Page 65 - Phonebox Magazine December 2012

Towards and the end of October seven of our members attended the Group Meeting hosted by Olney WI. We all
had a super evening, being entertained by the Bolivian Sunshine Dogs, a musical group who were very good and very funny. A delicious buffet was provided by the Olney ladies, and two of our members won
Back on home ground, our speaker in November, Laura Malpas from the National Trust, took us back 860 years to mediaeval Northamptonshire to tell us some secrets and scandals of Canons Ashby.
We began in the settlement of Essebi – which evolved into Ashby – sited at a crossroads and close to water. The Augustinian monks built a priory here, headed by a Canon. However, in 1536 Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and the building fell into disuse.
John Dryden acquired the estate and built a Peel Tower in 1551. Later, other buildings were added, all made in Elizabethan brick, and it remained the home of the Dryden family for many years. The National Trust became involved some few years ago and had to undertake extensive repairs due to the many alterations made to the structure by successive generations.
A secret room was discovered containing many symbols similar to those used by Masons, but dating from much earlier than when Freemasonry began in 1717 – where did they come from and what do they mean?
Today the house is furnished in Victorian style and the gardens have been restored to an original plan. Well worth a visit – and plant sales area.
The competition (letter L) was won by new member Sharon Moyle with a ‘Luscious Lemon Lot’, 2nd was June Weston with some beautiful samples of lace, and 3rd was Barbara Hilton with a lighthouse.

Barbara Hilton.
Newport Pagnell Women’s Institute
meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Club, and is always delighted to welcome new members. In December Suzanne Marshall will be talking to us about Myths and Legends For further information please call Evelyn Mison on 01908 615630.
O

UN
INTERNATIONAL DAY

What a great place! Where did the four hours go? Peace be with you all.
Jacquie C.
Phonebox Magazine 65