2025 Harlaston W.I. Parish magazine reports

Taken from Mease Valley Parish News January 2025

In spite of having to drive through some flood water and very windy conditions, we all arrived safely at Marsh Farm for our Christmas Lunch which was very enjoyable. 

We start our 2025 programme on Monday January 13th when we hope to welcome a member of a metal detecting group to tell us about any of the treasures found in our local fields. We are meeting in the Village Hall at 7.15pm and visitors are very welcome to come and join us. 

Taken from Mease Valley Parish News February 2025

The speaker last month brought along a large display of all the interesting and fascinating items he had discovered locally whilst out with the metal detecting group he is Vice Chairman of. They have 76 members and a waiting list of folks who wish to join. Paul passed four items around to see if members could guess what they were - needless to say nobody got it right!

At our meeting this month Clare Cockcroft will be telling us all about her work producing sculptures and hopefully bringing a display of her items. We are meeting in the Village Hall on Monday February 10th at 7.15pm and visitors are very welcome to come and join us. 

Taken from Mease Valley Parish News March 2025

Last month's speaker Clare, brought along a fascinating selection of her sculpture models ranging from small dogs and cats to reclining ladies and even a gentleman's head on which she demonstrated the process of how the clay was built up. This is a hobby she has been doing for many years and requires a good deal of patience while perfecting the measurements of the ears, eyes and nose correctly.

March is our Annual Meetingwhen the president and officers are elected. This will be held as usual in the Village Hall on Monday March 10th at 7.15 pm and there will be a savoury supper to enjoy.

Taken from Mease Valley Parish News April 2025

At our Annual Meetiing last month we gave a very sincere thank you to Claire who has agreed to continue as our President for another year. She has a very busy life but is always ready with many ideas to keep the W.I. interesting for all the members who really appreciate her commitment and support. We also welcomed Grace Hodges a representative from County Office who joined us for the savoury supper and a glass of fizz which was enjoyed by everyone. 

At our April meeting we shall be welcoming our speaker Megan Tooth a nutritionist who calls her talk "Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing". We are sure she will have many ideas and suggestions to help us all - so come and join us in the Village Hall 7.15pm on MOnday April 14th. We have other speakers booked for the coming months and visitors are welcome to join us at any time.

Taken from Mease Valley Parish News May 2025

Last month, Megan Tooth's presentation was very interesting and gave us many ideas and information regarding nutrition foods and what to be aware of especially sugar.

The meeting in May is always the month for discussing and voting on the yearly resolution. This year is 'BYSTANDERS CAN BE LIFE SAVERS'. May be one of you has helped in an emergency- come and hear some of the important details. 

It is also the evening when we have a Bring and Share Supper. We shall meet in the Village Hall at 7:15 pm on Monday May 12th.

Taken from Mease Valley Parish News June 2025

Due to illness and holidays a small group of members met last month to discuss and vote on this year's resolution. Everyone was in favour so it was passed and the result sent to our representatives. On June 9th Mrs Andrea Hancock will be joining us to tell us about her experiences cooking for a group of archaeologists taking part in a dig somewhere in Wales (No microwaves or Air fryers!) and the interesting things they found.

Visitors are very welcome to join us in the Village Hall on Monday June 9th at 7.15pm.

Taken from Mease Valley Parish News July 2025

This month we are welcoming back our local villager and friend Roger Sivieri who will be telling us all aboutthe history of St. John's - one of the oldest buildings in Lichfield where he now lives. Visitors are very welcome to come and join us in the Village Hall on Monday July 14th at 7.15pm.

Date for your diary - the Craft Day we hold every year will be in the village Hall on Saturday November 15th at 10.30 am. Over the years the ladies have produced some lovely and useful items but we would be very grateful for any new ideas, so if anyone knits, sews, draws or paints, please come along and join us on the day. More details next month.

Taken from Mease Valley Parish News August 2025

We don't have a monthly meeting in August, we try to organise an outing somewhere. This year we are going to visit Woodhouse Farm and gardens at Fisherwick on Saturday August 16th at 2pm for a tour of the farm and gardens with refreshments for £15. There will also be the opportunity to buy some of their produce such as pork pies and sausage rolls.

Taken from Mease Valley Parish News September 2025

A group of members and friends enjoyed a visit to Woodhouse Farm and Gardens at Fisherwick on Saturday August 16th. Andrew and Anne Marie have worked very hard over the years to restore the walled garden which now grows a big variety of fruit including figs, apricots and kiwis, as well as the usual apples and plums. In addition, they also have cows, pigs and chickens. They are open on Fridays and Saturdays for visitors. 

This is the month when we organise our Fun Quiz evening. No black chair or buzzer to think about - just a happy get together when we think we know a little bit about a lot of things - but which team will win the wooden spoons this year?!! The meeting will be on Monday September 8th at 7.15pm in the Village Hall.