Cotswold Duston WI

13/08/2026

05/08/2026

We met at Poppyfields Farm in Duston on Monday for a cuppa and a chat with the Ladies - what a lovely way to start the week. Our next coffee morning will be at Harlestone Heath Garden Centre. Details to follow nearer the time.

26/07/2026

A date for your diaries Ladies

26/07/2026

July’s craft sessions at Jo’s offered our members the chance to try something new. Some chose rock painting, using online inspiration to create colourful designs, while others took part in a still life drawing session with objects arranged by Jo. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, with plenty of chatting as we worked. A huge thank you to Jo for welcoming us into her home once again and for the lovely refreshments that kept everyone fuelled and happy.

24/07/2026

At this month’s meeting, Ruth Thomas gave an absolutely fascinating presentation about Life and death in Ancient Egypt. Ruth talked us through the social structure of life in those times, fully explaining their philosophies and way of life. As in all class structures, those at the top enjoyed a privileged life whilst those at the bottom of the scale lived in much harsher conditions. We hope the following notes do justice to Ruth’s presentation. Thank you Ruth
Ancient Egypt was one of the richest and most prosperous civilizations of the ancient world, and the evidence from multiple sources strongly supports this. In Ancient Egypt, life and death were seen as two connected stages of the same journey. Daily life centred on the Nile, family, farming, craftsmanship, and maintaining Ma’at — the principle of balance and order that kept society and the cosmos steady.
Beliefs About Death - Death was viewed as a transition. Egyptians believed the soul had several parts, all needing the body to be preserved. After death, the heart was weighed against the feather of Ma’at. A pure heart allowed entry into the Field of Reeds, an ideal, eternal version of Egypt.
Mummification and Tombs - Mummification protected the body so the soul could return to it. Bodies were dried with natron, wrapped in linen, and placed in decorated tombs filled with scenes of daily life, offerings, and objects needed for eternity.
Rituals and Magic - Spells, amulets, and ceremonies — especially the Opening of the Mouth — ensured the dead could breathe, speak, and eat in the afterlife. Offerings and shabti figures provided comfort and service forever.
A Continuous Journey - For Egyptians, living well upheld Ma’at, and dying well opened the door to a perfected existence. Life and death formed a single, continuous path — a belief that shaped their culture and left a lasting legacy.

10/07/2026

As with all WIs, our ladies have wonderful stories to share. Recently we celebrated Janet’s amazing abseiling challenge — and today it’s Jo’s turn in the spotlight!
Jo is our Speaker Seeker and a proud member of a Living History Group. She and her husband Steve travel around the country bringing the past to life. On this very hot June day, Jo was dressed as a medieval Benedictine nun at the Abbots Bromley Living History Festival.
The event brings nearly a thousand years of history alive, with over 200 reenactors from more than ten groups. Visitors can wander through authentic camps, watch full scale battle displays and even experience live cannon and musket fire.
We can’t wait to share more of Jo’s historical adventures soon.

09/07/2026

Our Readers group met this week to discuss their latest choice -Wild Fire by Ann Cleeves

“Wild Fire” is the eighth and final instalment in Ann Cleeves’ Shetland Island series. The novel follows Helena and Daniel Fleming as they move to Shetland hoping for a fresh start. Their arrival stirs up local resentment and gossip, soon leading to a murder investigation that becomes deeply personal for Inspector Jimmy Perez.
Set against the beautiful yet unforgiving Shetland landscape, the story brings the series to a powerful close. The book also inspired a major BBC One drama starring Douglas Henshall as Jimmy Perez.

09/07/2026

Jo is running a monthly craft group, Tuesday pm or Wednesday am. We will keep you posted on topics to be covered and will post pictures of our finished projects.

03/07/2026

☕ WI Coffee Morning ☕
A lovely chance to catch up over a cuppa at Blue Diamond Garden Centre. Harlestone Heath is one of our regular haunts, and it’s always a warm and welcoming place to enjoy good conversation, coffee and company.