What we did in 2019....
Christmas Party
16 December 2019
We had an amazing Christmas party (with thanks to our hard working committee, for arranging such a fun evening).
We started in style being entertained by the glamorous Lace City Chorus, who sang a wonderful selection of Christmas songs for us.
lacecitychorus.org/about
We then tucked into our "fuddle" and rounded off the evening with fun games and a Christmas photo booth.
Some Photo's are below, but more can be found in the gallery
16 December 2019
We had an amazing Christmas party (with thanks to our hard working committee, for arranging such a fun evening).
We started in style being entertained by the glamorous Lace City Chorus, who sang a wonderful selection of Christmas songs for us.
lacecitychorus.org/about
We then tucked into our "fuddle" and rounded off the evening with fun games and a Christmas photo booth.
Some Photo's are below, but more can be found in the gallery
Wow....
10th December
We delivered 22 beautiful twiddlemuffs to Coppice Lodge Care home in Arnold.
Unfortunately the care home was under extra measures due to a virus outbreak so we weren't able to hand them our, but we were assured they would be put to good use.
10th December
We delivered 22 beautiful twiddlemuffs to Coppice Lodge Care home in Arnold.
Unfortunately the care home was under extra measures due to a virus outbreak so we weren't able to hand them our, but we were assured they would be put to good use.
November Meeting - Christmas Crafts
18 November 2019
What a fun evening, lots of chatter and laughter (and concentration) as we made a wonderful array of Christmas items. At the end of the evening we had a great selection of ornaments and painted/ decorated tea light holders to take home with us.
Our creativity can be seen in the photo's below and more can be seen in the gallery.
At this meeting all the proceeds (and extra donations) from our refreshments were donated to JUNO women's aid in Nottingham, as part of us supporting the WI resolution.
18 November 2019
What a fun evening, lots of chatter and laughter (and concentration) as we made a wonderful array of Christmas items. At the end of the evening we had a great selection of ornaments and painted/ decorated tea light holders to take home with us.
Our creativity can be seen in the photo's below and more can be seen in the gallery.
At this meeting all the proceeds (and extra donations) from our refreshments were donated to JUNO women's aid in Nottingham, as part of us supporting the WI resolution.
Getting Crafty for Christmas...
9 November 2019
We had a fabulous creative afternoon making a variety of Christmas Wreaths. The photo's show some of the results and more can be found in the gallery.
In total there were 11 members and 3 helpers getting in the Christmas Spirit.
Thank you to the Nottinghamshire Hospice for their hospitality and allowing us to use their meeting room, it was very much appreciated.
9 November 2019
We had a fabulous creative afternoon making a variety of Christmas Wreaths. The photo's show some of the results and more can be found in the gallery.
In total there were 11 members and 3 helpers getting in the Christmas Spirit.
Thank you to the Nottinghamshire Hospice for their hospitality and allowing us to use their meeting room, it was very much appreciated.
A Spooktacular evening.....
21 October 2019
We had a fascinating talk from Andy Mollet, Sales Manager for Marriages. He told us all about what we should be feeding our feathered friends over the coming months and indeed throughout the year. Along with more importantly what to look for in the products that we buy to feed them as clearly what looks good to us may not be the best for the birds.
He gave us some alarming statistics about the general decline in wildlife;-
- there has been a 56% decline in UK farmland species since 1970
- 12% of UK farmland bird species are threatened with extinction
- since the 1970's farmland birds have declined by 54% and butterflies by 41%
- the UK Turtledove population has declined by 91%
- in the last 10 years hedgehog numbers have fallen by 30% and there are now thought to be less than a 1 million left in the UK.
To round off this thought-provoking talk we had a quiz and Carol was the winner of a huge bag of sunflower hearts which will keep the wildlife well fed this winter in her garden.
As this was our nearest meeting to Halloween a number of us joined in to dress accordingly and we got Andy to judge the pumpkin carving competition. More photos can be found in the Gallery
21 October 2019
We had a fascinating talk from Andy Mollet, Sales Manager for Marriages. He told us all about what we should be feeding our feathered friends over the coming months and indeed throughout the year. Along with more importantly what to look for in the products that we buy to feed them as clearly what looks good to us may not be the best for the birds.
