It’s fair to say we have all driven through the Birkenhead tunnel built in 1934 , however we set off early on Saturday morning for the 10 am tour in Liverpool. Our guides Billy and Ryan were so entertaining, enthusiastic and informative. We visited the Art Deco ventilation building on the Pier Head, its control room only vacated four years ago. We donned our high vis jackets and hard hats before walking under the tunnel, I don’t think we expected to be inside the 85 year old tunnel, so close to the giant ventilation fans in operation, and watching the vehicles speed through the tunnel. What a unique behind the scenes tour and the two hours just flew by. We had fascinating views of the inner workings of the Queensway tunnel, the beautiful Art Deco detailing, amazing engineering and lots and lots of stairs! (Only joking – there are lifts). We learnt all about the politics involved in the building of the tunnels . We now know why the tunnel is curved! Remember the tunnel does not leek, but it does seep! We heard the gory stories about the ghosts in the tunnels! We discovered it was the location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2009) and also Danny Boyle’s recent 2018 film Yesterday.

A great experience enjoyed by all.

Afterwards we braved the blustery river front to walk to Deli Fonscecas for a lovely lunch.

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We had a truly scrumptious afternoon tea at Clouds to celebrate Galentines Day. The students kicked off service with a cone of fish and chips with mushy peas, then they came around to each table with a selection of hot open sandwiches, most unexpected, and I have to say we were already full by this point. Continuous teas and coffees were poured whilst we struggled to tuck into the tier of cold sandwiches and cakes. Jazmania serenaded in the background whilst we had a good old natter. Well done Clouds !

Carol threw open the doors to her new home by hosting a Wine Tasting
12 members enjoyed a Come Dine with Me Wine Tasting in January. We tasted 6 wines, 3 white and 3 red. The focus was on the 2 grape varieties from different countries so that we could compare and contrast the differences and decide what we each liked or didn’t! We used a standard wine tasting method of looking at colour, smell and taste. We also identified the difference between ‘old world’ and ‘new world’ taste with a group favouring new world taste which tends to be more fruity and ‘higher in alcohol’!! It was fun deciding if you should drink or spit and I think on balance most decided to drink – are we surprised or not, I think not!!! 
The white grape was Chardonnay from France, California and Australia. The red grape was Malbec from France, Argentina and South Africa. Overall favourite was Kumala Reserve Malbec from South Africa at £7.50 from Tesco.

A thoroughly pleasant evening!

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It’s lovely to be back and to see you fabulous ladies.

Happy New Year to you all!

Are you ready to kick start 2020? We had a bright and cheerful evening to lift us out of the post Christmas blues. So we kicked off (literally) the first meeting of 2020 with a self defence class under the expert eye of Lisa from Unite Southport which is one of our local Taekwondo studios. Now she’s a 3rd Dan you really wouldn’t want to mess with (even with a sore throat)!
The idea of the session was to be able to hold our own if we were in the unfortunate position of being held against our will. We were told to pair up and then set too …. the art of breaking free if we are being restrained at the wrists or even by the neck.

I would like to think we would manage to keep safe if we found ourselves in a sticky position and at the time I felt I did fairly well in holding my own, however when I got home I thought I would try out my new tricks on my much taller son – on dear ! Did quite work and it’s fair to say I failed miserably to get out of his grip. He, however, was delighted. Of course I could have kneed him in the ****** but I just couldn’t do it and to be honest the thought of grandchildren at some point is appealing!

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2020 Resolutions

The second half of our meeting, after the tea and cakes of course, was taken up with voting on the resolution.
The Women’s Institute has long been campaigning on a wide range of issues. In fact, there have been 400 resolutions passed since 1918. These resolutions range from issues such as equal pay for women, women police, women on jury service to addressing food poverty.  The one thing all WI resolutions have in common is that they are all suggested and voted in by WI members. At our December meeting we discussed the five 2019/2020 resolutions shortlist.
1. Female Crash Test Dummies 2. Time to talk about death and dying 3. End modern slavery
4. Protect our precious helium 5. A call to increase potential stem cell donor registration.

Our votes were : 1st with 11 votes – Protect our precious helium, 2nd with 10 votes – End modern slavery, 3rd with 5 votes – Time to talk about death and dying, 4th with 3 votes – A call to increase stem cell donor registration 5th with 1 vote – Female crash test dummies. Sue will send these results to LFWI who will collate the Lancashire results, they in turn will then forward them onto the NFWI.

