Archive 2023
Christmas Party 2023
Monday 18th December 2024
Our members commenced their Christmas celebrations with the BOAF Christmas Party on Monday 18th December 2023. Our guests were the Tuneless Choir and they had all of us singing some well known and favourite Christmas songs. We even provided percussion support with small hand bells.
Our brains were then challenged by a fun and festive themed quiz which was then followed by a game of 'Left & Right' which had everyone laughing as we tried to follow along. Alongside a delicious buffet and a raffle with nearly 40 prizes - everyone had a brilliant time.
For anyone who may be interested, several of our members also belong to the Tuneless Choir. If you would like to know more about this fun group then speak to one of the committee and we will introduce you to a Tuneless choir member.
More photos can be found by clicking on this link Gallery
We Three Kings
No, not the Three Kings who attended the birth of Jesus, but a brilliant and very talented tribute act acknowledging three of the kings of music, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. Three of our Bonnington Belles sub-group attended the event at The Bonington Theatre on Thursday 13th December 2023. Before a capacity crowd the band belted out some of the iconic songs from these legends of music. For more details click here The Bonnington Belles Cinema Group
Christmas Panto - Cinderella
Nine of the ladies from the Bonington Belles sub-group attended the pantomime, Cinderella, at The Nottingham Playhouse on Saturday 9th December 2023. Stunning special effects, beautiful scenery and some hilarious comedy sketches and ad-libs made for a thoroughly entertaining evening for both adults and children alike.
It was so good that one of our ladies went to book immediately to take her family to see it. We hope they enjoy it as much as we did !!
It was so good that one of our ladies went to book immediately to take her family to see it. We hope they enjoy it as much as we did !!
Super sleuths solve the case !
Our ladies were triumphant at County's Murder Mystery evening held at Southwell Library on Friday 8th December 2023.
The team had to solve the case of Robin Hoodie and his Merry People and which of them murdered the evil and unpopular Sheriff of Nottingham.
Appropriately named team "Robin's Nest" they worked through the clues, questioned the suspects and solved the case. It was a great team effort. Well done ladies !!
The event was a "sell out" with 10 teams of ladies representing some of the area's WI groups.
As well as identifying the murderer the teams had to deduce how the dastardly deed had been done and the motive. Our team was the only team who correctly answered all 3 elements.
To help 'digest' the clues and sort out the red herrings from the facts the ladies enjoyed a Ploughman's style supper followed by mince pies and chocolates.
The play was performed by members of the Southwell Theatre Group who did a great job of entertaining the audience. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Congratulations to our Birds of a Feather ladies.
The team had to solve the case of Robin Hoodie and his Merry People and which of them murdered the evil and unpopular Sheriff of Nottingham.
Appropriately named team "Robin's Nest" they worked through the clues, questioned the suspects and solved the case. It was a great team effort. Well done ladies !!
The event was a "sell out" with 10 teams of ladies representing some of the area's WI groups.
As well as identifying the murderer the teams had to deduce how the dastardly deed had been done and the motive. Our team was the only team who correctly answered all 3 elements.
To help 'digest' the clues and sort out the red herrings from the facts the ladies enjoyed a Ploughman's style supper followed by mince pies and chocolates.
The play was performed by members of the Southwell Theatre Group who did a great job of entertaining the audience. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Congratulations to our Birds of a Feather ladies.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Our ladies started the Christmas celebrations in style with afternoon tea at The Forge Tea Rooms in Bestwood Village on Saturday 2nd December. With some delicious food, party games, a festive atmosphere and friendly staff we all had a fabulous time.
To see more photographs please follow this link Gallery
To see more photographs please follow this link Gallery
Baubles & Bangles
It was a busy meeting for 45 of our members and guests on Monday 20th November 2023. Led by two of the ladies from our excellent Craft Group, the members had fun making Christmas baubles.
At the end of the meeting the members were then invited to peruse the stalls for our own Craft Fair. In addition to an abundance of beautiful items made by our Craft Group members, other members also had stalls. There were candles and wax melts, Body Shop at Home goodies and beautiful silver designs and home made cards.
