News

A group of members have attended an adult beginners ballet workshop at Penzance Ballet School. Teacher Rachel demonstrated, before everyone learned various moves to some lovely music. By the end of the class everyone could do a plie, tendue and the five basic arm and foot positions. Rachel explained how ballet can help with balance and improve arm and leg muscles as well as your core. Everyone who took part enjoyed it and said they would like to have further instruction. Many thanks to Rachel and Val P who organised the workshop.

Normal People by Sally Rooney – Our April Choice

Book Group met at Kathy’s house in the afternoon of the last Wednesday of April. We discussed the award winning “Normal People” by Sally Rooney. Brought up in the west of Ireland in 1991, she holds a Master’s Degree from Trinity College, Dublin.

Connel and Marianne live in a small Irish town. They are both in their final year at the same high school. Both are smart; both studious, both do well in their exams, both live in single parent families. But …….. Connel’s mother is Marianne’s mother’s cleaner and so an important strand of the dynamic between them is established.

Connel is shy but has an easy popularity while Marianne is a loner; friendless and unfriendly. They begin a secret sexual affair which is the start of an on/off relationship which spans four years and their transfer to university. There, their social situations are reversed. Marianne is comfortable in this world of wealth and privilege; Connel feels unsure of himself and ill at ease.

Each forms relationships with others but each continues to be drawn to the connection between them.

The story rings with authenticity.  We speculated about Marianne and Connel’s backstories – why was Marianne so self-destructive, why was Connel so reluctant to commit to their relationship?

The book scored 7.9 on our rating system; the most frequently awarded score was 8. We enjoyed the book with some reservations; it is a window into the apparently very different world of young people today.

But … the more things change the more they stay the same. As the book ends Marianne and Connel are emerging from the intensity/difficulties/self-focus which, often painfully, dominate the transition from childhood through adolescence into early adulthood.

Our next book is ‘Our Spoons Came from Woolworths’ by Barbara Comyns. We will be meeting at The Queen’s Hotel, Penzance to discuss the book on Wednesday 29th May.

Two representatives from Liz Earle Skincare came to join members at The Murley Hall in Ludgvan this month. With Wendie Leo perched on a high stool as their willing volunteer Pete and Kerry explained each product that was used including the ingredients and best method to apply. Everyone was able to test the creams and lotions and there was even an opportunity for all members to book acomplimentary skin makeover at the Boots store in Hayle. Helen Kestle was the delighted winner of the raffle; a set of Liz Earle products. 

Camera Club went to Trevaskis Farm for their April Meeting, hoping to take photographs of the spring baby animals. The lambs were delightful, but the tiny piglets were hiding in their shelters out of the wind and rain.

Next month is at Trevaylor Woods on May 10th at 1.30pm when the aim is to photograph the bluebells.  See Helen if you would like to come along.

It was all change for Book Club in March. Instead of meeting at a member’s home they went to The Coastguard in Mousehole. The beautiful surroundings overlooking the coastal gardens were a world away from the inner city tower blocks and rural Bangladesh of the novel, which was Brick Lane by Monica Ali. The book scored highly, with eights and nines out of ten. Members particularly enjoyed the exploration of the two types of marriage that sisters Nazneen and Hasina embarked on; an arranged marriage for one and a love marriage for the other. Next month’s book will be ‘Normal People by Sally Rooney’. New members are most welcome.

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The Murley Hall was full for the Crowlas and Ludgvan WI Annual Meeting. Secretary Jan Bone gave a rundown of the past year, reminding members of the full and varied programme of activities on offer. President Alison Latham thanked members for their participation and expressed just how valued each and every one of them is. Particular thanks went to the committee and all those who have organise events over the year. A Treasurer’s Report was provided to all. Following a ballot Alison was re-elected as president for the year ahead. Two cups were awarded, the Competitions Cup to Hilary Turner and the Most Inspiring Member jointly to Jenny Birchall and Sylvia Ronan. Wendie organised  a ‘getting to know you’ game for members to finish the evening off with a spot of fun.

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The Mexican Train! This new game has become a  firm favourite at the monthly Board Games afternoon. Based on a 12 spot set of dominoes it is easy to learn and can be played by complete beginners and more expert players alongside. Why not come along to the next event on Saturday 13th April 2-4 pm and give it a go?

Camera Club went to the RSPB Reserve at Hayle for their March Meeting. Unfortunately the weather was rather wet and windy, but members enjoyed watching out for the birds and seeing signs of spring. Next month’s trip is to Trevaskis where hopefully baby animals will be the subject. New members are welcome. See Helen for details.