Clement Clarke Moore (1822)

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the committee. 

Thee change was being counted from the weekly cake kitty.

The stocking were all hung from the monthly craft club. 

And on the allotment, was planted a shrub.

The women were all nestled as Jerusalem sang out.

Emma announced the agenda with no worry or doubt.

It was Thursday already and the AGM planned.

We settled our brains as the year was so grand. 

In the warm meeting hall there arose such a clatter.

The women so friendly and that’s what should matter.

Looking in through the window the year was a flash.

We listened to Karen about who spent the cash. 

The members of new ladies continues to grow.

As old entertain new by performing a show.

When, what to our wondering eyes should appear.

But Flora and Fauna, Who love Martinmere.

With a little old knotter so lively and slick.

Barry taught us a reef knot ever so quick.

More rapid than eagles Magic Pete came.

January was magical giving Emma much fame. 

Now Nancy, now Deb, now Jo and Sue.

On Pauline on Elisabeth contact these few. 

To the top of the roomwe bagged for Mad Dog.

It was busy for us but well worth the slog. 

As April approached us we took part in Tai Chi.

Daphne who taught us had a soft spot for Nancy.

So up to the house top India came into view.

With Sari’s, metal bangles and food tasting too. 

And then in a twinkling came a flash of bright green.

Hearts for our climate keep Great Britain clean. 

As I drew in my head and was turning around.

Back in time I had gone and a Tudor wife found. 

She was dress’d all in rattan from  her head to her foot.

She cook’d on a fire tarnis’d with ashes and soot.

A bundle of thread was flying in the pack,

Sewing over in Leyland and they even came back.

Our eyes – how they twinkl’d when the life mag was posted.

Cup of coffee, a biscuit on our settee we’re bolted. 

Their droll little mouth wanted Ed wina Curry.

An annual selfie but she’d gone in a hurry.

The stump of a log they sweat and bare teeth.

They dig and plant as seeds germinate beneath.

They have a broad face as the dish fills with crops.

The weather was kind and their fruit never stops.

He was chubby and plump a right jolly old Ted.

We tried crown green bowling but got easily led.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head.

No bowling ball landed within the flower bed.

We spoke not a word and went straight to our work.

Selling cakes large and small through positive teamwork.

And laying a finger on the powerpoint created.

The year through happy photos was clearly stated. 

She sprung to her apron and to the team gave a smile.

Being a member of the Scarlets is a positive lifestyle. 

But, Emma exclaimed as she crotch’d out of sight.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

by Tina

Our Second poem by Emma

Twas the night after Christmas

All through the house

Nothing was stirring

Not even a mouse.

They couldn’t you see.

They were stuck where they sat

They’d spent so much time eating

They were feeling so fat.

They’d tucked into turkey and stuffing and sprouts.

They’d had the pudding and trifle and mince pies with no doubts

They’d eaten the cheddar and gouda and brie.

They’d feasted and snacked, no food left to see.​

They had searched and emptied

The stockings and socks

They had polished off the chocolate from every selection box.

To say nothing of the gin and port and the wine.

It would have been rude not to, it’s civilised when you dine.

So the night after Christmas as you’re sat in the quiet

It’s perhaps the time to consider a diet

Emma Gillinger

Ingredients:

Pkt of pre-made puff pastry, 1 pkt of sausage meat (but I tend to use two) available at all high street supermarkets, although I’ve never seen it in Aldi!! 1 small chopped onion, sesame seeds (decoration) Egg for coating 
I add my own extra filling .. .. .. so you decide what you would like to add to the sausage meat, it could be any of the following: ApplePaxo stuffing black pudding Haggis, Chilli, Garlic, Cranberry sauce (nice festive option) Chutney (any variety) The list is endless, enjoy experimenting!!
Oven fan oven 160 c/ gas mark 3 Approx: half and hour 

Method :

Mix sausage meat, onion and what ever extra filling you desire! Put to one side whilst you prepare the pastry. Roll pastry into a rectangle, I tend to roll thinly as to prevent a ‘soggy bottom’. Place sausage meat mixture in the middle, this needs to be a smaller rectangle, so the pastry can be wrapped over in order to form the plait. Cut four squares, one from each corner. Then fold the two end pieces of pastry over the sausage meat. The two long lengths need slicing. Cut approx 10 strips and then alternatively wrap one from each side over the sausage meat. This forms the plait. Once plaited place on a baking sheet and coat the top with egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cook until golden. This is nice both hot and cold. I serve it with a range of things, such as salad and chutney or potatoes and gravy. 

