What we did in 2020.....
Christmas Cheer
It was wonderful to see some of the commitee as they distributed a Christmas Basket filled with wonder and cheer.
along with a wonderfu poem from our very talented poet.
2020 has been quite a year
It's brought misery, illness and fear
Our families and friends we have missed
No warm hugs or loved ones kissed
But now as Christmas time draws near
The commitee from BOAF are here
Bringing you a hamper and seasons greetings
Because we've missed you not being at our meetings.
We hope you enjoy the little treats
Something to drink and something to eat
Something to keep and we just want to say
Happy Christmas, enjoy your day
Let 2021 be full of hope
And anything it throws up - we will cope
Remember we are Birds of a Feather
And we will always stick together!
Seasons greetings to you and your family.
along with a wonderfu poem from our very talented poet.
2020 has been quite a year
It's brought misery, illness and fear
Our families and friends we have missed
No warm hugs or loved ones kissed
But now as Christmas time draws near
The commitee from BOAF are here
Bringing you a hamper and seasons greetings
Because we've missed you not being at our meetings.
We hope you enjoy the little treats
Something to drink and something to eat
Something to keep and we just want to say
Happy Christmas, enjoy your day
Let 2021 be full of hope
And anything it throws up - we will cope
Remember we are Birds of a Feather
And we will always stick together!
Seasons greetings to you and your family.
Fun and Games...
16th November via zoom
So Christmas came early, with Christmas Hats, Christmas Tree Glasses and the Christmas Jumpers on display.
We had a fun packed evening, not only was it great to see so many of us on line and joining in but we all realised our knowledge of Christmas Movies was woefully lacking. Our Quiz Master Vonnie did an excellent job keeping us undercontol and giving us clues.
We then went on to to enjoy a game of Bingo, we nearly ran out of numbers before a winning line was called and it was a close run for a full house. All in all a great evening and we look forward to meeting up again soon.
We had a fun packed evening, not only was it great to see so many of us on line and joining in but we all realised our knowledge of Christmas Movies was woefully lacking. Our Quiz Master Vonnie did an excellent job keeping us undercontol and giving us clues.
We then went on to to enjoy a game of Bingo, we nearly ran out of numbers before a winning line was called and it was a close run for a full house. All in all a great evening and we look forward to meeting up again soon.
Christmas Crafts
Why not have some fun and try some cheap (but very effective) Christmas crafts.
Old magazines are ideal for these projects as they are often bright and colourful. (Sunday Supplemetns, NG5, WI Life etc). You can always add embellishments if you wish.
Christmas Tree
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ye8Lza918g
Woven Star
woven_star.pdf
Christmas Star
Old magazines are ideal for these projects as they are often bright and colourful. (Sunday Supplemetns, NG5, WI Life etc). You can always add embellishments if you wish.
Christmas Tree
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ye8Lza918g
Woven Star
woven_star.pdf
Christmas Star
Essential oils and their benefits
19th October via zoom
Katerina Tsang gave us a fascinating talk on Essential Oils. Telling us what to look for when buying then, you’ll want to ensure that the essential oils you are using are capable of delivering on their promise and make sure that you are choosing essential oils for their potency and their purity.
She went on to tell us how we can use them in our daily lives. They can be used for a very wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used as a single oil at a time or in complex blends in one of three methods:
Aromatic - Certain essential oils, when diffused, can be very stimulating, while others can be calming and soothing. Diffusing essential oils can also cleanse and purify the air of unwanted odors.
Topical - Essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin and can be safely applied topically.
Internal - Certain essential oils have a rich culinary history and can be used as dietary supplements for targeted wellness.
Katrina has been using these wonderful oils for a number of years now, on herself and family and friends. unfortunatly as this meeting was over zoom we missed the chance of smelling them.
Further information can be found on Katrina web site www.mydoterra.com/katerinatsang/#/
or on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/178539402857821
essential_oils_for_beginners_doterra_mag.pdf
oil_class_paperwork.pdf
terminology_doterra_mag.pdf
Despite the initial problems with logging into zoom we had an interesting and informative evening. We also talked about our makes from our very much appreciated craft bags.
