Members of Llantilio Crossenny WI were transported to Normandy for the November meeting of the Monmouthshire branch of the Women’s Institute.
Clive Morgan who runs European Heritage Coachways in Govilon delighted everyone with tales of his coach visits to Northern France. With Llanvapley pavilion undergoing a slick kitchen renovation, the Red Hart public house kindly opened to provide us with a cosy venue for the enthusiastic gathering and Clive treated us to a virtual tour. Many thanks to them for their hospitality.
Clive obviously has a great love of the region and of its cultural arts. His slide show presented us with many of the Monet masterpieces and landscapes of the Normandy area. The towns visited included Honfleur, Rouen, Caen, Le Havre and Cherbourg. “The area is full of apple orchards and chateaux!” he jokingly recalled. He took us to Le Chateau de Falaise which is the birthplace of William the Conqueror and Giverney the centre of the Impressionist movement lead by Monet. This movement revolutionised art history. Claude Monet created a famous garden here, diverting a river and landscaping in a Japanese inspired water garden where he drew on the reflections which he saw to skilfully create his beautiful art work. Monet captured the impression of a scene rather than trying to reproduce it in detail. He experienced cataracts later in life and their effect on his eyesight is evident in his art work.
Clive reminded us that for almost 150 years following the Norman conquest of England in 1066, Normandy and England were linked by the same person reigning as both Duke of Normandy and King of England, William the Conqueror. He recalled his organised school trips to view the historic Bayeux Tapestry, the story of the 11th century conquest told in embroidery. An excellent way to ensure the pupils became immersed in the story was to encourage them to look for panels 19 and 20! Check them out he quipped!
Experiencing the Normandy beaches and battlefields, cemeteries and museums of the D Day invasions as well as the Impressionist movement sites are essential on a Normandy Heritage tour. In addition Rouen with its majestic cathedral, Mont St Michel, Etretat and its dramatic cliffs are all renowned attractions in this beautiful region. Clive organises a variety of coach trips ranging from theatre visits and concerts to bulb field visits, museums and historical venues around Britain and on the continent. He was thanked by all for his entertaining, informative and amusing talk.
Next month’s meeting focuses on "Christmas Cookery" with a return to the pavilion which now includes an updated, well-equipped kitchen. Join us on Wednesday 11th December at 7pm!
Congratulations go to the members who entered the recent Gwent WI Competitions Day in Usk. A weekend when we experienced the ravage of storm Bert with extensive flooding in the county. Members still ventured out to support their Federation event. Llantilio Crossenny WI were pleased with their quirky Christmas song title display and were only 1.5 points off third place out of 19 exhibits. Individual competitions saw Margaret Parry come 1st with her Christmas tree decorations, 2nd with her cheese straws and she gained a highly commended with her mince pies! Verity Vater had 3rd place with her Christmas hamper entry. Well done ladies on your achievements.
The LC WI choir will be singing at the County Carol service on Saturday 7th December at Goytre. The New Year dinner will take place at The Beaufort, Raglan on Wednesday 22nd January. Merry Christmas everyone.
