Sutton in Craven WI

15/10/2026

Steve Midgely – Wildlife Photographer.
If you want to see some Yorkshire Wildlife- try Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve in Halifax, or Donna Nook on the Yorkshire Coast: these were just two of the many places Steve Midgely has visited on his travels. Steve’s talk was a fascinating ramble around Yorkshire – and beyond- in which he went in search of Kingfishers.
Interested in wildlife as a lad (who could forget the film Kes?) Steve found life got in the way as he grew up and started work. Then one day, a flash of blue on the riverbank got him hooked, made him want to take a good picture of a kingfisher: how hard can that be? The answer is: very hard. We saw a string of “almost” pictures kingfisher’s disappearing and others hiding- then, interspersed with funny anecdotes and a wealth of detailed knowledge of the behaviour of the animals he met, Steve took us with him on his search for that elusive picture.
We started with Blue t**s, Coal t**s and Long tailed t**s, progressed through Bullfinch, Nuthatch and Jays until we were suddenly confronted with a Bald Eagle. In Yorkshire? A falconer living in Halifax area had surprised our photographer during his lunchtime- so more pictures were snapped.
A visit to Studley Royal produced wonderful photographs of Red deer rutting and Roe Deer plus non-native species of Fallow and Sitka, then visits to the once badly polluted Calder led to wonderful photographs of Otters, whilst Donna Nook is a haven for the worlds largest breeding colony of Grey seals. Steve visited frequently in October to January, capturing the young and their mothers- telling the story of “Ropeneck” and her rescue from fishing nets in 2005. Bempton Cliffs, Gannets, Razor Bills, Guillemots, Puffins, Little Owls, Tawney and long eared owls all made an appearance before finally we were treated to some fantastic shots of Kingfishers- and given some hints on how they can be found, seen, then captured on film.
Steve’s photograph of a family of 4 kingfishers was a delight- as were his many other crystal clear shots of males and females with their catch of the day. So many wonderful photographs- they made us want to dig out our old “proper cameras” and put our phones aside!
Thanks, Steve for an entertaining and informative afternoon hunting for that elusive photo
www.wildlifepirate.co.uk

15/09/2026

Monday we had a visit from Sarah Lister from the Settle Graveyard project which was set up in 2018 to preserve inscriptions on gravestone before they erroded. Preserving for future generations. Sarah has done a lot of research into the people of Settle who are buried there. The information was facinating and very interesting. We had women that had been Queen Victorias home decorator. The first female architect. A lady that ran a 200 child orphanage. About the very rich the women who gave to charity. We learnt about the women who were part of the suffragettes. Mainly women who made a difference in a mans world of the time. We celebrated the 111 year anniversary of the WI. Wearing purple and pictures taken in 3s 1+1+1.

13/07/2026

Once again, it quickly became clear why Bev, has been crowned “Queen of Craft”.
Bev’s craft meetings are a regular and very popular part of our programme each year. She surprises and delights us each time with yet another deceptively simple item we can make in a meeting, but which is effective, useful and unique to each member. Today, Bev was as always, highly organised, with a bag of equipment for everyone- wooden bookmark, pretty tassel and special rubbing stick. There was also a wide selection of beautiful transfers to choose from to create our own designs. Once Bev had explained the process, the room rapidly became quiet as members were absorbed in their task and time flew by as bookmarks were created. Original, colourful, personalised designs appeared around the room with many admiring comments.
The Queen of Craft had succeeded once more in making crafters of us all.

19/06/2026

A very enjoyable trip to Harewood house on Monday. Our trip was in a new coach which was lovely. The weather was kind and the company enjoyable.

09/06/2026

David Hardcastle: Police Mobile Museum
Armed with truncheons, cudgels, handcuffs and helmets, David came today to give us a taste of the “Copper’s lot” through the ages: in the process creating gasps of amazement and peals of laughter!
David’s talk this afternoon was entertaining, amusing and informative. He allowed us to handle and marvel at quantities of Police memorabilia from Victorian to almost present day.
Once a serving police officer working the Manningham and Girlington area of Bradford from Lawcroft house over 20 years, on retirement David went to work at the Police Museum in Keighley. However, it was a plea from a Dementia group in Bradford that led to a significant change. The museum itself was not mobile and could not reach those groups unable to travel- so David tried a one-off visit independently, using his own artefacts. This was such a success that several other Dementia groups asked him to visit. David is now in great demand, working up to 8 visits a week, taking his “no glass cases” museum to groups across the county, encouraging a hands- on approach.
Today, David used his collection to illustrate the history of the police force. He began with Constables, who in the 14th Century were ordinary citizens, acting as Parish Constables, carrying out Warrants for the King. They they carried a wooden, brass topped “Tipstaff”, which acted as door knocker, warrant card and a weapon if needed. During the time of Charles II, watchmen were appointed as security guards for towns, often old men they carried a cudgel- in York they guarded the gates and were known as “Charlies”. They were followed by the Bow St Runners, actually a mounted militia. Sir Robert Peel, then Home Secretary, formalised the Police Force in1826, modelled on the Scottish Force to keep the Queen’s Peace without fear or favour- they caried an early form of truncheon, wore a serge uniform with 2 pockets and a whistle.
David then produced from his display a whole wealth of police artefacts- a whole trench of Truncheons, a hoard of Handcuffs that nipped the skin, screwed up tight or clicked into place- and were difficult to remove. Heaps of Helmets and hats, some made of cork for protection, others just right for keeping your sandwich lunch safe- from 1800’s to modern helmets with a ridge for protection. Hats used by the military police, traffic police and women officers. He described the evolution of women’s uniform, from long skirts through Juliet Bravo styles to modern day.
From early Car bugles and horns, through Radios to mock tazers and riot gear, David’s collection was amazing.
David concluded by encouraging us consider personal protection in the form of flashlights, personal alarms, seat belt cutters and hammers for use to break glass and finally shields for protect credit cards in wallets.
An afternoon packed with interest and new experiences- thank you David for enlightening us all.