Yvonne reminded us all of the events being held by Notts Federation (over zoom) which are now free to us all (details in the recent e mail from Julie).
Keeping up with the changes...
23rd September 2020
As our members are aware both our Secretary and President resigned from their posts.
Fortunately our Assistant Secretary Julie stepped up to the post and became our Secretary again.
Nominations were sought for President and we are pleased to announce that Yvonne has kindly agreed to be our President going forward.
We wish them both good luck as they and the rest of the committee steer us through these challenging times.
Fortunately our Assistant Secretary Julie stepped up to the post and became our Secretary again.
Nominations were sought for President and we are pleased to announce that Yvonne has kindly agreed to be our President going forward.
We wish them both good luck as they and the rest of the committee steer us through these challenging times.
Update
13th September 2020
Unfortunaltely in line with current government regulations we have had to cancel our September meet up.
Watch this space as we try to find something alternative to bring you via Zoom.
In the mean time both our Secretary and President have resigned. Fortunately Julie has stepped back into the Secretarys role, however you need to respond to the email that Julie has sent out with your nominaton for President.
Further update will be posted shortly.
Watch this space as we try to find something alternative to bring you via Zoom.
In the mean time both our Secretary and President have resigned. Fortunately Julie has stepped back into the Secretarys role, however you need to respond to the email that Julie has sent out with your nominaton for President.
Further update will be posted shortly.
A real meeting...
17th August 2020
Finally our first meeting since February...
With all the risk assessments done and track and trace details confirmed we had our first meeting in the outside play area of the Eagles Nest Community Centre.
With all the risk assessments done and track and trace details confirmed we had our first meeting in the outside play area of the Eagles Nest Community Centre.
Whilst it was mainly a catch up and a good old natter, ideas were sought for future events and ideas for local charities to support. We heard about a WI Facebook page that lists free/cheap activites that you can do on line.
www.facebook.com/groups/289548748728281/?epa=SEARCH_BOX So you might find it interesting to join.
Every one agreed it was lovely to see people in real life as oppossed to through a computer screen and a fun evening was had by all.
www.facebook.com/groups/289548748728281/?epa=SEARCH_BOX So you might find it interesting to join.
Every one agreed it was lovely to see people in real life as oppossed to through a computer screen and a fun evening was had by all.
Our Local History
20th July 2020 via Zoom
We were pleased to welcome Martin Dermody to our meeting and he gave us an interesting and informative talk on our local history. He brought this to life by entwining it with his own memories.
Many local buildings, roads or schools are named after former residents of note. For example, Richard Bonnington, who would likely have been a much more famous painter if he had lived longer that his 26 years, as it is a number of his works are normally on display in the Castle Mueseum. We have a number of roads, a theatre, a school and a social club all bearing his name.
Arnold was a community of mills and a lot of work was associated with the hosiery trade and framework knitting. One of the largest of the mills was in the vicinity of Arnot Hill Park and was built by John Hawksley. He also built Arnot Hill House as his family home, however it his son Thomas who was the more famous as he did a lot to bring clean water to the local population and there is now a memorial to him in the park.
Unfortunately in the 1960's/70's a lot of the historic buildings in Arnold were demolished to make way for modern construction, although fortunatly the local library has some great archive photographs.
The meeting ended with a spin the wheel type of raffle and some lovely prizes were won. As always it was lovely to see people on zoom and we look forward to our next get together.
Many local buildings, roads or schools are named after former residents of note. For example, Richard Bonnington, who would likely have been a much more famous painter if he had lived longer that his 26 years, as it is a number of his works are normally on display in the Castle Mueseum. We have a number of roads, a theatre, a school and a social club all bearing his name.
Arnold was a community of mills and a lot of work was associated with the hosiery trade and framework knitting. One of the largest of the mills was in the vicinity of Arnot Hill Park and was built by John Hawksley. He also built Arnot Hill House as his family home, however it his son Thomas who was the more famous as he did a lot to bring clean water to the local population and there is now a memorial to him in the park.
Unfortunately in the 1960's/70's a lot of the historic buildings in Arnold were demolished to make way for modern construction, although fortunatly the local library has some great archive photographs.
