Bishop ’ s Stortford Women ’ s Institute DIY SOS Billy visits St Elizabeth ’ s !
The Stortford Flyer Women ’ s Institute
Bishop ’ s Stortford Women ’ s Institute DIY SOS Billy visits St Elizabeth ’ s !
Frances Benton , our September speaker , is so popular we booked her two years ago and her lively and stimulating talk did not disappoint . Her “ Passion for Pearls ” had begun as a child . After years spent collecting examples from all over the World she went on to learn how to string them . She now gives talks about these precious gems and teaches stringing .
Frances explained the difference between Natural , Cultured and Simulated pearls . She told us about the history of natural pearls , where they are found and how they are graded according to their size , perfection and lustre . Just over 100 years ago the mystery of how oysters form pearls in nature was discovered . Simulated pearls , produced by mimicking this natural process in farmed molluscs , now come in many shapes , sizes and colours . Frances produced examples to illustrate the wide variety available . Finally , she gave us tips on how to look after our pearls to maintain and show off their best qualities .
Frances ’ jewellery stall was very popular with the profit going to a charity for autistic children . She kindly donated two sets of earrings to our raffle .
The theme for this month ’ s competition , “ Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness ” was interpreted in poetry and floral art .
Next month , October , Russell Bowes will tell us his “ Tale of the Tulip ” and in November a PCSO will advise us about fraud and internet security .
BSWI meets monthly ( 1st Thursday ) in The Charis Centre at 7.30 pm . Find out about the WI nationally at www . thewi . org . uk and follow BSWI at www . bishopsstortfordwi . weebly . com
St Elizabeth ’ s were delighted to welcome Billy Byrne from the popular BBC show DIY SOS for a visit on Wednesday 5th September .
Billy , who is a huge advocate for the work of charities , spent the afternoon wandering across the 68-acre site , chatting with residents , students , staff and day clients . Billy visited several classes ’ and sessions across the Centre , finding out all about the vital work St Elizabeth ’ s do for people of all ages with epilepsy and other complex conditions . He dropped in on one art sessions in the 6th form block , where students were painting pictures
of their favourite part of the summer holiday .
Billy was particularly impressed with the level of provision each individual has , and the amount of unique opportunities on offer to everyone . Billy said ‘ St Elizabeth ’ s is clearly about bringing everyone together . It ’ s about finding solutions and highlighting what you can do rather than what you can ’ t . An amazing day with amazing staff and residents of all ages . Thank you for inviting me to a brilliant day ’.
Letters to the Editor
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20 THE FLYER | OCTOBER 2018
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