What we did in 2021...
Good food, Great Company...
Thursday 9th December
We had a fabulous night at the Magna Carta in Lowdam for our Christmas Meal. Good Food, Great company, what more could you wish for... We will let the photo's tell the story!
Pub Skittles
Thursday 18th November
A fun evening was had playing skittles, who knew it took so much skill for a complete miss.
Crochet into Christmas
Monday 15th November 2021
Well the plan was to crochet a mini ribbon Christmas Tree, unfortunalty there was only one that got anywhere near completed, but some very good WIP's (work in progress). Many people took theri projects home to complete them, hopefully we will see them at our next meeting.
We also learnt a little about the origins of crochet and how literally it was a lifeline to many Irish families during the potato famine as they organised crochet circles, taught the craft and were able to sell their work to survive.
The volume of the chatter was an indication of a good night, even if crochet wasn't "your thing" a good old chat never goes far wrong.
We also had a talk from the organiser of pets fostering service in conjunction with Juno Womens Aid. It was good to hear that our donations will be so beneficial. further information can be found at www.wais.org.uk
The Nottinghamshire Domestic Violence Helpline is 0808 800 0340
We also learnt a little about the origins of crochet and how literally it was a lifeline to many Irish families during the potato famine as they organised crochet circles, taught the craft and were able to sell their work to survive.
The volume of the chatter was an indication of a good night, even if crochet wasn't "your thing" a good old chat never goes far wrong.
We also had a talk from the organiser of pets fostering service in conjunction with Juno Womens Aid. It was good to hear that our donations will be so beneficial. further information can be found at www.wais.org.uk
The Nottinghamshire Domestic Violence Helpline is 0808 800 0340
Keeping us safe...
Monday 18th October 2021
We had a very interesting fire safety talk from Jack who gave us some very useful tips and pointers on how to ensure we were safe in our homes.
Did you know;-
- faulty electrics (appliances, wiring, overloaded sockets) cause around 6000 fires per year
- two fires a day are started by candles
- you are 4 times more likely to die in a fire if you don't have a smoke alarm that works.
- around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents.
Keep yourself and your family safe;-
- fit smoke alarms on every level and test them every month
- don't get distracted in the kitchen, switch off your hob if on the phone or answering the door
- unplug applicances when not in use
- try to keep to one plug per socket
- make sure candles are secured in proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire
- make sure you all know your escape plan
- make sure you do the night time checks;
- close all internal doors
- check your cooker is off
- switch off any appliance you can
- put candles and cigerettes out
- ensure exits are clear
- keep door and window keys where everyone knows where the are.
Did you know;-
- faulty electrics (appliances, wiring, overloaded sockets) cause around 6000 fires per year
- two fires a day are started by candles
- you are 4 times more likely to die in a fire if you don't have a smoke alarm that works.
- around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents.
Keep yourself and your family safe;-
- fit smoke alarms on every level and test them every month
- don't get distracted in the kitchen, switch off your hob if on the phone or answering the door
- unplug applicances when not in use
- try to keep to one plug per socket
- make sure candles are secured in proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire
- make sure you all know your escape plan
- make sure you do the night time checks;
- close all internal doors
- check your cooker is off
- switch off any appliance you can
- put candles and cigerettes out
- ensure exits are clear
- keep door and window keys where everyone knows where the are.
Lets get creative
Monday 29th September
It's time for Crayon Art
The evening started with this being demonstrated by Julie S and Sandy and then we were let looose.....
What a fun, creative evening we had.
The evening started with this being demonstrated by Julie S and Sandy and then we were let looose.....
What a fun, creative evening we had.
And some of the finished masterpieces.....
Out for a walk
Our first outing of our walking group, and we had a lovely morning exploring Gedling Country Park.
Going forward we will try to walk on the 3rd Saturday of the month and our next walk is planned for Samsons Woods on the 18th of September.
Any member intersted in joining the group please contact us so you can be added to the WhatsApp group so you are kept up to date with details of meeting points/times etc.
More pictures can be found on our sub group page Walking Group Six Legs (Human + Dog)
Going forward we will try to walk on the 3rd Saturday of the month and our next walk is planned for Samsons Woods on the 18th of September.
Any member intersted in joining the group please contact us so you can be added to the WhatsApp group so you are kept up to date with details of meeting points/times etc.
More pictures can be found on our sub group page Walking Group Six Legs (Human + Dog)
Inside Hare Krishna....
Monday 16th August
We enjoyed a very informative talk from Sally about how she gained an interest in Hare Krishna and joined the Temple at the age of 15. She traveled extensively with them around Europe helping set up new Temples and spreading the teachings and believes.