Tina

November

On Saturday 30th November, six members of Scarlets WI travelled on a frosty morning over to the annual Knitting and Stitching Show, held at Harrogate Convention Centre. We were prepared with bags for our purchases and tickets for the classes.
This somewhat quiet town had turned into an abundance of activity with coaches and cars of predominantly women all bustling into the event. I was pre-warned to watch my ankles and shins, as many had more than a bag to put their purchases in!! Four large halls were converted into an array of stalls, from cheap and cheerful to elite and high quality. There was a range of fabrics, wools and threads…where do you start? Toilet and coffee!
Not only were there many stalls, but workshops too, from basket weaving to needle felting. The classes were approximately an hour long, potentially long enough to learn a new skill. The workshops varied, as what was created (see photos). We certainly made the most of our day, in which we all had a little something to take home…so be prepared, we may be sharing our new skills at a WI meeting.

Tina

What a lovely way to celebrate one year as a member of Southport Scarlets by attending my first dining club experience. 

Due to work commitments this has previously been unachievable, however on Wednesday 23rd October I joined 11 other WI members at Volare Italian restaurant on Lord Street. 

Before selecting our preferences, (apparently some selections are predictable) I asked Jo whether reviews of the restaurants were carried out! I soon realised the main aim of these evenings were to enjoy good company, have a drink, eat, but not necessarily review the restaurant, therefore I’ve done my own personal review.

Although we waited quite a while for the starters to be served, when they were, comments from around the table resembled a night watching fireworks (lots of oooo’s and rrrrr’s). This continued as we tucked in. Clearly a good start! 

Presentation of the food was good, and we know this can be challenging especially serving pasta dishes, see photos. One particular main course, Penne Laguna, was referred to as bland, despite the mixture of chicken, courgettes and prawns, however I had Spaghetti Carbonara, which was creamy with plenty of bacon added. In addition to this, alcohol (like many restaurants) was expensive…£11.95 for two medium glasses of Rose, so as you can imagine the wine was drunk, leaving glasses empty! But were the plates empty? Generally yes, the leftovers only included bits of pasta, clam shells and bread. 

The atmosphere in the restaurant was welcoming and clearly the staff were attentive to their customers’ choices. So if you like a variety of fresh Italian food and you’re willing to wait, then Volare is suitable for you. 

As for reviewing the dinning club experience, I’m now wondering where the next event will be held, as joining the WI members on such an evening is definitely recommended, especially if you enjoy conversations that don’t include Brexit! 

Tina 

Spaghetti Vongole

Crab and Avocado starter

Carbonara

Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th September

The show was held at the Garstang Country Hotel just 10 miles north of Preston. Emma and Pauline bundled all the craft items off and deposited them on the Sunday and the process was repeated on Tuesday by Elaine for all the fresh foods, cakes and bakes.
It was a first visit to a show for me so I didn’t know quite what to expect. Needless to say it was chocker full of ladies and no sooner had I got there I bumped onto a few of my fellow Scarlets which was lovely. I think it’s fair to say we had a record number of entries into the show this year too which of course is fantastic. We all know the judging can be quite harsh – enter at your own peril as it’s not recommended for any sensitive souls who may take their comments to heart. There was such an array of items – jams (of course!) cakes, knitted or crocheted jumpers, sugar craft, knitted hedgehogs, handmade jewellery, decorated hats, rag dolls, wreaths, photos, sketches and horticulture. I managed to take some photos (just before my phone conveniently ran out of battery!) Hope you enjoy them.

I must apologise for my tardiness with this month’s blog. As a rule we Scarlets don’t meet during August but arrange an outdoor activity. In previous years we’ve done a picnic in Hesketh Park, built sandcastles on the beach and arranged a treasure hunt around the Marine Lake area with a supper after. This year we went down to the Southport Bowling Club and two of their very friendly club members talked us through the rules, arranged us into teams and were very supportive and coached us the whole time. We rounded the evening off with a cuppa and biscuits in the club house. Ted talked about the history of the club. We didn’t know it is the only Flat Green Bowling Club in the Southport and Liverpool area and actually dates back to 1937. If you fancy a new hobby bowls is great for all ages, it’s a healthy outdoor sport and very sociable. They encourage you to try before you buy – equipment is available to borrow until you are sure the game is for you. Most of all they are a very friendly bunch.