He gave us some alarming statistics about the general decline in wildlife;-
- there has been a 56% decline in UK farmland species since 1970
- 12% of UK farmland bird species are threatened with extinction
- since the 1970's farmland birds have declined by 54% and butterflies by 41%
- the UK Turtledove population has declined by 91%
- in the last 10 years hedgehog numbers have fallen by 30% and there are now thought to be less than a 1 million left in the UK.
To round off this thought-provoking talk we had a quiz and Carol was the winner of a huge bag of sunflower hearts which will keep the wildlife well fed this winter in her garden.
As this was our nearest meeting to Halloween a number of us joined in to dress accordingly and we got Andy to judge the pumpkin carving competition. More photos can be found in the Gallery
Ring The Changes
18 September 2019
Last night our monthly meeting had lots of glitz and sparkle. Initially we heard all the WI news from the committee and had updates on the making of our twiddle muffs for dementia patients, our on-going collection of food for the food-bank and the need for ribbons and tinsel to make Christmas wreaths at a workshop in November. We then enjoyed some tea & cake and a natter at the interval. The main event of the night was a demonstration by Ruth Wiseman of how she creates gold & silver jewellery. We particularly focussed on how she can mend damaged items and she soldered some rings while we looked on. Ruth may have regretted saying she could clean jewellery as she was then showered with dirty rings to clean. Everyone went home sparkling.
There are photos of the meeting in our gallery.
18 September 2019
Last night our monthly meeting had lots of glitz and sparkle. Initially we heard all the WI news from the committee and had updates on the making of our twiddle muffs for dementia patients, our on-going collection of food for the food-bank and the need for ribbons and tinsel to make Christmas wreaths at a workshop in November. We then enjoyed some tea & cake and a natter at the interval. The main event of the night was a demonstration by Ruth Wiseman of how she creates gold & silver jewellery. We particularly focussed on how she can mend damaged items and she soldered some rings while we looked on. Ruth may have regretted saying she could clean jewellery as she was then showered with dirty rings to clean. Everyone went home sparkling.
There are photos of the meeting in our gallery.
Innocent Until Proven Guilty
19 August 2019
What a fascinating evening as Bob Gow, a retired magistrate, took us through a Role Play explaining how a magistrates' court works.
Our President, Sarah, was met with a "hung" verdict as the audience were evenly split as to whether she was innocent!
We were delighted to see such a full house and hope that many of the visitors will join us as WI members in the future.
19 August 2019
What a fascinating evening as Bob Gow, a retired magistrate, took us through a Role Play explaining how a magistrates' court works.
Our President, Sarah, was met with a "hung" verdict as the audience were evenly split as to whether she was innocent!
We were delighted to see such a full house and hope that many of the visitors will join us as WI members in the future.
Sunshine & Cocktails
3 August 2019
On a beautiful sunny afternoon a small group of us learnt how to make cocktails (and of course sampled the products).
We laughed a lot, sampled a little and enjoyed a lovely buffet.
We all agreed it was a wonderful afternoon and we look forward to many more social occasions, hopefully next time a few more of us can make it.
Recipes for the cocktails can be found here Recipes and more photos in our gallery.
3 August 2019
On a beautiful sunny afternoon a small group of us learnt how to make cocktails (and of course sampled the products).
We laughed a lot, sampled a little and enjoyed a lovely buffet.
We all agreed it was a wonderful afternoon and we look forward to many more social occasions, hopefully next time a few more of us can make it.
Recipes for the cocktails can be found here Recipes and more photos in our gallery.
Very Fitting
15 July 2019
Carol, one of our own members gave us a fascinating talk on the changing shape of women and her own personal story in the textile industry.
Who knew that the last survey of "women's shapes" took place in 2001, prior to that the survey had last taken place in the 1950's! Not unsurprisingly the part of the female body that had changed the most over that period of time was the waistline.
We learnt about patterns and how to adapt them to make then fit properly and create your own personal "block".
We also got some really useful tips on where to go in Nottingham for patterns and tailoring/shirting material at great prices.
Carol has now set up her own business teaching, doing alterations and one-off commissions. Details can be found on her Facebook page. www.facebook.com/MRS-H-Seamstress-2269318786412012/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
15 July 2019
Carol, one of our own members gave us a fascinating talk on the changing shape of women and her own personal story in the textile industry.
