On Saturday 10th June, three ladies from Eckington WI joined forty other ladies from the Worcestershire federation for a weekend in the heart of the Peak District and beautiful Derbyshire Dales. Our friendly coach driver Chris whisked us through various scenic counties to Bakewell where we spent an interesting four hours exploring the town, its many cafes and of course the famous Bakewell tart. We were fascinated by the number of padlocks or lovelocks on the bridge over the river Wye. We re-joined our coach for the short journey to Sheffield where we spent a very comfortable night at Jurys Hotel. The following morning, after a substantial breakfast and group photograph, it was all aboard for the highlight of the weekend, a visit to the first RHS Flower Show to be held at Chatsworth House, the stunning home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The show, spanning both sides of the River Derwent, was an eclectic mixture of show gardens, floral marquees, specialist plant growers and a miscellany of trade stalls. Our group had been remarkably restrained with our purchases but as we sat on the coach waiting to depart Chatsworth we were all amused by the sight of ‘plants on legs’, people who were returning to their vehicles laden with huge floral displays and shrubs. We were safely returned to Worcestershire all agreeing it was an excellent weekend.Our meeting in June was with Julie Brand of Tigley Textiles. This was a fascinating evening with Julie explaining how Tigley Textiles evolved along with showcasing some of her beautiful work. As well as doing her own work and commissions, she holds workshops and some of her students (including members from our own WI) also brought samples of their work; many had personal stories leading to their creations and it was lovely to share those memories in such a creative way. We are extremely lucky to have such locally talented people!
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