashionable lady from the 1880s. From the voluminous cotton chemise, laced corset, layers of petticoats, and so on, to the elegant silk skirt and close fitted bodice, topped off with a stylish hat, the story of the ensemble came to life with Emma’s knowledgeable stories of the history of costume.
We rounded off the 2024 festivities with a ‘Strictly’ themed Christmas party. With our special guest, local dance teacher Debbie, everyone had a chance to learn a few steps and try them out. Well done to Wendie for organising the evening, and to Pat for making sure the buffet was plentiful and delicious. Wishing all of our members, friends and families a very happy Christmas.
Crowlas and Ludgvan WI were invited to decorate a tree for Crowlas Methodist Church’s first Christmas Tree Festival. Using paper, felt, fabric, foam, clay, dishcloths, sponges, wool and heaps of imagination our creative group did a fantastic job.
Our Christmas Lunch this year was held at The Turnpike Inn, Connor Downs. Delicious food, great service and smiles all round as we celebrated another fantastic year of our WI. Many thanks to Karen for organising it.
Our photography group, Snappers, visited the ancient St Paul’s Church in Ludgvan for their latest meeting. Tasked with taking an atmospheric photo, the keen group explored the church and it’s surroundings to capture the ambiance on the damp November day.
Local farmer Julian Ellis came to The Murley Hall for this month’s meeting to talk about his experience of farming by the cycles of the moon, using the various lunar phases to plan both planting and harvesting of his 430 acre farm in St Buryan. Members were fascinated by Julian’s studies on the subject and keen to learn tips on gardening at home too.
Crowlas & Ludgvan WI 