Who knew that the last survey of "women's shapes" took place in 2001, prior to that the survey had last taken place in the 1950's! Not unsurprisingly the part of the female body that had changed the most over that period of time was the waistline.
We learnt about patterns and how to adapt them to make then fit properly and create your own personal "block".
We also got some really useful tips on where to go in Nottingham for patterns and tailoring/shirting material at great prices.
Carol has now set up her own business teaching, doing alterations and one-off commissions. Details can be found on her Facebook page. www.facebook.com/MRS-H-Seamstress-2269318786412012/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Quizzical Birds
6 July 2019
Five of the six "Birds" comparing answers at the interval A flock of our members flew over to Oxton to take part in Nottinghamshire Federation's General Knowledge Quiz last night. We put forward 2 teams - Three French Hens and Four Turtle Doves (although one of the Doves was lost in flight!). The questions were varied, ranging from knowing the name of the Queen's nail polish colour to who wrote Line of Duty, and both teams had some very good rounds. However, we also had some less good rounds so we are not holding our breath to see if we have won. With scores in the 50s and 60s out of 90 we feel we will end up in the middle of the pack.
6 July 2019
Five of the six "Birds" comparing answers at the interval A flock of our members flew over to Oxton to take part in Nottinghamshire Federation's General Knowledge Quiz last night. We put forward 2 teams - Three French Hens and Four Turtle Doves (although one of the Doves was lost in flight!). The questions were varied, ranging from knowing the name of the Queen's nail polish colour to who wrote Line of Duty, and both teams had some very good rounds. However, we also had some less good rounds so we are not holding our breath to see if we have won. With scores in the 50s and 60s out of 90 we feel we will end up in the middle of the pack.
Get your "Buns" out
7 July 2019
Helen, Donna & Sarah helped promote our WI (and the WI in general) at the Theatre Royal when the Calendar Girls was on. Well done ladies, it looks as though you had lots of fun in the process of doing such a useful job.
7 July 2019
Helen, Donna & Sarah helped promote our WI (and the WI in general) at the Theatre Royal when the Calendar Girls was on. Well done ladies, it looks as though you had lots of fun in the process of doing such a useful job.
Tropical Pampering....
17 June 2019
What could be more welcome than a spot of pampering.
We had an interesting talk from Julie Atkinson about a range of toiletries and cosmetics called "Tropic". Explaining the origins and ethics of the UK manufactured range.
Then after the "business" part of the meeting and delicious refreshments, we all enjoyed a bit of pampering. Julie explained how to do a cleanse, tone & moisturise routine or a hand massage and we all delighted in sampling the wonderfully fragrant products.
17 June 2019
What could be more welcome than a spot of pampering.
We had an interesting talk from Julie Atkinson about a range of toiletries and cosmetics called "Tropic". Explaining the origins and ethics of the UK manufactured range.
Then after the "business" part of the meeting and delicious refreshments, we all enjoyed a bit of pampering. Julie explained how to do a cleanse, tone & moisturise routine or a hand massage and we all delighted in sampling the wonderfully fragrant products.
The Three Rs
21 May 2019
The Book Swap Table Yesterday evening's meeting was full of variety. Being the May meeting we heard the cases for and against the two proposed Resolutions - "Don't Fear The Smear" and "Supporting Rural Bus Services". We cast our votes which resulted in us being in favour of both campaigns. We also took part in the secret book swap - passing a book on to another reader by wrapping it up and giving a cryptic clue about the book within. Hopefully we have inspired lots of Reading for the coming weeks. And finally we Rejoiced in the joys of cheese and wine with a selection of cheesy comestibles available at the interval, washed down with a grape based drink or two. A fun quiz based on cheese & wine facts rounded the evening off nicely and we all learned that if in doubt - guess sheep's milk!
21 May 2019
The Book Swap Table Yesterday evening's meeting was full of variety. Being the May meeting we heard the cases for and against the two proposed Resolutions - "Don't Fear The Smear" and "Supporting Rural Bus Services". We cast our votes which resulted in us being in favour of both campaigns. We also took part in the secret book swap - passing a book on to another reader by wrapping it up and giving a cryptic clue about the book within. Hopefully we have inspired lots of Reading for the coming weeks. And finally we Rejoiced in the joys of cheese and wine with a selection of cheesy comestibles available at the interval, washed down with a grape based drink or two. A fun quiz based on cheese & wine facts rounded the evening off nicely and we all learned that if in doubt - guess sheep's milk!