11/05/2026

Jan Smith Health & Well Being, Natural Skin Care.
Jan Smith has been an Ambassador for “Tropic” Health and Well Being products for 3 years. Today she told us why these products are better for our skin and general health than many commercial products on the market. Jan explained that Tropic is a range of skin care products and make up that is made fresh in the UK using natural, plant based materials. The company has a strong ethical base, using 10% of it’s profit for charitable causes- from building 5 schools, providing solar power and sanitation, producing zero waste to offsetting all carbon emissions. “Tropic” aims to contribute to a healthier, greener more empowered world through its main “pillars” of Health, the Environment and People. It is a strong alternative to the many cosmetics used- especially in historic times- to create a more beautiful image. Jan described the historic use of lead, mercury and even radium from earliest times to the 1900’s which led to the serious poisoning or even death, of its users. Tropic is a healthy and fresh alternative- promoting good skin care and health through the use of natural products. A fitting “Tropic” for May as this is Mental Health Awareness and Skin Cancer awareness month. This thought-provoking presentation made us all consider our choices of product.
Tropic products are available from Jan or other ambassadors- her contact will be emailed to members.

13/04/2026

My Life on a Cruise Ship. Nikki Barrett.
Swimming with dolphins, turtles and sting rays, mountain biking on Etna, meeting celebrities, helicopter rides, river tubing, volcano hikes, cruising in the Med and the Caribbean - Nikki’s working life on a cruise ship was a once in a lifetime experience full of excitement and adventure. Her talk this afternoon revealed the highs and the lows of life on a cruise ship. Surprisingly, it all began with divorce! Nikki had the freedom and a yearn to travel, so applied to two jobs- which meant that on New Year’s Eve 2005 she had to chose between animal conservation work with an African Charity and Cruise Ship training. Being a Yorkshire lass, she chose that one that would cost the least! After weeks of training in Bristol, learning survival training, drills, how to wear the uniform and how to run the shops on board, Nikki joined the crew of Oceana on 23rd April 2006 and her life on board a cruise ship began. Nikki told us about the routine of the ship- from hectic turnaround days, when the ship is restocked, cleaned and made ready for new passengers who need guiding through lifeboat drill, to sea days and port days. She told us many little snippets about life aboard that only crew would know: such as where to sunbathe on a port day, how to make the most of a free day in port, how to survive a cabin inspection and how to get the bottom bunk! Her life became an exhilarating mix of hard work, constantly meeting the high standards expected of every crew member, fun themes party nights, making friends from around the world and visiting exotic locations. It was an amazing time that she will never forget, and one that led from divorce to meeting her future husband, Richard. Travelling round the world brought Nikki many wonderful experiences: it also brought her life full circle.

19/03/2026

09/03/2026

Sunstone Yoga. Caz Ive
“Toes to Nose” instructed Caz -a gasp ran round the room. Could she be serious?
As the ladies of Sutton WI contemplated how on earth they could get their toes to touch their noses, laughter broke out. It only took a second for us to realise Caz wanted us to point our toes in the direction of our noses. Ah ! That was fine, we could manage that!
Lots of laughter and fun summed up this gentle session of stretching that everyone enjoyed. Caz took us through a series of seated arm, leg and body stretches with moves that were attainable by all, followed by a peaceful, relaxing “cool down”, when the room became magically quiet and calm.
Caz explained that she prefers slow, gentle movements in Yoga, encouraging participants towards getting to know their own body and its abilities, so her classes suit any age or ability- you don’t have to be young, very fit, and or able to touch your nose with your toes!
Caz holds her classes at Sutton Village Hall on Tuesdays at 10am to 11, with around 10 ladies
In April Caz is planning to start a new Chair Yoga group at 11.30 on Tuesdays, for around an hour.
Classes cost £48 for 6 classes or £10 for one- this taster session was so popular and enjoyable that it was clear the new group will fill up soon- for more information ring
Caz on 07939080974, email at [email protected] Website www.sunstone.yoga