The meeting ended with a spin the wheel type of raffle and some lovely prizes were won. As always it was lovely to see people on zoom and we look forward to our next get together.
Happy Faces All Round
July 2020
Our committee spent time over the weekend delivering Happy Bags to all our members. The contents are best described by one of the contents - a wonderful poem written by Linda Burgin.
Well here we are stuck in the nest
None of us knowing what to do for the best
Missing routine and all those that matter
No cups of coffee or chance of a natter
The committee said "this won't do"
let's have some suggestions, there were quite a few
A gift for our members something quite snappy
To make then all smile and make then feel happy
A quiz to help you work the brain
a charm to make you smile again
to let you know we've been thinking of you
some coffee, a biscuit and even a brew!
For a while masks will be commonplace
So here's one from us to cover your face
And please remember each time you wear
That we all miss you and really care
We can't wait for the time when we're together
All of us at Birds of a Feather
Until then we can still visit your living room
Virtually of course, courtesy of Zoom
It's lovely to see people smile and talk
some find it as uplifting as going for a walk
What we're trying to say, don't be alone
If you're down, we're here at the end of a phone
Enjoy your Happy Bag
Well here we are stuck in the nest
None of us knowing what to do for the best
Missing routine and all those that matter
No cups of coffee or chance of a natter
The committee said "this won't do"
let's have some suggestions, there were quite a few
A gift for our members something quite snappy
To make then all smile and make then feel happy
A quiz to help you work the brain
a charm to make you smile again
to let you know we've been thinking of you
some coffee, a biscuit and even a brew!
For a while masks will be commonplace
So here's one from us to cover your face
And please remember each time you wear
That we all miss you and really care
We can't wait for the time when we're together
All of us at Birds of a Feather
Until then we can still visit your living room
Virtually of course, courtesy of Zoom
It's lovely to see people smile and talk
some find it as uplifting as going for a walk
What we're trying to say, don't be alone
If you're down, we're here at the end of a phone
Enjoy your Happy Bag
Membership Fees Update
17th June 2020
The NFWI have agreed, after much consultation, that the current year's membership will be extended to the end of March 2021 and then renewal of memberships will be due on April 1st.
For future years the renewal date will be April which is much better than January, straight after Christmas.This shows that the NFWI are actually listening to the members as this change has long been discussed numerous times in the past so one good outcome of the lockdown.
For future years the renewal date will be April which is much better than January, straight after Christmas.This shows that the NFWI are actually listening to the members as this change has long been discussed numerous times in the past so one good outcome of the lockdown.
The Five....
15th June 2020 via Zoom
So tonight's zoom meeting was a presentation by Becky entitled "The Five".
This was based on a book by Hallie Rubenhold and is about the lives of the five Jack the Ripper victims.
We were presented with a completely different perspective on the lives of these women, and it rather turned on its end the common few of the victims.
We were all rather taken with the history and recognised just how fortunate we are not be living in the Victorian era where life for the average working family was much harder than we have it today.
This was based on a book by Hallie Rubenhold and is about the lives of the five Jack the Ripper victims.
We were presented with a completely different perspective on the lives of these women, and it rather turned on its end the common few of the victims.
We were all rather taken with the history and recognised just how fortunate we are not be living in the Victorian era where life for the average working family was much harder than we have it today.
Zooming into the Future
18th May 2020
As live becomes a new normal we have adapted and changed with it.
There has been regular updates from Becky our President and we have a couple of WhatsApp groups set up, one for the Book Club and one for our Crafters. Please contact Becky if you wish to join either of these.
There is also the offer of Phone Buddies if anyone wants to chat in real time.
We have ad a couple of catch up and chats on zoom, but we took that a step further with a speaker for our last meeting.
Vicky Corder gave us a very interesting talk on her career as a celebrant and how she became one. Vicky took the "plunge" so to speak when she left a long career at John Lewis and now is a Funeral Celebrant.
Vicky explained how her role works, and some of the things that have changed because of the lock down. Perhaps most notably was the freedom to have what ever you want as music and one of her most memorable celebrations included Nellie the Elephant being played.
www.facebook.com/victoriacordercelebrant
It was a thought provoking and interesting talk.
