Fulham WI

Monday 3rd July Meeting

This mondays meeting will be at 7:30pm at Novellos as usual. (Come early to guaranteee a seat).
We will be welcoming, Helen Young: Former BBC weathergirl who is coming to speak to us about the meteorology and her experiences as a weathergirl on national TV.

We will also be welcoming Sarah Castle who is the co-founder and co-director of Aduna will talk about the bogolan (mudcloth) technique from Mali, West Africa. Bogolan comprises a heavy, cotton cloth with rust-coloured geometric designs printed using a dried leaf called n'galama and iron-rich river mud. Many of the patterns have symbolic meaning in the Bambara tradition. See this link for examples of mudcloth: www.farafina-tigne.com/mud.html.

With the support of a British-sponsored Non-Governmental Organisation called Jeunesse et Développement, mudcloth artist Kader Keita does bogolan workshops in Bamako with, amongst others, street children, refugees and young offenders. He has a remarkable affinity with disadvantaged young people and uses his art to help them communicate and confront their difficulties. Kader's abilities and enthusiasm are all the more remarkable considering he is severely physically disabled. Kader moves with the aid of crutches and a motorised wheelchair. His skills and strength of character therefore mean he is an inspiring role model for those living with social and psychological problems as well as physical challenges.

Sarah will be bringing along Aduna's exquisite collection of adventurous jewellery from Mali which is for sale at very reasonable prices. The range comprises necklaces made of ancient Venetian glass beads historically used in West African trading to contemporary bracelets made of worked silver and inlaid ebony. Other items include large amber pieces worn by Fulani women during weddings and other ceremonies. 10% of the profits from the jewellery sale will go to the 'An ga miri sini na' (Let's think about tomorrow) project run by artist Kader Keita to help street children and other disadvantaged young people in Mali.

FWI Christmas Ball 2006 "PARTY WITH THE TSARS" 2/12/06

Get your gladrags ready and your dancing shoes on for the fourth Annual WI Christmas Ball: PARTY WITH THE TSARS, a night of revolutionary proportions, will be held at the Fulham Town Hall on Saturday 2 December 2006.
The theme this year is "Russia", think Beluga, Bolshoi and Black tie. The format will be the same as previous years, with drinks, followed by sit down dinner, entertainment, raffle and dancing. Proceeds from the ball this year will go to our chosen local charity - the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Putney
“The hospital is a charity and not part of the NHS. It provides rehabilitation and care for people suffering from the effects of severe brain damage, which might have been caused by an accident, stroke or heart attack, or a progressive neurological condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, Huntingdon’s Disease or Cerebral Palsy. Our focus is on maximising potential, supporting families, and using technology to enhance mobility, communication, and independence," comments Gaz Daly, Director of Development - Fundraising Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability.

“Events such as this not only help to fund the services which make us unique and effective in enhancing the quality of life, independence, dignity, and confidence of our patients, they give us exposure to a wider audience and this is vital if we are to continue to attract support for the work that we do."

Tickets will be £60. They will go on sale early October!!

**** Please email Niki or Joanna (Ball Committee reps)- at the monthly meetings or leave a message on this Blog - if you have any contacts who would be willing to donate a fabulous raffle prize or would like to advertise in the Ball brochure!! Everything will help towards making this ball the best ever and raising as much money as possible for the RHN ****

Ann Summers Party - Tuesday 11th July

By popular request Fulham WI is organising an Ann Summers Party on Tuesday 11th July.

The evening is open to all so please feel free to bring along friends, for what will certainly be a very fun, girly evening, with an opportunity for lots of 'special' shopping. - What more could we want ?!

Please come along to Amuse Bouche on Parson's Green Lane (just up from Novello's) at about 7.30pm.

No need to RSVP, just turn up. We look forward to seeing lots of you on the day.

Anti-Packaging Protest

So Tuesday 20th June saw lots of WI members and a good handful of Fulham WI members protesting on the streets agains the enormous problem of excess packaging used to wrap foods sold by supermarkets. Thanks to all the members who turned up and took time out of their busy days for it. There was some really good national press coverage of the issue and the WI protests (that took place in all shapes and forms all over the country), so lets hope it goes some way to emphasizing the enormity of this issue with the supermarket decision makers. Well done Girls!