The monies raised by the Craft Group stall will be donated to BOAF funds - thank you ladies.
For more photographs please click here Gallery
At the end of the meeting the members were then invited to peruse the stalls for our own Craft Fair. In addition to an abundance of beautiful items made by our Craft Group members, other members also had stalls. There were candles and wax melts, Body Shop at Home goodies and beautiful silver designs and home made cards.
The monies raised by the Craft Group stall will be donated to BOAF funds - thank you ladies.
For more photographs please click here Gallery
Jerry Green Dog Rescue
The updates for donations to the Jerry Green Dog Rescue Centre can now be found on our Community Projects page. Just click on this link Community Projects
Rufford Lights Spectacular
Gallery
On Sunday 29th October a group of our ladies headed to Rufford Country Park to enjoy the Wizard of Oz themed Light Spectacular. On a crisp, dry autumn night we were truly treated to the promised spectacle. As we meandered through the beautifully lit trees we came across some familiar characters, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man , The Lion and of course Dorothy & Toto. We also encountered a wicked witch as well !!
The Abbey looked resplendent in colour and the whole event was well organised. After completing our walk we enjoyed some refreshments and then had some retail therapy at the many craft and food stalls in the courtyard.
As you can see from the photos below - some of our ladies even made a couple of new friends !!
For more photographs please click on this link Gallery
On Sunday 29th October a group of our ladies headed to Rufford Country Park to enjoy the Wizard of Oz themed Light Spectacular. On a crisp, dry autumn night we were truly treated to the promised spectacle. As we meandered through the beautifully lit trees we came across some familiar characters, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man , The Lion and of course Dorothy & Toto. We also encountered a wicked witch as well !!
The Abbey looked resplendent in colour and the whole event was well organised. After completing our walk we enjoyed some refreshments and then had some retail therapy at the many craft and food stalls in the courtyard.
As you can see from the photos below - some of our ladies even made a couple of new friends !!
For more photographs please click on this link Gallery
Super Troopers !!
It's been a busy time for the ladies of the Birds of a Feather WI. On Friday 27th October some of our ladies enjoyed a celebration of the music of ABBA, provided by tribute band Sensation at The Bonnington Theatre, Arnold. To really get into the mood some of our ladies donned their best ABBA costumes, which got positive comments from the band!
It was a lively evening with the group encouraging the audience to sing, clap and dance as they performed some of the most loved ABBA songs. Our ladies were certainly Dancing Queens on the night !!
It was a lively evening with the group encouraging the audience to sing, clap and dance as they performed some of the most loved ABBA songs. Our ladies were certainly Dancing Queens on the night !!
Belly Dancing
Our guest this month was Janet Rose. She is a belly dancing teacher and a performer who dances all over the world. She is also a director of When Women Gather CIC Arts & Wellbeing.
She demonstrated the Egyptian style of belly dance and took our ladies through the basics - which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Our ladies were quick learners and were soon shaking their bodies to the rhythmic music.
As well as the steps, shimmies and flowing hand movements Janet taught us a vocal technique which further enhanced the experience! Alongside teaching us the Egyptian style of belly dancing Janet shared some interesting information about the varieties of belly dancing across the World , its history and its meaning. The whole evening was very entertaining. Thank you Janet!!
She demonstrated the Egyptian style of belly dance and took our ladies through the basics - which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Our ladies were quick learners and were soon shaking their bodies to the rhythmic music.
As well as the steps, shimmies and flowing hand movements Janet taught us a vocal technique which further enhanced the experience! Alongside teaching us the Egyptian style of belly dancing Janet shared some interesting information about the varieties of belly dancing across the World , its history and its meaning. The whole evening was very entertaining. Thank you Janet!!
Jerry Green Dog Rescue - September Donations
Our members were generous with their donations again this month and we have been able to deliver the following items to the centre.