There has been regular updates from Becky our President and we have a couple of WhatsApp groups set up, one for the Book Club and one for our Crafters. Please contact Becky if you wish to join either of these.
There is also the offer of Phone Buddies if anyone wants to chat in real time.
We have ad a couple of catch up and chats on zoom, but we took that a step further with a speaker for our last meeting.
Vicky Corder gave us a very interesting talk on her career as a celebrant and how she became one. Vicky took the "plunge" so to speak when she left a long career at John Lewis and now is a Funeral Celebrant.
Vicky explained how her role works, and some of the things that have changed because of the lock down. Perhaps most notably was the freedom to have what ever you want as music and one of her most memorable celebrations included Nellie the Elephant being played.
www.facebook.com/victoriacordercelebrant
It was a thought provoking and interesting talk.
Update
13th April 2020
In the light of the current situation and the announcements from the government, the committee have taken the decision to cancel all WI meetings and subgroups until further notice, although we will be back as soon as we can.
With this in mind please for those of you not in key roles there are some ideas below to help you keep busy;-
Social isolation does not have to mean being totally cut off from others. Use social media. Keep in touch.
Positive things to do if you are in isolation:
If you need help please let us know.
Keep calm, keep your sense of humour .keep smiling, stay safe and well.
With this in mind please for those of you not in key roles there are some ideas below to help you keep busy;-
Social isolation does not have to mean being totally cut off from others. Use social media. Keep in touch.
Positive things to do if you are in isolation:
- Make the most of social media, facetime, skype, etc. to keep in touch with others
- Ring someone every day for a chat
- Sort that paperwork you have been putting off
- De-clutter those cupboards
- Start on your family tree (you will be amazed how fast the time goes)
- Use your stash of wool, material, etc and make something
- Finish those works in progress, finally!
- Get out in the garden when the weather allows, even if only for a cuppa in the fresh air.
- Read those books you have been meaning to read for ages
- Do some light exercises to music
- Watch all those boxsets and series you've missed
- Put your ideas on our facebook group page
If you need help please let us know.
Keep calm, keep your sense of humour .keep smiling, stay safe and well.
Quick updates from our last committee meeting - the following roles have been agreed:
President - Becky
Vice President - Yvonne
Secretary - Jo
Vice secretary - Julie
Treasurer - Donna
Vice treasurer - Lynn
We had our April committee meeting online this week and discussed ways that we could keep in touch as a WI digitally.
2. Sub groups
We trialled having our book club on our WhatsApp chat this month which went ok, so we are considering other sub groups which could run online in absence of physical meetings. The current book club has adapted to read any book you like, and we will be sharing our thoughts and recommendations. If you'd like to participate, let Jo know and you be added to the group.
Another group we'd like to set up is a Craft and Chat kind of group, where you can share the projects you may be doing during lockdown - knitting, crochet, baking, garrdening etc. Again let Jo know if you want to join this and you will be added to the WhatsApp group.
3. Member communication
We will be keeping the Facebook page up to date regularly, sharing information and ideas from National and Nottinghamshire Federation WI pages. This will include some activity ideas and quiz questions to help keep you busy!
Now is a good time to ensure you can access myWI online - if you haven't set this up yet, go to https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/welcome-to-my-wi and click on 'request email' in the second section titled 'set up your password'. This should allow you to create a password and log in. Any issues, let us know. myWI has lots of extra content you can access including activities and recipes to try at home.
We also discussed how else we could keep in touch with members during this time and we'd like to propose a 'phone buddy' system where you could chat with just one or two other people at a time of your choosing. In these times of isolation, we feel it's really important to stay connected. If you think you'd like a buddy, or to be a buddy, please get in touch.
Particularly if you are in self-isolation and need help with anything at all, please let us know how we can help you.
4. Helping the community
One of the biggest things we do as the WI is support our local communities. We would like to propose the following:
Knitted Hearts - QMC and other hospitals have requested small hearts to be knitted/crocheted to give to patients who are not allowed family contact. Once these are made, we can let you know where to send them/drop them off. These can be can sewn or made from material too.