'RISE' to the occasion

Wednesday June 14th 6-9pm, 22-26 Battersea Rise, Clapham

AgENDa, Katherine Bird and Elaine Closs request the pleasure of your company for an evening of FREE fashion tips and must-know information:

*Receive complimentary Image Consultations from Professional Life Coach, Larah Davis
*Renew those tired hands with a mini-manicure from “Bare”
*Revitalize your make-up with an on-site professional make-up artist
*Take advantage of a personal shopper for the night and preview the very latest high summer looks

Whether you need a wedding outfit, that new interview suit, or just a fresh new look, we have something for everyone...& all accompanied by Complimentary delectable delights from new Mexican restaurant DOS AMIGOS with thirst-quenching cocktails courtesy of Clapham’s coolest cocktail bar FREIDA B

*Luxury hamper to be won thanks to the delicious Misen-place deli cafe*

22- 26 Battersea rise, Clapham.

Turn left at the Northcote Pub and walk up the hill.

*Free goody bag for all purchasing customers*

Wednesday June 14th 6-9pm

Hello You

Learn all about personal styling with
What Not To Wear's fashion stylist
For details about the next Introduction to Personal Styling event and to reserve your place, please visit Hello You or call 0208 7800 497 and say Hello to a more stylish and confident You.
Hosted by Zoe Lem - stylist on the BBC's What Not To Wear and to stars such as Robbie Williams and Cat Deeley - the Introduction to Personal Styling event will enable you to become your own personal stylist.

You will learn all the basic skills of the profession, discovering the styles, shapes and colours that are just right for you. Whatever your age or lifestyle, youll know what to buy and how to wear it - mistake purchases will be a thing of the past!

Learn all the basic skills of the profession...

How to dress for your body shape
What colours suit you and how to combine them
How to use accessories to achieve different looks
An insider's view of the forthcoming season's trends
Where to shop and what to buy
To Book your place, please go to Hello You

Meetings Archive

Monday May 8th 2006
We welcomed, Storm Singleton who is a local chiropractor and Olga Allon from Parsons Green's new Hot Bikram Yoga Centre.

Monday April 3rd 2006
April's meeting welcomed Lucie Russel from SmartJustice. This is a five year campaign, funded by theNetwork for Social Change who funded the successful Jubilee 2000 Drop TheDebt campaign. They campaign for and promote community solutions to crime. Lucie writes "We imprison more women than we ever have done in thiscountry’s history. The women’s prison population has nearly tripled in the last ten years although the nature and seriousness of women’soffending has not been getting worse. Eight out of ten women are beingsent to prison for low level offences such as shoplifting, yet six out often are reconvicted on release. Mimi Nunez Trejos who is an ex offender, who will be talked about her own experience of prison."

We will also be welcomed Camilla Festing of the charity Karen Hill Tribes www.karenhilltribes.com. Camilla brought with her some of the beautiful jewellery available through the Karen Hill tribes on line shop,all jewellery is handmade in the villages of north west Thailand. "The Karen Hilltribes Trust (Reg charity 1093548) was founded in 2000, in memory of Richard Worsley.  We have since established a Thai foundation in Bangkok. Our projects are focussed on improving health, supporting education and providing a sustainable income for the Thai Karen.

Monday 6th March
At the March meeting we welcomed the astrologer Ana-Isabel Besides doing private consultations, Ana also does workshops, talks for groups and is currently doing a weekly spot about Astrology on LBC radio. She will be talking to Fulham WI about the Links between Astrology and Psychology and different personality types as well as the fundamental principles upon which Astrology is based...and lots of other fascinating astrological facts!! We also welcomed Jane Martin from Demarle professional kitchen tools. She showed us how to make a difference to everyday cooking and make yourself feel like a Celebrity Chef with the Demarle products. Demarle produces, amongst other things, flexible moulds, made from a mixture of silicone and glassfibre, which have been used by professionals for many years.  The moulds are non-stick, hard wearing and can be used in an oven, Aga, microwave and freezer.  The results are fantastic and make presentation truly impressive.  Jane Martin, an Independent Consultant for Demarle will demonstrate a couple of simple yet delicious recipes and demonstrate the ease of cooking with Demarle's flexipan.

