A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson was January’s Book Club choice. Members met on Zoom for a lively discussion about the travel writer’s documenting of his adventures whilst undertaking the Appalachian Trail. The scores for the book ranged from six to nine out of ten, with everyone enjoying the witty writing style, the dividing issue being the amount of historical and botanical information that he also included.
For their first meeting of 2021 Crowlas and Ludgvan WI opened up their Zoom meeting to WI members from all over the UK . Just under 90 members were then entranced by Newcastle Upon Tyne Drag Queen “Miss Crystal P Enigma”. Crystal explained about the history of drag ,the pageant systems for drag queens, drag race and also shared some of the secrets of drag competition, including Euro drag competitions and the televised Drag UK. Throughout her talk she answered members’ questions and showed us her shoes and wigs, and shared make up and costume making tips before a performance of “Raining Men” and a montage of songs with various accompanying videos.
Some of the comments received after the evening:
….”absolutely brilliant and I am still giggling about that delightful Queen”
“It was a fun evening and you made us all very welcome”
“What a brilliant evening with that Performer ~ still laughing with him”
“It was lovely to see your friendly and lively group”
“It was really interesting, very much enjoyed and so very different.”
Find out more here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnRSrtMJ20f2pEXPDvUPmlg
https://www.entertainersworldwide.com/drag-queen-acts/miss-crystal-p-enigma-108522
Members from St Ives to Sennen were delighted to receive Christmas Goody Bags made and filled by their committee. The treats included chocolates, a bookmark, a handmade beeswax candle, bulbs and seeds, and a selection of other delights! Everything arrived in a handmade, reusable fabric bag, delivered by very festive Elves.Thank you to everyone involved for such a wonderful surprise!
Book Club’s last read of 2020 was the classic Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. A favourite with several members, it was welcomed as a chance to re-read the 1938 novel and immerse the reader in the Cornish Landscape and highly descriptive narrative. The next book is A Walk in The Woods by Bill Bryson, with the Zoom meeting for the discussion planned for 29th January. Please contact Pat G if you would like to join in.
Well done to Crowlas and Ludgvan WI member Lisa Elsey for winning the Cornwall Federation 2020 Photography Competition, and being awarded the Geeves Trophy. Lisa’s photo, shown here, uses a long exposure showing light trails from traffic passing St Paul’s Cathedral.
The latest book to be discussed by the Zoom Book Club is Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves. Though the novel is number 4 in the popular televised crime series, it also reads well as a standalone book. The book was recommended by an old member of Crowlas and Ludgvan WI, Maureen, who read it with her WI Book Club in Devon.
Members particularly enjoyed the author’s descriptive language that reflected the mood of the Shetlands as winter approaches. The wildness of the island and the close knit community are particularly well depicted, and it was no surprise to hear that Ann Cleeve herself spent time at the Bird Observatory on Fair Isle.
The next book will be Island of Secrets by Patricia Wilson.
Members of Crowlas and Ludgvan WI have been joined by people of all over the area during lockdown making poppies for this year’s display at Ludgvan Church. Germoe WI, facebook friends, mums. grannies and even a lady who spotted a poster when walking St Michael’s Way, have been busy with needles, hooks and wool to make the 1000+ flowers that will adorn the church next month. Sylvia has been diligently attaching them to the flights in preparation for the attachment to the tower. If you have any poppies that you have made please let Sylvia have them by 31st October.
Dave and Katie from Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue gave us a virtual tour of their hedgehog rescue centre, introducing us to quite a few of their current residents. Because it was on Zoom, we were all able to get up close and personal with some of the hedgehogs! They also gave us some good tips about how to attract hedgehogs to our own gardens. You can find more information on their website https://www.pricklesandpaws.org/getinvolved
Helen also had information about this year’s County Annual Meeting on Wednesday 21st October, which will be a virtual version of CFWI’s normal Annual Council Meeting, usually held either at the Hall for Cornwall or the Regal in Redruth. It will start at 10am and finish at about noon, and will feature guest speaker Sarah Slater. Sarah is a guide and lecturer at Hampton Court Palace and will be delivering a talk titled, ‘Sex, Secrets, Scandal and Salacious Gossip of the Royal Court, 1660-1830.’ More details about tickets etc can be found here.
Camera Club met in the beautiful late Summer sunshine at The National Dahlia Collection at Varfell. Despite being late in the season, the colour and variety of the blooms was outstanding and there was plenty of space for everyone to wander at their leisure and admire the flowers. This venue for Camera Club has become a favourite amongst members, we know that the Dahlias can be relied on for a pretty picture.
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn was our latest Book Club read. It provided a great Zoom meeting because everyone felt differently about the book, which ensured a good debate. A second 40 minute slot was needed as everyone had so much to say. Scores ranged from 4-9 out of 10. Members were joined by Dylan (Shirley’s dog), Janner (Sylvia’s dog) and Ruby (Jane’s Dog). Maybe they kept hearing the word ‘walk’!
Crowlas & Ludgvan WI 