Most of our subgroups took a break in July, but the Walking and Craft groups did meet.
Walking Group – Ann O’B was unable to lead the full walk as she had an ankle problem, but Ann Forster stepped in for her. From the Leigh Arms the group turned right out of the car park crossing the Willow Green Lane into the road opposite and before the first house followed the footpath alongside the garden and then along the RHS of the field and through some trees to the canal, dropping down left onto the towpath and turning right following the water. They passed narrow boats and walkers with their dogs enjoying the good weather and after about half an hour came up to a bridge and turned left up the slope and then left again through fields down to a metalled roadway where they turned left alongside the Weaver where Ann O’B met them at a clearing with two benches about 10 minutes from the Leigh Arms. The group had all enjoyed a lovely walk, sunny but not too hot and finished with a very enjoyable lunch at the Leigh Arms.
Craft Group – The Mosedales sharing their woodworking and calligraphy talents
Harry brought along his finished English Chair and all the components that make up another using ash and elm. He showed us his joiner’s tools which he has had for many years, including spoke shaves that were more than likely over 100 years old, but still in everyday use. His hands lovingly touched his pieces of wood as he showed us his turned chair legs that were ready to be put into place and how he manages to steam the wood to give it enough flexibility to bend. Any student taught by Harry has been truly blessed.
Norah his soul mate realised many years ago that she could make use of her ability to hold and control a pen. She was taught by a Comberbach tutor of calligraphy and over the years Norah has used her wonderful talent to pen many incredible letters, including the Congratulations Card sent to the late Queen on her Jubilee on behalf of Whitley WI. Norah supplied us with pens and the right textured paper for us to have a go at writing out the letters of the alphabet. We all realised that the art of everyday writing is unfortunately becoming a dying practice.
All 17 members of the Craft Group thank Harry and Norah most sincerely for spending an afternoon with us – a record turnout for our group