Whilst there were strict observances to be followed it didnt stop her "naughty" side and she told us some hilarious stories of her antics, which included getting a key cut for the special sweets cupboard and regularly "stealing" them, to skinny dipping in Italy and supposedly travelling to Israel but taking a flight to India instead and staying there for 3 years!
Whilst there were strict observances to be followed it didnt stop her "naughty" side and she told us some hilarious stories of her antics, which included getting a key cut for the special sweets cupboard and regularly "stealing" them, to skinny dipping in Italy and supposedly travelling to Israel but taking a flight to India instead and staying there for 3 years!
We were then shown how to wear a sari and the different types of styles and fabrics used. Finally as a special treat Sally had cooked up some wonderful flavours of India, with pilau rice, vegetable curry with paneer and a lental dhal.
For the first time we had donatons for the Juno Animal Fostering Project and our kndness table with some wonderful items to help yourself to, to keep or pass on to someone who would appreciate it.
All in all a great evening, in great company.
All in all a great evening, in great company.
We Are Back..
Monday 19th July in Real Life!
What a great evening.
It was great to see so many of our members and have a good old natter. We also welcomed 2 new members.
We were also lucky enough to have Alan with us who talked to us about car maintenance. He also generously donated a car health check as a raffle prize.
There was lots to catch up on as all the committee introduced themeselves and explained their roles and we had a brief overview of the next years programme, as well as lots of "extra curricular" activites in our sub grous if you want to do any of these.
Exciting times ahead...
It was great to see so many of our members and have a good old natter. We also welcomed 2 new members.
We were also lucky enough to have Alan with us who talked to us about car maintenance. He also generously donated a car health check as a raffle prize.
There was lots to catch up on as all the committee introduced themeselves and explained their roles and we had a brief overview of the next years programme, as well as lots of "extra curricular" activites in our sub grous if you want to do any of these.
Exciting times ahead...
Resolution
Monday 17th May via zoom
So this months meeting, (and hopefully for the last time via Zoom), and we focused on this years Resolution and the Resolution process.
We learn't a little about how the actual resolution process worked and how we had got to this stage with the resolution this year.
Then Linda did a fantastic job talking about the signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer and at the end of her presentation she even quizzed us on our knowledge to make sure we were all paying attention.
Clearly with such an important topic we all agreed that we were in full support of this resolution and hopefully look forward to it being adopted at the annual meeting.
We learn't a little about how the actual resolution process worked and how we had got to this stage with the resolution this year.
Then Linda did a fantastic job talking about the signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer and at the end of her presentation she even quizzed us on our knowledge to make sure we were all paying attention.
Clearly with such an important topic we all agreed that we were in full support of this resolution and hopefully look forward to it being adopted at the annual meeting.
We then lightened the mood a little with a raffle and a game of bingo (we were all in total concentration for this as the photo shows)!
Fingers crossed our next meeting will be face to face on the 21st of June, but you will hear from your telephone buddy prior to this to confirm the arrangements.
Fingers crossed our next meeting will be face to face on the 21st of June, but you will hear from your telephone buddy prior to this to confirm the arrangements.
Resolution Selection Results 2020/21
Between November 2020 and January 2021, every WI member had the chance to have their say on the shortlist and the resolution they would like to see go forward to the Annual Meeting on 8th June.
The results of the 2021 resolution shortlist selection process are:
1 - A call to increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer - 30,240 votes
2 - Stop women dying prematurely from coronary heart disease - 16,285 votes
3 - Racism and discrimination - 5,363 votes
4 - Protect your nature space to create wildlife-friendly communities - 7,808 votes
5 - Stop the destruction of peat bogs to tackle climate change - 6.616 votes
The NFWI Board of Trustees has decided to put forward the top resolution to the Annual Meeting.
The wording of the resolution is as follows:
A call to increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer
Every two hours in the UK someone dies of ovarian cancer. Making sure GPs and the public know what to look for will not only ensure the early detection and treatment of this disease but transform lives today and for generations to come. NFWI calls on WI members everywhere to help increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer.
What happens next?
Members now have the opportunity to learn more about the issues, and to discuss the resolution in their WIs before deciding how their WI should vote after the Annual Meeting.
All WIs get one vote – for or against the resolution.
The vote on the resolution for the 2020/21 process will take place after the Annual Meeting as planned. At our May meeting we will discuss this resolution and learn more about it.
The results of the 2021 resolution shortlist selection process are:
1 - A call to increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer - 30,240 votes
2 - Stop women dying prematurely from coronary heart disease - 16,285 votes
3 - Racism and discrimination - 5,363 votes
4 - Protect your nature space to create wildlife-friendly communities - 7,808 votes
5 - Stop the destruction of peat bogs to tackle climate change - 6.616 votes
The NFWI Board of Trustees has decided to put forward the top resolution to the Annual Meeting.
