A Look back at 2022
Party Time...
Monday 19th December 2022
What a fun packed evening we had .....we started with a few rounds of sticky 13’s followed by the fuddle and the lucky dip.
We then enjoyed a few games of play your cards right and two of the longest bingo games known to man! Finally we had our Christmas Raffle to round the evening off.
All of which was accompanied by much laughter, with good company and a plentiful supply of delicious food and drink.
All of which was accompanied by much laughter, with good company and a plentiful supply of delicious food and drink.
It's the official start...
Monday 5th December
Well for us it is, with our Christmas Meal! We had a great time, with lots of chatter and laughter and empty plates....
Christmas is coming...
Monday 21st November
What a great evening we had creating a variety of decorations to get us Christmas ready, Everything from snowmen, fir cone trees, bells and reindeer, using where ever possible recycled materials.
Thank you to eveyone who drank all that wine for all those used corks, and everyone involved in making it a successful evening.
A Colourful Evening...
Monday 17th October 2022
Thank you to Lisa for a really informative evening as we learnt about how to choose colours to suit our skin tones and a quiz on how to find our style type.
Remember the "blink" and can you see the face not the colour.
More information can be found at www.lisanewportstyle.com
As we were close to halloween we had a few extra spooky visitors as well.
Remember the "blink" and can you see the face not the colour.
More information can be found at www.lisanewportstyle.com
As we were close to halloween we had a few extra spooky visitors as well.
Special mention to our craft group "The Knotty Knitters and Happy Hookers" as they made and delivered 11 blankets to Haywood House in response to their appeal and there are more still being made.
Remembering Our Queen
Monday 19th September
After much deliberation we decided that our usual meeting would go ahead, however we held a minutes silence and raised a glass in a thanks and recognition of our amazing Queen and her dedicated service to us all.
We then went on with the meeting and were tutored in the art of Salsa by Lloyd who got us all doing the basic steps and hold positions. It was just the tonic we all needed after a long day of watching the pomp and sadness of a state funeral.
We also heard about the "no sew" christmas wreath making course being run espcially for us. Come on ladies get your name down, there are also some great Christmas activites being run by Nottinghamshire Federation as well.
We then went on with the meeting and were tutored in the art of Salsa by Lloyd who got us all doing the basic steps and hold positions. It was just the tonic we all needed after a long day of watching the pomp and sadness of a state funeral.
We also heard about the "no sew" christmas wreath making course being run espcially for us. Come on ladies get your name down, there are also some great Christmas activites being run by Nottinghamshire Federation as well.
G&T anyone?
Monday 15th August
On yet another hot and very muggy evening we learnt all about Gin.
We were delighted to welcome Wayne Asher to our meeting to talk to us all about how he came to set up Redsmith Distillery the only distillery in the City of Nottingham.
It was fascinating to hear abouts Wayne’s background in engineering which gave him many transferrable skills. He built Jenny (the copper still) in 2014 along with Tiny Tess (a small still for test batches). In fact the name Redsmith is another name for a coppersmith.
Already the London Dry Gin has won awards, winning double gold at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition.
He also makes a Nottingham Dry Apple Gin, made with Bramley apples along with many other small batch varieties such as the Orange and White Tea Gin.
Let’s just say everyone seemed to enjoy the tastings that Wayne had provided, making sure that non went to waste!
You can arrange to visit him at his distillery if you want and further details can be found on his website. redsmithdistillery.com/
We were delighted to welcome Wayne Asher to our meeting to talk to us all about how he came to set up Redsmith Distillery the only distillery in the City of Nottingham.
It was fascinating to hear abouts Wayne’s background in engineering which gave him many transferrable skills. He built Jenny (the copper still) in 2014 along with Tiny Tess (a small still for test batches). In fact the name Redsmith is another name for a coppersmith.
Already the London Dry Gin has won awards, winning double gold at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition.
He also makes a Nottingham Dry Apple Gin, made with Bramley apples along with many other small batch varieties such as the Orange and White Tea Gin.
Let’s just say everyone seemed to enjoy the tastings that Wayne had provided, making sure that non went to waste!
You can arrange to visit him at his distillery if you want and further details can be found on his website. redsmithdistillery.com/
Nottingham by the Sea...
