Kibworth & Smeeton WI: Summer Programme and Charity Crafting
Kibworth & Smeeton WI’s summer programme began in June with a craft evening led by Beverley, who gave members a prepared pack containing instructions for making a sheep-shaped keyring.
Craft evenings enable members to socialise while enjoying the satisfaction of creating something for themselves or as a small gift.
The USA’s First Self-made Female Millionaire
Our summer programme continued in July when Danielle Burton told us about “The USA’s First Self-made Female Millionaire”.
Danielle, who has a History degree, has a keen interest in women’s achievements.
African-American Sarah Breedlove’s story is fascinating because of her humble beginnings. Born in 1867, she spent her early years in the cotton fields of Louisiana. Orphaned at seven, she moved with her sister to live with their brother in Mississippi. By the age of 20 she was widowed, with a young daughter. She worked hard taking in laundry to fund her daughter’s education.
Sarah suffered from a devastating scalp condition which caused her hair to fall out. She worked for a hair care company, but couldn’t find products which worked for her. She moved away to Denver, again taking in laundry and working at night to develop her own formulae.
After marrying entrepreneur Charles Joseph Walker, she became known as Madam C J Walker, founding her own business under that name, selling scalp healing and conditioning treatments and cosmetics for black people. As her business expanded, Sarah educated, trained and encouraged other black people and became a dedicated activist and philanthropist. Her legacy is about helping others to feel good about their appearance, giving them the confidence to be successful.
Birthday supper and charity crafting
In August we enjoyed our 108th Birthday Supper at The Crown, Tur Langton. We were challenged to identify common objects photographed at unusual angles, causing lively discussions and amusement!
Continuing our charity crafting, we have received generous donations of yarns from staff at LRI and families of dementia patients, plus two “Thank you” cards from LRI’s Neonatal Unit and Ward 11 for our gift packs of premature baby blankets and hats.
September meeting
On 10 September, Andy Smith entertained us with ‘Sing a Century’ which was fun, at 7.30pm, KCH.
Pat Sharman
More from Kibworth & Smeeton WI
