Old Buckenham Women’s Institute

Toys through the ages
Old Buckenham WI were pleased to welcome Amanda Cockburn from Old Buckenham Primary School to their recent meeting. For the fifth year, Amanda had chosen Old Buckenham WI as recipients of the World Book Night selection and this year she presented members with copies of “Whispering Shadows”, the third book written by Jan-Philipp Sendker.
The evening’s speakers were David and Angela Knock who gave a fascinating insight into the history of toys. They brought with them an extensive selection of toys from the past which evoked childhood memories. These items included marbles (which have been around since Roman times – although in those days they would have been made from clay), Plasticine which is about 100 years old, French knitting (made from cotton reels) to name but a few. They also brought a vast collection of toys and teddy bears (including a modern one bought from the Dad’s Army Museum – dressed as Pike with his trade mark scarf in Aston Village colours). They also brought along a “Golly” a traditional toy from 1896.
Old Buckenham WI gives an annual bursary to a member attending a course at Denman College and this year’s winner in the ballot was Alison Frank who can use the money towards a course any time during the next 12 months.
Alison also organises the “Waste Not, Want Not” table and she said that it has raised £939 over the last eight years. This money forms part of the donation to Associated Country Women of the World, of which the Women’s Institute is a member.
The June meeting is on Thursday 23 June when the speaker will be Helen Reeve. The subject of her talk is “For the Love of Cows (how to turn a hobby into a business)”.