Before writing this latest blog I was listening to the radio.  A Santander ad came on during which I heard Ant and Dec singing about scammers to the tune of MC Hammer’s 1990 release ‘U Can’t Touch This’.  After rolling my eyes at the cringe factor of the ad, and a memory of once attempting to dance to this when I was ten years old, I realised the ad was talking about how the bank helps customers to stay safe from getting scammed by fraudsters. Which is precisely the topic of November’s meeting. 

We all probably know of people who have been victims, but hopefully, none of us have ever been victims ourselves.  Fraud is a rapidly growing crime so unfortunately we are not safe.  Scammers are clever and opportunistic and even if we think we are being careful, anyone of us can get caught out.  Cybersecurity man (yes, a man.  Sometimes they are useful) Dan Eves will be allowed special access to our WI meeting to advise us on who is behind the scams and steps we can take to keep our finances secure.  Particularly crucial given the cost-of-living times we are going through as a society.

At all meetings

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month in the Crypt at St Peter’s Church, De Beauvoir, starting at 7.30pm.  Sisters take it in turns to serve delicious refreshments, including tea and cake, wine, and assorted snacks from the kitchen.  Meetings are free to members, or only £5 for guests (price includes tea/coffee and cake).  Come and join us for a chance to catch up with friends old and new.

Covid compliance notice

Members in attendance at October’s meeting would have received an email informing of other members testing positive for the virus a few days after.  We are pleased to say that everyone is virus free again.  Please continue to follow the DBWI precautions regarding Covid.  We would also encourage everyone to book their next jab when called to do so. 

In line with guidance from the NFWI masks are optional but we encourage members and guests to wear one when in more crowded areas, such as queueing for refreshments.  We will continue to keep doors and windows open in the Crypt for ventilation.  Wash hands in the toilets and/or use sanitiser, which we will provide hand sanitiser if you cannot bring your own but please bring your own if you can.  All surfaces on tables and at the hatch will be wiped down with disinfectant before your arrival.  If you can do a lateral flow test before attending meetings and contact us if you develop symptoms after attending.

Book Group

This group is usually held on the third Tuesday of a month at a member’s house or a pub.  The book of the month is announced at the monthly meetings, they are usually around 300 pages in length.  You can sign up at the meeting or email if interested.  For details on how the group works please visit the page on the website.

Walking Group

The walking group is now on winter hiatus, it will start meeting again in Spring 2023. In the meantime the WhatsApp group is remaining open for people to arrange walks on an ad-hoc basis. Email or ask at meetings if you are interested in being added. Also, you can visit the group page on the website for information and pics of previous walks.

Knitting Group

The knitting group gets together when an occasion arises to create some fabulous knits. Once the Halloween yarn bomb is constructed and placed somewhere, hopefully they will be knitting beanies to give to people who require them over winter. Email if you would like to join, be added to the WhatsApp group, or can host a gathering.

Community Café

The DBWI will be hosting the Community Café in The Crypt at St Peter’s Church on Friday 28th October.  All are welcome to come along between 12.00 noon and 2.30pm to enjoy the delicious menu (see below). If you are available on short notice, we need another volunteer or two to help run the afternoon. Please email if you can help.

De Beauvoir Christmas Trail

Come along to the community on Saturday 26th November between 11am and 3pm for the annual Christmas trail. The DBWI stall will be set up outside 34 Northchurch Terrace selling homemade jams, preserves and bakes, as well as handmade crafts. The trail is one of our favourite fundraising events. If you would like to contribute some items to sell please email.

Recruitment

The DBWI committee have been discussing ways in which we can grow membership and welcome new sisters to the fold.  In the next few months we will be compiling a questionnaire to distribute but in the meantime would like to invite you to tell us what you think we do well and what we can improve upon.  Email your comments to the usual address (on the poster above).

We wish you well until we next meet.