Heritage Open Day

A busy weekend, beginning with a night out in Blockley on Friday, when Exec members and friends got together at the Italian Gourmet for a sociable evening of tasting and chatter. On Sunday, however, WI House was open as part of the Gloucester Civic Trust Heritage Open Day programme and we welcomed a steady stream of visitors through our doors.

We offered tea and home-made cakes in a sunny corner of the car park and our shop was open too, but these weren't the main reason for people to visit. They were far more interested in the building itself and the stories behind the people who lived there - most importantly, Miss Ella Moreland daughter of the Englands Glory Match Factory founder, Samuel Moreland. Sue Wilson had spent many hours researching this, speaking to people connected with the family, such as Miss Moreland's nurse, Ethel, and thanks to her, we had a good few stories to tell.

It was hard work, both preparing the house for visitors, on the day itself and clearing up afterwards! At the Exec meeting next week, we'll get some feedback and discuss whether to do it all again next year or sometime in the future.