Monday 18th July
I think we all wished we were by the sea, with a cool sea breeze.... but instead we had an interesting evening as our speaker was Bob Massey, a well known local historian.
So we learnt about Nottingham by the Sea.... or rather Skeggy. We all learnt such a lot....
The history of this palce was fascinating with Viking and Roman origins (when it was an important port). Ness being a norse word for village!
Even back in the 1300's it was known as a health resort and holiday accomodtion was being advertised as far away as London in the late 1700's. At one time the Vine Hotel was the centre of smuggling from Europe!
Skegness was always a busy port and in 1841 6000 tonnes of coal was landed there! The Railway arrived in 1873, from then on the place could get packed with Day Trippers and the 1882 August Bank Holiday 22,000 Day Trippers descended!
The more recent history was a bit more familiar to us, with the Jolly Fisherman being adopted as a masot in 1908. Billy Butlins arrived as a travelling showman in 1921, and eventually Butlins Holiday Camp opening in 1935, although this was transformed into a Naval training base during the war.
Huge storm damage was done to the pier in 1978 with only 127 yards being left. The pier has recently been taken over by the Arnold based Mellors Group and there is talk of a major new development and restoring it back to something like its former glory.
Bob does lots of talks locally and it is worth looking out for his walks in Arnold to celetrate Nottinghamshire Day on the 25th of August. Details will be on Bob's Faebook page www.facebook.com/bob.massey.125 and likely to be on Gedling Borough Website (or Facebook page).
So we learnt about Nottingham by the Sea.... or rather Skeggy. We all learnt such a lot....
The history of this palce was fascinating with Viking and Roman origins (when it was an important port). Ness being a norse word for village!
Even back in the 1300's it was known as a health resort and holiday accomodtion was being advertised as far away as London in the late 1700's. At one time the Vine Hotel was the centre of smuggling from Europe!
Skegness was always a busy port and in 1841 6000 tonnes of coal was landed there! The Railway arrived in 1873, from then on the place could get packed with Day Trippers and the 1882 August Bank Holiday 22,000 Day Trippers descended!
The more recent history was a bit more familiar to us, with the Jolly Fisherman being adopted as a masot in 1908. Billy Butlins arrived as a travelling showman in 1921, and eventually Butlins Holiday Camp opening in 1935, although this was transformed into a Naval training base during the war.
Huge storm damage was done to the pier in 1978 with only 127 yards being left. The pier has recently been taken over by the Arnold based Mellors Group and there is talk of a major new development and restoring it back to something like its former glory.
Bob does lots of talks locally and it is worth looking out for his walks in Arnold to celetrate Nottinghamshire Day on the 25th of August. Details will be on Bob's Faebook page www.facebook.com/bob.massey.125 and likely to be on Gedling Borough Website (or Facebook page).
An evening of song...
Monday 20th June
WOW!
What a fantastic evening we had as we were entertained by the Lace City Chorus.
Unfortunately we cannot post video on this web site, so why not pop over to our Facebook page and checkout the video.
What a fantastic evening we had as we were entertained by the Lace City Chorus.
Unfortunately we cannot post video on this web site, so why not pop over to our Facebook page and checkout the video.
Getting ready for the Jubilee
Monday 16th May 2022
We started our meeting with a presentaion about our Resolution, which concerned the under diagnosis of ASD and ADHD in women. This was supported by everyone and our voteing decision has been passed on the our annual meeting representative.
As we approach our most famous members Platinum Jubilee it felt only right to get ready for a party. So "In the Bag" we had lots of pre cut pennants and we got "Stuck In" making "no sew" bunting for your own decorations.
Brains were also exercised as we had a Jubilee Quiz (good job there were multiple choice answers) ......
As we approach our most famous members Platinum Jubilee it felt only right to get ready for a party. So "In the Bag" we had lots of pre cut pennants and we got "Stuck In" making "no sew" bunting for your own decorations.
Brains were also exercised as we had a Jubilee Quiz (good job there were multiple choice answers) ......
It was great to see so many of you wearing something red/white or blue - and we even had 3 tiars a Union Jack hat and a Union Jack wig!