4 tins hot dogs, 2 jars hot dogs, 4 tins dog meat, 5 pouches dog meat, 4 tins dog meat, turkey dinner, 4 packets dog treats, 3 tennis balls, chew toy, 3 dog coats, 2 bandanas, 2 harnesses and 2 packs of poo bags.
Pictured left is a member of the Jerry Green team accepting the donations on behalf of the centre.
Thanks to all of our members for your continued generosity in supporting this excellent charity.
4 tins hot dogs, 2 jars hot dogs, 4 tins dog meat, 5 pouches dog meat, 4 tins dog meat, turkey dinner, 4 packets dog treats, 3 tennis balls, chew toy, 3 dog coats, 2 bandanas, 2 harnesses and 2 packs of poo bags.
Pictured left is a member of the Jerry Green team accepting the donations on behalf of the centre.
Thanks to all of our members for your continued generosity in supporting this excellent charity.
A Look at the Coal Face with David Coleman
A look at the coal face was the theme of our guest speaker's talk at our meeting on Monday 18th September 2023. And what a moving, informative and funny speaker David Coleman was.
He entertained us with his very poignant poetry and true stories of his time down the pit. Some of the facts and figures he gave us were mind boggling. From 1850 -1913 there were over 90,000 deaths in the UK mining industry
The worst mining disaster in the UK was in Senghenydd, Wales in 1913 and it took the lives of over 400 men in an explosion, 60 of them were under 20 and 8 were only 14 years old! The worst disaster locally was the loss of 80 lives at Thoresby colliery in 1950.
In 1920 alone 216 million tons of coal was mined in the UK. It was often fathers and sons that worked down the pit and David's father went down the pit at 13!
We were all moved by the stories David told us about his life and that of other miners that were such an important part of our local history.
He entertained us with his very poignant poetry and true stories of his time down the pit. Some of the facts and figures he gave us were mind boggling. From 1850 -1913 there were over 90,000 deaths in the UK mining industry
The worst mining disaster in the UK was in Senghenydd, Wales in 1913 and it took the lives of over 400 men in an explosion, 60 of them were under 20 and 8 were only 14 years old! The worst disaster locally was the loss of 80 lives at Thoresby colliery in 1950.
In 1920 alone 216 million tons of coal was mined in the UK. It was often fathers and sons that worked down the pit and David's father went down the pit at 13!
We were all moved by the stories David told us about his life and that of other miners that were such an important part of our local history.
Thanks to the generous donations from our members a second delivery has been made to the Jerry Green Dog Rescue Centre - our nominated charity for 2023.
Pictured below is Pickles, one of the rescue dogs, with a member of the Jerry Green staff together with the donations from Birds of a Feather members. Pictured left are all of the donations which consisted of the following items:-
Puppy pads, 7 x tins of dog meat; 3 jars/tins of hot dog sausages, primula cheese, a box of biscuits, 3 x bags of training treats; 2 x rawhide chews; 4 x toys; 5 x bags of poo bags; 2 x dog collars and 2 blankets which, apparently, smelled lovely!
Thank you to all of our members for their generosity in supporting this local charity. Keep your donations coming. Remember you can bring them to our monthly meetings. For bulky items, such as quilts/blankets please speak to Trish or Sarah on the committee.
Pictured below is Pickles, one of the rescue dogs, with a member of the Jerry Green staff together with the donations from Birds of a Feather members. Pictured left are all of the donations which consisted of the following items:-
Puppy pads, 7 x tins of dog meat; 3 jars/tins of hot dog sausages, primula cheese, a box of biscuits, 3 x bags of training treats; 2 x rawhide chews; 4 x toys; 5 x bags of poo bags; 2 x dog collars and 2 blankets which, apparently, smelled lovely!
Thank you to all of our members for their generosity in supporting this local charity. Keep your donations coming. Remember you can bring them to our monthly meetings. For bulky items, such as quilts/blankets please speak to Trish or Sarah on the committee.
Getting to know you!
Due to some unforeseen circumstances there was a change to our published event for the meeting on 21st August 2023. The Guide Dogs for the Blind talk will be re-scheduled for a later date.