Food banks - Our support of the Trussell Trust food bank is more important than ever - so please, if you're out doing your household shop, please try to get an item or two for the food bank collection point (near the front of the shop/checkouts in most stores) if you can.
Volunteering - for those of us who are able, there are lots of volunteering opportunities locally, including NHS responders, dog walking, and telephone befriending (ideal for anyone in self-isolation). Nottingham Community Volunteer Service (NCVS) has a link to apply for volunteering posts here https://www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/volunteering/search-for-opportunities/3825 and Age UK are always on the look out for telephone befrienders as well as anyone who may benefit from their services - they are already running a community response service providing food shopping and prescription collection for users https://www.ageuk.org.uk/notts/get-involved/volunteer/
Framework is also asking for donations of items, as well as volunteers to support their staff and service users.
A list of charities who are asking for urgent donations of items or funds is here https://www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/news-and-events/news-articles/urgent-appeals-from-Nottingham-charities
5. A bit of fun!
As something to look forward to (assuming we are able to by this point!) we are going to be booking a cruise with Princess River Cruises. This will be a great way to socialise and have a bit of fun. More information on this to come.
Bored of wearing the same old thing at home? Take part in the WI's #LockDownDressUp - red carpet looks, fancy dress costumes, animal onesies...whatever you like! Email your photos to wilife@nfwi.org.uk for possible inclusion on the WI Life Twitter account!
Learn Welsh - the WI has an online course for learning Welsh, and has now introduced a buddy scheme with WI Wales where you can practice with a Welsh speaking member. More information here (myWI access required) https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/wales/nfwi-wales-news/welsh-buddy-scheme
Most importantly look after yourself and your well-being. Dont be afraid to ask for help. Hopefully see you on the 20th April, and lookout for our next newsletter email!
President - Becky
Vice President - Yvonne
Secretary - Jo
Vice secretary - Julie
Treasurer - Donna
Vice treasurer - Lynn
We had our April committee meeting online this week and discussed ways that we could keep in touch as a WI digitally.
- Meetings
2. Sub groups
We trialled having our book club on our WhatsApp chat this month which went ok, so we are considering other sub groups which could run online in absence of physical meetings. The current book club has adapted to read any book you like, and we will be sharing our thoughts and recommendations. If you'd like to participate, let Jo know and you be added to the group.
Another group we'd like to set up is a Craft and Chat kind of group, where you can share the projects you may be doing during lockdown - knitting, crochet, baking, garrdening etc. Again let Jo know if you want to join this and you will be added to the WhatsApp group.
3. Member communication
We will be keeping the Facebook page up to date regularly, sharing information and ideas from National and Nottinghamshire Federation WI pages. This will include some activity ideas and quiz questions to help keep you busy!
Now is a good time to ensure you can access myWI online - if you haven't set this up yet, go to https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/welcome-to-my-wi and click on 'request email' in the second section titled 'set up your password'. This should allow you to create a password and log in. Any issues, let us know. myWI has lots of extra content you can access including activities and recipes to try at home.
We also discussed how else we could keep in touch with members during this time and we'd like to propose a 'phone buddy' system where you could chat with just one or two other people at a time of your choosing. In these times of isolation, we feel it's really important to stay connected. If you think you'd like a buddy, or to be a buddy, please get in touch.
Particularly if you are in self-isolation and need help with anything at all, please let us know how we can help you.
4. Helping the community
One of the biggest things we do as the WI is support our local communities. We would like to propose the following:
Knitted Hearts - QMC and other hospitals have requested small hearts to be knitted/crocheted to give to patients who are not allowed family contact. Once these are made, we can let you know where to send them/drop them off. These can be can sewn or made from material too.
Food banks - Our support of the Trussell Trust food bank is more important than ever - so please, if you're out doing your household shop, please try to get an item or two for the food bank collection point (near the front of the shop/checkouts in most stores) if you can.
