The North Mowbray Group of Women’s Institutes celebrated the return of its annual Handicraft and Produce Show.
The North Mowbray Group of WIs is made up of members from 12 local WIs.
Ainderby Steeple, Dalton on Tees, Danby Wiske, Girsby, Hutton Bonville, Kirby Sigston, Kirkby Fleetham, Scorton, North Cowton, Romanby, Thornton-le-Beans and Welbury groups come together to for special events.
The annual show was a highlight of the calendar before the covid pandemic but was paused once lockdown restrictions came into force.
This May, members in the area were delighted to take part in the group show once again.
Submitting entries into one or more of 20 classes in flower arranging, painting, photography, handicraft, produce and a class for children.
In the produce class members were challenged to make (a perfect jar of lemon curd and a Kentish cake to a set recipe.
One class in the handicraft section asked members to knit a cot blanket, which could then be donated to James Cook Hospital if desired.
Each item in the show is judged by a panel of WI judges and scored out of 20.
The top three scores from each class are recorded. The WI with the highest score in each class wins the cup for that class. An individual member is recognised with the accolade of ‘Best in Show’, a much-coveted title.
This year Romanby WI won four cups in flower arranging, painting, handicraft and produce.
North Cowton WI won the cup in photography. Pat Clark from North Cowton WI was congratulated as best in Show for a machine sewn item, having made a near perfect skirt, judges commented her “pattern matching was excellent”.
Organiser Christine Robinson thanked members for taking part.
“The show has a long tradition in the WI, it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and meet members of neighbouring WIs.
“Whilst we all joke about being competitive, really we love to see and taste each other’s creations.
“With the popularity of TV programmes like the Sewing Bee and Bake Off people have become more interested in their own local craft shows. Instead of just watching members can take part.”
Group leaders say the WI is enjoying a resurgence, with many reporting an increase in membership.
If you’d like to know more about the WI and how to join you can visit the newly created website for the North Yorkshire East Federation www.nyorkseastwi.org.uk or find them on Facebook.
Be the first to comment