Page 13 - Clarion February 2018

Clarion Clippings - The Local News

THE READING GROUP should go through to the National AGM, plans
‘Life Class’ by Pat Barker: made for the Winter Warmer lunch and
A real mix of opinions from our group about this invitations sent to previous members for our 95th
book, the first part of a trilogy. It was alternatively birthday tea on February 16th. We are really
described as a comfortable or easy read, looking forward to reminiscing with past and
miserable, informative, excellent and 'glad to have present WI members, so anyone who has not yet
finished it’. In two parts, the story first covered a had an invitation, please get in touch.
group of artists studying at the Slade, their art, Leigh Griffiths will tell us about ‘history under
loves and lives. The morality of the time, early the soil’ discovered while metal detecting at the
1914, was queried as they were quite bohemian. Market Hall, 7.30pm on Tuesday 13th February,
Some students were utterly devoted to their work find out more on Facebook or
and this is recognised throughout the story. The judysant10@gmail.com
main characters were Paul, Elinor and Kit. Several Judy Sant
readers particularly disliked Elinor, others just FROM THE BANDROOM
found the characters had little impact. Although we don’t have any engagements
The second half was set in France, where Paul booked during the first three months of the year,
was helping at a poorly equipped medical facility the band are busy rehearsing for the Midlands
in the early days of WW1. The horror of this was Area Contest at Bedworth on March 10th
vividly portrayed, in contrast to what was taking We have moved up to the third section and so
place in England where some, including Elinor, the piece is technically more difficult. The
just wanted life to go on as usual. Most agreed the designated piece for all bands to play is called
story had a weak ending and it didn't encourage Napoleon on the Alps, an unusual title but a very
them to seek out a second book. We probably impressive piece of music and if of interest to
wouldn't recommend ‘Life Class’ but if anyone anyone, we have put a soundtrack onto our
has read it, what did you think? website - www.cmcb.co.uk.
We next read 'Jane Eyre', by Charlotte Brontë, a The wintry weather in December meant that
th
classic from 1847 and meet on February 19 for unfortunately we missed out on some vital
our discussion. Questions or comments to me on fundraising whilst carol playing. We will bring
CM 271754. our Spring concert slightly forward to 14th April
Deana Kimber this year - more details to follow.
CLEOBURY W.I. We then hope to fit in another concert during the
All members were pleased with their unusual summer in between bandstand engagements; our
glitter thread cards and inspiration from Glenys calendar is starting to fill up nicely for 2018.
McLaren, such talent locally! It was a busy If you would like to book the band for any
evening as we also tasted the main course entries occasion, please get in touch with me on
for the Shopshire Federation WI centenary recipe 01299270262. We are very adaptable and can
book and chose Liz Smurthwaite’s chicken accommodate most requests.
casserole. Votes were in for which resolution Katie Griffiths

Cleobury Clarion - Page !13 - February 2018