Monday 6th February 2006
Fulham designer Antonia Pugh-Thomas regales us with tails of bespoke couture!

Monday January 9th 2006
A slide show of the fabulous photos taken by Lofthouse Alexander Photography at the 2005 WI Christmas ball (if you want a sneak preview please check out www.lofthousealexander.co.uk  - WI Ball where you can buy photos direct)

We will also welcome Jane Barkes R S Hom (A registered member of The Society of Homeopaths) www.homeopathic-clinic.co.uk who will be talking to us about "Homeopathy & first aid" and will be giving advice relating to the use of homeopathy in relation to adults and to young children.

Julie Church will also be speaking to us about her Kenyan project UniquEco.  She has set it up with a local Kenyan, Tarihi Bwana who lives on a remote island off northern Kenya to promote ecological and socially responsible products. The products are handmade and have an ecological and social story. Julie will also tells us about the Kibodo Trust.  The Trust was established last year for the northern coastal corner of Kenya bordering Somalia to promote and enhance the management of three protected wildlife areas there in collaboration with the Kenyan government, the local people and private investors. Please click here to contact Julie with any helpful ideas about fundraising for the Kibodo Trust.

Saturday December 10th 2005
3rd Annual WI Christmas Ball: 'BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS', held at the Fulham Town Hall. The theme this year is ‘Bright Young Things’, echoing the 1920s London Smart Set. Format is the same as previous years, with drinks, followed by sit down dinner, ‘entertainment’, raffle and dancing.   Proceeds from the ball this year will go to our chosen charity  - West London Action for Children (WLAC) www.wlac.org.uk

Tuesday December 6th
Christmas Hair Event at the Anita Cox Salon, 55 Old Church Street

Monday December 5th 2005
Chocolate and Beer Tasting with Rupert Ponsonby from R and R Teamwork www.randr.co.uk.

Please also remember to bring a long a sample of your finest 2005 mince pies for tasting (Rupert will be judging) as it is December so time for the Annual Mince Pie competition.

We will also be welcoming Kathy Prosser from www.thesaucyfairy.co.uk who will be displaying her delightful treats and creative lady, Giselle Morely who will be showing her handmade decorative gift cards from her company ‘Yours For Keeps’. So December’s meeting is the perfect time to pick up Christmas gifts and gift accessories for friends (or even yourself).

Katherine Bird will be taking a few minutes to tell us about her hats and headpieces for all occasions www.katherine-elizabeth.com

Monday November 7th 2005
Jill Thomas - a hands on craft session!

Monday October 3rd 2005
Nutrition and Fertility with Zoe Kirby www.zoekirby.com

Tues 20th Sept, 27th Sept, 4th Oct, 11th Oct
Charleston dancing lessons with Jitterbugs www.jitterbugs.co.uk

Monday September 5th 2005
Professor Griffith Edwards – Addiction. Prof Edwards is a top UK psychiatrist and will be speaking to us about all forms of addiction. In addition, www.sassyandrose.co.uk will be there with the remains of their summer collection at sale prices
 
Monday August 1st 2005
The Metropolitan Police – Sapphire Unit talking about the newly set up unit, which deals purely with incidences of sexual offences in Hammersmith and Fulham

Sunday July 25th 2005
Picnic and day trip to the Cartier Polo at Guards Polo Club, Windsor

Monday July 4th 2005
Anne Mustoe – The Cycling Headmistress speaking about her travels around the world on a bicycle

Saturday June 18th 2005
Jam Making Day hosted by Betty Dominy at the Holy Cross School  – New Malden

Monday June 6th 2005
Rebekita Bloom – The Shaman’s last Apprentice  speaking to us about her experiences living with a shaman in the Amazon

Monday May 2nd 2005
Discussion of the NFWI chosen resolutions, followed by Sassy and Rose New Collection

Monday April 4th 2005
A Representative of the Renewable Energy Foundation Speaking about Wind Farms, and their impact on the environments and alternative energy sources in the UK. There will also be a representative from West London Action for Children (WLAC)  our chosen local charity this year