However, the ladies had a fun packed evening playing People Bingo and Last Person Standing. It's fair to say that our members went home knowing a lot more about each other!
However, the ladies had a fun packed evening playing People Bingo and Last Person Standing. It's fair to say that our members went home knowing a lot more about each other!
Bonington Belles Go Pink
Some of the members of our Bonington Belles Film & Theatre group showed off their pink outfits for their trip to the Bonington Theatre this week to see the highly acclaimed Barbie film.
For more photos and information please click here The Bonnington Belles Cinema Group
For more photos and information please click here The Bonnington Belles Cinema Group
First donations delivered to Jerry Green
The first donations from Birds of a Feather members to the Jerry Green Dog Rescue Centre have been delivered. Three members of the Birds of a Feather team handed over the donations to the centre's Assistant Manager, Beth.
The items donated included tinned dog food, canned or tinned hot dogs, plain Primula cheese, poo bags and some duvets and blankets.
Pictured here are Sarah and Trish from Birds of a Feather with Assistant Centre Manager, Beth and rescue dog Milli.
The items donated included tinned dog food, canned or tinned hot dogs, plain Primula cheese, poo bags and some duvets and blankets.
Pictured here are Sarah and Trish from Birds of a Feather with Assistant Centre Manager, Beth and rescue dog Milli.
Who's Up For Rummikub?
Monday 17th July
We had a great evening learning how to play this game.
Thank you to our friends from County who had the patience to teach us. I think we saw the competitive streak in some of our members.
Who knows we may get good enough to join in one of the competitions.
Thank you to our friends from County who had the patience to teach us. I think we saw the competitive streak in some of our members.
Who knows we may get good enough to join in one of the competitions.
Oprah Winfrey touched my elbow...
Monday 19th of June
We had an entertaining eveing with Graham Keal a former "celebrity" journalist telling us about his career.
His talk was titled "Oprah Winfrey touched my elbow", but that was covered in the very last minutes of the talk.
Graham Keal got his first break when working for the Sleaford Advertiser and Eric Morcombe was playing in a charity Cricket Match at RAF Cranwell. Apparently Eric was an absolute gentleman and despite it being late in the day was not rushing than.
Over his career he has conducted over 3 thousand celebrity interviews and been on a few interesting trips to do this. Including a trip to Hollywood following the first series of CSI being aired on Channel 5 and a trip to Grenada to interview the property developer Peter De Savery.
He gave us some snapshot comments on the who’s who’s of popular folk and how they were when he interviewed them.
Without naming names Sober, Paraletic, Winger, Foul Mouthed, and Alluring were some of the descriptions used. All in all an interesting evening.
His talk was titled "Oprah Winfrey touched my elbow", but that was covered in the very last minutes of the talk.
Graham Keal got his first break when working for the Sleaford Advertiser and Eric Morcombe was playing in a charity Cricket Match at RAF Cranwell. Apparently Eric was an absolute gentleman and despite it being late in the day was not rushing than.
Over his career he has conducted over 3 thousand celebrity interviews and been on a few interesting trips to do this. Including a trip to Hollywood following the first series of CSI being aired on Channel 5 and a trip to Grenada to interview the property developer Peter De Savery.
He gave us some snapshot comments on the who’s who’s of popular folk and how they were when he interviewed them.
Without naming names Sober, Paraletic, Winger, Foul Mouthed, and Alluring were some of the descriptions used. All in all an interesting evening.
Planning ahead...
Monday 15th May 2023
Planning ahead was the subject of our talk this month.
Marc Broadhurst, Estate Planning Practitioner, of Silvertime Legal took us through some of the key points to consider when making your Will and providing for your loved ones.
Marc's talk was really interesting and enjoyable as he talked about this quite sombre subject. We asked lots of questions and this made it a thoroughly interactive session.
If any members would like to contact Marc he can be contacted via www.silvertimelegal.co.uk
Marc Broadhurst, Estate Planning Practitioner, of Silvertime Legal took us through some of the key points to consider when making your Will and providing for your loved ones.
