BEN RHYDDING

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: Victorian Glass and Decanters was the topic of speaker Jane Hollingworth at the April meeting. Jane has had a long career as an antiques journalist, not only editing collectors’ magazines but also producing a book on glass decanters for Christie’s, the well-known fine art auction house. She brought with her several examples of glassware to illustrate the development of glass making from simple bowls and cups from Afghanistan to elaborately engraved and cut glasses and decanters from the Victorian era. We even learned how to tell the difference between ‘pressed’ glass and genuine cut glass – it’s apparently all in the feel of the object. Our many activities are in full swing again with the arrival of spring. Our craft, Scrabble and luncheon clubs all meet every month. The flower arranging club has its last meeting before the summer this month. Our next trip is to Haworth today for a visit to the Bronte Parsonage Museum. Some of our members are also getting ready to provide afternoon tea at the WI centenary baton hand-over at the Cow and Calf Rocks on Wednesday and later on we will be busy baking for the Ilkley Flower Show coffee morning on May 24. Looking ahead to June, six of our members are going to the National AGM at Leeds Arena – as our president said, they cannot wait to hear 5,000 voices singing Jerusalem! The competition this month was for a piece of Victorian jewellery and, from the many entries, the winner was Anne Jackson, with Sheila Turner second and Joan Knight third. Our meeting next month is on Thursday, May 8, when we will be discussing this year’s WI resolutions and celebrating our 25th anniversary with cake, scones and other goodies. We already have a certificate of congratulations but feel relatively young compared with one WI which is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year. As always, we meet at 2pm at Ben Rhydding Methodist Church Hall and extend a warm welcome to visitors at a charge of £3 and prospective members.