CRAYFORD WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

"Caveman Orchestra", speaker Joy Hungerford, was our February lecture. This of course had many members speculating as to what this could possibly be. Joy had brought us many strange and unusual musical instruments and told us their history, she has 850 of these at home.

This collection was begun and her interest aroused because her husband made her a harp for £5, but the strings cost £35. There were instruments from all over the world, China, Africa,India, Tunisia, Tibet and many other exotic locations. A drum made from Zebra Skin, hollow tree trunk monkey drums and shell drums. Dried gourds filled with seeds, conch shells, trumpets, whistles, too many to be listed. Joy finished by playing us some pieces of the Celtic Harp, which was very enjoyable.

Mrs Sylvia Chilman came in March to speak about making baskets. Once again there was a large display of her work. Cane and willow were her favourite materials to work with, although she uses many more. Most of the willow comes from Dorset, but also a lot is imported. baskets have been made all over the world since the time of the cave-dwellers, and usually with whatever material grows in the local habitat.

Our gardening club is still well attended, as is the social club, where this month we learned how to paint on silk, all members going home with a greetings card made from the end product. this lovely weather has also brought some members out walking in the countryside once a week.