Welcome to Fulham WI

May Meeting - tonight!

Dear Ladies,

Hello there, hope that you are well and all had a lovely weekend.  We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night for our May meeting at The Southern Cross at 7.30pm. 

Our speaker is Julie Summers, author of Jambusters.  She will be coming along to speak to us about her research into the wartime WI.  Her book provides a fascinating insight into the story of the WI and how they ran the countryside during the Second World War. 

There’s lots going on so we look forward to unveiling all tomorrow night.  This includes:

• news about the WI AGM, which is taking place on 1 June 2013 and we will be discussing the resolutions that will be voted on
• very exciting news about our new venue from our June meeting 
• Strictly Scarecrows - our WI scarecrow, which will be on display at RHS Garden, Wisley

Also, just to remind you that the next book club meeting takes place on Tuesday, 21 May on the top floor of Waterstones on Picadilly. We will be discussing ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini.  

See you tomorrow nigh!

With best wishes,

Toto and the Fulham WI Committee

April Meeting

Dear Ladies,

Happy Easter! Hope that you are all having a lovely time and enjoying the long Easter weekend.

First of all, just to remind you that due to Easter we are not meeting tomorrow. The next meeting is on Monday, 8 April and we will be back at The Southern Cross. We are lucky to have not one, but TWO speakers …

London Garden Squares Robin from the London Parks and Gardens Trust (LPGT) will be coming to speak to us about their work and the Open Garden Squares Weekend (OGSW). This event was established in 1998 and LPGT work to protect and promote London's green open spaces. The OGSW is run almost entirely by volunteers. Any surplus made from the event is divided equally between the participating eligible gardens and the LGPT.

From Paycheck to Prada We are very lucky to have Iona Minton, a renowned TV and Radio personality from South Africa. Iona uncovers the reasons why the vast majority of the population struggle from pay cheque to pay cheque and then provides the tools to change this. While there is plenty of evidence to suggest that quick fix motivational books and videos don’t work, we have to ask the question,” what does work”? How do we separate the hype from real honest to goodness advice on how to achieve our dreams and goals? This fascinating talk answers the question. More information can be found in the attached flyer.

Outstanding Subs ... If you have not done so already then please could you remember pay for your subs (a bargain £33 for the year!), as we need to pay them to National Federation WI ASAP. You can pay in one of the two ways: 1. By BACS, account details. Please use your surname as the reference and email us to let us know that you have paid. Bank: Santander Account name: Fulham WI Account number: 89698268 Sort code: 09-01-27 2. By cheque (payable to Fulham WI) or cash - please bring payment to the April meeting.

Book Club Thanks to everyone who came to our inaugural book club meeting, which was great fun. Following this successful meet, we will be discussing The Help by Kathryn Stockett at our next meeting on Monday, 15 April at 7.00pm in the suitably glam setting of the top floor of Waterstones on Piccadilly. Please email us and let us know if you are interested in joining the book club. Please read the book in preparation for the meeting, which can be purchased from Amazon, Nomad Books, etc.

Events Endellion String Quartet’s concert, Wigmore Hall - Wednesday 24 April We have been offered £3 pff ticket prices (£12, £18, £24, £28). If you’re interested, quote £3 discount when booking tickets with the Box office (020 7935 2141). Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Alan Bennett's Untold Stories, Duchess Theatre - Tuesday, 30 April Look forward to seeing everyone who has signed up for this theatre trip.

New website, Facebook and Twitter … We have been developing a new website and will be unveiling it shortly! If you are on Facebook then the Fulham WI group is a great way to keep updated with what’s going on. Please do join the group. Also, please follow us on Twitter @fulhamwi and enjoy FWI Secretary Jenny’s fantastic tweets!

Enjoy the rest of your Easter and see you at the meeting next week.