By the end of the meeting there was loads of colourful bunting produced so the gardens of Arnold will be well decorated. Using volume of noise as a measure it was a successful evening!
By the end of the meeting there was loads of colourful bunting produced so the gardens of Arnold will be well decorated. Using volume of noise as a measure it was a successful evening!
Annual Meeting
Monday 11th April 2022
Wow, what a response to our Inaugural Birds of a Feather Bake Off...
We all went home with a suger high after tasting the entries. Hopefully everyone will send in their recipes so they can be added to our recipe page here on our website.
Our winner was Trish and we can see her wearing her winners prize of a WI apron. Her Gin and Tonic cake looked amazing and didn't taste bad either ....
We also held our Annual Meeting and Linda kindly put our year review into a poem....
We all went home with a suger high after tasting the entries. Hopefully everyone will send in their recipes so they can be added to our recipe page here on our website.
Our winner was Trish and we can see her wearing her winners prize of a WI apron. Her Gin and Tonic cake looked amazing and didn't taste bad either ....
We also held our Annual Meeting and Linda kindly put our year review into a poem....
Secretary’s Report Welcome to the Annual Meeting.
Thank you Sarah for the greeting. Yes, hello to all at Birds of a Feather - It’s great to be here all together The Annual Meeting - the end of our year .
So how did it go? Come on, let's hear.
COVID affected us for part of the year. But Birds of a Feather remained in good cheer.
The 11 meetings we had were varied, it's true.
Some informative, others creative, learning skills anew. There were a few meetings still held on Zoom but oh it was great to get back to our room.
Life of the Hare Krishna was August’s theme to see us modelling saris was such a scream. Basic car maintenance from Alan the Mechanic
whilst Fireman Jack’s safety talk caused a few to panic.
Our birthday party - our 3rd you know, was a curling evening - we all had a go.
Chip butties and a cuppa went down a treat but every team became the one to beat!
We chose a Bake Off theme for our Annual Meeting, all home made, definitely no cheating! Our talented members showed their culinary skills.
Perfect combinations of grams and mls From the very experienced to the absolute beginner, it’s a shame there can be only one winner!
As word has spread about our group others have come to join our troop.
We now have full members of 27, plus 4 dual members - a total increase of 7!
Vonnie, Donna & Sally have presided over our “nest” ensuring our members get only the best. As President, Treasurer and Secretary assisted by 8 more on the committee.
Julie C is our media queen. She ensures that our group is seen.
On Facebook, Instagram and the internet there’s always photos and reminders
so we never forget.
Our 3 sub groups are so much fun.
You can choose to craft, read or walk, not run.
And please don’t think I’m being rude but I’ve noticed they all involve drink and food!
There’s lots of laughter and plenty of chatter, but it’s the sharing of time which really matters.
Birds of a Feather supports the local community,
and this year Juno was our chosen charity.
When women flee to refuge and their pets need care,
our friends at Juno are always there.
Our varied donations have been well received as
Juno supports these pets in their time of need.
How’s our budget looking for next year,
listen to the Treasurer’s Report and you will hear.
Finally the planning for next year has already begun,
we hope you will join us to share in the fun.
Thank you Sarah for the greeting. Yes, hello to all at Birds of a Feather - It’s great to be here all together The Annual Meeting - the end of our year .
So how did it go? Come on, let's hear.
COVID affected us for part of the year. But Birds of a Feather remained in good cheer.
The 11 meetings we had were varied, it's true.
Some informative, others creative, learning skills anew. There were a few meetings still held on Zoom but oh it was great to get back to our room.
Life of the Hare Krishna was August’s theme to see us modelling saris was such a scream. Basic car maintenance from Alan the Mechanic
whilst Fireman Jack’s safety talk caused a few to panic.
Our birthday party - our 3rd you know, was a curling evening - we all had a go.
Chip butties and a cuppa went down a treat but every team became the one to beat!
We chose a Bake Off theme for our Annual Meeting, all home made, definitely no cheating! Our talented members showed their culinary skills.
Perfect combinations of grams and mls From the very experienced to the absolute beginner, it’s a shame there can be only one winner!
As word has spread about our group others have come to join our troop.
We now have full members of 27, plus 4 dual members - a total increase of 7!