Spice Night
15 April 2019
We had a great evening - thanks to Rajesh for coming along to tell us all about Indian cuisine. We learnt a lot about the different regions of India, their specific dishes and how to "layer" spices to build up the flavours in our own cooking.
Having teased us during the talk with the aromas of the 3 dishes he had prepared for us, we then got to sample them, and evidenced by the clean plates, they were delicious.
We then had a quiz and tried to identify a number of different spices. Our winner, Sally, was the lucky recipient of all the ingredients to make one of the curries, along with a chocolate Easter egg.
Further photos can be found in the gallery. Recipes are saved here.
15 April 2019
We had a great evening - thanks to Rajesh for coming along to tell us all about Indian cuisine. We learnt a lot about the different regions of India, their specific dishes and how to "layer" spices to build up the flavours in our own cooking.
Having teased us during the talk with the aromas of the 3 dishes he had prepared for us, we then got to sample them, and evidenced by the clean plates, they were delicious.
We then had a quiz and tried to identify a number of different spices. Our winner, Sally, was the lucky recipient of all the ingredients to make one of the curries, along with a chocolate Easter egg.
Further photos can be found in the gallery. Recipes are saved here.
Community Outreach
15 April 2019
At our April meeting we also heard about a number of community projects which are being explored as options for us to engage with:- Further details of the organisations we decide to support in the coming year can be found on the Community Projects page of our website.
15 April 2019
At our April meeting we also heard about a number of community projects which are being explored as options for us to engage with:- Further details of the organisations we decide to support in the coming year can be found on the Community Projects page of our website.
- A local care home has been approached to see if they would like us to make twiddle muffs for them.
- Sharewear "who distribute clothing to those in need" are doing a "Prom" special, so no child should miss the chance of going to a prom because they don't have a suitable outfit. Donations of Prom clothes (Male and Female) will be collected at the next meeting and taken to Shareware.
- Arnold Food Bank, donations will be collected at the next meeting and taken to the food bank.
Logo-motion
12 April 2019
Following the vote which took place at the March meeting, we have been working on the logo that was chosen to represent our WI. We now have a digital version of the lovely image created by Sandy which we will be using in all our publicity and on all our paperwork
12 April 2019
Following the vote which took place at the March meeting, we have been working on the logo that was chosen to represent our WI. We now have a digital version of the lovely image created by Sandy which we will be using in all our publicity and on all our paperwork
Official Welcome to the WI Family
5 April 2019
On Wednesday 3 April the Nottinghamshire federation of WIs held its annual meeting at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. Julie & Kay went along to represent our WI and they were pleased to hear Birds of a Feather WI feature a few times on the agenda. In the morning we had a shout out from Chairman, Pam Stoddart, welcoming Nottinghamshire's newest WI into the family. In the afternoon we had our name read out twice: once when one of our members won the Denman Dip, (a £200 voucher to spend on a course at the WI's College in Oxfordshire), and then again when another member won second prize (£75) in the Federation Raffle. It seems we have beginner's luck! There are some photos of the day in the gallery.
5 April 2019
On Wednesday 3 April the Nottinghamshire federation of WIs held its annual meeting at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. Julie & Kay went along to represent our WI and they were pleased to hear Birds of a Feather WI feature a few times on the agenda. In the morning we had a shout out from Chairman, Pam Stoddart, welcoming Nottinghamshire's newest WI into the family. In the afternoon we had our name read out twice: once when one of our members won the Denman Dip, (a £200 voucher to spend on a course at the WI's College in Oxfordshire), and then again when another member won second prize (£75) in the Federation Raffle. It seems we have beginner's luck! There are some photos of the day in the gallery.
The Sewing Bee.... well perhaps not!
18 March 2019
Our second Meeting resulted in some fantastic up cycling with us making useful shopping bags from old tee shirts. Check out the photos in the gallery.
NO SEWING REQUIRED! There was much chatter as we cut & tied and chatted some more and ended up with some really great results.