With best wishes,

Toto and the Fulham WI Committee­

Download Wigmore Hall Flyer (April 2013 Meeting)

Fulham Horticultural Society Show

The Spring Show was held on Saturday in St Etheldreda's Church Hall. The weather was grim (again) but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the keen band of horticulturalists and domestic whizz kids who turned up to show off their skills.

The hall was awash with colour from the daffodils, hyacinths and other spring flowers on display. Few vegetables had made it through the soggy winter months to emerge in show worthy condition, but it was lovely to see some tasty looking kale, purple sprouting broccoli and leeks.

 Isobel Farquharson (age 9) put many a seasoned campaigner in their place by walking away with the award for best exhibit in the show with her stunning basket of hyacinths. (The same basket had been awarded a gold medal the previous day at the All Saints School Spring bulb competition).

Whilst the gardeners may have struggled with the weather, the tables were laden with cakes, marmalades and chutneys. The most fiercely contested class was the tile painted with a spring flower.  The concept had clearly captured the imagination with numerous entries on display. Samuel Lamberty won first prize for the junior section and Rosangela Ashdown was the adult winner.  It was wonderful to see our new friends from Fulham WI make some impressive contributions too.

It was heartening to see so many people turn up to enjoy the show (and homemade cakes!)  Allotmenteers will be praying for some significantly improved weather conditions before the Summer show on July 13th in the hope that tomatoes and courgettes can take their place along side the chocolate cakes and strawberry jam.

Channel 4

We are casting for a new Channel 4 series (see flyer below) and are looking to surprise worthy and deserving people for an incredible surprise – perhaps your colleagues or friends?

We are looking for men as well as women and would love to hear your nominations. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or call one of the team on 01273 224 800.

Best wishes Jessica

SURPRISE SOMEONE SPECIAL WITH A HOLLYWOOD TREAT.... · Is there someone you work, live or socialise with who is always thinking of others? ·

Do you know someone who could do with a once in a life time surprise?

A brand new series for Channel 4 is looking to add glamour to someone’s life with a true Hollywood make-over.

If you know the perfect hard-working and well-deserving person and want to show them how appreciated they truly are, give them the glamour of Hollywood and add a bit of sparkle to their life.

If you want to nominate a special person to receive this remarkable treat in 2013 then contact us at: deservingpeople@ricochet.co.uk or on 01273 224 800 and we will consider every suggestion for our series due to go into production in early 2013.

Remember to leave your contact number so we can talk to you in private about your nomination. Please don’t nominate yourself.

Invitation from the Shoreditch Sisters!

Hi All,

Please come along to the Shoreditch SIsters March meeting with Jane Robinson giving us a history of WI Campaigns. She has done talks for lots of Federations, but had been saying no to individual WIs, however with no Federation in London (and frankly I didn't get an invite when she spoke to our Federation - did you?) she has kindly agreed to come and visit us.

We are at Bethnal Green Workingmen's Club - info on how to get here can be found here - 42-44 Pollard Row. London E2 6NB.

Here is the meeting info: "Jane Robinson, author of "A Force to Be Reckoned With" will be joining us for an inspiring chat about Women's Institute campaigns of the past.

What a wonderful name for a history of the Women's Institute, and we can carry on being that force as 21st century WI members. Soon we will be voting on resolutions (which means choosing the topic for next years national WI campaign) as well as starting our own monthly campaigning meeting, carrying on with the Embroideries FGM awareness campaign and starting a new, as yet undecided member chosen campaign. To inspire us, social historian Jane will tell us how the WI changed the world, about the suffragettes and social crusaders.

As well as Jane Robinson, we'll be asking members to think about what they would like to campaign about, so have a think before hand. We now have tea available at the bar, along with the usual alcohol, so bring some extra cash for merriment. Some WI committee baked cakes will be gratis - bring your own baked goods to share with your sisters.