Marc's talk was really interesting and enjoyable as he talked about this quite sombre subject. We asked lots of questions and this made it a thoroughly interactive session.
If any members would like to contact Marc he can be contacted via www.silvertimelegal.co.uk
Annual Meeting & Coronation Bake Off
Monday 17th April 2023
So our Annual meeting and the now customery suger high as we all get to taste the entries for the Great Birds of a Feather Bake Off.
With a "Coronation" theme this year there were some dubious entries, from "The Crown Jewels" (we will leave that one to your imagination) and the "Royal Corgi Coronation Poop".
With a "Coronation" theme this year there were some dubious entries, from "The Crown Jewels" (we will leave that one to your imagination) and the "Royal Corgi Coronation Poop".
Our Secretary summed up the year for us....
So another year over and what have we done? Well as Birds of a Feather we have had lots of fun.
Our meetings were varied with talks and activities, a quick summary is in order so heres what we've done;-
In May we voted for the resolution and then crafted away – making “no-sew” bunting for our Queen’s Jubilee.
Then in June we enjoyed the barbershop sounds of the Lace City Chorus, that had us toe tapping and clapping away.
On the hottest day of the year we visited (by PowerPoint unfortunately), Nottingham by the sea (that’s Skeggy, to you and me).
Then August saw us tasting gin, distilled in Sneinton just down in our fair city.
Then in September amid the sadness, we raised a glass to Her Majesty the Queen then learnt how to Salsa which somehow seemed fitting.
October came and a quick change of plan! Instead we had colours that suit us, to help us look fab!
So another year over and what have we done? Well as Birds of a Feather we have had lots of fun.
Our meetings were varied with talks and activities, a quick summary is in order so heres what we've done;-
In May we voted for the resolution and then crafted away – making “no-sew” bunting for our Queen’s Jubilee.
Then in June we enjoyed the barbershop sounds of the Lace City Chorus, that had us toe tapping and clapping away.
On the hottest day of the year we visited (by PowerPoint unfortunately), Nottingham by the sea (that’s Skeggy, to you and me).
Then August saw us tasting gin, distilled in Sneinton just down in our fair city.
Then in September amid the sadness, we raised a glass to Her Majesty the Queen then learnt how to Salsa which somehow seemed fitting.
October came and a quick change of plan! Instead we had colours that suit us, to help us look fab!
In came November and preparing for Christmas, crafting with pine cones, corks and coffee capsules, we should get a medal for our green credentials.
Our Christmas dinner was a great night out, we followed this with a party night which was full of laughter with retro games that went higher, or was it lower and brought the house down, with a lucky dip gift and smiles all around.
January saw us start the year with Tai Chi, then into February and Cheese and Wine for everyone to enjoy and help us celebrate turning 4!
Then finally our last meeting this year saw us all tied up in Macrame knots. Our leaves (or feather’s) which ever you prefer, look great and no doubt will be seen on bags near and far….
So our Sub Groups which are there for our members to enjoy keep on growing;-
Our walkers (and their pooches) have explored near and far, from Ploughman’s Wood, Country Parks and Lagoons and we have chatted and laughed at café’s galore.
Our Bookworms have read many a good book and eaten brunch and at times remembered to discuss those novel’s.
Our crafters have made blankets and hearts for the hospice and shared crafts with each other and enjoyed the natter.
Some of us even made fabric Christmas Wreaths with sore fingers to show from all those tiny little pins.
Our newest group are enjoying the cinema and watching the flicks in good company sounds like fun to me.
So, to the future and where do we go…
Sadly we have to discuss a cap on our numbers, as the room often feels very full! Folk have heard we are friendly and do lots of things so success brings it problems, or so it would seem.
We already have a lots of good stuff up our sleeves, but more of that when the new programme is seen.
The committee will do all we can to continue this success. However, here’s a plea - we need you (all our members) to play your part too.