A run down on our future meetings schedule was also also given and we have some great things to look forward to in the coming year. We also had a really useful update on what activities we can access with the Nottinghamshire Federation and how to go about booking places.
There was a vote on our new logo from the designs submitted and a wonderful design has been chosen, which we can look forward to using on our social media platforms and and printed material in the future.
18 March 2019
Our second Meeting resulted in some fantastic up cycling with us making useful shopping bags from old tee shirts. Check out the photos in the gallery.
NO SEWING REQUIRED! There was much chatter as we cut & tied and chatted some more and ended up with some really great results.
A run down on our future meetings schedule was also also given and we have some great things to look forward to in the coming year. We also had a really useful update on what activities we can access with the Nottinghamshire Federation and how to go about booking places.
There was a vote on our new logo from the designs submitted and a wonderful design has been chosen, which we can look forward to using on our social media platforms and and printed material in the future.
Signed & Sealed
18 February 2019
Sarah & Pam sign the constitution This evening the Birds of a Feather WI was officially formed. In front of a room full of new members the constitution documents were signed by the BOAF WI President, Sarah McKenna, and countersigned by the current Nottinghamshire Federation Chairman, Pam Stoddart. Pam welcomed Birds of a Feather WI into the Nottinghamshire Federation and wished them well as they set off on their adventure. Sarah introduced the members of her new committee and thanked everyone for their help in setting up this new WI. As well as the legal formalities the evening also had an element of fun as we ran 4 rounds of Beetle Drive and 2 rounds of Sticky 13. There are more photos of the evening in the gallery.
18 February 2019
Sarah & Pam sign the constitution This evening the Birds of a Feather WI was officially formed. In front of a room full of new members the constitution documents were signed by the BOAF WI President, Sarah McKenna, and countersigned by the current Nottinghamshire Federation Chairman, Pam Stoddart. Pam welcomed Birds of a Feather WI into the Nottinghamshire Federation and wished them well as they set off on their adventure. Sarah introduced the members of her new committee and thanked everyone for their help in setting up this new WI. As well as the legal formalities the evening also had an element of fun as we ran 4 rounds of Beetle Drive and 2 rounds of Sticky 13. There are more photos of the evening in the gallery.
Quirky New Name
27 January 2019
Our new WI now has a name. At the second interest meeting held on 27 January a vote was taken and we will be called "Birds of a Feather WI". This is not a reference to a certain situation comedy but links to the idea that we meet in the Eagle's Nest and are a bunch of like-minded "birds" who will be flocking together to do lots of exciting things. It seems that we will be enjoying plenty of crafting, creating and learning together over the coming months as the list of suggested monthly activities continues to grow. Our regular meetings will be on the 3rd Monday of each month so we look forward to our first official meeting as a WI on 18 February.
27 January 2019
Our new WI now has a name. At the second interest meeting held on 27 January a vote was taken and we will be called "Birds of a Feather WI". This is not a reference to a certain situation comedy but links to the idea that we meet in the Eagle's Nest and are a bunch of like-minded "birds" who will be flocking together to do lots of exciting things. It seems that we will be enjoying plenty of crafting, creating and learning together over the coming months as the list of suggested monthly activities continues to grow. Our regular meetings will be on the 3rd Monday of each month so we look forward to our first official meeting as a WI on 18 February.
Plans For A New WI Are Hatched
13 January 2019
A meeting was held at the Eagle's Nest Community Centre on 13 January to test the interest levels for a new WI to be formed. The meeting was well attended and the ladies who came along heard a short talk by Nottinghamshire Federation representatives on the history of the WI and its aims and activities. There was lots of chatter at refreshment time which gave people a chance to add their ideas to the growing lists of name suggestions and possible activities that they would like to see. It looks like Nottinghamshire's newest WI is well on its way to being formed.
13 January 2019
A meeting was held at the Eagle's Nest Community Centre on 13 January to test the interest levels for a new WI to be formed. The meeting was well attended and the ladies who came along heard a short talk by Nottinghamshire Federation representatives on the history of the WI and its aims and activities. There was lots of chatter at refreshment time which gave people a chance to add their ideas to the growing lists of name suggestions and possible activities that they would like to see. It looks like Nottinghamshire's newest WI is well on its way to being formed.