Illston-on-the-Hill WI – May 2026
The members of Illston-on-the-Hill Women’s Institue had a treat at their meeting in April.
The usually brief business INSPIRING WOMEN meeting was enlivened when we ——-• heard Rhena Sturgess read her highly amusing poem that won second prize at the County Meeting in March.
Who knew that a poem about underwear could provoke such laughter? Rhena, we are delighted that you share your talents with us.
Colour Me Beautiful
The Speaker at our meeting was Philippa Guy, a consultant for Colour Me Beautiful, who is based in Melton Mowbray.
That may have been the reason why so many members appeared to have chosen their clothes for the evening with particular care.
Philippa explained how her own choice of clothes had been transformed in the 1980s when Colour Me Beautiful showed how the colours we wear make a major impact on our appearance.
Her previous workplace palette of black, white and shades of grey looked smart but was not at all flattering to her natural skin tone, hair and eye colour.
By choosing colours that flatter, the wearer will look her best, feel more confident and avoid shopping mistakes that can be costly and result in wardrobes cluttered with unworn garments.
Philippa explained that the classification of the 1980s, based on the four seasons of the year, has evolved so that we now look at colours in three ways.
These are depth, warmth and vibrancy and the approach means that we can wear colours we might previously have avoided, provided that we choose a shade based on these factors.
Moreover, we learned about the six different ‘style personalities’, with photographs of famous people being handed round to illustrate the point. By this stage most ofus had worked out our own style personality; mostly ‘classic ‘ or ‘natural’, with a scattering of ‘romantics ‘ in our midst.
The evening concluded with tea, coffee and a range of appetising cakes, while several members explored which of the colours of fabric and make-up best suited them.
Thanks go to the Committee for organising this fun occasion and to the members who provided refreshments.
Caroline Beardsmore
Street Names of Kibworth