Monday March 7th 2005
Edwina Curry speaking about women in business and politics

Monday February 7th 2005
‘From Farm to Plate’ Mathilda from the Ecologist Magazine speaks about issues facing farmers in the UK today.  In addition Grabrielle Ross of Beau Bras will be present with her latest range of lingerie, and there will be a photo slideshow from the Ball
Saturday 18 December 2004

FWI Christmas Ball ‘The North Pole Dance’

Monday 6 December 2004
This Monday's meeting will be at the Blue Orange again 773 Fulham Road, at 7.30pm. As well as the wine tasting (see below for details) there will be a mince pie competition so please get baking and bring a sample of your finest fare to be judged on the night by Alexander Meaney of Harvey-Miller Wine gencies Ltd .There will be a (untouched) bottle of wine for the winner. The December meeting will also be attended by Honor Marks from Sassy and Rose www.sassyandrose.co.uk, who will be displaying their collection of beautiful silk nighties and undergarments.

Monday 1 November 2004
The Annual General Meeting will be at 7:30pm in the downstairs function room at:

THE BLUE ORANGE, (Parsons Green, not the Pen)
773 Fulham Road
LONDON, SW6 5HA
Tel: (020) 7371 9774

see link for map: http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/info restaurant_maps_729.html

This is because The Pen will be changing ownership this week and my well not be open on Monday. We are hoping to resume having our meetings at the Pen next month.
There will be a short talk by Carolyn Cocke, Deputy Fund Raising Director at the Royal Marsden Hopsital. She will be giving us a brief overview of Royal Marsden Cancer Care, for which we are raising money at the Christmas Ball this year. Joy Greasley, our WI advisor who helped us form Fulham WI last year will facilitate the meeting."

Monday 4 October 2004
Dr Colin Conelley, emminent scientist and UK Government Advisor, discussing the following subject : "The genetics revolution is now underway. Everyone will be affected by it in daily living . Ourunderstanding of genes and our ability to manipulate them by "cut and paste" biotechnologies in plants and animals will revolutionise medicine in the short term in everything from Alzhiemers disease to cancers. Further, the ability to manipulate plant systems by interspecies gene transfer puts enormous power into the hands of -- who? Is it the consumer or the large multi national companies? These issues will be uncovered and discussed."

Monday 6 September 2004
The committee looks forward to celebrating FWI's I Year Anniversary with a talk from the founders of Everywoman.co.uk, which promises to be inspirational! Everywoman's Journey:- Starting and growing a business. Friends for over 20 years, Karen and Max started Everywoman five years ago because they couldn't find the resources and support services they needed as new business owners. They launched the business with the website www.everywoman.co.uk. Today, with 15,000 Everywoman members, the business provides a range of products and support services to help women grow businesses, the very resources Karen and Max wished had been around when they first started out

Monday 2 August 2004
No Meeting - Summer break

Sunday 25 July 2004
Cartier Polo day trip

Monday 5 July 2004
Fulham Police at Work in the local Community. A Fulham-based female inspectors' insight

Saturday 12 June 2004
Summer picnic at Eel Brook Common

Monday 3 May 2004
Dallas Barnes-Hughes talks on 'Making the Best of Ourselves' and a special preview of the new 2004 Summer Collection by Felicity Hat Hire

Monday 5 April 2004
'Fabergé in the Royal Collection'. Slide show and talk by Curator in charge of the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace

Monday 1 March 2004
Tips on endurance training and nutrition for fitness with Richard Stark.  Richard has been picked to take part in the British National Team for the World Triathlon Championships taking place in New Zealand in December. Richard has a charity fund raising page www.justgiving.com/richardstark

Monday 2 February 2004
Graphology with London College of Graphology
Graphology is the study of people's personality through analysis of their handwriting. It is a science that demands rigorous and disciplined analysis and is a well-respected field among those who use graphological services. Graphology is a well regarded and used in Europe and the US. It is used by companies to recruit staff, by the legal profession in cases of fraud and by members of the general public who want to understand themselves and others better

Monday 5 January 2004
(TBC)

Friday 17 December 17 2003
'Christmas in the Raj Ball'