Non-members are very welcome, no need to book ahead. Just pay £4 on the door. For this meeting, members of any WI are very welcome. "

Please RSVP to be added to the free guest list for WI members - to me, feel free to share with all your members - brookscaroline79@gmail.com

You can also share this Facebook link with your members too. https://www.facebook.com/events/138257363016868/permalink/138257366350201/?notif_t=like Caroline Brooks Secretary of the Shoreditch Sisters WI

Invitation to Brixton WI's March Meeting

BRIXTON WOMENS INSTITUTE Presents...

An evening with Jay Rayner Jay Rayner is an award-winning writer, journalist and broadcaster, and regular food critic for the Guardian and Observer newspapers

Date: Thursday 28th March 2013 Time: 7pm – 9pm Door: £5 non members/Brixton WI members Free

Venue: Karibu Education Centre, 7 Gresham Road, SW9 7PH (across the road from Brixton Police Station)

Please book by email: brixtonwomensinstitute@gmail.com spaces are limited

Brixton Women's Institute Surrey Federation

Meetings last Thursday of the month 7 - 9 pm Venue: Karibu Education Centre (unless otherwise stated) 7 Gresham Road, Stockwell SW9 7PH

Email :brixtonwomensinstitute@gmail.com Web: http://brixtonwi.wordpress.com

Facebook: Brixton WI Twitter: Brixton WI -- Brixton Women's Institute Surrey Federation Meetings last Thursday of the month 7 - 9 pm

Venue: Karibu Education Centre (unless otherwise stated) 7 Gresham Road, Stockwell SW9 7PH Email :brixtonwomensinstitute@gmail.com

Web: http://brixtonwi.wordpress.com

Facebook: Brixton WI

Twitter: Brixton WI

FWI - Update, free-ticket for Chelsea Antiques Fair, and book club ...

Dear Ladies,

Hello there, hope that you are all well and ready for the weekend.

We had a great meeting at FANY’s HQ for our March meeting and enjoyed their wonderful hospitality. Their talk on the history of the Corps, followed by their work today was both humbling and inspiring.

When talking to their volunteers it was clear what a committed, enthusiastic and close group they are, who are clearly very supportive of each other. Thank you to everyone for doing FWI proud and coming along armed with cakes and nibbles. The remaining goodies were much appreciated by volunteers at their weekly meeting a couple of days later!

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer then please let me know - I have got copies of all the relevant information and brochures. If you would like to be a Friend of the FANY (i.e. a supporter rather than a volunteer), they ask for a minimum donation of £10.00 a year which means that you will receive a copy of their Gazette (twice a year) and receive invitations to Corps Day and other events as appropriate.

If you would like to join, you would need to send a cheque in to cover this year’s subscription and if you wish to continue with your donation, I have attached a standing order form from January 2014.

Outstanding Subs ... If you have not done so already then please could you remember pay for your subs (onl £33) as we need to pay them to National Federation WI asap. You can pay in one of the two ways:

1. By BACS, account details. Please use your surname as the reference and email us to let us know that you have paid. Bank: Santander Account name: Fulham WI Account number: 89698268 Sort code: 09-01-27 2.

By cheque - payable to Fulham WI. Email us to let you know you’ll be paying by cheque and we’ll send you further info.

Chelsea Antiques Fair is taking place at the moment (until 17 March 2013) and we have been offered an e-ticket for free entry (attached).

Our first Book Club meeting is taking place on 18 March 2013 at 7.00pm in the suitably glam setting of the top floor of Waterstones on Piccadilly. We will be reading Human Voices by Penelope Fitzgerald: "A delightfully whimsical account of life in Portland Place during the London blitz...there are some very funny incidents and passages, and delicious insights into the quirkiness of human behaviour under stress."Nina Bawden, Daily Telegraph

We’ve had a great response and look forward to seeing you on Monday. Happy reading!

Finally, just to remind you that due to Easter the next meeting will be on Monday, 8 April and we will be back at The Southern Cross. We are lucky to have not one, but TWO speakers – more information to follow shortly...

