At the October meeting, Llangunllo WI were treated to a fascinating talk on the evolution of underwear from Medieval Times to present day and everything in between.
Our guest speaker, Lisa Jones, gave her talk via Zoom, and despite a few early technology gremlins on the line from Barbados, yes I did say Barbados, we heard about her research into underwear designs, the materials used and how the garments have influenced fashion styles over the centuries. We were shown examples of underwear Lisa has collected over time, interestingly some she had sourced on that well known site, Ebay.
We saw examples of Victorian and Edwardian drawers, pantaloons, and combinations, and a selection of 20th Century pieces such as a range of stockings and suspenders, girdles, a Liberty bodice, a bullet bar (remember Macdonna’s costume) and exotic knickers.
Some of us laughed at memories of the Liberty bodice with its rubber buttons, the big school knickers we had to wear for school games, and if you were lucky, under a gym skirt, not to mention struggling with suspender belts and stockings as teenagers, thank goodness for tights and hold – ups.
Supper and another glass of vino were then enjoyed whilst we discussed our November and December meetings and next year’s programme.
On to November, and as the Spaceguard Centre in Knighton remains temporarily closed, our planned visit, turned into an evening of New Age Kurling, plus a quiz, at the Village Hall.
Business complete, members were soon in action and enjoyed a light hearted game of Kurling with some super stones played, and some, definitely not so super! Supper followed and then on to the quiz.
Fellow member Pauline was in charge and the rounds varied from literature, to chocolates and sweets, flowers, parts of the body, general knowledge, and yes, the ever challenging dingbats! The winning pair were Dawn and Shirley, justly rewarded with a large box of Celebrations, rather aptly named!
Our bowling team qualified for the final of the PRFWI competition and congratulations to New Radnor WI the evening winners.
Members have attended the County ACM and the coffee morning re “Not In My Name Campaign” helping to make white ribbons for distribution on White Ribbon Day, 25th November, and orange flowers in line with the UN chosen colour to symbolise this campaign.
Our “Knit and Natter” Group has also been busy making “petals for peace” for the Srebenica Memorial to mark the 30th Anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.
We now look forward to the December meeting – “It’s feeling a little like Christmas” with a hands – on Chocolates and Sweets for Christmas, under the guidance of our member Anne, followed by a festive buffet and Secret Santa.
We will finish the year, organising and serving the 2025 WI Christmas Community Lunch in the Village Hall, an event enjoyed by all who attend.
We are always happy to welcome guests and prospective new members to our meetings and for further details just contact Karen 01547 550246/kjedgar01@gmail.com or Isabel 01547 550689/mramorris@btconnect.com
Words & Photos: Isabel Morris
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