Martinstown W.I.

Published: 10 September 2018

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).

Published: 09 August 2018

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).

Published: 20 July 2018

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).

Published: 20 July 2018

To coincide with the 70th Anniversary of Martinstown W.I and the National W.I incentive of " Healthy June", the committee organised a Village Circular Walk.

So, on the 21/06/18 at 9.45am we set off from the village green, dressed appropriately for the sunny warm day and country walking. We walked in shady areas, through the avenue of Christmas Trees, near Rosie's home. We walked over fields, shared with cattle and crops. We reached the the ancient Ridgeway, then pausing briefly to saviour the view and feel the refreshing breeze. Back in the village we had a comfort break at Lesley's and we met up with the non walkers, and collected the banners. We donned our hats, and continued our journey, marching  along the road taking it in turns to carry the banners, singing "Jerusalem", accompanied by Lesley P's mobile phone music.

The walk was a great way to celebrate 70 years of the W.I in Martinstown. Let's all hope that the Martinstown W.I, will have many more eventful experiences.

Future W.I Events:

8th August 3pm @ Village Hall Garden (weather permitting).

"Garden Party 70th Birthday Celebration" : Tasty food and a glass of fizz, fun & games, "Prettiest Corsage" competition.

Heather Bonser (W.I Press Officer).

Published: 22 June 2018

CLICK HERE for slide show of our WI 70th Birthday Walk

Published: 19 June 2018

Martinstown WI group took part in WI's health awareness week. For our Wednesday meeting we started off with a refreshing demonstration by Julie Lines on flower arranging. She did a marvelous floral displays and we raffled them off later. Celia then took over with some warm  up exercises to get us all ready for a game of chair based  netball with a twist!  What a hoot that was, fun and laughter for everyone.  For our tea ladies the healthy eating instead of the usual biscuits was delicious with fruit kebabs, popcorn and veggie dips.


I think we are all geared up now for our WI birthday celebrity walk from the village on Thursday 21st June.

Lesley Pemberton