Monday 1 December 2003
Christmas Flowers and Decorating Tips (facilitator TBC)

Monday 3 November 2003
Reflexology with Sophie Esdaile

Reflexology is one of the oldest forms of natural medicine and is a non-invasive, holistic therapy consisting of a pressure massage to reflex points on the feet which correspond to the body's organs and systems. Most of us feel constantly tired, stressed and unable to switch off and relax which are the symptoms of our bodies being out of balance due to the pressure and pace of modern day living. Sophie Esdaile will be showing us how reflexology helps individuals to unwind, bringing about deep relaxation and reducing tension

Monday 6 October 2003
Lush
'Lush', the natural beauty store, will be indulging us with a 'pamper evening', a talk on how their products are made from traditional recipes, wine and experimentation with their lovely smellies.

Report on the AGM on 7/6/06 in Cardiff

Link Delegate Report on the 85th Annual General Meeting of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, which took place on Wednesday 7th June 2006.

Report by Lucy Hutchings, Fulham WI, Surrey Federation

‘Jerusalem’ was sung by the members.

Fay Mansell, Chairman of the NFWI welcomed the 3477 members present and paid tribute to her recently deceased predesesor, Barbara Gill. Fay Mansell also paid tribute to Rhiannon Bevan (a past General Secretary of the NFWI) who had recently passed away. Fay Mansell paid tribute to members of Grete(?) WI who had recently been involved in a tragic car crash and died, she sent the organisation’s good wishes for a speedy recovery to Sheila Lucas and Wendy North who had survived the crash.

Fay Mansell noted that the decision to introduce a new compulsory membership magazine “WI Life” had caused ‘ripples’ amongst members. She noted that the decision to include WI Life as part of the subscription should greatly benefit all members and bring us closer together not “tear us apart”. Fay noted that the cover, paper, ink and wrapper of the magazine would be fully sustainable.

Fay Mansell noted that 3500 WIs had added their details to the new membership subscription database since its implementation and encouraged those WIs who had not yet done so to do so soon and to ask for federation help if they were finding it problematic. She noted that the database complied fully with the Data Protection Act.

Fay Mansell drew members’ attention to the winning entries of the Makower and Photography competitions and to the representation of the Women’s Library WI archives exhibition which is touring the country this coming year and is currently in Reading.

Fay Mansell mentioned all the resolutions and campaigns that had been (and continue to be) actioned this year. She also mentioned that due to 2005 being the 90th birthday of the WI, there had been much positive press attention, which had led to a decision to engage in a two part documentary about the NFWI and its members that would be aired on BBC 4 next year. Fay Mansell proudly mentioned that the WI had been included in the Guardian newspaper’s top ten list of ‘World Changing Organisations.

Sally Roberts, the Honorary Treasurer presented the NFWI accounts.

The first resolution re: ‘Renewable Energy’ was proposed and explained by Joy Newman on behalf of Cornwall Federation.

Juliette Davenport from ‘Good Energy’ spoke in favour of the resolution and Malcolm Wicks MP spoke ‘roundabout’ it.

Rob Rees from the ‘School Food Trust’ spoke about his organisations plans to revolutionise school dinners. He was very amusing and a good speaker.

Nicola Roche who seemed to be related to the government spoke re: the second resolution on ‘Sport for a healthy population’, which was proposed by Ludlow WI, Shropshire.

Sue Bell from Marks and Spencer spoke about ‘trans fatty acids’.

Dame Deidre Hutton from the Food Standards Association spoke and introduced the campaign ‘Lets Cook’ which is a combined effort between the NFWI and the FSA.

Both Resolutions were voted upon and carried.

Fran Saltmarsh, Chairman of Denman College spoke about Denman College. She mentioned that there were plans afoot for a WI Cookery School and a WI Textile treasure Week in 2007.

Certain Awards were made to WI members.

The Board of Trustees for 2006/7 were voted in

Hillary Benn MP gave a talk on ‘world peace’ (as far as I could make out) and then took questions from the floor on various issues.

Fay Mansell addressed the members once more and thanked delegates for attending.

‘Land of My Fathers’ was sung by the members.

The meeting ended.