With best wishes,

Toto and the rest of the FWI Committee

 

WADJA Film Invitation

Hi all,

You are invited to a special preview screening of Haifaa Al Mansour's WADJDA on Sunday 10th March at 3pm at The Courthouse Hotel in London.

The screening will also include an informal Q&A and a chance to speak with the director.

This is the first film to be shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, and Haifaa al-Mansour is the first Saudi Arabian woman to direct a feature film.

It premiered at the Venice Film Festival to superlative reviews and will be released in cinemas on July 19th, but this is a one-off screening solely for WI members and friends.

 Anyone who is interested in attending can then e-mail the organisers directly on press@sodapictures.com.

Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Best wishes, Joanna

 

Thrive is back!

See below for... holding a party in your garden in aid of Thrive;

a new Accessible Gardening range;

Thrive's return to Chelsea and Hampton Court;

all our events in 2013;

a free guide to setting up a community garden project and free taster days showcasing the Professional Development Diploma in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.

We're back at RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Come and see us again this year with our friends at Alitex at two of the most prestigious gardening shows in the UK. Once again our gardeners in London will be sowing, growing and nurturing the best quality plants to furnish the Alitex glasshouses at both shows. It gives our gardeners a fantastic boost to be able to say they’ve grown plants for these shows and some will even get to go along. 

Have a garden party in aid of Thrive

This year we are appealing to all our supporters (and new ones!) to hold a garden party in aid of Thrive. We have produced a fundraising pack which includes hints and tips on how to open you garden to family, friends and neighbours, invites, posters and even a sample press release. Find out more here. Free guide on setting up a community gardening project Thrive has a practical guide to help people wanting to set up a community gardening project for people affected by mental ill health. It has been produced as part of our successful Growing 4 Life project which ended in 2012 and was funded by Ecominds and the Big Lottery.

Accessible Gardening range Those of you already thinking about gardening (as spring is just around the corner) might have spotted Thrive in the new Forest Garden brochure which is out now in garden centres throughout the UK. We are delighted to have been involved in testing Forest’s new Accessible Gardening range of products which include raised beds and planters designed for those who need to sit, kneel, stand or use a wheelchair to garden. And even better, Thrive gets a 2.5 per cent donation from the net sale of every Accessible Garden product. See the range here. Come and see Thrive in action this summer

If you’re planning your garden visits this summer, please come and see us at our open days in May, July and September at Trunkwell Gardens in Beech Hill, and in May and June at both The Old English Garden and Herb Garden in Battersea Park as part of Battersea Square Fete, Chelsea Fringe and Open Gardens Squares.

Are you interested in training to become a horticultural therapist? Then why not come to Thrive’s FREE taster days to find out more about the Professional Development Diploma in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture which are being held at Coventry University on Saturday March 16 and Thrive in Reading, Berkshire on Saturday May 18. For more information and to book a place, contact Imogen Gordon at Coventry University on 024 7688 8728 or Cathy Rickhuss at Thrive on 0118 988 5688.

Talks at the English Speaking Union

Dear Fulham WI,

I’m writing to let you know of some interesting talks that will soon take place at Dartmouth House – the home of the English Speaking Union (ESU). I thought they may be of interest to you.

The first is a talk ‘On Biography’ by D.R. Thorpe, with specific reference to his brilliant book ‘Supermac: The Life of Harold Macmillan’. This is at 1.30pm on the 21st March and costs £7 to include a glass of wine.

The second talk is on the 1st May at 1pm. Miriam Gross will talk about her book ‘An Almost English Life’. Tickets are £5.

We are based in Mayfair the nearest station is Green Park. Please do let me know if you would like a ticket.

Best wishes,

Peter

Peter Jarrold

Head of Alumni Development and Events

The English-Speaking Union

Tel: +44(0)2075291582

Mob: +44(0)7825173048

Dartmouth House 37 Charles Street London W1J 5ED