Vonnie, Donna & Sally have presided over our “nest” ensuring our members get only the best. As President, Treasurer and Secretary assisted by 8 more on the committee.
Julie C is our media queen. She ensures that our group is seen.
On Facebook, Instagram and the internet there’s always photos and reminders
so we never forget.
Our 3 sub groups are so much fun.
You can choose to craft, read or walk, not run.
And please don’t think I’m being rude but I’ve noticed they all involve drink and food!
There’s lots of laughter and plenty of chatter, but it’s the sharing of time which really matters.
Birds of a Feather supports the local community,
and this year Juno was our chosen charity.
When women flee to refuge and their pets need care,
our friends at Juno are always there.
Our varied donations have been well received as
Juno supports these pets in their time of need.
How’s our budget looking for next year,
listen to the Treasurer’s Report and you will hear.
Finally the planning for next year has already begun,
we hope you will join us to share in the fun.
The Treasurers report was also delivered by Lynn and print off's were available. These were accepted by the members. Whilst the bank balance is looking healthy we have to remember that some of the money collected for annual membership is due to go to the Federation.
We also passed a bye-law (unanimously) that dual members can serve on our committee and as Officers.
Our new committee was agreed, then after a vote Vonnie agreed to stand as our President again and the posts of Secretary and Treasurer were taken on by Julie and Claire.
We can look forward to the committee planning a varied and interesting calender of events for us as well as our Sub Groups going from strength to strength (fuelled by drinks and cake).
We also passed a bye-law (unanimously) that dual members can serve on our committee and as Officers.
Our new committee was agreed, then after a vote Vonnie agreed to stand as our President again and the posts of Secretary and Treasurer were taken on by Julie and Claire.
We can look forward to the committee planning a varied and interesting calender of events for us as well as our Sub Groups going from strength to strength (fuelled by drinks and cake).
Care at Complexions...
Monday 21st March
What an informative evening, Sarah from Complexions in Daybrook told us all about herself and her business. It was great to hear how supportive the team are to each other and how flexible the working patterns were.
We learnt a lot about various beauty treatments and also things to look out for with skin conditions. We all had a little treat for ourselves in our goody bags and one of our members was lucky enough to win a facial.
We learnt a lot about various beauty treatments and also things to look out for with skin conditions. We all had a little treat for ourselves in our goody bags and one of our members was lucky enough to win a facial.
Birthday fun...
Monday 21st February 2022
Would you believe it is our 3rd birthday!
We had a fabulous evening playing indoor curling and indulging in treats!
So in line with our Ladies Olypmic Curling team we awarded Gold Medals to our winning team. There was so much laughter, cheering and chatter. along with a good dose of competitive spirit on show. Special thanks to Jackie from Nottinghamshire Federation for guiding us and keeping is under control (no small task).
No birthday would be complete withour cake and we also enjoyed chip cobs (although had a lengthy debate over Cob, Bap, Bun etc etc).
We had a fabulous evening playing indoor curling and indulging in treats!
So in line with our Ladies Olypmic Curling team we awarded Gold Medals to our winning team. There was so much laughter, cheering and chatter. along with a good dose of competitive spirit on show. Special thanks to Jackie from Nottinghamshire Federation for guiding us and keeping is under control (no small task).
No birthday would be complete withour cake and we also enjoyed chip cobs (although had a lengthy debate over Cob, Bap, Bun etc etc).
All in all a great evening enjoyed by everyone. More photo's of our fun filled evening can be found here Gallery
Fit to see the New Year In...
Monday 17th January 2022
What an amazing welcome we had when we held our January meeting at Body Tone Ladies Gym.
Not only we provided with healthy snacks and drinks, we were given the chance to be put through our paces with a "sample" exercise class and the chance to try out the fitness machines.
I think it made a few of us think about getting ourselves into shape!
For more information please check your e mail from our secretary as Debbie has offered us a special deal!
www.body-tone.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/loveyourselftohappiness
Not only we provided with healthy snacks and drinks, we were given the chance to be put through our paces with a "sample" exercise class and the chance to try out the fitness machines.
I think it made a few of us think about getting ourselves into shape!
For more information please check your e mail from our secretary as Debbie has offered us a special deal!
www.body-tone.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/loveyourselftohappiness