The wording of the resolution is as follows:
A call to increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer
Every two hours in the UK someone dies of ovarian cancer. Making sure GPs and the public know what to look for will not only ensure the early detection and treatment of this disease but transform lives today and for generations to come. NFWI calls on WI members everywhere to help increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer.
What happens next?
Members now have the opportunity to learn more about the issues, and to discuss the resolution in their WIs before deciding how their WI should vote after the Annual Meeting.
All WIs get one vote – for or against the resolution.
The vote on the resolution for the 2020/21 process will take place after the Annual Meeting as planned. At our May meeting we will discuss this resolution and learn more about it.
Annual Meeting.
Monday 19th April 2021 via zoom
It was great to see so many of our members on line to join our meeting. Due to illness Sarah stood in for our President and took us through the Annual Meeting. Both Donna as Treasurer and Julie as Secretary did their years review. Despite a very trying year we have still managed to keep the majority of our members and in fact welcomed a new member to our meeting.
We have had some interesting talks and activites, including a Celebrant, local history, crafts and
and a virtual Spa as well as quizzes, bingo, virtual get togethers and our 2nd Birthday Party. Our finances are still okay, although we have still uncurred costs with a Zoom license and our contributions to Local and National Federations.
Sarah thanked all of the commitee for their efforts during this difficult year and reminded us all that without them we would not have this welcoming and friendly WI.
Our talk for the evening was "Hidden Underground"
We have had some interesting talks and activites, including a Celebrant, local history, crafts and
and a virtual Spa as well as quizzes, bingo, virtual get togethers and our 2nd Birthday Party. Our finances are still okay, although we have still uncurred costs with a Zoom license and our contributions to Local and National Federations.
Sarah thanked all of the commitee for their efforts during this difficult year and reminded us all that without them we would not have this welcoming and friendly WI.
Our talk for the evening was "Hidden Underground"
Julie Chambers took us on a journey through the London Underground - but this was an unusual journey as she talked us through the more hidden aspects of the Underground which are not on public view.
Taking us into parts the public cannot reach - closed stations and underground tunnels now used as stockrooms, buildings with false facades hiding underground air shafts, disused stations for the public but enabling them to be still used for storing trains or running fibreoptic cables, filming and other interesting usages of what were once underground stations.
There are derelict tunnels where posters from the 60s can still be seen. During the war, stations, like Down Street in Mayfair, were converted into 'war rooms' not only for the Government but also for London Transport. Even today it remains fitted out as it was in the war.
23 and 24 Leinster Gardens, off Bayswater Road, are not what they seem! They look from the outside like the continuation of the very expensive block of houses, however, if you look really closely the windows are painted on and if you walked through the front door you'd fall onto tracks.
Some of the preserved stations are used by filming companies, especially if the filming dates back to pre-war, 50s and 60s. Charing Cross station was transformed into a New York subway station.
We never know what lies beneath our feet or what is behind or in a building.
Taking us into parts the public cannot reach - closed stations and underground tunnels now used as stockrooms, buildings with false facades hiding underground air shafts, disused stations for the public but enabling them to be still used for storing trains or running fibreoptic cables, filming and other interesting usages of what were once underground stations.
There are derelict tunnels where posters from the 60s can still be seen. During the war, stations, like Down Street in Mayfair, were converted into 'war rooms' not only for the Government but also for London Transport. Even today it remains fitted out as it was in the war.
23 and 24 Leinster Gardens, off Bayswater Road, are not what they seem! They look from the outside like the continuation of the very expensive block of houses, however, if you look really closely the windows are painted on and if you walked through the front door you'd fall onto tracks.
Some of the preserved stations are used by filming companies, especially if the filming dates back to pre-war, 50s and 60s. Charing Cross station was transformed into a New York subway station.
We never know what lies beneath our feet or what is behind or in a building.
Easter Fun
Monday 15th March via Zoom
We had a packed evening of Easter themed entertainment. Starting with an Easter themed quiz. It was toughie, out of 30 our higest scorer was Sally with 15!
We then had a lovely show and tell session showing each other our latest craft work or simply sharing recipes.
The recipe for the very healthy (!!!!) hot cross bun pudding, that has been tried and tested by Vonnie can be found on our recipe page.
There are loads of photo's of our craft activites and these are on our Gallery page. There has to be a special mention to the cute pom pom bunny. The crochet pattern for the rabbit bunting is here;- knottednest.com/easter-bunny-garland-free-crochet-pattern/?fbclid=IwAR31vJiMSKLKqXQCd_stxFEsdLo8uXHNsIeyCeHjA8y7aJjU8utnmri6NHE
We had our Easter hats and decorated eggs judged and the winners will recieve and Easter Egg.
