Corn Dollies WI

22/08/2026

22/08/2026

Take some time this week to visit local artists. In a nutshell a free event on your doorstep. Other artists in the area within walking distance in Claines. Their website has an interactive map to plan your visit. All welcome. No dogs sorry.

10/08/2026

Celebrating the Launch of CORN DOLLIES BAYEUX TAPESTRY

Following the superb Federation Talk on the 70 m long Bayeux Tapestry , the Corn Dollies version was launched in the airy Claines Institute .

This wonderful project was launched by Louise Fellowes , whose generosity and expertise have been at the heart of our journey. Louise shared her knowledge with us, supplied the thread, and even took the time to teach us the special Bayeux stitch.

Sixteen ladies came together, rather like like our predecessors from the 1070s , except we weren’t commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, the half-brother of William the Conqueror.
Like the skilled women we ,too, may inject our own ‘ humour and appendages ‘ into our interpretation!

21/07/2026

WFWI held their annual Craft Show today at The Ark in Alvechurch. A good number of Worcestershire WIs entered the various categories. For Corn Dollies it was a VERY successful show.

Overall, we came in 2nd for our collaborative effort with good comments from the Judges. Judith's bag won Best in Show against some very stiff opposition. We also picked up a 2nd for Claire H's entry in the Black Pear Section, Highly Commended for Claire M & Elaine's Calligraphy Invitation plus 3rd places in Photography, Members Choice and Quiche!

As one member of the WF Committee commented - Corn Dollies are becoming the ones to beat!

A great day, and a huge thank you to all who participated and supported our efforts.

13/07/2026

A chatty, but productive, meeting of Crafting Dollies today. We were finishing off our Mini Fabric Baskets (although some were powering on with their second attempt!) Thanks again to all who made this a great morning and also to Matt and the team at The White Hart in Fernhill Heath where we hold our meetings on the 2nd Monday of the month.

08/06/2026

BUCKET BAGS

Sewing with Sue kept the chatty Corn Dollies engrossed . The hand sewn small bucket bags using two contrasting were partially assembled . ( except for Milne who finished hers! ) .

Louise Fellowes is commended for providing the central , waste collection point .

Thanks to Sue Burtoft Johnston who led the session and Judith who supported .
Next session … the bags will be completed !

11/05/2026

A good group of Crafting Dollies met today to learn the art of Chicken Scratch embroidery. Also known as Amish Lace, Depression Lace or Broderie Suisse, this attractive embroidery is always sewn onto gingham fabric. As you can see from the photos, there were some lovely examples created today.

This gathering was also an opportunity to say a very big 'Thank You' to Claire, who has done a fantastic job running the group since October 2022. She has organised some great crafts for us to try and has kept the group vibrant and interesting for us all.

After our efforts at embroidery we rewarded ourselves with a convivial lunch in the pub. A lovely way to spend a Monday!

Our craft group meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at the White Hart pub and new members are very welcome to sign up at the monthly Corn Dollies meeting.

27/04/2026

Eleven Dollies Walkers met up with the ever exuberant Sandy Cale at the Guildhall today for a Blue Plaque Walk. Sandy has been an official Worcester City Guide for 25 years and so has a wealth of knowledge about our Faithful City. There are nearly 70 blue plaques in Worcester and we a small selection including that commemorating Hannah Snell who, after a disastrous marriage, pretended to be a man to join first the Army and then the Marines. Probably not so well known is John James Cam, the inventor, who was instrumental in developing components for the motoring industry and has a plaque on the site of his old factory.
Sandy also told us about the original Police Station in Copenhagen Street, where there is also a wall statue to Leofric, the Earl of Mercia and husband of Lady Godiva. We saw original City Walls and gates and had a quick look at the garden surrounding the almshouses.
Sandy is a great guide and her walks are very informative and interesting - and highly recommended!

24/04/2026

We were joined by Abbie from the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust for our April meeting.
The Trust was set up after a little girl, Grace Kelly, died within a month of receiving her cancer diagnosis in the mid-90s and her family were given very little information or support. With childhood cancer being the leading cause of death of 1-15 year olds, the charity was formed to ensure no family would face a childhood cancer diagnosis alone in the future. To date they have helped 500 families, primarily in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
In addition to providing financial assistance, counselling and sibling support the charity also works to bridge the gap between medical professionals, patients and policy makers. Supplying educational resources is a big part of the charity's work.
It costs £700k per year for the Grace Kelly Trust to continue its vital work, and they receive no central funding. Abbie suggested ways we could help such as fundraising, signing up for a personal challenge or buying tickets for their Charity Ball. Corn Dollies WI was happy to donate £150 to help their work and we also took a collection from members.
If you could Like, Follow and Share Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust's social media to help spread the word that would also be very helpful.

26/03/2026

The Easter meeting of Corn Dollies WI was a heady mix of singing, bonnets and cake.

With a diverse programme ranging from “Tulips from Amsterdam” to “Morning has broken”, via big ballad numbers from Jesus Christ Superstar and Cabaret, the talented Frances Fry delivered a great afternoon of entertainment. ‘Twist and Shout’ provided the best workout of the week for some members!

An Easter Parade of amazing Bonnets was well received, with some really egg-strodinary efforts by so many of the members. Sue and Jo took the honours with their hand-made creations.

And finally cake – a delicious end to a very fun meeting!