1st March

 

Hello everyone,

 

So Spring is … such a period of hopefulness. We, here on the Wirral, have just experienced some lovely mild days. Now our gardens are showing promise. Bulbs are adding colour. As we drive around the Wirral the verges offer interest. Clumps of snowdrops, groupings of daffodils, even crocus but these don’t seem to be so common these days. Personally I delight in a visit to Ness Gardens for the snowdrops at this time of year.  So many varieties to enjoy. Nearer to home, for me, Arno Park is also worth a visit.

 

Throughout the world there are many Spring festivals. We greet the new season and shake off the last vestiges of winter. When I worked in Hunza, Pakistan we, the women, had a special Spring Festival. Nawroz. This is the Persian New Year - a 3000 year old Spring Celebration held on the vernal equinox. The roots of Nawroz lie in Zoroastrianism but there are many interpretations in many ethnicities worldwide.

 

In Hunza, amongst the local community of Ismaili Muslims, Nawroz is a festival just for the women. As in any culture a special celebration signified the need for a new outfit. Hunzakuts were no exception. A new shalwar kameez with appropriate dupatta (shawl) was either made or purchased. We all hoped for fine weather because simple swings were hung from suitable trees. This was the joy to be had.  Simply swinging to and fro whilst enjoying the company of friends and family..

I love this season.

 

Our March lecture will be given by Roasalind Whyte on March 16th.

Dame Laura Knight

This will be preceded by our Annual General Meeting led by our President Fenella.

 

And, thanks to all who have renewed their membership! 

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Judith Wheat