WHAT'S ON: Whiston

WHISTON WI: The WI asked all institutes throughout the country to organise an event to celebrate the centenary so that members were celebrating together throughout the country on the same day. Whiston Afternoon WI held an afternoon tea at Whiston Parish Hall when 50 members had tea and cake and had entertainment including poetry written by members about the WI. There was an interesting display about the history of the WI and of the Whiston Afternoon institute which was prepared and presented by secretary Pam Ward and a celebration cake made by member Barbara Turner. The cake was cut by one of the oldest members, Meg Sewell (93). Each member was presented with a commemorative bookmark.

PARISH CHURCH: Rev Dhoe Craig-Wild presided at a holy communion service during which Lucy Luckock and Pam Huntington were given a special welcome following their licensing as children’s ministers at Doncaster Minster on September 19. 

WHISTON HERITAGE SOCIETY: The theme of the September meeting was coinage. The chairman set the scene relating to the occupation and population of the village over the last 2,000 years. Mr Pritchard recounted the events surrounding his find of Saxon and Norman coins at Bawtry Road and photographs of these were shown.  The secretary then went on to speak about tokens explaining how they were introduced in the late 18th century when change was hard to come by. He brought along examples of several tokens which the members could examine. Mrs Carver told members about how she was given Maundy money by the Queen at Sheffield Cathedral. She showed the coins to members along with two other special coins she received. The chairman showed members some Maundy money dating from 1895. The meeting was well received. Mr Hopps reported that the web pages continued to be visited and it is hoped that a new feature allowing people to interact with the site will bring further success and add to data for the society archive. The next meeting is planned for November.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE (EVENING GROUP): Members were entertained by the Sisters of Tribellica – belly dancers – at their meeting. Members were invited to join in and learn some of the movements. The competition was a piece of ornate jewellery won  by Di Bury, Jean Jackson and Anthea Goodman. Names were collected for WI diaries and calendars, the Chantry Autumn lunch in October and the Christmas lunch in November. The centenary coffee morning was held on September 16 in the village hall.  Members entered a team in the federation quiz – Margaret Tupling, Joyce Sampson, Margaret Denis, Leonora Stewart. A letter came from the church thanking the group for its work at the flower festival – the total sum raised has been over £2,000.  The treasurer gave the financial report and reminded members that next year’s subs would be £37.50, due January. A planned wreath-making session has had to be cancelled but Letwell WI is holding a deck the halls workshop on November 28 and the Chantry Group carol service is on December 7 at Harthill Church. The raffle was won  by Joyce Sampson. The knit and natter group will meet on October 22 and the next meeting will be a craft evening, with a homemade craft item the competition.

SITWELL WARD SURGERIES: With Cllrs Turner and Cowles. They will take place at Whiston Parish Hall on the second and fourth Monday of the month 6-7pm and at Broom Lane Methodist Church on the first and third Mondays 6-7pm. No appointment necessary.