December ZOOM meeting
It was a delight to see so many members (inlcuding some ladies from Gregson Lane WI too) at our December Monthly ZOOM meeting. Our speaker certainly presented us with a very different perspective of Christmas around the globe!!
The highlight was to see all the craft projects that our members had done during this year. We saw some amazing pieces of craft and hopefully this kind of activity will continue for a good while, whilst we are all still in this lock down situation.
Maybe in the New Year we could encourage the book club ladies to start meeting regularly on ZOOM, especially if many of our members have received good books as Christmas gifts which they would like to share with everyone.
The highlight was to see all the craft projects that our members had done during this year. We saw some amazing pieces of craft and hopefully this kind of activity will continue for a good while, whilst we are all still in this lock down situation.
Maybe in the New Year we could encourage the book club ladies to start meeting regularly on ZOOM, especially if many of our members have received good books as Christmas gifts which they would like to share with everyone.
December Newsletter (click on December to view)
A Hot Pot Magazine article which appeared in Around the WIs page referring to Denman College - Happy Memories from one of our members was quoted out of context from the original article. Please see right the original as written for inclusion in the December issue of the Hot Pot Magazine.
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Denman at Home
Article by Tracey Garvey I’m lucky enough to have been able to attend two residential courses at Denman. Both were excellent, but the journey was either a tedious lengthy drive or a multi train changing ordeal, so I can understand why many members never got round to going. Sadly Denman residential is no more, but we still have the chance to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the tutors via “Denman at Home”, one positive to have emerged during the past six months. Lectures on history, architecture, art; lessons in sewing, patchwork, calligraphy, cooking, baking - they’re all there. Very affordably priced at just £5 each, and without the need to go beyond your own sitting room. What an irony that in these sad and difficult times there’s now a real opportunity for more W.I. members than ever before to experience Denman in its new manifestation, and I would wholeheartedly recommend these sessions to anyone. If you haven’t tried one yet, please do have a look at the offering here: https://www.denman.org.uk/whats-on What have you got to lose? |
November Newsletter
We had a very interesting on-line ZOOM presentation planned for our very first attempt at this new way of meeting. Unfortunately our speaker, who was going to talk on an Introduction to Astrology, was unable to make the meeting due to broadband issues (not traffic jams any more!!).
However, we were saved as usual by our very own Travel Expert Julie Swift who gave us all a fabulous insight into parts of the USA, with many of us reliving wonderful memories of fabulous holidays. Thank you as always, Julie, for stepping into the breach at the last minute. We were delighted that 33 members joined us on ZOOM and what a joy it was to "see" everyone again after such a long gap from our last meeting in early March. |
October Newsletter
Who knew that in 2020 we would become Zoom watchers! I have been very fortunate to enjoy three Zoom presentations over the past few weeks and as difficult as I find meetings using this system, I must say the Zoom presentations are definitely worth a go!
Life is very difficult right now and the likelihood of us meeting again soon is very remote. So, as the adverts keep encouraging us to "embrace change" let's find a new way to meet up. In the North we are being asked by our regional councils to adhere to the guidelines and stay safe at home, so in order to counteract boredom and loneliness, or simply to stop baking (that lock down weight!!), let's try something new. Thinking of you all and hoping that everyone is safe and sound. "Stay sanitised and serene" |
September Newsletter
Sadly our Blackpool Centenary Bench switch-on has had to be cancelled due to the latest government restrictions. I hope that you will all still go along and visit the Prom and the Lights and seek out our beautiful Bench - it's at the end of the parade, in Bispham.
The latest WI life magazine is packed with fabulous articles and information. There are many ways to interact with each other, with other WI's and your own group without having to meet up - amazing what can be done in 2020!! |
August Newsletter
Some absolutely lovely photos in this months newsletter with a surprising visit by one of our members to Wuhan!! This year has probably been a bit quiet on the travel front for many of our members, safety being our number one priority.
Please see below a message from our Federation Chairman, Jackie Hobson, just before she leaves for a well earned holiday.
https://www.facebook.com/lancashirewi/videos/659231254966769
Please see below a message from our Federation Chairman, Jackie Hobson, just before she leaves for a well earned holiday.
https://www.facebook.com/lancashirewi/videos/659231254966769
The WI (National Federation of Women's Institutes)
As part of our Get on Board campaign we have produced a survey to hear about your experiences with local bus services. You can access the survey here thewi.org.uk/getonboardsurvey Your responses to the survey will help the NFWI better understand the availability of bus services and how willing and able people are to use them. Please share the survey link with friends, family and those in your community- we want to hear from as many people as possible! |
July 24 ~ our first 2020 walk
Thank you to 20 of our members who ventured out recently for a walk together - socially distanced naturally. The new coastal path at Fairhaven along with the lakeside walk together with the draw of the Lakeside Cafe brought a joy to everyone and especially for those who have been alone for some time. As you can see the lure of an ice cream has brought a smile to our members!
