BASLOW WI DARLINGS

Aquabox – Colin Petty

Of course I’ve heard of Aquabox. But I’d no idea how ingenious they are nor how hard the volunteers work to provide a package fit for survival. All the contents are ethically sourced, bought in bulk and excellent value for money. We were impressed.

The Great British Spring Clean

We’ll be there, picking litter in our own home areas and any of our favorite countryside spots. Plus a WI group litter picking session in the Village Hall area before our Defibrillator Tuition on Wednesday’s WISA afternoon.

Pancake Day Bus Adventure to Weston Park Museum’s 150th Anniversary with Jane

Last year’s Bus Adventure to the Pete McKee Exhibition coincided with Pancake Day. Weston Park’s pancakes with banana, fudge sauce and ice cream were excellent and so was Pete’s Art. We were determined to return in 2026 for more pancakes and the Anniversary Exhibition. The pancakes didn’t disappoint but the Exhibition didn’t inspire us. However the return bus journey ignited jubilation. Waiting patiently for the 218, Judith espied a 95 bus taking her home to Totley. She left us standing in the cold. Imagine our delight, our euphoria as our 218 double decker caught up and accelerated past her 95 bus on the Totley duel carriageway. Shouting in triumph, arm waving and laughing from the top deck of the 218, it’s a wonder the driver didn’t threaten to kick us off.

Chatsworth Walk with Vikki Watson

Cold wind and drizzle, bit of an endurance test really but we enjoy each other’s company and coffee afterwards. We’ve overcome the trauma situation with Chatsworth’s new self-service drinks machines. We don’t use them! After the initial shock and our Hyacinth Bouquet moments we upgraded to the Parlour for barrister-brewed coffee!

Lunch Club at the Maynard with Kath Hopkins

Good food, panoramic view, courteous staff but a bit of a long wait. Not as long a wait as the disaster Lunch Club I organised!

Looking Ahead

8th April 2pm – BVH, Haddon Hall Archivist, Margie Burnet

15th April – 10am Bus Adventure. Park Hill Flats Tour and Lunch Club with Denise Hall

22nd April – WISA 2pm, BVH Spring Flower Workshop with our Florist, Kate Treves

28th April – 10.30am Friends of Chatsworth Walk meet at kiosk with Vikki Watson

7th May – 11am Tour of Masson Mills Textile Museum with Karen Laird

Jane Walker