Meeting Report - February 2012
Three visitors were welcomed to the February meeting of Woolavington WI, along with a good turnout of members. Commencing as usual with a hearty rendition of ‘Jerusalem’, the business side of things was dealt with fairly quickly, the highlight being the prospect of some very good forthcoming outings.
The “speakers” for the meeting were Brenda and Baby Belle, aka the Wrinkly Rappers; never let it be said that the WI lives in the past! Dressed in the trademark garb of the rapper – combat trousers displaying oversized baseball-boots, baggy t-shirts layered with chains and ”bling” and baseball hats worn at a strange angle, it was hard to accept that these were two ladies like us, of “a certain age”!
After beginning their performance with their trademark rap, naturally called ‘Respect!’, Brenda told how, from holding down a responsible position in a large business she began her unlikely parallel career as a rapper; progressing from an informal turn at a Camping and Caravan Club meeting in 2008, via auditions for Britain’s Got Talent and gathering a ‘crew’ (backing group) of friends along the way, they achieved a place on the programme in front of Piers Morgan, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell and a theatre audience of 2,000.
The Wrinkly Rappers have gone on to appear in all sorts of places, from a Sue Ryder shop-front to the Blue Rock Festival in Wales, local radio in Taunton, Orchard FM and a Pontins charity event. Their raps are many and varied – and, unlike most of the ilk, clearly understood! They covered the perils of ageing as well as the joys, with references to Tena Lady, grumpy old men and sheds! My personal favourite quote from the performance –“young folk keep on working while you can/ need our wonga topping up our well-cool pension plan” -!
The rappers agreed to judge the competition for a small wrapped box; the first placed was a pretty card pyramid belonging to Chris, second Lynne’s box with a knitted cover, and Elsie’s sparkly card box came third.
Lynne’s pictorial quiz provided some amusement for those who attempted it, while the rest enjoyed a natter over their refreshments; another WI meeting “just that bit different”!
The “speakers” for the meeting were Brenda and Baby Belle, aka the Wrinkly Rappers; never let it be said that the WI lives in the past! Dressed in the trademark garb of the rapper – combat trousers displaying oversized baseball-boots, baggy t-shirts layered with chains and ”bling” and baseball hats worn at a strange angle, it was hard to accept that these were two ladies like us, of “a certain age”!
After beginning their performance with their trademark rap, naturally called ‘Respect!’, Brenda told how, from holding down a responsible position in a large business she began her unlikely parallel career as a rapper; progressing from an informal turn at a Camping and Caravan Club meeting in 2008, via auditions for Britain’s Got Talent and gathering a ‘crew’ (backing group) of friends along the way, they achieved a place on the programme in front of Piers Morgan, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell and a theatre audience of 2,000.
The Wrinkly Rappers have gone on to appear in all sorts of places, from a Sue Ryder shop-front to the Blue Rock Festival in Wales, local radio in Taunton, Orchard FM and a Pontins charity event. Their raps are many and varied – and, unlike most of the ilk, clearly understood! They covered the perils of ageing as well as the joys, with references to Tena Lady, grumpy old men and sheds! My personal favourite quote from the performance –“young folk keep on working while you can/ need our wonga topping up our well-cool pension plan” -!
The rappers agreed to judge the competition for a small wrapped box; the first placed was a pretty card pyramid belonging to Chris, second Lynne’s box with a knitted cover, and Elsie’s sparkly card box came third.
Lynne’s pictorial quiz provided some amusement for those who attempted it, while the rest enjoyed a natter over their refreshments; another WI meeting “just that bit different”!