A very big THANK YOU to Edward Benyon for providing such an interesting talk about De Beauvoir and his family history at our October meeting. We were a large spellbound audience with lots of members and guests eager to find out more about this glorious corner of London. For those of you who missed it we will be uploading a video of the talk soon.
We welcomed three new members/sisters in October: Pamela Dow, Emily Constantinidi and Lisa Topliss. A big Hello!
There’s lots of autumn activities to tell you about – so here goes:
Campaign for Wool Ride
This weekend, Campaign for Wool celebrates its 5th anniversary a family friendly Wool Ride on Sunday (5th October) through London’s top landmarks. Potters Field by Tower Bridge is the start and end of the ride and will be a hub of entertainment and activity throughout the day. The cycle ride starts at 9am and is about 13.4 miles long lasting roughly 2 hours. The ride isn’t a race at all, rather a lovely, leisurely event. For more information and to sign up for free, visit the site HERE.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
We are making the drinks at this year’s coffee morning at St. Peter’s Crypt Cafe on Saturday 18th October 11am – 1pm. Bake something to bring along as a donation for the home produce stall or just bring your friends for a coffee and cake (£1 entry plus donation for tea and cake). We are also hosting a knitting corner so do bring your latest knitting project along! If you want to volunteer your services for cup cake baking contact avril@broad-base.co.uk.
Cultural
The Rosemary Branch Sequins on my Balcony
A one hour, one woman show, Yvette has been living with cancer since 1996 when she was a young woman, she turned herself into a belly dance teacher and performer and she is telling her funny and feelgood story at The Rosie for 6 shows from October 14th. More details HERE.
East is East meet the cast and Q&A
Thursday 30th October, 2.30pm matinee, Whitehall theatre. Special WI offer for groups of 6+, see full details HERE.
BBC 1 ‘Rip Off Britain’
The BBC are setting up a pop up shop at Broadcasting House 20 – 24th October 2014.
A team of experts will solve consumer problems as part of a week of live programmes and they have asked WI members to participate. You can email your consumer qualms to ripoffbritain@bbc.co.uk or contact janine.weaver@bbc.co.uk for more details.
De Beauvoir WI Book Club
The next book is Eimear McBride’s debut novel, which won this year’s Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction, (formerly the Orange Prize for Fiction): A Girl is Half Formed Thing. Meet Tuesday 7 October, further details HERE.
Spend a morning at Denman on 27 November 2014 with celebrated actor and author Sheila Hancock as she discusses her eagerly awaited new book: ‘Miss Carter’s War’. Afterwards you can enjoy a delicious two-course lunch. Tickets are priced at £60 for members and £65 for non-members including a copy of ‘Miss Carter’s War’ RRP £12.99. For tickets call their team on 01865 391991.
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
The Musical with Tamsin Greig and Haydn Gwynne
Wednesday 28th January 7.30pm Exclusive Meet The Cast!
Join fellow WI friends for the Evening performance and stay after the show for an exclusive opportunity to meet members of the Cast & Creative Team. Top Stalls Or Circle Ticket & Meet The Cast £35 for WI Groups 8+ (reduced from £59.50), further details HERE.
Craft
De Beauvoir WI Knitting Club
The next meeting is on Monday 13th October when Nicole will be demonstrating crocheted stars. Full info HERE. (If you are a knitter please bring your knitting to the Macmillan coffee morning (see above).
The Knitting and Stitching Show is at Alexandra Palace 8–12 October.
Join the Middlesex Federation of WIs on stand No. RCA3 at the new Stitch-by-Stitch area.
The BBC Good Food BAKE AND CAKE SHOW is at the Islington Business Design Centre 25–27th October.
Craft Dabble Days
Needle Felting and Knitted Toys – Thursday 6th November
Christmas Crafts – Thursday 4th December –
£5 per day – full info HERE.
Sugarcraft Workshop for Beginners, Saturday 22nd November 2014.
£18.50. Details HERE.
May Martin’s Sewing Bible: 40 Years of Tips and Tricks
Join the fabulous May Martin, star of BBC2’s the Great British Sewing Bee on 27 October 2014, as she talks about her new book followed by a scrumptious lunch. The cost of the book, RRP £25, is included in the price! Tickets priced at £65 for members and £70 for non-members. To book go to www.denman.org.uk
Stroud Green WI WInter Fair
Stroud Green WI is launching a WInter Fair. This jingle bell bonanza is to be held in the grand chandelier room of the Stapleton Tavern, right in the epicentre of Stroud Green, N4 on Sat 22 November. There will be cakes, there will be jams but there will also be face-painting, a raffle and vintage and craft stalls galore. WI Members who run a stall or a business that might like to participate in the Stroud Green WInter Fair should contact them now to apply for a stall. Email: stroudgreenwi@yahoo.co.uk
Federation
As part of the WI Centenary celebrations next year there are a few initiatives and competitions popping up:
Member’s Stories
The WI are looking for at least 100 Inspiring Women stories from members to share on the WI website. It could be your favorite or most inspiring WI memory – whatever you would like to share – or you could simply tell us what you love most about the WI, what you have gained from your membership or what advice you’d like to give to WI members in 100 years. If you would like to take part you can submit your story (in no more than 500 words) to communications@nfwi.org.uk attaching any photos/images/videos that relate to it by 5th December.
National Federation/Makower challenge – make a wallhanging or wearable item using the colour collection range from Makower UK. Full details HERE.
Middlesex Centenary Baton Competition – make a cushion to display the Centenary Baton on its journey through Middlesex next May. Cushions should be 24 x 12 inches. Email us for a copy of the entry form HERE.
The Middlesex Federation October Newsletter can be viewed as a pdf HERE.
De Beauvoir WI 