JULY 14th our first ZOOM QUIZ
A very BIG thank you to 21 of our members for joining us in the first Zoom Quiz Night on what should have been our July W.I. meeting evening. I would like to personally thank Julie for organising the event and ensuring that we were able to see and hear all the questions and each other! I feel I need to brush up on my local knowledge and on some of the “fun” questions!
Congratulations to the our winners for a tremendous effort:
1st Jeanette Jones
2nd Linda Colclough
3rd Eliena Sagasti
Seeing you all makes me very happy; it has been such a long time since we’ve been together and currently there are no timescales on when we can meet as a W.I. group.
So, if you would like to get together (and we can organise groups of 6) please let me know. It would be good to catch up. Or, do you have any ideas on how we can interact again on Zoom, not the ideal meeting place but better than not seeing each other at all.
Thinking of you all,
Stay optimistic and safe
Susan
Congratulations to the our winners for a tremendous effort:
1st Jeanette Jones
2nd Linda Colclough
3rd Eliena Sagasti
Seeing you all makes me very happy; it has been such a long time since we’ve been together and currently there are no timescales on when we can meet as a W.I. group.
So, if you would like to get together (and we can organise groups of 6) please let me know. It would be good to catch up. Or, do you have any ideas on how we can interact again on Zoom, not the ideal meeting place but better than not seeing each other at all.
Thinking of you all,
Stay optimistic and safe
Susan
July Newsletter
From Home & Country 1939:
'The first few weeks of the war threw the Womens Institute into some bewilderment, with halls commandeered, many officers absorbed in other activities ..., W.I's began to ask themselves whether they had better not close for the duration. Fortunately this soon passed. The whole spirit of the movement, which was born in times of difficulty, is opposed to despondency." |
June Digital Hotpot Magazine
June Newsletter
Click the word June and view the latest Ansdell & Fairhaven Newsletter with photos of our members celebrating VE day in their streets and gardens, plus some wonderful recipes.
May Newsletter
So, what are we learning from lockdown? All our hygiene ratings have gone through the roof! Who knew that we would find a use for that strawberry and pineapple flavoured hand cream we won in the raffle. We have become combat ready on our walks (person at 4 o'clock - take evasive action); we have found we can bake using decades old ingredients which might not impress Mary Berry but it WILL be eaten; we can still find excuses not to do the housework; our hoarding of fabric/wool/felt/thread/trim has finally been justified AND we have proved the value of the WI. We have support, lots of help and advice, assistance whenever you need it, friendship is always available and a whole lot more.
(adapted from the Unofficial WI Facebook, thank you Beverley)
Remember we are stronger if we work together and shine our lights out to each other.
May all be happy
May all be safe
May all be well
(adapted from the Unofficial WI Facebook, thank you Beverley)
Remember we are stronger if we work together and shine our lights out to each other.
May all be happy
May all be safe
May all be well
During this period of lockdown, or cocooning as we are calling it, there is no need to feel alone.
Help is at hand! If you feel isolated, or you need help with something, or if you just want to hear a friendly voice and have a chat, please call one of the Committee or send us a message. Click on the word MAY above and find our contact details. |
Last night I thought I’d bake a cake
But when I looked guess what I found? Within the cupboard, for goodness’ sake Not any almonds that were ground. No, no not one, not even those Still whole, which I myself could grind I felt so desolate, what to do? But put cake right from out my mind. Bring me my bowl of Kitchen-Aid! Hand me my whisk and sugar too! Since I have eggs I’ll make meringues The yolks for scrambled eggs will do. I will not cease from trying to work My kitchen magic, for I know, Despite these shortages, I one day Will bake that raspberry custard cake. (Thank you,Tracey Garvey, for your witty & wonderful song!) Click on highlighted words for the recipe! |
3 Stages of Pandemic Response
This may help to clarify our feelings at each stage of this crisis and hopefully many of you are already at the GROWTH strengths. Learning new skills, cooking, crafting or using technology to make contact with friends and family, have made a big impact on many of our members.
April Newsletter
It's something I thought I’d never say, or certainly ever do - stay at home.
