The WI had a trip to a garden in Shepton Mallet...
A lovely garden with viaduct as a garden ornament. But the heavens opened so we had to go for lunch which was very nice and there just happen to be a designer shopping outlet there too so we kept dry having a wander round, but just looking as we didn’t want to take out a second mortgage to buy anything.
Lesley Pemberton
Oh deer, oh deer the WI of Martinstown caught snogging!
On a glorious sunny Dorset morning in May a group of WI ladies set of for the deer rescue centre at Crewkerne . What a fabulous morning we had meeting and feeding several species of deer. Some with very traumatic stories like the little deer who was savaged by a dog and survived, another whose mother was chased over the cliff by dogs and left as an orphaned fawn.
Thanks to the dedication of Mike and the centres staff many deer now live a happy and a safe life on his land. Some are very people friendly as we found out walking amongst them and one or two who liked to have a biscuit from your mouth.
We had a go at holding a set of antlers and realised just how strong the deer need to be to hold their head carrying such a weight.
On leaving the deer rescue centre we went to the craft centre at Broadwindsor for a well earned lunch which we were certainly ready for.
Lesley Pemberton
Terry Hearing takes his 'harem' of WI to see
The Flying Scotsman 
On a gorgeous sunny Dorset afternoon Terry Hearing set out with a few of his WI harem for a lovely trip to see the flying Scotsman at Corfe Castle. What a sight it was and of course that all important smell of steam train. After some huge pieces of cake and a cuppa once again the Scotsman came through a wonderful sight.
Although Terry was a bit concerned his ladies had their eyes on some lads. see picture 2. But he was able to win them back with that lovely Hearing Charm!
Lesley Pemberton
W.I Trip to Hauser & Wirth Somerset.
On Friday 7/09/18 four W.I members (Margaret, Lyn, Anne & Heather) set off to visit The Hauser & Wirth gardens and art gallery at Bruton.
On arrival, we visited the gardens first and we were amazed by how stunning they were. The gardens had been thoughtfully designed to demonstrate an abundance of colour and texture. The gardens had various grasses added among the flowering perennials, which added movement and enhanced the natural ambience. After over an hour of wandering around the gardens we then ventured off to the restaurant.
Due to the high restaurant prices, we all ordered just starters.Then off to explore the art galleries to admire and be amazed by Alexander Calder's "Kinetic Sculptures" (the forerunner in using "mobiles", as an art form). Also, in the gallery was a fascinating display of some of the artist's personal possessions, like his clogs, chairs, lamp and rug. 
All of the possessions had a very unique and stylish design, for the period they were made. It was hard to comprehend the age of the artist's possessions, and art work as they looked modern in their design. After, we then took a brief tour around the shop, but due to the highly priced gifts, only post cards were purchased.
On our return journey back to Martinstown, we reflected together on what an awe inspiring day we had experienced, and how we would be keen to return with other members, hopefully next July.
Heather Bonser (W.I Press Officer).
More WI 70th Anniversary Celebrations
Just after the Second World War, way back in 1948, the W.I was formed in Martinstown. The Martinstown W.I committee got together, to organise a 70th Anniversary Party. 
The committee organised fun interactive games, a "High Tea" and a “Best Corsage" competition. On arrival the members were served a refreshing cool glass of Prosecco (with a raspberry added). The committee co-ordinated and refereed the interactive games. The games were tricky, due to the Summer dresses and the sandals worn. The committee was required to referee the games, due to cheating by one of the teams. 
The “Best Corsage" was won by Roelie Newman and Angela Barratt came "Runner Up". Both corsages used unusual flower arrangements to create a stunning effect. Then a quirky poem was read out by Anne Tate, describing the members and events of the W.I. The poem received a reflective and joyful response, from the receptive W.I members. 
The "Pick & Mix" game had old shilling coins dated 1948, as prizes. Instead, of a Birthday cake, Lesley Pemberton carried through a watermelon, with the birthday label and candles attached. Then all the W.I members sang "Happy Birthday" together. 
Let us all hope to continue to have many fun and eventful times, in the coming years for Martinstown W.I.
Future Events;
12/09/18 @ 6.45pm. Open Evening to non members (men also welcome).
British Owls.(Cherry Barlow).
An interactive and thought provoking evening.
Heather Bonser (Press Officer).
W.I Paddle Boarding Adventures!
The "Paddle Boarding Experience " was advertised in the Dorset W.I News, for keen members from the Dorset W.I to take part. So, Celia from the committee rallied round, to find keen volunteers. On the morning of the 11/07/18, eight willing and able W.I members ( with two guests Frances and Claire) set off to the Weymouth & Portland Sailing Centre , for the " Paddle Boarding Experience".
On arrival we were given wet suits, and after lots of "grunts and groans", we were squeezed into our individual suits. Outside we put on our buoyancy aids and collected our oars, and paddle boards.
Once in the water and on our boards, we were given instructions and off we went following the teacher. Lesley's husband Mark was positioned closely in his inflatable, ready to take photos.
Unfortunately, for Mark he was bashed into quite often by some of the group , not competent enough in steering. Some of the group were skilled enough to stand and paddle their boards. After over an hour paddling in the marina, we returned ashore. Once ashore we hurriedly took off our buoyancy aids and rushed into the sea to cool off. Then we showered and changed, returned our wet suits and went off to lunch.
After lunch some of us stayed behind to support the remaining two (Celia & Claire) have their paddle boarding experience. Fortunately, with the warm sun and the refreshing sea breeze, watching the afternoon paddle boarding was a relaxing experience.
As the paddle boarding was such great fun, it may be repeated in September, hoping others are able to take part.
Heather Bonser ( W.I Press Officer).