We then had a lovely show and tell session showing each other our latest craft work or simply sharing recipes.
The recipe for the very healthy (!!!!) hot cross bun pudding, that has been tried and tested by Vonnie can be found on our recipe page.
There are loads of photo's of our craft activites and these are on our Gallery page. There has to be a special mention to the cute pom pom bunny. The crochet pattern for the rabbit bunting is here;- knottednest.com/easter-bunny-garland-free-crochet-pattern/?fbclid=IwAR31vJiMSKLKqXQCd_stxFEsdLo8uXHNsIeyCeHjA8y7aJjU8utnmri6NHE
We had our Easter hats and decorated eggs judged and the winners will recieve and Easter Egg.
We rounded off the Evening with a Virtual Easter Egg hunt (imagine the game of Battleships) as we all guessed a grid in turn). All in all a great evening and lovely to see everyone.
Happy 2nd Birthday
15th February via zoom
What a treat we had for our second birthday. Not only did we have our very own Sally talking about and demonstrating Body Shop products in her role as a Body Shop consultant. We also celebrated our 2nd birthday in style with cake, party poppers and games.
The evening started with Vonnie reminding us about the various events being arranged by Notts Federation and how our "official date" for our Annual Meeting will move to April.
Sally demonstrated a number of products from the Drops of Youth Body Shop range, assisted by Ruth as her "model". Vonnie and Sarah also did their bit with DIY face mask packs. It was interesting to hear that the products still remain true to Anita Roddicks initial aims and the majority are vegan. We also heard about Community Fair Trade where a whole community can benefit not only as emplyees, but with help with funding for education and things like clean water supplies.
Further details can be found on Sally's Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/350281712934476/
Sally then spoilt us with a free raffle and a "battleships" game for some novelty looking bath bombs and a chocolate themed quiz.
The evening started with Vonnie reminding us about the various events being arranged by Notts Federation and how our "official date" for our Annual Meeting will move to April.
Sally demonstrated a number of products from the Drops of Youth Body Shop range, assisted by Ruth as her "model". Vonnie and Sarah also did their bit with DIY face mask packs. It was interesting to hear that the products still remain true to Anita Roddicks initial aims and the majority are vegan. We also heard about Community Fair Trade where a whole community can benefit not only as emplyees, but with help with funding for education and things like clean water supplies.
Further details can be found on Sally's Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/350281712934476/
Sally then spoilt us with a free raffle and a "battleships" game for some novelty looking bath bombs and a chocolate themed quiz.
We then set off the party poppers and had a couple of fun games. Heads and tales could of gone on for ages with two of the Julie's in sync.
Then for a fun scavenger hunt to round off the evening, it was surprising how many of us had quick access to a VHS tape!
Then for a fun scavenger hunt to round off the evening, it was surprising how many of us had quick access to a VHS tape!
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
Hope you haven't forgotten...
www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/?sourcecode=BWMITH0230&channel=paidsearch&gclid=Cj0KCQiAx9mABhD0ARIsAEfpavSF0cdYwrgZ2qlIcLE-o5vKgOYJFy3rG1cZvZbLI73CYrIlBqn4qMsaAr8MEALw_wcB
www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/?sourcecode=BWMITH0230&channel=paidsearch&gclid=Cj0KCQiAx9mABhD0ARIsAEfpavSF0cdYwrgZ2qlIcLE-o5vKgOYJFy3rG1cZvZbLI73CYrIlBqn4qMsaAr8MEALw_wcB
Stylish and Fun
18th of January via zoom
Lockdown may prevent us from meeting in person, but it doesnt mean we can't still be stylish!
Our own Linda demonstated a number of ways to wear a headscarve and also gave us some in sight as to why people may actually wear them.
We were probably all aware of the religious reasons and those appertaining to health, but added to the list were climate, mourning, fashion and the good old bad hair day (probably more important whilst hairdressers are closed again).
Our own Linda demonstated a number of ways to wear a headscarve and also gave us some in sight as to why people may actually wear them.
We were probably all aware of the religious reasons and those appertaining to health, but added to the list were climate, mourning, fashion and the good old bad hair day (probably more important whilst hairdressers are closed again).
We had fun "having a go" and clearly some of the styles suited some of us well.
We rounded the evening off with a couple of games of Bingo. It was lovely to see everyone and hopefully a few more will join us next month for our 2nd birthday evening.
We rounded the evening off with a couple of games of Bingo. It was lovely to see everyone and hopefully a few more will join us next month for our 2nd birthday evening.