These are unprecedented times and everything has gone topsy-turvy. It's easier to be positive when everything is “normal”, it’s so much harder when the world has changed so drastically and so quickly.
Many WI’s are looking for ways to assist their members and I found this update quite comforting.
"The phrase 'self-isolating' sounds very stark and a little scary, especially for such a friendly, welcoming and inclusive social group like the WI who have lots of members over the age of 60," says Catherine Pritchard, member of the Lechlade WI. "Referring to it as 'cocooning' sounds much more positive and encouraging, as though we will be staying warm and safe in our homes, protected from the world outside" says Catherine.
These are unprecedented times and everything has gone topsy-turvy. It's easier to be positive when everything is “normal”, it’s so much harder when the world has changed so drastically and so quickly.
Many WI’s are looking for ways to assist their members and I found this update quite comforting.
"The phrase 'self-isolating' sounds very stark and a little scary, especially for such a friendly, welcoming and inclusive social group like the WI who have lots of members over the age of 60," says Catherine Pritchard, member of the Lechlade WI. "Referring to it as 'cocooning' sounds much more positive and encouraging, as though we will be staying warm and safe in our homes, protected from the world outside" says Catherine.
One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times. People are coming together to sing on balconies in Italy, others are setting up groups to offer support to the elderly or vulnerable. We have heard stories of people having virtual movie nights and creating choreographed dances over video chat to share with the world. We have learnt that amid the fear, there is also a community of support and hope.
I know that you, our wonderful W.I. members, are always here for each other – so - if anyone needs help, or can offer their support, please let me know. Together we’ll find a way to deal with anything!
Let’s work with our fears as they arise, but not let them overwhelm us. Asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a strength – so ask us, your WI, we’re here for YOU!
“I never knew how strong I was until being strong was my only option.” (Bob Marley) So let’s be strong together!
Thinking of you all
Susan
I know that you, our wonderful W.I. members, are always here for each other – so - if anyone needs help, or can offer their support, please let me know. Together we’ll find a way to deal with anything!
Let’s work with our fears as they arise, but not let them overwhelm us. Asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a strength – so ask us, your WI, we’re here for YOU!
“I never knew how strong I was until being strong was my only option.” (Bob Marley) So let’s be strong together!
Thinking of you all
Susan
Missing you all - please stay safe, stay home
Do you need any help, or can you offer any help to those members who are particularly vunerable?
Email [email protected]
Email [email protected]
Always hoping that you are well and safe in what are strange times that we are living in just now.
As per the current Government guidelines, we have had to cancel our meetings for the moment, but we will try and keep all our spirits up and stay in touch with you all. We aim to offer some recommendations of activities, recipes, movies, crafts, books and so on. Look out for the newsletter ... coming soon. If anyone has anything they would like to share or recommend, please email [email protected]. Please stay safe, we are thinking of you all... ❤ WI Committee |
Centenary Council Meeting (LFWI)
Wednesday March 11 in Southport
Seven intrepid members attended the Federation Council meeting on Wednesday to celebrate, along with 1500 other WI members from all over Lancashire, Lancashire Federation reaching 100 years. It was a busy and exciting day with excellent speakers and a fine lunch at a local Italian restaurant. A great time to catch up with old friends and make new ones and also to learn more about what our Federation is up to and what they are organising for us all.
The morning speakers were 3 members of our armed forces who talked about each service and when it started and then brought all of us up to date with what is happening in the services in this modern day. A fascinating insight on the past and present of our Armed Forces.
The afternoon speaker, Helen Skelton, well known for her appearances in Blue Peter and Countryfile. Helen has taken some serious risks in her career, some of them being the Ultra Marathon, Kayaking the Amazon, Tightrope walking, Cycling the South Pole, and countless more adventures.
The afternoon speaker, Helen Skelton, well known for her appearances in Blue Peter and Countryfile. Helen has taken some serious risks in her career, some of them being the Ultra Marathon, Kayaking the Amazon, Tightrope walking, Cycling the South Pole, and countless more adventures.
Mad Hats and Maharajahs (speaker) Heather Wilson
Monday 9 March
It was a pleasure to welcome Heather Wilson to our group to talk about indian textiles and her travels. Having visited India a number of times, she had samples of traditional textile crafts she had collected over many years and made us laugh with some fabulous stories from her visits to India.
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Heather is well known for her popular personalised name pictures which are finely detailed watercolour paintings that are individual to each client.
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Resolution Selection Results 2020
The two resolutions with the most votes were "End Modern Slavery" and "A call to increase potential stem cell donor registration".