When we ask for volunteers, please be at the front of the queue and make Birds of a Feather WI fly on together.
Now thats what I call a good year all round, so in true WI style lets endorse this recollection and let’s all try that great cake selection.
Our Christmas dinner was a great night out, we followed this with a party night which was full of laughter with retro games that went higher, or was it lower and brought the house down, with a lucky dip gift and smiles all around.
January saw us start the year with Tai Chi, then into February and Cheese and Wine for everyone to enjoy and help us celebrate turning 4!
Then finally our last meeting this year saw us all tied up in Macrame knots. Our leaves (or feather’s) which ever you prefer, look great and no doubt will be seen on bags near and far….
So our Sub Groups which are there for our members to enjoy keep on growing;-
Our walkers (and their pooches) have explored near and far, from Ploughman’s Wood, Country Parks and Lagoons and we have chatted and laughed at café’s galore.
Our Bookworms have read many a good book and eaten brunch and at times remembered to discuss those novel’s.
Our crafters have made blankets and hearts for the hospice and shared crafts with each other and enjoyed the natter.
Some of us even made fabric Christmas Wreaths with sore fingers to show from all those tiny little pins.
Our newest group are enjoying the cinema and watching the flicks in good company sounds like fun to me.
So, to the future and where do we go…
Sadly we have to discuss a cap on our numbers, as the room often feels very full! Folk have heard we are friendly and do lots of things so success brings it problems, or so it would seem.
We already have a lots of good stuff up our sleeves, but more of that when the new programme is seen.
The committee will do all we can to continue this success. However, here’s a plea - we need you (all our members) to play your part too.
When we ask for volunteers, please be at the front of the queue and make Birds of a Feather WI fly on together.
Now thats what I call a good year all round, so in true WI style lets endorse this recollection and let’s all try that great cake selection.
Our winning Baker for the Appearance and Taste was Tracy and our winning Bake with the best Name was Sarah.
We also had a lovely display of the blankets, hearts and items for the Neo Natal Unit that our crafters have been busy making.
We also had a lovely display of the blankets, hearts and items for the Neo Natal Unit that our crafters have been busy making.
Get Knotting...
Monday 20th March 2023
It could all have ended in a tangle, but no.....
We all ended up with lovely macrame feather's (or leaves dependent on your view point), thanks to Julie S and her group of helpers.
The time to chat was also great as we worked together.
We all ended up with lovely macrame feather's (or leaves dependent on your view point), thanks to Julie S and her group of helpers.
The time to chat was also great as we worked together.
Happy 4th Birthday!
Monday 20th February 2023
What a great evening we had celebrating our 4th Birthday. We welcomed Wyn from the Cheese Shop in Flying Horse Arcade.
We learnt a lot about cheese from fresh to soft, washed rind, cooked rind, hard and Blue!
Wyn demonstrated some simple (and delicious) recipes and we got to sample these, along with the cheese he brought along with him. All washed down with a glass of wine.
We learnt a lot about cheese from fresh to soft, washed rind, cooked rind, hard and Blue!
Wyn demonstrated some simple (and delicious) recipes and we got to sample these, along with the cheese he brought along with him. All washed down with a glass of wine.
... and of course cake as it wouldn't be a Birthday without cake!
Brief details of the recipes are on our Recipes - Tried and Tested page
Details of the shop/cafe (which is well worth a visit) are cheeseshopnottingham.co.uk/
Brief details of the recipes are on our Recipes - Tried and Tested page
Details of the shop/cafe (which is well worth a visit) are cheeseshopnottingham.co.uk/
Time for Body and Soul
Monday 16th January 2023
Or rather Tai Chi....
Our January meeting was a great start to the year with Dave Ashby from Dragon River Tai Chi showing and teaching us some moves as well as telling us about the benefits of tai chi.
Further information can be found here chentaichi.webs.com/
Our January meeting was a great start to the year with Dave Ashby from Dragon River Tai Chi showing and teaching us some moves as well as telling us about the benefits of tai chi.
Further information can be found here chentaichi.webs.com/