Welcome to

Brightwell-cum-Sotwell WI

Garden Visits:

26th May 2010 - Doneywood Garden, Burnham, Buckinghamshire -An 8 acre country house garden on several levels with herbaceous borders, greenhouses, rose, cottage and kitchen gardens, lily pond and conservatory.

9th June 2010 - Mariners, Mariners Lane, Bradfield, Berkshire – it is at the south end of Bradfield which is just south of the M4. 1 acre sloping site with creative feature made of slopes. Rich mix of herbaceous planting and grasses arranged in colour themes.

1st July 2010 - Highgrove

21st July 2010 - Upper Chalford Farm, near Sydenham, A Jacobean farmhouse garden, old roses, shrubs and perennials, dark border with arisaemas, hostas etc. Unusual trees and an ancient black pine. Sundial garden and conservatory with vine and plumbagoe. Spring garden with early snowdrops, narcissi and cherry blossom overlooking a natural pond and stream banked with damp-loving plants, flowing into woodland with treehouse. Donkeys and bantams. Location for 'Midsomer Murders'.

Walks in 2010

VISIT TO ASHMOLEON MUSEUM - April 2010

18 of us enjoyed a guided tour of the newly refurbished Ashmoleon museum.

RACE FOR LIFE – June 2010

Once more 4 of our members took part in this annual event to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research by running, walking or jogging 5 kilometers. The event took place in Oxford Park in early June. The atmosphere was fantastic from beginning to end and was great fun.

ALL OF US, Sandra, Sue , Helen and Karin completed the course displayed their pink hats, t-shirts and bags.

WILLOWCRAFT – August 2010

Following a demonstration by Christine Brewster on how to make willow Christmas decorations, some of our members wanted to learn more about this ancient craft. We were able to book Christine for a half day workshop in August. This time, to make a tall garden structure.

Christine proved to be an excellent teacher. Having watched her demonstrating how to weave the willow and encouraged by her assurance that the only real skill lies in the ability to count to 3, we all managed to complete our structure by the end of the morning session!!

FARM VISIT – September 2010

Again, following an interesting talk by Helen Browning about her organic farm near Swindon , 4 members of the branch decided to see for themselves. Setting off on a beautiful summer’s evening, we were welcomed at Eastbrook Farm by the herdsman. First we were shown the dairy and milking parlour with all the latest gadgets and machinery. Then it was into the Land Rover and out to the many different fields and sections of the whole farm to see the pigs, cows and wonderful grasslands full of wildflowers and herbs. A fantastic experience as we watched the sun set over the Wiltshire downs. Naturally the day was rounded off with the scrumptious meal at the Pub.

FILMNIGHT – October 2010

The Brightwell Community Association invited all villagers to produce a short 5 minute film about their organisation as part of a fundraising event for the local church. Never hesitating to take up a challenge, the WI members decided to make a documentary of the history of the WI branch at Brightwell starting from 1921 until the present day. The film included photos from our archives, a short sketch of a WI meeting during the war when the branch adopted a minesweeper ( we borrowed costumes from the local theatre group) and a present day meeting.

It was shown at the ‘Oscar Nights’ in the Village Hall along with many other village films. We have a trophy to show for it.

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