Please press the button on the right to view all the information from the NFWI on our latest Resolutions.
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Open Day at The Winter Gardens Blackpool
Thursday 27 February
The Winter Gardens includes a theatre, ballroom and conference facilities. Opened in 1878, it is a Grade II listed building operated by Blackpool Entertainment Company Ltd on behalf of Blackpool Council, which purchased the property from Leisure Parcs Ltd as part of a £40 million deal in 2010. The Winter Gardens has hosted the annual conferences of British political parties and trade unions and its owners claim that every Prime Minister since World War II has addressed an audience at the venue. It has also hosted the Blackpool Dance Festival since its inception in 1920, and the World Matchplay darts tournament since 1994.
Today, the only Open Day this year, 21 members took the opportunity of touring the whole building and enjoyed seeing the improvements and changes plus updates by the Winter Garden volunteers on what's going on in the future. We spent a couple of hours gazing at ceilings, stages and the fabulous floor in the Empress Ballroom. There were a few of our members who enjoyed some youthful memories of their days dancing in the Ballroom. |
Our daffodils are blooming again in Witch Wood
Remember these wonderful members whom, with the guidance and encouragement of the Lytham Civic Society, met on 8 October 2015 at the Ansdell end of Witch Wood to plant 250 daffodils and 250 wood anemones to mark the centenary of the Women's Institute.
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And here is the latest photo from another member taken last Monday during a walk in Witch Wood. We may need to polish the brass placque after such dreadful weather!
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No Ordinary Women (speaker David Harrison)
Monday 10 February
Suitcase radios were used extensively by SOE to arrange supply drops and the movement of personnel. Messages were normally transmitted in morse code having first been enciphered.
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These women were trained to handle guns and explosives, memorize complex codes, organize munitions and supplies drops, endure harsh interrogation, and, in some cases, were in charge of thousands of men.
A film, starring Virginia McKenna was made from the book Carve Her Name with Pride. |
Our speaker gave us a fascinating insight into the Special Operations Executive (SOE) which was ordered by Winston Churchill to “set Europe ablaze”. The SOE's main task was to link up with resistance movements, primarily the French Resistance, to undermine the Germans in the countries they had occupied. David told us that of the 470 SOE agents in France, 39 were women with an additional 16 deployed in other areas of the SOE. He highlighted a few, in particular a young women called Violette Bushell, a working-class London girl with a Cockney accent. Bushell had been partly brought up in France and spoke the language. She was an impetuous young woman, barely twenty when she married a French Foreign Legionnaire named Etienne Szabo. Szabo died fighting at the battle of El Alamein, so by the time Violette came to the attention of SOE she was not only a widow but also mother of a one-year-old girl. Sadly, after a gunfight with German soldiers in June 1944, Bushell was sent to Ravensbrück, where she was executed in 1945.
David concluded his excellent talk with these were "No Ordinary Women" and we all agreed. After some questions from our members, Gillian thanked David for his absorbing and captivating presentation. |
Monday 27th January 2020
Another good year for the popular W.I. Quiz Night which is held in many counties and the winners from each Federation go onto another leg of the competition to be crowned the Champions. The Blackpool Belles will be in the final again this year and we wish them good luck having lost by 1 point last year on the tie breaker.
The Fairies and The Spitfires did not let our Group down with reasonable scores. There was much embarrassment from all the teams on their lack of knowledge in round 4 which was on Lancashire and the W.I. Must brush up next year on this!! An excellent evening organised once again by Shirley Thornton, who has been doing this now for 12 years. Many thanks to the St Anne's W.I. for hosting the event and serving tea and fabulous cakes. Hopefully next year, with all our new members, we could have 3 teams in the Quiz and may have a chance of getting nearer the top of the chart! |
Welcome to our first meeting of the new Decade
Monday 13 January 2020
This evening we welcomed back Neil Hendrie, the famous criminologist who has entertained us on many occasions with stories of The Kennedys, JonBenét Ramsey and most recently the Disappearance of Madelaine McCann.
This evening we were given the opportunity to hear the rather gory details of the Whitechapel Murders and to decide which of the two suspects we considered to be guilty or whether neither of them did it! Neil began with detailed pictures and maps of the crime and he gave the group as much information as possible of the crime scenes for us to use to make our judgement. His support team, Anne and Carly, each took one of the suspects and defended their cases in order to help us make our decision. In the end, the group were unanimous that neither of the suspects was Jack the Ripper. |