Volunteering - for those of us who are able, there are lots of volunteering opportunities locally, including NHS responders, dog walking, and telephone befriending (ideal for anyone in self-isolation). Nottingham Community Volunteer Service (NCVS) has a link to apply for volunteering posts here https://www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/volunteering/search-for-opportunities/3825 and Age UK are always on the look out for telephone befrienders as well as anyone who may benefit from their services - they are already running a community response service providing food shopping and prescription collection for users https://www.ageuk.org.uk/notts/get-involved/volunteer/
Framework is also asking for donations of items, as well as volunteers to support their staff and service users.
A list of charities who are asking for urgent donations of items or funds is here https://www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/news-and-events/news-articles/urgent-appeals-from-Nottingham-charities
5. A bit of fun!
As something to look forward to (assuming we are able to by this point!) we are going to be booking a cruise with Princess River Cruises. This will be a great way to socialise and have a bit of fun. More information on this to come.
Bored of wearing the same old thing at home? Take part in the WI's #LockDownDressUp - red carpet looks, fancy dress costumes, animal onesies...whatever you like! Email your photos to wilife@nfwi.org.uk for possible inclusion on the WI Life Twitter account!
Learn Welsh - the WI has an online course for learning Welsh, and has now introduced a buddy scheme with WI Wales where you can practice with a Welsh speaking member. More information here (myWI access required) https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/wales/nfwi-wales-news/welsh-buddy-scheme
Most importantly look after yourself and your well-being. Dont be afraid to ask for help. Hopefully see you on the 20th April, and lookout for our next newsletter email!
Happy 1st Birthday
17th February 2020
Wow who would believe it but we are now 1 year old!
After the usual "business" updates we had a summary of the year from our Secretary Julie, the Treasurers report from Lynn and finally the Presidents Review from Sarah. We then had confirmation of our Committee members and then we had a ballot to elect our president from the members of the Committee. Following this the committee then voted on who would be the Secretary and who would be our Treasurer.
So our new official are;- Becky Carter President, Jo Polkey Secretary and Donna Williams Treasurer.
Finally after refreshments we had a fun and games with two huge parcels making the rounds in "Pass the Parcel" (yes we are all big kids at heart) and Handbag scavenger hunt!
To round off the evening we sang happy birthday to ourselves and cut into the beautiful birthday cake made by Julie.
Below is just a small selection of photo's from the night, please go to the gallery for more.
After the usual "business" updates we had a summary of the year from our Secretary Julie, the Treasurers report from Lynn and finally the Presidents Review from Sarah. We then had confirmation of our Committee members and then we had a ballot to elect our president from the members of the Committee. Following this the committee then voted on who would be the Secretary and who would be our Treasurer.
So our new official are;- Becky Carter President, Jo Polkey Secretary and Donna Williams Treasurer.
Finally after refreshments we had a fun and games with two huge parcels making the rounds in "Pass the Parcel" (yes we are all big kids at heart) and Handbag scavenger hunt!
To round off the evening we sang happy birthday to ourselves and cut into the beautiful birthday cake made by Julie.
Below is just a small selection of photo's from the night, please go to the gallery for more.
For older information on what we have been up to, please refer to the archive pages.
New Year New You
20th January 2020
What a great turnout for the first meeting of the new year. We welcomed 8 visitors and hopefully they enjoyed the evening and will become members next time.
After the "business" was conducted we had a demonstration of a hand massage by our own member Julie.
Julie explained the benefits of massage and how she came to be a practitioner, along with how she uses this skill in her daily life with your own family and sometimes at work. After her demo we partnered up and carried out a hand massage on each other, which was a lovely experience. This was then followed by Julie leading us through a guided period of relaxation.
.....to say we were all relaxed and chilled out was an understatement. We thanked Julie for sharing her amazing talentts with us, we all benefited from the evening and learnt a new skill.
After the "business" was conducted we had a demonstration of a hand massage by our own member Julie.
Julie explained the benefits of massage and how she came to be a practitioner, along with how she uses this skill in her daily life with your own family and sometimes at work. After her demo we partnered up and carried out a hand massage on each other, which was a lovely experience. This was then followed by Julie leading us through a guided period of relaxation.
.....to say we were all relaxed and chilled out was an understatement. We thanked Julie for sharing her amazing talentts with us, we all benefited from the evening and learnt a new skill.
